Weddings and Honeymoons

Honeymoon Hotel of the Week: Four Seasons Resort Nevis

by Kristina on May 8, 2013

With three pools at the resort, couples will have plenty of places to slip away to during their stay.

The Four Seasons Resort Nevis sits on a large, attractive beach on the small, secluded, and relatively unknown island of Nevis. Nevis is a tiny island in the Federation of Saint Kitts and Nevis, separated from St. Kitts by just a two-mile stretch of sea. It features beautiful waters, friendly people, and lush rainforests. Less developed than St. Kitts, the island’s remote location makes it a popular choice among newlyweds.

Couples staying at the resort — many of whom choose to wed in this far-off locale, as well — can celebrate their recent nuptials with a private dinner on the beach — complete with their own chef, server, and entertainment — or opt to set sail on a romantic sunset cruise. The gorgeous rooms here are a romantic highlight: The updated decor has a Ralph Lauren-like look, with a blue-and-yellow scheme accented by pops of color and dark wood furniture, while the massive bathrooms feature separate showers and tubs. Plus, almost all rooms have beautiful views, of either mountains or the ocean, which couples can enjoy from their expansive private decks. Check out more honeymoon-inspired photos of the Four Seasons Resort Nevis » Read More »

Tagged as: Beach Hotels, Destination Weddings, Federation of St. Kitts and Nevis, Honeymoons, Luxury Hotels, Romantic Hotels

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Wedding Wednesday: The Standard New York

by Kristina on May 1, 2013

The Standard appears to sprout right out of the West Village, making it perfect for the quintessential NYC couple.

On this Wedding Wednesday, we’re showing off our West Village neighbor, the luxe Standard New York from renowned hotelier Andre Balazs. Balazs capitalized on the popular, elevated High Line park that opened in the summer of 2009 when he debuted this feat of design prowess: His 338-room hotel is propped up on huge concrete stilts so that it straddles, and hovers above, the park. For this, the Standard has garnered the praise of architecture critics, who marvel at how, from inside the building, one seems to be floating in the air.

The interior design is just as striking as the architecture, featuring hip, modern furniture and open bathrooms with deep soaking tubs or huge rainfall showers which, surrounded by clear glass panes instead of shower curtains, create the impression of bathing beside the Hudson River. Plus, floor-to-ceiling windows offer stunning views of the city. (The windows also offer views from the outside in, making for some interesting exhibitionism, if couples are into that sort of thing.)

For a wedding, The Standard’s unique architecture makes for a truly one-of-a-kind ceremony. This is a dream location for the stylish couple (with deep pockets) looking to indulge in the impeccable, but laid-back, city-chicness that is the Standard. Possible ceremony and reception spaces include the High Line Room, which features a covered terrace overlooking High Line Park and the Hudson River, and a stunning, exclusive rooftop space (which might require that the happy couple have some celebrity connections). Still, service at the hotel is never stuffy, nor short of excellence. Check out more wedding inspired photos of The Standard New York here >> Read More »

Tagged as: Boutique Hotels, Destination Weddings, Luxury Hotels, New York City, Romantic Hotels, Wedding Wednesday

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Honeymoon Hotel of the Week: La Reunion Antigua Golf Resort, Guatemala

by Kristina on April 24, 2013

This luxury pick in Guatemala lies in the shadow of four volcanoes (two of them active -- for a truly hot honeymoon).

For this edition of Honeymoon Hotel of the Week, we’re heading to La Reunion Antigua Golf Resort in Guatemala. An outstanding luxury boutique located in the shadow of four volcanoes (two of them active — for a truly hot honeymoon), La Reunion is about 30 minutes from the colonial city of Antigua. Luxurious facilities and incredible volcano views are highlights here that the bride and groom are sure bask in during their stay. There’s also a fabulous infinity-edge pool and a Pete Dye-designed golf course, if couples feel like stretching their legs. Plus, the upscale restaurant and rooftop bar both have volcano views. The 26 rooms mix elegant decor with hand-woven textiles from local artisans to create comfortable, romantic spaces. Featuring private patios with infinity-edge swimming pools and fantastic bathrooms with soaking tubs and private outdoor showers, they are perfect for couples.

Honeymooners should consider booking the Romantic Package, which includes a bottle of sparkling wine and either a relaxing couples massage in your private suite or a piece of jewelry designed exclusively for La Reunion by Silvia Asturias. See more honeymoon-inspired photos of La Reunion after the jump »
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Tagged as: Guatemala, Honeymoons, Luxury Hotels, Resort Hotels, Romantic Hotels

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Wedding Wednesday: Mansion at Judges’ Hill, Austin

by Kristina on April 17, 2013

Built in 1900, this neoclassical mansion is the perfect place for a true Southern wedding.

