Wedded bliss
17-Jan-08
Eva Longoria and Tony Parker chose the Saint Germain l'Auxerrois church in Paris, while Tom Cruise and Katie Holmes opted for Odescalchi Castle in Italy, but it's not just celebrities tying the knot in style overseas. The latest statistics from travel research experts Mintel reveal the weddings and honeymoons abroad market has grown by 50% in volume between 2001 and 2005, rising to an estimated 45,000.
While the number of UK citizens getting married may continue to decline, the age at which couples get married is increasing, resulting in greater personal disposable income. These increased resources have resulted in a slew of new trends and terms emerging for the market. 'Mini-moon' followed by 'dream destination honeymoon' and 'weddingmoon' are some of the trends highlighted as the ones to watch this year.
For weddings, Starwood Hotels and Resorts' former director of luxury sales Sarah Glyde describes an increase in the number of couples opting for the weddingmoon - a holiday with family and friends kicking off with the wedding and then incorporating a short honeymoon en masse, before the couple jet off to other climes.
This trend is one recognised by Exosphere, and managing director John Saunders also highlights the rise of the mini-moon - a short, yet luxury honeymoon immediately after the wedding and usually to a short-haul destination followed by a long honeymoon three to six months later. Says Saunders: "Cash-rich, time-poor couples have considerable budgets to enjoy a high-end honeymoon, but not always the time to take it immediately after the wedding."
Meanwhile, Black Tomato founder Tom Marchant points to a rise in enquiries from couples seeking experiences and adventure elements incorporated into their honeymoons, with clients shying away from the traditional beach resort choices.
In terms of destinations, the market for weddings abroad remains restricted by legislation, with a number of European countries requiring one of the couple to have been resident in the destination itself for a minimum of a month. A relaxation in these laws would almost certainly see an increase in the weddings market from the UK, but in the absence of this, destinations such as Cyprus, St Lucia, the Dominican Republic and various US states dominate the sector.
However, as celebrity nuptials continue to garner epic media coverage, opportunities exist for tour operators to appoint wedding planners within their organisations to tailor-make the dream ceremony abroad and take care of the administrative concerns.
In terms of honeymoons, the perennial favourites of the Maldives, Mauritius and the Indian Ocean remain in favour, alongside the Caribbean, but Latin America is tipped as a future draw for the UK luxury honeymoon, offering both city and beach options, plus the opportunity to travel in style on board the Orient Express.
But the new market segment that UK operators will be looking to court is undoubtedly the same-sex couples, following the introduction of the Civil Partnerships Act in December 2005. A number of luxury tour operators have already arranged honeymoons for same-sex couples, including Abercrombie & Kent. Orient planning manager Kylie Organ comments: "We've done one or two of these in 2007, but it is something I expect to see a rise in this year. Of course, some destinations are better suited to this segment than others."
BEST FIRST NIGHTS IN THE UK
Top service
Set in Dartmoor's National Park, Bovey Castle offers a plethora of choice for newlyweds and the finest room in the Castle is the Easdon - a suite affording views across the estate and surrounding countryside. Contemporary touches include a Bang and Olufsen television. www.boveycastle.com
INTIMACY MEETS GASTRONOMY
Clients looking for the most intimate of ceremonies can combine wedding day and night at Le Manoir Aux Quat' Saisons. The Provence, Peony, Lace and Opium suites are all ideal for wedding nights, but are also licensed for civil ceremonies, so groups of up to eight can enjoy the service in the lounge area of the suite before venturing to the restaurant for a gastronomic feast. www.manoir.com
BOUDOIR CHIC
For the ultimate in boudoir chic, check in to The Penthouse at London's fashionable Mandeville hotel. The Penthouse Suite offers couples the privacy of a townhouse apartment-style space with its own entrance staircase, bedroom and sitting room area and a 10ft x 10ft roof terrace overlooking the rooftops of London. Brides can take residence beside the full-length vanity dressing table in the powder pink bathroom set upstairs under the eaves, and enjoy hours of pampering. www.mandeville.co.uk
TRADITIONAL RETREAT
Rocco Forte's The Balmoral Hotel is an ideal choice for discerning couples tying the knot in Edinburgh or its surrounds. The 140sqm Scone and Crombie suite, named after Scone Palace in Perthshire and Crombie Castle in Moray, affords a stunning vista across the Old Town of Edinburgh and is bedecked with modern furnishings and antique curio. The traditional free-standing bath adds a touch of old-fashioned opulence to the marble bathroom. www.thebalmoralhotel.com
UNIQUE TOUCH
The Grove aims to offer wedding-night suites to cater for every type of client - from those in search of the classic romantic four-poster bed, to lovers of all things contemporary sleek or those wanting a touch of the outrageous. The individually appointed Mansion Suites feature four-poster beds, open fireplaces, a plasma TV that rises from the foot of the bed and even a baby grand piano. Textiles and furnishings include white lacquer and clear Perspex, dark timber, velvet with beaded tassel and black ostrich feathers.www.thegrove.co.uk
BEST FOR SPA LOVERS
INTERCONTINENTAL APHRODITE HILLS, PISSOURI, CYPRUS
Setting: Located high on a plateau overlooking the Mediterranean, and the mythical birthplace of Aphrodite.
