We returned earlier this summer to the Auberge de Soleil, one of the most romantic spots in the Napa Valley and the perfect honeymoon escape (or a wedding even!). Voted one of the world’s best in this month’s Travel & Leisure magazine, this luxury hideaway has a world-class restaurant and 7,000 sq ft spa, is easily accessible to the many wineries and top restaurants in the area and for those (like me!) who simply need rest, a deeply restorative experience.
Am planning a wedding long-distance at the heritage Galle Face Hotel in Sri Lanka at the moment and it has certainly been a different (and at times, challenging) experience! Luckily, the couple have been very easy-going and patient and I have “The Bottom Line Events” in Columbo doing the groundwork. Will be working on the flowers this week with them by Skype (it was a bit worrying initially when she said all the flowers can be spray painted to my specifications!)
The 90 year old doorman at the Galle Face Hotel. He’s been there since 1942!
Sunset on the Patio
Wow! Just came back from Bali and very impressed with the highly developed Bali wedding market. It’s a big business down there. With a seemingly endless choice of venues combined with the sand, sea and sun (not to mention actual blue skies), its no wonder that Bali is an increasingly popular destination for Hong Kong couples.
It is undeniably a favourite destination with Japanese couples too. The Conrad Hotel, Bali can host up to five weddings in one day and handle more than 450 weddings a year. Our Event Producer (Bali), Michelle joked, “If you’re late to the ceremony, you might end up marrying the wrong guy!”
Venues such as Thirtha Bridal (with a Japanese owner) have impeccable standards and stunning views but also stringent rules and a less than ideal rain contingency plan. We had to rule out other venues simply because they were either too small or didn’t quite meet our standards. Overall though, there is something for everyone.
We also found some stunning private villas from Bali Home Management for our clients to choose from, not to mention the island’s top caterer. So all in all, it was a highly successful trip!
The view from the ultra-luxurious Bulgari Hotel
The very popular Istana
Another private villa
The above photo is of the Conrad Infinity Chapel. Where are the jet skis and para-sailing that go on in the background? Unless you book the last slot, it will definitely be a part of your wedding!
A beach wedding at Amanusa on the probably the nicest beach in Bali
A private villa on a cliff overlooking the Indian Ocean
Delicious menu tasting!
Am in Bali for a few days to check out an exhaustive list of wedding venues and wedding chapels.. Walked past a huge wedding held outdoors at the Ayana (formerly Ritz-Carlton) with a big set-up under the stars and commented on how pretty it looked. The ambience didn’t look so pretty when the rains came an hour later and the umbrellas went up. Kudos to the band who kept on going whilst the guests scrambled for cover. Luckily, it was a passing shower and they were able to enjoy the fireworks display but got me thinking…what do they do with the soggy seat covers and wet tablecloths? What about the buffet and all that equipment? What would we have done? When planning a wedding, especially an outdoor one, we try to consider all the variables and have a solid contingency plan but inevitably, unpredictable weather is our biggest challenge!
From the ashes of itself rises a mythical bird, the Phoenix. The story of the Phoenix is symbolic to the renewal of a beautiful three story building in the heart of Jakarta’s business and entertainment district. We had a big hand in re-designing and consulting on the interiors and overall look…extreme makeover style (with lots of trips to Jakarta thrown in!) So, if you are ever in Jakarta or you are IN Jakarta, go check out The Phoenix, a contemporary place to chill out (in the garden) and a great place to celebrate, the venue holds up to 300 for cocktail reception or a buffet dinner.
Email info@phoenixjakarta.com for more details and a banqueting kit!
This looks amazing…am dying to explore the rich heritage of Beijing!
Aman at Summer Palace is offering a Discover Beijing experience featuring three nights accommodation for two at the resort, daily American breakfast, a complimentary Chinese tea ceremony, guided Summer Palace tour and excursions to either the Forbidden City, Great Wall or the Temple of Heaven. Three nights start at US$2,085.
Just spent some time in Whistler, Canada, home of the 2010 Winter Olympic games. Its such a beautiful place, I didn’t want to leave! With stunning lakes, abundant foliage and majestic mountains, I would imagine that its a great place to get married, definitely very different from the traditional Hong Kong style weddings! Would be amazing for a honeymoon too!
Fairmont Chateau Whistler Golf Club
Winter in Whistler
I recently met the founder behind Global Nomad, an experiential travel company based in Hong Kong. For those who have ‘been there, done that’, Global Nomad can create the ultimate travel experience, perfect for that unforgettable honeymoon or even for a second honeymoon!
From stylish river cruises on the Amazon jungle, to Antarctic expeditions (with Relais & Chateaux gourmet cuisine on board), hopping by charter plane around top safari camps in Africa to the outback of Australia or heli skiing in the Swiss Alps, British Columbia or New Zealand, tracking pods of whales in the Galapagos on board National Geographic ships equipped with sonar, to gourmet & wine tours of Burgundy or Tuscany, cultural heritage tours from Burma to Russia, or escaping to nearby private islands in the Philippines, send them your travel wishlist and see what they design just for you.
Call (852) 2159 9133 or email info@global-nomad.com
Many couples-to-be dream of an intimate beach or island wedding with close friends and family. We can now make that a reality. It is with great pleasure that we introduce to you Michelle Han, The Wedding Company’s Event Producer in Bali.
Michelle was the first person to get married in the garden of the famed Oriental Hotel in Bangkok and sped off from the ceremony up the Chao Phraya River in a flower strewn water taxi. Her life was never going to be conventional. Her career as a television producer and international news broadcaster ensured a discipline for attention to detail, working to budget and coordinating live events. Michelle lives between Hong Kong, Bangkok and Bali where she has organized weddings, birthdays and corporate events.
After 18 years of owning a home in Bali, Michelle has the insider’s knowledge of top venues, visually-stunning locations & industry-leading vendors that can turn an event into a unique experience. From barefoot on the beach, hilltop hotel grandeur to exchanging vows in a rice paddy, Michelle can realize your Bali wedding dreams.
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