Friday, February 22, 2013

Denver Florists, destination weddings, top 5 destination weddding spots

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