Whether looking for long haul or UK honeymoons, County Wedding Magazines has lots of ideas along with essential travel advice.
The Gainsborough Bath Spa is ideal for festive celebrations
The Gainsborough Bath Spa offers the ideal escape for those looking to sample the local celebrations while indulging in some relaxation. The hotel is perfectly situated to explore the iconic Bath Christmas Market, and after a day of shopping, it provides a true sanctuary with its award-winning Spa Village, offering exclusive access to Bath's natural thermal waters.
For those looking to celebrate the season in style, The Gainsborough Brasserie will be offering a delectable three-course festive dinner menu, combining the very best seasonal produce with classic Christmas flavours. A Festive Afternoon Tea will also be available, including an assortment of finger sandwiches, scones, and an array of Christmas-inspired cakes served with artisan teas and the option of a glass of fine Champagne, from £38 per person.
Posted by Melissa Cullen on 14 December 2023
Visit some of Europe's renowned Christmas markets
Paris is known for its enchanting Christmas markets, which transform the city into a winter wonderland that captivates from late November to early January. Dotted with Christmas trees and delightful chalet-style craft stalls, the markets are brimming with fresh local produce and the inviting warmth of vin chaud. The Luxury Travel Book beckons guests to embrace Paris like a local with carefully curated villas and apartments, including the Rue De Surène, perched atop a four-star boutique hotel near the Madeleine. Guests can immerse themselves in the festive spirit at the Hôtel De Ville Christmas market, where the backdrop of French Renaissance architecture sets the stage for a magical experience complete with dazzling lighting, vintage carousels, and charming boutique shopping stalls.
Posted by Melissa Cullen on 12 December 2023
Celebrate the festive season at Malta’s Mdina
For keen travellers seeking out an alternative destination to celebrate the festivities of Christmas and New Year's Eve, look no further than The Xara Palace Relais & Châteaux. This opulent 17th-century palace is hidden away in the Medieval fortified city of Mdina, the old capital of Malta, which experiences temperatures of almost 20 degrees throughout the whole of December. With the streets no longer heaving with tourists in peak season, it provides the perfect setting to celebrate the holidays with loved ones. Overflowing with culture, archaeology, and history, and with a delectable array of food and drink, Malta is a brilliant holiday destination, but even better at Christmas!
Posted by Melissa Cullen on 7 December 2023
Enjoy a new culinary journey through Norway
Travel specialist Pelorus has announced a new culinary journey through Norway in partnership with 62Nord and SKANDL.
Couples will have the opportunity to explore the very best of Norway's landscape through exciting hands-on masterclasses led by chefs from Michelin-starred restaurants, sourcing the freshest of ingredients from in and around the stunning fjord. Guests will also try their hand at Nordic fishing, foraging, and food preparation techniques, including open-flame cooking, before resting their heads at one of 62Nord's properties.
Posted by Melissa Cullen on 5 December 2023
Le Meridien Maldives Resort & Spa has launched a new honeymoon package
Le Meridien Maldives Resort & Spa has launched the Romantique Honeymoon package for couples looking for the ultimate romantic retreat. Located in Lhaviyani Atoll, a secluded hideaway surrounded by a shimmering lagoon, guests can enjoy paradise and even escape to the resort's own private island, Bodu Finolhu. Gourmets are treated to a host of culinary experiences from the teppanyaki in Japanese Tabemasu, a private open-air pavilion overlooking the ocean to the secluded Harvest Table, next to the resort's greenhouse, where couples can enjoy a secluded dinner crafted using fresh produce from the island.
Posted by Danielle Harvey on 30 November 2023
Hôtel Le Coucou will reopen this December with an array of enhancements
Hôtel Le Coucou will reopen this December with an array of enhancements. From a new French-style bistro to upgraded chalet experiences, collaborations, and special holiday events, Le Coucou promises a truly unforgettable winter getaway in the heart of the French Alps.
To elevate the private chalet experience, Le Coucou will pamper guests with new beauty products and provide the opportunity to attend a master class with AIME founder Mathilde Lacombe, gaining insights into her skincare philosophy and products.
