15 minute read
HONEYMOON NEWS
With a vast number of hotels in stunning locations across Europe, Middle East, Eurasia and Africa, Wyndham Hotels & Resorts recognises the benefits of taking the time to appreciate a destination. The company has revealed five of its best European hotels to visit for a longer stay, where guests can maximise their time spent connecting with their surroundings by taking part in a host of mindful activities.
Ramada by Wyndham Podgorica, Montenegro: Launched in 2020, Discovering Red Programme provides a series of experiences designed to give guests an insight into local culture and cuisine. It’s perfectly situated for exploring all that the region has to offer including Skadar Lake National Park and the historical fishing settlement of Rijeka Crnojevica, whilst being within walking distance of all the city’s attractions.
Wyndham Grand Crete Mirabello Bay, Greece: Located on the eastern side of Crete, the hotel offers magnificent views of the mountains meeting the Mediterranean Sea and a plethora of activities on its doorstep. Guests can explore Agios Nikolaos, charming villages and stunning beaches. The hotel is also a short boat ride away from abandoned Greek island Spinalonga.
Ramada Resort by Wyndham Kranjska Gora, Slovenia: Located at the foot of The Julian Alps, guests staying here can visit small alpine Lake Jasna (just a 20-minute walk from the hotel) with incredible mountain views and wild swimming in the spring and summer months. After a day of swimming, guests can explore the area on two wheels with a variety of cycling trails easily accessible from the lake. Ramada by Wyndham Madrid Getafe, Spain: Guests staying here can visit the natural geological feature of La Pedriza, located in Sierra de Guadarrama National Park just north of Madrid, known for its striking rock formations and vast network of hiking trails and climbing routes. The area offers plenty of bird spotting opportunities with the griffon vulture, black vulture, Iberian magpie and the Spanish eagle known to soar above its dramatic landscape. Check out www.wyndhamhotels.com for more honeymoon inspiration. We’ve picked some UK minimoon destinations for those that want to stay close to home, and a couple of beauties further afield for a bit of dreamy, armchair-travelling until the day we can HONEYMOONNewsfinally hop on a plane and fly again.
DREAM OF DISTANT SHORES
The five-star Kagi Maldives Spa Island has officially opened in North Male Atoll. The boutique 50-villa property provides couples, friends and solo travellers with a 360° wellness experience, just a 15-minute seaplane or 60-minute speedboat ride from Velana International Airport.
At the heart of the island sits Kagi’s 1500-square-meter spa and wellness hub, complete with an open-air, teardrop-shaped sky roof at its core. Kagi also houses a state-of-the-art gym, two restaurants, three bars, a dive centre and a house reef.
Guests can choose from three room types: Beach Pool Villa, Lagoon Pool Villa or Ocean Pool Villa. Distinguished by their unique locations, they house a private pool, a sun deck and an expansive indoor-outdoor bathroom. The health and safety of its guests is of utmost importance to the team at Kagi Maldives Spa Island. The resort’s innovative mobile app will allow guests to reduce contact and maintain social distancing through functions such as self-check in, restaurant reservation and menu pre-selection, housekeeping requests and more, while doubling up as a room key. This, alongside the strictest adherence to international hygiene and cleanliness standards, ensures a safe stay without compromising on guests’ luxurious holiday experience. Visit the website www.kagimaldives.com for more information.
AWARD WIN CELEBRATIONS
Belfast’s fivestar Culloden Estate & Spa, which has entertained A-list couples such as Victoria and David Beckham and Catherine ZetaJones and Michael Douglas, has won Best Hotel for Romance in the UK by Luxury Lifestyle Magazine.
To celebrate the hotel has launched two new packages: Five Star Romance from £175pp includes: luxurious overnight stay in an Executive Room, mini bottle of prosecco each in room, romantic breakfast in bed the following morning, candlelit three-course dinner in Vespers Restaurant, sensuous ESPA bath oils for a dreamy bath experience, and a Hastings Love Duck.
The Just the Two of Us from £575pp includes: twonights’ accommodation in a beautiful suite overlooking the Estate or Belfast Lough, romantic breakfast in bed on the first morning and in Vespers on the second morning, bottle of champagne in your suite on arrival, candlelit three-course dinner in Vespers on the first night of your stay, sensuous ESPA bath oils for a sumptuous bathing experience, one 50-minute treatment each in the newly opened Couples Treatment Suite, and a Hastings Love Duck. Check out the following website www.hastingshotels.com for more details.
New for the year ahead, dazzling Victorian country house hotel Beaverbrook launches an assortment of interactive Stay & Cook packages at The School of Cookery, where guests will learn tricks of the trade from the in-house team of professional chefs.
Whether it’s the Okawari Japanese experience, a sushimaking masterclass, or the Hearty and Homegrown experience, a sustainable cooking class, or perhaps the Plant-based & Nutritious experience for eco-conscious guests looking to improve their plant-based repertoire; guests are guaranteed to leave The School of Cookery with new skills sure to impress.