The upscale, 48-room Mansion at Judges’ Hill is steeped in Southern history, making it an ideal spot for a wedding, darlin’. Housed in the neoclassical Goodall Wooten House — dating back to 1900 and listed in the National Register of Historic Places — the hotel combines old-fashioned charm with modern comforts. And the mansion, with its columned facade and wide veranda, looks like it was picked up from a storied estate and dropped on the residential street southwest of the University of Texas, just a 5-minute drive from downtown Austin, where it sits. The common areas maintain the elegance instituted by the entrance with hard-wood floors, coffered ceilings, white wainscoting, rich rugs, and original artwork. The library, a small room off the bar, is cozy, and the dining room features pretty crystal chandeliers. The rooms are perhaps a bit less impressive than the public spaces; they’re quaint, but not quite luxurious.

But for weddings, the Mansion pulls out all of the stops. The staff, which has coordinated many a wedding in the past, is dedicated to making the bride and groom as relaxed as possible on the big day. They assist couples with menu planning, ceremony and reception set-up, and ceremony personalization so you’ll leave your own stamp on the Mansion’s grand backdrop. There are eight reception sites available, the most popular being the grand ballroom (seats 50 to 250 guests), the Goodall Wooten House (seats 50 guests), and the central courtyard. See more wedding-inspired photos of the Mansion at Judge’ Hill here »  Read More »

Tagged as: Austin, Boutique Hotels, Destination Weddings, Luxury Hotels, Romantic Hotels, Wedding Wednesday

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Honeymoon Hotel of the Week: Strawberry Hill, Jamaica

by Kristina on April 10, 2013

Views abound at this luxurious hideaway tucked into Jamaica's famous Blue Mountain.

Jamaica’s Strawberry Hill offers couples a remote hideaway in a gorgeous setting, making it a top pick for a tranquil honeymoon. This former coffee plantation, nestled among the steep and winding hills of the island’s famous Blue Mountain, is a little oasis above the city of Kingston. Owned by music-maker Chris Blackwell, whose work with the likes of Bono, Stevie Wonder, and Bob Marley has made the hotel a celeb magnet, Strawberry Hill might be the island’s most isolated property, offering plenty of intimacy and privacy, with just 12 cottages spread across more than 26 acres. But the hotel also has the features of a larger property: an expansive spa, a breezy restaurant and bar, a hilltop pool, lush gardens, and ample relaxation space — all of which feature panoramic vistas of the jungle, city, and ocean below.

If you’re loving Strawberry Hill, but are concerned about finding the cash to pay for a stay at this luxe spot, check out wanderable.com. On this awesome website, you can create a honeymoon registry that — rather than getting you the boring ol’ pots and pans — will ask wedding guests to give gifts that will help pay for hotel stays and activities during your honeymoon. So forget a floral China set you’ll never use and opt to stay an extra night, upgrade to the honeymoon suite, and enjoy another poolside cocktail with gifts from your Wanderable registry, so you can have the perfect honeymoon! But first, check out more honeymoon-worthy photos of Strawberry Hill here »

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Tagged as: Honeymoons, Jamaica

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Romantic Stays in Washington State

by Kristina on April 8, 2013

The Outlook Inn is one of the most romantic spots on the San Juan Islands.

Couples have a lot of reasons to be attracted to the Evergreen State. From sleek Seattle boutiques to secluded inns on the San Juan Islands, there’s a little something for every romantic in this corner of the Pacific Northwest. Outdoorsy couples will love hiking in the romantic Snoqualmie Valley, in the shadow of one of Washington’s many waterfalls, while city-slickers will fall in love with Seattle’s funky food scene and vibrant nightlife. So if you’re planning a romantic getaway with that special someone to Washington State, be sure to consider these hotels ready for romance.

Tagged as: Romantic Hotels, San Juan Islands, Seattle, Washington

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Wedding Wednesday: The Gallery Inn, Puerto Rico

by Kristina on April 3, 2013

The pool area is an inviting, romantic spot ready to be transformed into a picturesque reception site.

Owned by the same couple for decades, the historic Gallery Inn is a charming boutique hotel in Old San Juan, perfect for an intimate exchanging of “I dos.” Run like an informal B&B, guests at the Gallery Inn are greeted by name, much of what the restaurant serves is grown in the garden, and no two rooms are the same (though they do share lots of Spanish-style charm). But also like a B&B, the hotel lacks amenities such as TVs and a fitness center. The property’s main draws include the convenient Old San Juan location, ocean views from the wine deck, and the artsy, laid-back feel. The pool is also a picturesque spot: Built around ancient walls that have stood on the property for hundreds of years and featuring two water falls, the space is utterly unique. The innkeepers are both artists, and it’s evident they put thought into every detail of the restoration — expect beautiful old-world details like brick floors, wood beam ceilings, rich rugs, sculptures, and antique knickknacks.