Client fit: The spa and golf couple.
Top treatment: Check in to The Retreat and enjoy the caviar and pearls facial.
Wedding licence: The gorgeous St Catherine's Chapel on site is licensed.
Honeymoon appeal: The Presidential Suite overlooks the gardens, golf course and the sea, and boasts a spacious terrace that extends across the entire face of the suite. A generous swimming pool, separate Jacuzzi, sun loungers and garden furniture create a private Mediterranean haven for newlyweds.
Contact: www.aphroditehills.com
ELOUNDA BAY PALACE, CRETE, GREECE
Setting: The hotel is located in Northeast Crete in a picturesque bay.
Client fit: Sunworshippers and short-haul aficionados.
Top treatment: Indulge in the local produce and try the olive oil, thyme and sea salt scrub.
Wedding licence: There is a private chapel within the resort.
Honeymoon appeal: The Penthouse Suite offers 250sqm of opulence and views across Mirabello Bay from its terrace and balcony. A Jacuzzi, steam bath, Bang and Olufsen music system and Sony plasma screen add to the luxury comforts.
Contact: www.eloundabay.gr
ONE AND ONLY KANUHURA, MALDIVES
Setting: Off a secluded Maldivian atoll for the ultimate getaway.
Client fit: Those in search of modern style in a traditional honeymoon destination.
Top treatment: Luxuriate in a bathing ceremony with warm water infused with Chakra petals, island flowers of rose, jasmine, lemon and vetiver accompanied by invigorating scents of peppermint and spearmint. Honeymooners should also note that the spa offers a couple's lesson in massage.
Wedding licence: As with all ceremonies in the Maldives, this is a blessing, rather than a legally binding wedding.
Honeymoon appeal: Sleep virtually under the stars in the Grand Water Villa, with its half open roof and huge sun deck.
Contact: www.oneandonlyresorts.com
BRIDAL PACKAGE
SAMERA DIN, THE SPA AT CHANCERY COURT, LONDON
For discerning clients wishing to look their best on the big day, The Spa at Chancery Court has introduced a bespoke bridal package, comprising a four-month countdown to the wedding day.
Four months before: Stress will always show on the face so I recommend one of our renowned ESPA personalised facials.
We can iron out those knots with Chancery Court Back Buster. The back is deep cleansed, body brushed, exfoliated and then calmed and relaxed with a luxurious aromatherapy massage using basalt hot stones. The final touches include a marine derived mud mask on the back to deep cleanse and hydrate.
Three months before: Treat yourself to a special body experience and be enveloped with either a rich stimulating Algae gel, a cooling and nourishing Marine Mud or a spicy heated Oshadi Clay.
Two months before: The Indian head massage is a combined treatment of authentic traditional Indian head massage techniques coupled with the Ayurvedic Shirodhara to encourage relaxation.
One week before: Indulge in the Chaturaang Massage - a synchronised sequence of massage movements. It is a massage 'dance', where two skilled therapists work in tandem to relax.
One day before: Make the last treat of your bridal preparations a relaxing and holistic massage. I recommend an aromatherapy massage that incorporates individually chosen essential oils in one of the finest anti-stress techniques available.
BEST FOR OFF THE BEATEN TRACK
PACIFIC RESORT AITUTAKI, AITUTAKI, COOK ISLANDS
Setting: In the Pacific Ocean by a clear and unspoilt lagoon.
Client fit: Followers of the barefoot luxury movement.
Wedding licence: The Cook Islands have a very relaxed policy that allows international citizens to marry legally. After applying for the wedding licence on any weekday, the couple must then reside in the Cook Islands for a further three, full days.
Honeymoon appeal: Guests have the opportunity to choose their own style of Polynesian hideaway, a Beachfront Bungalow, Beachfront Suite or Beachfront Villa. All the retreats are beautifully appointed in a stylish blend of timber with panoramic views over Aitutaki's stunning lagoon.
Contact: www.pacificresort.com
THE ICEHOTEL, SWEDISH LAPLAND
Setting: Think ice, snow and all things chilly.
Client fit: The definitive winter wedding couple.
Wedding licence: Constructed each winter out of the white stuff, the Ice Chapel provides a striking backdrop for those in search of an unusual wedding.
Honeymoon appeal: Couples can spend their wedding night in a Design Suite at the Icehotel or warm up in a turf cabin and enjoy an open fire.
Contact: www.icehotel.com
PARK HYATT TOKYO, TOKYO, JAPAN
Setting: Overlooking the futuristic surrounds of Roppongi Hills.
Client fit: Fans of Lost in Translation.