The experiences will be overseen by The School of Cookery manager, Gerard Molloy, who has more than 15 years’ experience working in prestigious kitchens across the UK, including Le Manoir Aux Quat Saisons, Soho Farmhouse and L’Ecrivain Dublin.
The Stay & Cook experiences start from £835 for two adults including overnight accommodation, daily breakfast, a two-hour cookery class and dinner. Check out www.beaverbrook.co.uk
EDITOR’S PICK: THE FAB FOUR
Cary Arms & Spa, South Devon: This award-winning “Inn on the Beach” has a spectacular coastal location, boutique spa, fabulous local food, warm atmosphere and exceptional service. A muchloved and firm fixture on the South Devon coastline, it also boasts dog-friendly rooms and has a sustainability manifesto. Check out www.caryarms.co.uk The Eastbury, Dorset: Recently refurbished, this 17th-century 26-bedroom country house hotel has a 2AA Rosette restaurant, spa and gardens. Accomodation includes a self-catering cottage, and also an array of beautiful traditional rooms, garden rooms and Victorian Garden Potting Shed Suites which have their own entrances for added privacy and private firepit - perfect for cold nights relaxing under the stars. The cottage is full of character with a large inglenook wood-burning fireplace, wooden beams and modern facilities. Check out https://theeastburyhotel.co.uk Ruby Hotels, has launched its first UK property in London’s Southbank. The new 76room hotel, Ruby Lucy, enjoys a prime position on the Southbank’s Lower Marsh, while the interior design is inspired by the area’s bustling fairs, markets, entertainment and theatre scene, with a carnival theme running throughout the hotel. Rich, dark tones meet bright brass accents and subtle stripes, accessorised with playful props including circus drums and juggling pins.
All guest rooms showcase Ruby Hotels’ sleep-scientist-approved formula, including full soundproofing and blackout curtains, quirky touches and cuttingedge technology such as a Marshall guitar amp and a personal tablet pre-loaded with a carefully-curated London city guide.
Nightly rates at Ruby Lucy start from £119 per night. Check out www.ruby-hotels.com
Merry Harriers, Surrey: This refurbished country inn with llama trekking is an hour from London but feels a world away. The five Shepherds Huts surround a pond with views of the Surrey Hills and each has a firepit and indoor log burner. There’s also six Garden Rooms each with its own entrance and views of the llamas, and four inn rooms. Visit https://merryharriers.com Beach Hut Suites at The Beachcroft, West Sussex: Situated on a sevenmile coastal footpath, Beachcroft Beach Hut Suites make the ideal bolthole for couples, families, friends and not forgetting fourlegged companions. The huts have a private entrance for contact-free travel, overlook Falpham pebble beach and accommodate up to two adults and two children in a mezzanine master bedroom and a second bedroom with bunk beds. There’s a stylish lounge area with corner sofa, Netflix-enabled smart TV and amenities. Visit https://beachcroftbeachhuts.co.uk
Back to nature
Cosy cabins, lush lodges and quirky shepherds huts are our top picks this issue covering Suffolk, Dorset and Norfolk – true escapism, enjoy!
The Scrumpy Shepherd, Suffolk
The Scrumpy Shepherd is totally magical for a romantic break for two. Handcrafted, the owners wanted The Scrumpy Shepherd to feel like a luxury private hotel so have gone the extra mile to include some extra treats to delight you. Everything you need for your relaxing break is provided; inside there’s a small bespoke oak kitchen with Emma Bridgewater crockery and seating area with wood burning stove, a luxury double bed with storage, a fabulous en suite bathroom with copper shower-head, WC, fluffy towels, hairdryer and complimentary luxury toiletries. The Scrumpy Shepherd is located in a private orchard and can be reached by walking over a meadow of new and ancient fruit trees. A firepit, barbecue and oak table and chairs with lighting in the orchard trees allows you to choose to cook outside, wrapped up in cosy blankets, gazing at the vast Suffolk sunsets or famous dark starry skies! The views from the orchard, over the surrounding fields and meadows banking the Deben Valley are outstanding.
Sleeps 2. From £poa for 3 nights travelling April 2021.
Bramble, Dorset
Bramble is the smallest of three eco retreats constructed in 2020 and boasts a ground source heat pump, underfloor heating, bi-folding doors and cosy wood burning stove. The light and spacious, open-plan accommodation is all on the ground floor which leads out via the bi-folding doors to a sunny terrace and garden including your very own wood-fired hot tub. Sleeping four guests in two king-size bedrooms, both have an en suite with luxury features such as a copper bath and large copper shower tray. Outside, the terrace and garden enjoy breathtaking, far-reaching rural views of Bulbarrow and The Blackmore Vale, which can be enjoyed from the warmth of the hot tub. With the Wessex Ridgeway on your doorstep, walking opportunities are endless. If you feel inclined, wander into the village of Ansty via a quiet lane and across a bridleway, where you’ll find a charming farm shop, post office and good local pub.
Sleeps 4. From £684 for 4 nights travelling April 2021.
