Forbes Travel Notes – Reviews, features & travel notes

Destination Weddings

…where the wedding truly is the start of the honeymoon

Considered the ultimate gesture of commitment, getting married is a genuine ‘life changing moment’. One extravagant way to create that perfect day, that unforgettable moment, is with a destination wedding. Across the world, luxury hotels, resorts and even private islands are offering unique weddings for discerning couples wishing to tie-the-knot in the ultimate dream setting.

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ASIA

Classic Elegance

Bangkok’s iconic ‘Oriental Hotel’ is rich in history and is renowned for its legendary service. This is the perfect venue for a White Wedding with a twist; classic elegance, yet with all the exotic beauty and the flawless service of Asia.

Tie-the-knot in the stunning ‘Author’s Wing’, with its classic old colonial charm, decorated for the special day with a mass of exotic flowers.

Celebrate in style with a fine dining reception on the river terrace with views of the River of Kings.

Then enjoy a truly romantic wedding night in the palatial Royal Oriental Suite, with butler service; where Royalty and Heads of State have stayed.

http://www.mandarinoriental.com/bangkok/

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NORTH AMERICA

Hollywood Glamour

Weddings are as much about celebrating love and commitment as they are about creating memories; bringing dreams and glamorous fantasies to life.

Add some movie star glamour and sparkle to your day with an exquisite oceanfront wedding at California’s Four Seasons Resort ‘The Biltmore’, Santa Barbara.

The exclusive enclave of Santa Barbara, on America’s Pacific West Coast, is home to many of the country’s super rich and is the holiday destination of choice for Californian movie stars and celebrities.

Give your wedding the Oscar treatment with a dazzling ceremony on America’s Riviera, with everything from celebrity chef cuisine for the reception to custom fireworks for the party.

Stay in the romantic Ty Warner Cottage, surrounded by jasmine scented Mediterranean style gardens; your private suite after the perfect day.

http://www.fourseasons.com/santabarbara/

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AFRICA

Untamed Passion

Getting married is the start of a new life adventure, so make this occasion even more special by getting married in an African game reserve, probably the ultimate luxurious and adventurous experience.

Selati Camp, set in the Sabi Sand Reserve, part of South Africa’s world famous Krugar National park, is a luxury game lodge, a magical destination for a wedding and honeymoon.

Imagine arriving by private plane to your dedicated lodge and saying ‘I do’ as the sun sets over the African landscape, with nature and wildlife all around.

Here it’s a must to share an unforgettable safari with family and friends. A private Land Rover and Butler service are all part of the luxury that makes staying at the lodge’s Ivory Presidential Suite so memorable.

http://www.sabisabi.com/programmes/weddings

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MIDDLE EAST/ARABIAN GULF

Seductive & Exotic

The notion of Arabia conjures up images of magical palaces and extravagant parties. The Kingdom of Oman, on the Arabian Gulf has long been the destination of choice for discerning visitors to the Middle East. This wealthy nation, once the heart of the ancient trade in spices, scented oils, and Frankincense, is still home to some of the world’s most decadent, and sensual fragrances.

Create a truly exotic and seductive wedding at The Chedi Resort, Muscat. Set against the striking backdrop of the Al Hajar Mountains, this desert oasis of elegance and luxury is the perfect destination for a wedding. Here Royalty and the super rich find privacy and relaxation.

Whether a traditional white affair or an exotic, perfumed Arabian themed event, a wedding in Oman is sure to be a sublime experience. Charter a private catamaran to explore the gulf or lose yourselves in a private desert camp. Here you will be sure to create memories you both will cherish for a lifetime

http://www.ghmhotels.com/en/chedi-muscat-oman/home#home

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EUROPE

European Romance

Europe is the perfect place for a classic fairy tale wedding. Seville, the capital of Andalucía, Europe’s most southerly region, is renowned for its culture, history and romance. The colourful and historic Santa Cruz quarter is quintessentially Andalusian, and the centre of the city is monumental, with its famous Cathedral, Arab fortress and iconic Torre de Oro.

Here, in one of the Mediterranean’s best-loved capital cities is one of Europe’s grand hotels.

Spain’s King Alfonso XIII wanted somewhere extraordinary to house the international VIP guests that were to attend the 1928 Iber-Amercian Exposition; and so this magnificent hotel was born.

This newly renovated Luxury Collection Hotel provides an ornate backdrop to a romantic Andalusian wedding, and a passionate reception party. Imagine Moroccan lanterns glowing in the moonlight, illuminating the famous hotel courtyard, the sound of flamenco dancers stamping to the beat of the music, and the smell of jasmine filling the night air.

http://www.hotel-alfonsoxiii-seville.com/

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