Posted by Melissa Cullen on 28 November 2023
The UAE is emerging as a stunning boating destination
With over 1,300km of coastline to discover and crystal-clear blue waters, it's no wonder that the UAE is becoming one of the best places to sail. Whether you're a sailing enthusiast or someone who likes to just invest in a short and sweet boat ride for the day, the weather conditions are near perfect, with little tidal movement and predictable winds. The UAE also offers a natural flat landscape, beaches, warm temperatures, and many beautiful islands to explore.
Posted by Melissa Cullen on 23 November 2023
Château Troplong Mondot is celebrating 30 years of alternative cultivation
Château Troplong Mondot, a wine estate and boutique hotel in Bordeaux, is celebrating 30 years of insecticide and herbicide-free cultivation. It has also transitioned to being fully ploughed by its 12 resident horses that roam the vineyard between March and November.
The Château's luxury restaurant, Les Belles Perdrix, boasts seasonal menus that capitalise on the best picks from the garden and local suppliers. The restaurant has quickly become one of the most sought-after tables in the area and has been awarded both a Michelin Star and a Green Star in recognition of its sustainable methods.
Posted by Melissa Cullen on 21 November 2023
Jade Mountain has announced a partnership with luxury suncare brand Saltee
Jade Mountain has announced a partnership with luxury suncare brand Saltee. The partnership will give guests the opportunity to try Saltee products, protect themselves from the radiant sun, and discover more about their skin's health and what can be done to protect it in different situations.
Eleanor Allum, the head of partnerships and sales at Saltee, explains: "We are thrilled to be adding to the guests' experience at Jade Mountain by surprising and delighting them with meaningful yet relevant SPF gifts on arrival. Forged on sustainable principles and being the most ocean-friendly sun care range, the synergy between the two partners couldn't be more aligned."
Posted by Melissa Cullen on 16 November 2023
Sitatunga Private Island is a new water-based safari camp
Sitatunga Private Island is a new water-based safari camp in the upper reaches of Botswana's Okavango Delta. Built on a raised, wrap-around private deck, Sitatunga Private Island can accommodate four adults in two private suites. Constructed almost entirely of recycled materials, the camp offers couples a 'slow safari' that is as sustainable as it is luxurious. The suites come complete with an indoor lounge, bathrooms with baths and separate showers, a deck with outdoor lounging and seating areas, as well as a private pool with views over the lagoon.
Posted by Melissa Cullen on 14 November 2023
Once in Mykonos is a luxury hotel in with harbour restaurants close by
Known for its blend of Cycladic charm and cosmopolitan energy, Mykonos entices couples with its turquoise waters and lively nightlife. Conveniently located just a short drive from archaeological sites, Once in Mykonos is a luxury hotel with harbour restaurants close by where couples can sample fresh Mediterranean cuisine and relax on white- sand beaches.
Private cruises take guests around the island's picturesque bays and hidden coves, as well as tours of neighbouring islands, Delos and Rhenia. The hotel can also arrange private sea excursions and scuba diving to see Greece's diverse marine life and traces of the Greek and Roman empire's ancient ruins underwater.
Posted by Melissa Cullen on 9 November 2023
Margaritaville Beach Resort Cap Cana in the Dominican Republic has won an award
Margaritaville Beach Resort Cap Cana has been named the 'Dominican Republic's Leading Resort for 2023' by the esteemed World Travel Awards. Situated on picturesque beaches, the resort is an all-inclusive destination featuring 516 rooms and 228 suites across 13 different room categories.
Daniel Cazarin, the general manager of Margaritaville Beach Resort Cap Cana, said: "We are honoured and humbled by this incredible recognition. Our sincere gratitude goes out to our team members and industry partners, whose unwavering support and best-in-class service have made this accomplishment possible. We look forward to continuing to provide unforgettable experiences at Margaritaville Beach Resort Cap Cana."
Posted by Melissa Cullen on 7 November 2023
Eight romantic honeymoon experiences
Your honeymoon is the canvas of your love story, a chapter that deserves to be painted with unforgettable moments. It's not just a holiday; it's an adventure that marks the beginning of your newly-married life together. Here, Dan Hyams, a luxury tailor-made travel and honeymoon specialist, introduces eight inspiring experiences that elevate your honeymoon into a tale of love, adventure, and luxury, ensuring that your journey together is as magnificent as you have always dreamt it to be.