The Railway Carriage, Norfolk
Step back in time to the golden age of steam, dust off your carpet bag, pack an Agatha Christie or two, and let your imagination run wild as you take an adventure aboard your very own Victorian railway carriage. Set in a large south facing paddock backed by woodland, this sympathetically restored comfortable accommodation boasts original flooring and brass fittings, a late Victorian walnut double bed and Tiffany style lamps. Although fully authentic in nearly every way, this railway carriage now has electric lighting and all the creature comforts you’ll need. A compact fitted kitchen sits at the front end of the carriage, and the bedroom and en suite shower room are reached at the far end in the guard’s van, with the living space running in between. Sleeps 2. From £467 for 3 nights travelling April 2021.
The Lodge, Suffolk
This unique, Finnish log cabin has been built to the highest standard and is comfortably furnished throughout. The spacious living area has a fabulous homely feel with a contemporary wood burning stove for cosy nights. There are two good sized bedrooms – one double and one twin – with the double having an en suite bathroom with modern shower. The family bathroom has a freestanding bath and stunning Moroccan basin. Highly eco-friendly, the cabin is well insulated so cool in summer and warm in winter – it’s heated throughout with underfloor heating. Set in a mature garden with a terraced area for outside dining, The Lodge has wonderful views from the garden and main bedroom over rolling Suffolk farmland.
Sleeps 4. From £527 for 3 nights travelling April 2021.
Woodland Retreat Lodge, Suffolk
A perfect hideaway for two situated in a peaceful and picturesque part of the countryside within easy reach of both the coast and Framlingham. Tucked away off a quiet lane, the charming Woodland Retreat Lodge is a first floor cosy hideaway, which has been furnished for comfortable living for those wishing to escape for some peace and tranquillity. The living space is open-plan with a king-size bed in the bedroom, an en suite shower room and a small kitchen. There is parking available, and also livery available for two horses.
Sleeps 2. From £240 for 3 nights travelling April 2021.
Everdene Lodge, Dorset
This beautiful, timber-clad property comprises of an open-plan sitting, dining and kitchen area. Adjoining the open-plan living area is a bedroom with super-king size bed and en suite shower room. The light filled, airy rooms with exposed beams are beautifully decorated throughout. The sitting area has a stunning floor to ceiling window offering magnificent views of the Dorset countryside and a wood burning stove to keep you cosy on a winter’s day. Well situated for exploring towns such as Sherborne and Shaftesbury but still within reach of Dorset’s magnificent Jurassic Coast, this unique property in the village of Totnell near Leigh is perfect for couples who wish to enjoy this beautiful part of Dorset.
Sleeps 2. From £564 for 3 nights travelling April 2021.
ALL CAN BE FOUND THROUGH
JUNE/JULY 2021 AVAILABLE FROM: 1ST JUNE, 2021
Your East Anglian Wedding is just one of our many County Wedding titles − find out more on our website www.youreastanglian.wedding
We love featuring local brides and companies. If you want to get in touch email editor@county.wedding for your chance to grace the pages of the next issue
THE BIG REVEAL Dare to bare in a strapless gown
BESIDE THE SEASIDE
Tie the knot on the glorious East Anglian coast
BEAUTIFUL BARNS
Rustic settings for a chilled country wedding
THE SUN, THE MOON AND THE STARS Inspiration for romantic al fresco celebrations
I DO, I DO, I DO Local bridal boutique owners on finding your dream dress
LOVE WINS!
Local love stories
LOOK OUT FOR...
HOT OFF THE PRESS Catch up on all the latest wedding news from around the local areas
DON’T FORGET
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….. the perfect place to say ‘I do’
A luxurious country house hotel, built around a magnificent mansion dating back to 1448 and now a Grade 1 listed building. Hintlesham Hall is widely recognised as one of the most prestigious and romantic wedding venues in Suffolk and has everything you require for your perfect day. Every wedding is unique and our experienced Events Team will passionately work with you from your initial enquiry to the day itself to create your dream wedding. Coupled with the Hall’s reputation for excellent food, friendly and attentive service, luxury surroundings and memorable photo opportunities, all blend together to ensure you have a truly special day. We offer a flexible range of Wedding Packages including Exclusive Use of the Hall. Book an appointment to tour this beautiful wedding venue with Tracy and discuss your personal requirements.
Coco Couture is a luxurious and spacious boutique located in the heart of the city of Cambridge. We stock a range of designer wedding gowns offering a wonderful range of sophisticated, romantic and elegant styles with accessories to match.
Our aim is to create an unforgettable experience ensuring it is as stress free as possible. We want all our brides to feel relaxed and at ease. Although your wedding gown search can be confusing our bridal consultants are friendly, welcoming and highly trained to help guide you in finding your dream dress. Our dedicated team is with you every step of the way, handpicking the most exquisite gowns by getting to know you, your style and your wedding idea.
We go above and beyond for our brides offering extremely high and friendly level of service. Our mission is to ensure that every step of your experience with us is truly amazing and memorable. We adore what we do and are privileged to be part of our bride’s journey and we are reminded every day that we really do have the most rewarding job.