Wedding licence: UK couples tend to visit for a blessing, and this chic retreat has its own wedding coordinator and a classic chapel for both Shinto and Western ceremonies. As a bonus, couples tying the knot here can celebrate their first anniversary at any Park Hyatt property worldwide free of charge.
Honeymoon appeal: Hakkaido water elm panelling and fine woodwork in the grand Governor's suite complement the Japanese cypress tub to offer an authentic, yet romantic, honeymoon retreat.
Contact: www.tokyo.park.hyatt.com
BUYER'S COMMENT
KYLIE ORGAN, ORIENT PLANNING MANAGER, ABERCROMBIE & KENT
We have certainly seen an increase in the number of honeymoons this year. We have also seen a rise in popularity for the A&K wedding gift list. Couples can set one up and are given a card to send out in their wedding invites directing their guests to the list. The couple will decide where they want to go, and set up the trip and then their guests can either pay for the holiday, or select experiences, like a balloon flight, a romantic dinner, or a private picnic on a beach.
In terms of destinations, India has been the really hot destination of the year, with trips to the Golden Triangle of Delhi, Agra and Jaipur in demand for honeymooners. The Maldives, Mauritius and the Indian Ocean have all been strong, as has Thailand.
We've done a couple of round-the-world trips for those with the time, plus a few trips to Tahiti. The Cook Islands is a new addition to our brochure. The lagoon at Aitutaki is extremely clea.
African safaris are still a popular honeymoon option and, of course, Latin America is growing, with couples combining a tour with a beach break.
The duration still tends to be around 21 days, but couples really do go for the once-in-a-lifetime experience, opting for the best room categories, the spa programmes and the finest dining choices.
In terms of demographics, it is certainly a slightly older generation travelling. More of the couples are in their 30s rather than 20s and we've also seen a rise in second marriages.
www.abercrombiekent.co.uk
WHAT'S NEW
The million-dollar wedding
For the clients who have it all, with money no object, the Rome Cavalieri Hilton - situated in a 15-acre private park just above the Vatican - has launched the ultimate wedding package for a maximum of 100 guests for the princely sum of $1m (£490,000).
After flying to Rome via private jet and arriving by chauffeur-driven vintage car, the bride and groom will check in to the hotel's 250sqm Penthouse Suite, which houses two Andy Warhol originals and has a panoramic roof terrace with private whirlpool. The king-size bed will be made with the couple's choice of monogrammed Italian Pratesi Paradise linen, to be shipped home on departure.
All wedding guests will receive handwritten invitations on hand-crafted paper from the Amalfi coast and their accommodation will be in 50 executive floor rooms and suites on the seventh and eighth floors, with private butler service.
A personal wedding planner will oversee all details of the event: couples can exchange vows at the local church or synagogue, or a church wedding in the Vatican City can be arranged.
The wedding breakfast, at the hotel's La Pergola restaurant, will be an elaborate seven-course menu and include a wedding cake prepared by three-Michelin star chef Heinz Beck. A fireworks display and balloon release completes the day's events. www.hilton.co.uk/cavalieri
Popping the question at The Merrion
A recent survey of Irish women revealed that 80% of those who had received a marriage proposal thought it was "less romantic" than they had hoped it would be, so straight to the rescue of lacklustre suitors in Ireland comes The Merrion Hotel in Dublin. The property's new 'Will you marry me?' Proposal Package includes a diamond-encrusted Jaeger-LeCoultre Reverso Lady watch engraved with the words 'Will you Marry Me?", in addition to a night's stay in the romantic Georgian Main House, full Irish breakfast, a bottle of Cristal Champagne and a rose-petal turndown. www.merrionhotel.com
Seychelles ceremonies
From December 2007, Maia Luxury Resort & Spa in the Seychelles has been able to hold civil wedding ceremonies. With a minimum three days' notice, guests of Maia can tie the knot and enjoy one of the three packages on offer: The Frangipani, The Ocean Rhapsody and The Maia Signature Package. Each package is available to guests staying at Maia for a minimum three nights. Up to eight guests can attend from outside the resort, and any number of resident guests. www.maia.com.sc
Decadent hen weekends
Discerning hens in search of a pampering experience should check out the new Posh Pink Ladies packages on offer at The Culloden and the Slieve Donard spas. The ESPA spas in these two opulent boltholes can welcome hen parties for an indulgent weekend including a pink champagne cocktail on arrival, a luxury pedicure or manicure, complete with pink polish, any choice of a one hour facial or body treatment, full use of the pools, and the thermal heat and water experiences plus a two-night stay at either hotel. www.hastingshotels.com
Barefoot luxury
The first Ritz-Carlton Reserve, Molasses Reef, is opening in the Turks and Caicos islands this winter, with 125 suites and 75 private Island Villas. Reachable only by boat, small plane or helicopter, the resort offers sun-soaked privacy for barefoot luxury lovers. www.ritzcarlton.com