Posted by Melissa Cullen on 6 November 2023
Hilton’s signature hotel brand is set to open its first resort in the Seychelles
Hilton's signature hotel brand is set to open its first resort in the Seychelles. Waldorf Astoria Seychelles Platte Island lies just over 130 kilometres south of Mahé on a pristine atoll fringed by palm forests and protected by its own lagoon and coral reef. Much of Platte Island's surrounding scenery remains untouched, meaning guests are likely to see native Hawksbill turtles, eagle rays, manta rays, and whale sharks.
The resort will be home to 50 seafront villas, all equipped with private pools and personal concierges.
Posted by Melissa Cullen on 2 November 2023
Alternative Greek destinations for a late summer getaway
Those seeking a last-minute Grecian escape or late summer honeymoon should consider lesser-known destinations teeming with untouched beauty and authentic experiences.
Set in two of Greece's most authentic destinations, Patmos Aktis Suites & Spa and Parga Beach Resort invite guests to experience an alternative side of the country. Located in the northeast and northwest, both locations offer everything and more for a quintessential Greek summer, filled with days basking in the sun, delicious food, and pristine beaches.
Posted by Melissa Cullen on 31 October 2023
Maldives Hotel offers first for colour blind guests
Finolhu Baa Atoll Maldives has partnered with EnChroma to offer colour blind guests a chance to experience its dramatic landscape in full colour for the first time with its glasses for colour blindness. In addition to glasses for the colour blind, with its leading patented lens technology, EnChroma has also developed snorkel masks, which will help people with colour blindness better experience the Maldives' colours and all its underwater wonders.
Posted by Melissa Cullen on 26 October 2023
Borrow a boat and set sail this autumn
As Brits prepare for the cold winter months, Borrow a Boat has a host of trips this autumn to over 65 different countries. From catamarans in Croatia to sailing boats in the Caribbean, you will find a host of luxurious experiences that await eager travellers this autumn.
Borrow a Boat, a leading yacht and boat charter portal for boat owners, has an extensive list of approximately 45,000 boats in over 65 countries worldwide. From Thailand to Croatia or Portsmouth to Scotland, it's the perfect time to get creative with your honeymoon.
As the cost of living increases, so does the price of an average holiday on land for a week in the sun. So why not push the boat out and book a once-in-a-lifetime experience in a beautiful location on a breathtaking boat for the same price? Alternatively, Borrow a Boat offers a multitude of options, from affordable trips to the most exclusive, once-in-a-lifetime trips. There is an option for everyone.
Posted by Melissa Cullen on 24 October 2023
Abadia Retuerta is a 12th century converted abbey in Spain
Abadia Retuerta is a captivatingly beautiful 12th-century converted abbey in the Duero Valley in Spain. Located less than a two-hour drive from Madrid, this restored abbey is majestically set on 500 acres of vineyards in the heart of the valley, in the province of Valladolid in central Spain. For guests without a car, there is a direct train from Madrid to the city of Valladolid, lasting just over an hour, and the hotel can arrange transfers for the 25-minute drive.
Posted by Melissa Cullen on 19 October 2023
Europe's best hiking holidays to enjoy this autumn
With temperatures cooling, nature has begun one final hurrah before winter, meaning there's no better time to escape on a hiking holiday. If fabulous scenery and tranquil walking routes appeal to you, then autumn is the season to pull on your walking boots.
Join the old world's mountaineering nobility at Hotel Union Øye, where no matter where you're facing, there are unforgettable and adventurous hikes to be had. Since 1891, Hotel Union Øye has mesmerised many travellers with its distinctive Norwegian charm and has been a firm favourite amongst mountaineers since its origin, located at the entry point of some of the most iconic mountain hikes and trails in Norway. The Sunnmøre Alps have been a magnet to world-famous explorers such as Slingsby, Patchell, and generations of mountaineers, with the hotel having been the basecamp of many international climbers. Hotel Union Øye offers guided tours for guests, or for the full experience, book the Hiking the Fjords package, which includes an overnight stay, a three-course dinner to fuel up, breakfast, and a packed lunch and map for your hiking adventures.
