Your Kent Wedding - Nov/Dec 2019 (Issue 87)

the instructor organises a class to help you relax and unwind. In the summer months, you can participate in the garden of Maison des Amis, surrounded by gorgeous scenery. I’d never done yoga before, so I was a little apprehensive at first, but it was a delightful experience. The inner sense of calm it brings is the perfect way to start your day. DRINK IT ALL IN Lovebirds can visit the nearby winery called La Cave. The Building is made using cork and is designed to resemble a bottle – make sure you bring your camera. When you arrive the on-site experts will share the history of the estate and tell you all about their organic wines. Village Castigno offers packages for couples who are looking for something a bit different – you can even become a winemaker for the day and create your own flavours. I had so much fun doing this and would highly recommend it. Alternatively, you can start your morning with a wine safari though the 150-acre estate – climb aboard a jeep and explore the truffle forest, river bed and visit the draft horses. FOOD FOR THOUGHT Newlyweds can enjoy dinner in a choice of three restaurants. Le Thai is a quirky take on Thai cuisine. The chef changes the dishes regularly and uses slow-cooked or wok-fried options including chicken, fish, spicy soups and sautéed noodles. During my visit, I pushed myself out of my comfort zone and tried veil tongue and mussels – both were delicious and have inspired me to be more adventurous with food. La Petite Table is a bistro grill and is the only restaurant that offers a menu. I opted for steak tartare for main, it was delicious, and the ideal size to fill me up but leave enough room for what I consider to be the main event – dessert! I finished with a chocolate cake – I have a really sweet tooth, so this was the perfect choice. It wasn’t too heavy, and I could have happily eaten more. The Michelin star La Table De Castigno is run by Belgian chefs, Ruben and Pieter De Maesschalk, and was one of the best dining experiences I’ve ever had. I’m quite a fussy eater, but much to my surprise, I loved every dish. The service at all three restaurants was impeccable, and the staff go out of their way to ensure you’re enjoying yourself and have everything you need. TRAVEL IN STYLE There are several ways you can explore the surrounding area, including classic cars and horseback riding. On the final day, I tried riding a Vespa for the first time. It was a fantastic way of seeing the sights and the highlight of the trip. I whizzed down to the nearby market, where I saw how the locals live and sampled some of their produce – a must see if you’re in the area. With so much to do, Village Castigno is the perfect location for mini-moons. BOOK IT: ❤ Village Castigno | villagecastigno.com 124