Destination Weddings
Considering a destination wedding? Here are our top 5. Let us know what you think
Antigua
Why: This idyllic island not only has a
whopping 365 beautiful beaches, but it's also steeped in nautical
history. In the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries, Antigua was home to
a huge British naval base and its harbor is still a popular yachting
destination for the international jet-set. If you want to host your
nuptials at a high-end all-inclusive resort, look no further -- many of
the world's swankiest are here.
When to go: The high season
runs from mid-December through April. After April, rates go down as
much as 40 percent, but some places do close between August and October.
The humidity and rainfall are low year-round, and hurricane season runs
from June through November.
Guest activities: History
buffs can tour Nelson's Dockyard National Park at historic English
Harbor. Those up for some exercise can hike to the Megaliths of
Greencastle Hill, with mysterious six-hundred-foot-high rock formations
said to have been created by early inhabitants for better worshipping of
the sun and moon. The uninhibited might want to hit the
clothing-optional beach at Hawksbill. Even if you're camped at an
all-inclusive, try to steal away for a few meals off property. Try some
of the traditional West Indian dishes at the Home Restaurant in Gambles
Terrace.
Best spots to get married:
Jumby Bay (JumbyBayResort.com)
Situated on a private three-hundred-acre island two miles off the coast
of Antigua, this elegant resort focuses on enhancing its lush natural
surroundings and on fostering serene seclusion. Say your vows on one of
the three sandy beaches or take the opportunity to reserve the entire
resort for your celebration.
Jolly Beach Resort (JollyBeachResort.com)
Antigua's largest resort is a great way to stretch your dollar,
offering all-inclusive stays on the beach. Huge pools and a wide range
of activities keep guests busy day and night. The more guests you bring,
the more the resort throws in for free.
The Bahamas
Why: This collection of 700 islands has
something for every taste -- enjoy complete privacy by renting your own
island, or host hundreds of your favorite people at a megaresort. Nassau
and Paradise Island are two of the most visited and activity-packed
destinations, while more remote areas such as Harbor Island and the
Exumas tend to feel more laid-back. And since the Bahamas are just a
35-minute plane trip from Florida, it's an easy journey for guests.
When to go:
The high season lasts from mid-December to mid-April, while summers are
sleepier. Although hurricanes are infrequent, they can occur, so it's
best to avoid the area June through November.
Guest activities:
Scuba dive around Andros Island (the third largest barrier reef in the
world), stroll the white-sand beaches, tour the historic homes of
Nassau, and sip Goombay Smashes while snacking on conch fritters.
Best spots for weddings:
One&Only Ocean Club, Paradise Island (OneAndOnlyOceanClub.com)
Without equal in the Bahamas for luxury and elegance (and host to many
celebrity unions), this seaside resort's Versailles-inspired terraced
garden is a unique ceremony location that accommodates up to 120 guests.
Villas perched above the beach feature private infinity pools, and
villa guests are offered iPods for use during their stay. Most rooms on
the property have sweeping views of the ocean.
Pelican Bay at Lucaya, Grand Bahama Island (PelicanBayHotel.com)
A beautiful boutique setting on Grand Bahama Island, this resort can
accommodate wedding parties with up to 80 guests. Host your ceremony on
the beach and head to the Ferry House nearby for your reception dinner.
Amalfi Coast
Why: When the backdrop for your wedding
is a citrus grove that overlooks Italy's jaw-dropping Amalfi Coast,
"great wedding pictures" take care of themselves.
Guest activities:
The Amalfi Drive is one of the most scenic stretches of Italian
coastline, comprised of a winding clifftop road offering dramatic views
of the sea. Pay a visit to the ruins of Pompeii; visit the
thirteenth-century Black Madonna in Positano; take a boat trip through
the Blue Grotto off Capri; visit the seaside village of Sorrento; and
walk the ancient, narrow streets of Naples's "Old Spacca Quarter."
Best spots for weddings:
Grand Hotel Ambasciatori (MannielloHotels.it)
This hotel was once the home of a well-known fortune teller, which the
town believes gives the property good luck. Close to the center of
Sorrento, it offers a unique view of the Gulf of Naples and of Mount
Vesuvius.