Posted by Melissa Cullen on 17 October 2023
Oliver’s Travels unveils its exclusive party houses ahead of the Christmas holidays
Get ready to party with Oliver's Travels this year. Whether you're celebrating a hen-do or honeymoon, Oliver's Travels provides a wide selection of impressive properties to make sure you have a memorable event. With all bookings, Oliver's Travels provides a complimentary concierge service tailored to each stay, enabling a personalised touch to make the villa experience extra special. Take the pressure off the party planning by allowing Oliver's Travels friendly team to lend a helping hand in the process. Each property offers exclusive additional extras bookable via the concierge service, which differ depending on the property and region and are available upon enquiry.
Oliver's Travels private party concierge has shared its top picks for a celebratory stay, highlighting availability over the October half term, Christmas, and New Year.
Posted by Melissa Cullen on 12 October 2023
Enjoy some winter sun with Beachcomber Resorts & Hotels
As summer draws to a close, it's time to look ahead and plan where to go for some winter sun. Beachcomber Resorts & Hotels is a paradisiacal destination for families, solo travellers, couples, and honeymooners. With over 70 years of experience, the resorts offer unparalleled experiences across eight properties dotted across the length of Mauritius. Holiday-makers may cherish moments spent on and off the inviting turquoise sea, whether raising adrenaline levels with paragliding, sunbathing on the powder-soft sand, or immersing themselves in the vibrant Mauritian culture through music and cuisine.
Posted by Melissa Cullen on 10 October 2023
Rural Retreats share some of its favourite mini-moon breaks in the UK perfect for autumn and winter.
Get back to nature in the wilds of Scotland in this cosy, modern cottage designed by award-winning architects. There's a river at the bottom of the garden, and a famous steam railway line is visible from the property too. It sleeps four people, and short breaks start at £546.
Posted by Melissa Cullen on 5 October 2023
With Google searches for 'best honeymoon destinations' up 22 per cent, newlyweds are on the lookout for some romantic inspiration. With this in mind, Club Med has uncovered the new trending honeymoon destinations, according to search data over the last 12 months.
Google searches for 'Kingston honeymoon' have skyrocketed by 97 per cent in the past 12 months. The Jamaican capital is a real contender in the honeymoon space, with many attractions to visit, including the Hope Botanical Gardens and even the Bob Marley Museum. Kingston is still flying under the radar on social media, with just three boards on Pinterest and three Instagram posts using Kingston as the honeymoon destination, meaning a romantic trip in Kingston is very much a hidden gem.
Posted by Melissa Cullen on 3 October 2023
The Boca Raton in Florida has been entirely redesigned
Recently reopened after a $65million transformation, The Boca Raton has been entirely redesigned by the renowned architecture and design firm, Rockwell Group. Paying homage to the pink hues of Boca Raton, the tower's exterior has been refreshed to a light coastal pink, giving a fresh take on Barbie's dreamhouse, featuring 224 suites and rooms, each with flexible configurations.
Set amongst 200 lake and oceanfront acres, couples are invited to experience the luxury rooms, culinary concepts, a private golden beach, a spa, an 18-hole golf course, a racquet club, a pool club, and much more.
Posted by Melissa Cullen on 28 September 2023
Enjoy a hearty dose of fresh mountain air at the Armancette Hôtel in the French Alps
Enjoy a hearty dose of fresh mountain air at the Armancette Hôtel in the French Alps. Part of the new Almae Collection, Armancette Hôtel is a family-owned hidden gem in the lesser-known, remote town of Saint Nicolas Veroce in Evasion Mont-Blanc. Open year-round, this 19-room hotel is located within the former bakery of the village and offers total privacy, peace and tranquillity in exceptional surroundings. A plethora of activities are available, including guided hikes and mountain biking excursions, where guests can take in breathtakingly verdant views and disconnect from everyday life. Home to an impressive spa with indoor and outdoor swimming pools, an outdoor Jacuzzi, three treatment rooms, a state-of-the-art fitness suite, a restaurant, and a wine bar, there is plenty to keep couples entertained.
Posted by Melissa Cullen on 26 September 2023
We have a great line up of experts to give you first hand advice and discussions about bridal fashion, hair, makeup, to name but a few!
Take a look at our Celebrity Interviews!