Weddings at The Gallery Inn are as unique as this eclectic property. The inn’s dramatic spaces — including the candlelit Sunken Wedding Garden, panoramic rooftop deck, and Ventian-style music room — serve as the romantic backdrops for wedding parties. Weddings held here can be intimate affairs of just ten people or large parties of 150 guests (though with just 26 rooms on-site, some attendees will have to seek lodging elsewhere). An on-site event coordinator will aid couples in customizing a menu, arranging table settings, and selecting florists, photographers, and musicians. Check out more wedding inspired photos of The Gallery Inn here »

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Tagged as: Boutique Hotels, Destination Weddings, Historic Hotels, Luxury Hotels, Puerto Rico, Romantic Hotels, Wedding Wednesday

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The Most Romantic Hotels of the South

by Kristina on March 27, 2013

The Inn at Palmetto Bluff is a romantic spot in Carolina Lowcountry.

Romance is alive and well below the Mason-Dixon line, where Southern charm makes everything seem more bewitching. Couples looking for a romantic getaway will be satisfied no matter their taste, considering that the region boasts both gorgeous antebellum mansions and modern luxury stays. Choosing the most romantic spots, then, is quite a difficult task, but we think we’re up to the challenge. From intimate city boutiques to sprawling Lowcountry estates, here are some of our favorite hotels in the South that are just the trick in the romance department.

Tagged as: Atlanta, Austin, Bluffton, Charleston, Charlotte, Corpus Christi, Dallas, Hilton Head, New Orleans, Romantic Hotels, San Antonio, Savannah, South Carolina, South Padre Island, Texas

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Wedding Wednesday: Kenwood Inn & Spa, Sonoma County

by Kristina on March 27, 2013

This romantic boutique in California's Sonoma County is perfect for an intimate — and luxe — exchange of "I dos."

The Kenwood Inn and Spa is an award-winning boutique that’s a popular spot for tying the knot. Located in Sonoma County, the hotel evokes Tuscan charm from every nook and cranny: Lush gardens, European-style courtyards, and exquisite fountains and pools provide gorgeous backdrops for a wedding, and the 29 private and spacious rooms, individually decorated with romantic Mediterranean-inspired decor, are furnished with cozy fireplaces, quality Italian linens, oversized showers, and personal balconies (some with stunning vineyard views). Extensive freebies (such as in-room drinks and gourmet snacks), plush robes, and an ultra-luxurious spa help ensure that guests feel pampered — particularly important for the bride before her big day. The hotel’s restaurant serves local cuisine using ingredients from nearby ranchers, cheesemongers, and farmers, meaning a delicious feast is in store for all of your wedding attendees. Overall, it’s one of the most romantic boutique picks in Sonoma Wine Country.

The hotel is extremely well-equipped to help couples plan their nuptials, offering the ideal setting for everything from intimate gatherings to fairytale-like receptions for up to 100 guests. An on-site wedding coordinator will help design your unique experience at one of four venues: the lovely Centro Court, the large Pool Courtyard, the intimate Wine Bar, or the Tuscany Room. In addition, treatments at the hotel’s award-winning spa can be arranged in advance (the hotel is known for its vinotherapy services) and menu tastings with the hotel’s executive chef, pastry chef, and sommelier will assure every dish tastes delicious. For more wedding-inspired photos of the Kenwood Inn & Spa, click here »
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Tagged as: Boutique Hotels, Destination Weddings, Luxury Hotels, Romantic Hotels, Sonoma County, Wedding Wednesday

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Romantic Honeymoon Hotels around the World

by Kristina on March 21, 2013

The Marriott Wailea Resort is a romantic honeymoon locale on Maui.

Honeymoons must be two things: romantic and memorable. Any old trip to the beach is just not going to suffice for a couple’s post-nuptial getaway. But thankfully, there are plenty of unique and luxurious properties out there for newlyweds. Remote jungle hideaways, cozy mountain lodges, luxe European grand dames, and gorgeous beachfront properties are waiting with a bottle of champagne at the ready to toast your “I dos.” These romantic hotels around the world are perfect honeymoon locales; go ahead and swoon over them in this slideshow.

Tagged as: Austin, Big Sur, Botswana, Cape Cod, Carmel Valley, Costa Rica, Destination Weddings, Federation of St. Kitts and Nevis, Guatemala, Hawaii, Honeymoons, Hong Kong, Ireland, Jamaica, Lisbon, Maui, Paris, Rio de Janeiro, Romantic Hotels, Rome, San Juan Islands, Singapore, Washington, Yosemite

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