Hotel dei Cavalieri (HotelDeiCavalieri.it) This
family-owned hotel has a view of the Gulf of Salerno and is only a
10-minute stroll to the center of Amalfi. Make sure to request a room
with a balcony.
Maine
Why: The East Coast’s northernmost state is
bursting with natural beauty -- a rugged, winding coastline complete
with sheltered coves and wildlife-packed state and national parks. It
also boasts lots of charming New England towns filled with antique
stores, classic roadside diners, and an impressive selection of art
museums and galleries. If you dream of swapping vows in an old-fashioned
country church, you’re certain to be able to find one here.
When to go:
Summer is when the state attracts the most visitors, especially in July
and August, when the weather is warmest (average highs are in the high
70s, average lows in the high 50s), but you should consider having your
wedding in September instead, when it’s less crowded and the crisp fall
weather (highs around 67, nighttime lows in the 50s) lights up the
foliage.Fall foliage is in October which is amazing.
Guest activities: In the summer, the state offers
the perfect chance to enjoy water sports such as sailing, canoeing, and
kayaking. Nature lovers will want to hit the hiking trails in one of
Maine’s many parks and nature preserves, such as Acadia National Park, a
35,000-acre spread of mountains, woodlands, lakes and oceanfront that
contains 120 miles of hiking trails. Culture vultures will want to check
out local art landmarks, such as Winslow Homer’s studio in Prout’s
Neck, the Farnsworth Art Museum in Rockland (which is chock full of work
by the Wyeth family), and Portland’s Museum of Art. Everyone should
dine on lobster rolls and blueberry pie, two of Maine’s scrumptious
signature dishes.
Best Spots for Weddings:
White Barn Inn (WhiteBarnInn.com)
New England charm at its most quaint and elegant, both the individually
decorated rooms in the inn and the waterfront cottages two-tenths of a
mile away from the main property are charming. The kitchen here is also a
real foodie mecca in Maine.
Spruce Points Inn (SprucePointInn.com)
Sitting on 57 acres of green lawns and gardens overlooking Boothbay
Harbor, this lodge offers accommodations for more than one hundred
couples. Whatever outdoor venue you choose as your ceremony location,
the breathtaking Atlantic Ocean serves as your backdrop.
Napa Valley, California
Why: The Napa region is
filled with stunning landscapes -- rolling hills, lush valleys, and acre
upon acre of vineyards. Of course, the main thing that draws pleasure
seekers to the area is the abundance of delicious wine produced here,
and the world-class restaurants that make food worthy of accompanying
it. In the rare moments when you and your wedding guests aren't savoring
all that food and wine, explore the charming towns in Napa Valley
(filled with chic boutiques, galleries, and gourmet stores), indulge in
spa treatments, play golf, or even take a hot-air balloon ride.
When to go:
Summer and October are the best times to visit the region. September
can be beautiful, but you may have problems with availability, and rates
will be at their peak because it's harvest season. Even though you're
in California, temperatures can drop at night (mid-50s in the summer --
good for grape growth), so be sure your guests know to bring sweaters
and wraps for the evenings.
Guest activities: You can't
visit Napa without touring vineyards, sampling their products, and, more
than likely, ordering a case or two to be shipped back home. The sheer
number of vineyards in the area is totally overwhelming, so give guests
an info packet filled with suggestions. One of the most popular wineries
to visit is Rubicon Estate (owned by Francis Ford Coppola), which
contains memorabilia from the famous director's movies as well as a
store selling gourmet goodies and stylish home accessories.
Best Spots for Weddings:
Meadowood (Meadowood.com)
Hidden on 250 private acres, this resort has eighty-five rooms in a
variety of sizes, including freestanding cottages. And the hotel takes
pride in their top-quality food, much of which (including the heirloom
tomatoes, olives, and honey) is grown or produced on the premises.
Applewood Inn (ApplewoodInn.com)
Lush gardens and sunny terraces abound at this historic
bed-and-breakfast. Many couples opt to get married at the site's
beautiful gazebo, tucked away in an enchanted "fairy circle," surrounded
by whimsical statues and flowing fountains.
No comments:
Post a Comment