The long-held tradition that women can propose to their boyfriends on a Leap Year dates back to the fifth century – and research released today shows that one in three women would consider following this custom and ask their boyfriend to marry them on February 29th.

Commissioned by Sandals Resorts, the Luxury Included Caribbean hotel company, the survey showed that the 20 per cent of women who say they are scared of being rejected need not fear as, instead of running for the hills after a proposal from their loved one, 40 per cent of men would be more than happy to accept and two thirds would not find it embarrassing to have the tables turned in this way.

Reassuringly only five per cent of men would say no to a proposal because their girlfriend is not ‘The One’.

Professor of psychology and relationship expert, Geoffrey Beattie said: “This new research by Sandals Resorts shows that the Leap Year tradition of women taking the initiative in proposals of marriage is now chiming with the underlying attitudes of people in the UK today.

“More and more women (and men) seem happy with the idea that it is perfectly acceptable for women to pop the question. 

“This seems to reflect a more egalitarian society in terms of relationships and dating, with women no longer prepared to play second fiddle, and taking the initiative whenever it is necessary. 

“Given that marriage is a key milestone in many people’s lives it is refreshing to see that things are changing.”

The survey of 2,000 respondents also revealed couples are most likely to share news of their engagement with their mothers before anyone else.

And three quarters of people (74 per cent) would want to tell their loved ones before broadcasting the news via social media.

Although the ring is still the most important part of the perfect engagement, the survey revealed that location of the proposal is also very significant, and the Caribbean is the most desired backdrop.

More than a third of couples are hoping to have a destination wedding and honeymoon in the Caribbean too.   

Yasmina Cherquaoui, romance ambassador for Sandals Resorts said: “Sandals Resorts is known for providing the most romantic holiday experiences in the Caribbean and creating the perfect environment for popping the question.

“Whether it’s the man or the woman who proposes, Sandals includes all the touches a couple could want for the big moment, from a private candle-lit dinner on the beach to a romantic ‘In-Room Escapade’ with a rose-petal filled bubble bath, champagne, flickering candle-light and long stem roses, set up for you by a private butler.

“With a third of people wanting to get engaged, married or honeymoon in the Caribbean, Sandals’ resorts are the perfect places for those romantic moments.”

Sandals Resorts

The 14 Luxury Included Sandals resorts are located in Jamaica, Antigua, Saint Lucia and The Bahamas.

Sandals is offering a Caribbean backdrop to the perfect proposal from as little as £1,065 per person, staying seven nights on a Luxury Included (all-inclusive) basis at Sandals Carlyle in Jamaica. Return flights and resort transfers are included in the price.

Once affianced, couples who wish to tie the knot in the Caribbean can do so for free with Sandals Resorts.

A complimentary ‘Beautiful Beginnings’ WeddingMoon package is offered with a booking of six nights or longer in any room category*. Sandals wedding packages are fully customisable and contain all of the essentials for a perfect ceremony.

And with a Sandals Caribbean WeddingMoon the honeymoon begins the moment you say “I do”.

For more information about Sandals Resorts and Sandals WeddingMoons visit Selling Sandals.

Sandals is considered the World’s Leading All-Inclusive Company by the World Travel Awards.