photo courtesy of Adare Manor
The wedding invitations have been sent, and now, you and your fiance are likely considering making a registry or two to help guide your guests with gift giving ideas. Presents are nice and all, but do you really need a new blender? The adventurista in me says “Bring on the honeymoon!”. If your friends and family are so thoughtfully inclined to present you both with something special to celebrate the occasion (Maybe I’m a bit unconventional, but I feel that gifts aren’t necessary. Just the presence of friends and family at the wedding ceremony suit me just fine.), why not consider a honeymoon fund? Let your parents know (or whoever is in charge of this department) so that they can help you run with this idea. Below I have listed five, tr√®s romantique places to mull over as divine options for the ultimate, once in a lifetime getaway.
photo courtesy of Ch√¢teau Eza
Ch√¢teau Eza | Cote d’Azur, France
Perched high upon a bluff in the charming town of Vàze, rests the 400 year old Chateau Eza. Once prominently known as “The Prince of Sweden’s Castle,” the estate was fashioned into a five-star¬†luxury hotel in 1994. Each uniquely designed room boasts breathtaking vistas of the sparkling Mediterranean Sea below. There is a Michelin-starred restaurant on the grounds, so you don’t have to leave the comfort of this chateau in order to savor an 8 course meal spotlighting French cuisine.
Hotel Particulier | Paris, France
Amongst the chic buildings lining the narrow cobblestone streets of the Monmartre hill community, is the posh Hotel Particulier. This exquisite mansion is located in a part of Paris that used to be the stomping grounds of esteemed, bohemian artists, such as Vincent van Gogh, Pablo Picasso, Claude Monet, Salvador Dal√≠, and many more. Keeping true to the essence of Monmartre’s distinct, creative flare, Hotel Particulier executes a flawless fusion of traditional French design elements and modern d√©cor. From the wallpaper to the fabrics, each lavish aspect of every room has been meticulously chosen by interior decorator extraordinaire, Morgane Rousseau.
Hotel Cipriani | Venice, Italy
On Giudecca Island, looking out over the lagoon to Doge’s Palace, Piazza San Marco, and the entrance to the Grand Canal, is Hotel Cipriani. All of Venice‚Äôs wondrous attractions will be right at your fingertips when you stay at the exclusive Hotel Cipriani. The suites present guests with grand adornments, such as Murano Glass and antique Venetian furniture. Have the concierge arrange a gondola voyage, complete with champagne, and let the gondolier glide you lovebirds along the enchanting canals.
photo courtesy of Castello Banfi
Castello Banfi il Borgo | Tuscany, Italy
Nestled amongst the rolling hills of the Italian countryside lies the acclaimed Castello Banfi il Borgo. The quaint town of Montalcino is fringed by vineyards and olive groves. Just 40 km south of Siena, this picturesque destination will place you right in the heart of Tuscany. You will stay in one of fourteen tastefully tailored rooms, each offering tranquil details like: light and airy quarters, terracotta tiled floors, exposed brick arches, and understated, rich fabrics. Set off on a scenic bike journey through the estate’s vineyards; bask in the warmth of the Tuscan sun, and savor the intimate outing centered on you and your love. As this is Italy‚Äôs wine country, be sure to tour the onsite winery and cellars. Swirl the highly regarded Brunello di Montalcino, breathe in its divine bouquet, and taste the very spirit of Tuscany.
photo courtesy of Adare Manor
Adare Manor | Adare, Ireland
Set in “Ireland’s prettiest village“, the Adare Manor was constructed for the royal Dunraven family in the 1860’s. It was sold in the 1980’s to Tom and Judy Kane, who lovingly restored the estate to its former grandeur. Reserve one of the Dunraven Staterooms and dive into pure luxury. Each of these suites welcomes guests with pure opulence; four poster beds, hand-carved marble fireplaces and claw foot tubs are just a few of the well-appointed details that newlyweds should anticipate. The 840 acre property provides the picture perfect locale to stroll hand in hand through its French Formal Gardens or choose a secluded spot, under an apple tree, for an afternoon picnic. The Adare Manor leaves no detail undone, and both of you will surely cherish the memories made here for years to come.
You are embarking on one of the most sentimental (if not the single most) event of your lives, and this is one of those occasions where it is perfectly acceptable to splurge on momentous essentials. Let us handle your flights to Paris or Venice; the money you save with our great airfare rates can be used towards honeymoon excursions and romance packages.
photo courtesy of Chateau Eza
Tags: castle, estate, exclusive, hotel, hotels, mansion, romantic, suite
You should add this pearl of a hotel that we discovered on our honeymoon: http://www.antiqpalace.com/
It is in the nicest part of Ljubljana. We got a huge suite (100m2) with high rooms (4m) with a tasteful interior. It even contained a piano. It was great!
Thank you for the suggestion. I will have to look into this hotel for a piece in the future, perhaps.