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15 Haute New Hotels & Resorts for 2018 Destination Weddings!
Destination Weddings - Dec 1, 2017
From ocean-facing resorts to historic forts, WeddingSutra presents a curated list of the top 15 new and renovated properties for destination weddings next year.
Tired of the same old venues that are popular for weddings? Infuse some novelty into your exclusive nuptials next year by hosting it at a spanking new hotel or renovated resort in an incredible location. And for that, you don’t need to look further than our list of top 15 recommendations, spanning from Sri Lanka to Oman and Mauritius to Jaipur, which are geared to host high-end destination weddings with a difference.
1. Shangri-La Colombo, Sri Lanka
Sri Lanka offers a range of attractions for every kind of traveler – from pristine beaches, cultural trails and lush mountains to charming tea gardens. The Sri Lankan capital of Colombo welcomed its newest luxury hotel – Shangri-La Colombo, in November this year (2017). It is slated to become a hot favorite for destination weddings thanks to the stunning views it offers from its ocean-facing One Galle Face location. With 500 guestrooms and suites, and 41 well-equipped service apartments, the hotel is well positioned to serve all accommodation needs. Take your pick from its multiple events spaces for wedding functions such as a lawn, function rooms and the Shangri-La Ballroom which is the largest pillarless ballroom in the region.
2. One&Only Le Saint Geran, Mauritius
Exclusive destination weddings can’t get more private and posh that at the One&Only Le Saint Geran resort in Mauritius. It is due to reopen on December 1 this year (2017) after extensive renovations. Situated on the private Belle Mare peninsula, and an hour’s drive from the airport, this uber-luxury resort offers 142 rooms and suites, all of which come with their private balconies or terraces that offer picturesque ocean and garden views. More than 50 of the rooms are connecting, thus creating two and three-bedroom family suites that are perfect for larger families. This kid-friendly resort also offers private butler services and a top-notch spa.
3. Al Bustan Palace – A Ritz-Carlton Hotel, Oman
The sprawling luxury beachfront hotel, built in 1985, is referred to as the ‘Jewel of the Sultanate.’ A popular destination wedding venue for many years, it is slated to reopen in the first half of 2018 after extensive renovations. One of the highlights to look forward to is how the hotel will showcase unique and enduring facets of local Omani culture and traditions via an exhibition gallery, alongside modern amenities, an iconic design and beautifully refurbished suites and rooms that offer beautiful views of the Sea of Oman, alongside dramatic rocky cliffs.
4. Kempinski Hotel Muscat
Nestled within the community of Al Mouj Muscat encompassing over six kilometers of stunning coastline, the Kempinski Hotel Muscat will be an unparalleled luxury destination in the capital of Oman. Expected to open in Q1 of 2018, this property in the Middle East will be perfect for an intimate or grand destination wedding- with 310 rooms and suites, world-class restaurants and bars, and an authentic spa experience. A gateway to an authentic Omani adventure, guests can experience a melange of local traditions and world class European luxury guaranteed to create unforgettable memories.
5. JW Marriott Phu Quoc Emerald Bay, Vietnam
Situated on Phu Quoc, the largest island in Vietnam, and a short 50-minute flight from the capital Ho Chi Minh City, the JW Marriott Pho Quoc Emerald Bay is a beautiful oceanfront property offering 244 guestrooms, suites, and villas. Launched earlier this year (2017), it is the first luxury hotel brand on Phu Quoc island and offers a striking blend of Asian and European aesthetics. There are numerous stunning backdrops here for wedding functions – take your pick from a mandap on the pristine Khem beach or a reception at the Grand Ballroom. Plan a mehndi brunch at one of the three magnificent outdoor pools here and follow it up with stress-busting treatments at the Spa by JW.
6. Muscat Bay, Oman
Located in the scenic cove of Bandar Jissah, Muscat Bay, which is managed by the Jumeirah Group, comprises two five-star hotels – the Resort Hotel and the Boutique Hotel. Expected to open sometime in 2018, Muscat Bay can be reached via a 40-minute drive from the Muscat International Airport. You are assured of world-class amenities here and enough accommodation for your large wedding entourage. The stunning ballroom at the Resort Hotel is a perfect place to host a grand wedding function thanks to its ornate rendering of Omani heritage.
7. Kerry Hotel, Hong Kong
Launched in April this year (2017), Kerry Hotel in Hong Kong is situated on the Victoria Harbour, along the Hung Hom Bay, and is termed as the city’s ‘first urban resort.’ This 16-story luxury destination offers 546 rooms, with 60 percent of them offering beautiful views of the city skyline and harbor. Plan an intimate wedding soiree at one the hotel’s five restaurants as all of them offer outdoor landscaped terraces with beautiful backdrops of the bustling harbor. Other must-consider attractions here for destination weddings include Hong Kong’s largest pillarless ballroom with the ability to host 1248 guests.
8. Shangri-La Rasa Ria Resort and Spa, Malaysia
A long pristine beach, colonial opulence, and warm Malaysian hospitality offer a mesmerizing ambience at the sprawling Shangri-La Rasa Ria Resort & Spa in Kota Kinabalu, Malaysia. Popular for lavish weddings by well-heeled Indians living in Southeast Asia, this paradisiacal resort is set in a lush nature reserve in Borneo. It underwent extensive renovations recently which transformed 326 rooms. Take your pick from wedding venues here that span the exclusive Ocean Wing, family-friendly Garden Wing, the enclave of restaurants, the Grand Ballroom and multiple Function Rooms.
9. InterContinental Fujairah Resort, UAE
A three-hour drive from the Dubai International Airport brings one to the InterContinental Fujairah Resort in the UAE which opened late this year (2017). Situated on the Al Aqah beach with dramatic backdrops of the Al Hajar mountains, this five-star luxury property offers beautifully designed guestrooms and suites that come with spacious balconies which frame the brilliant blue ocean. The infinity pool deck here is perfect for a winter outdoor function and the Arabic architectural aesthetic blended with modern touches make for suitable events spaces and stylish backdrops for weddings.
10. Shangri-La Hotel Singapore, Tower Wing
The iconic Shangri-La Singapore hotel now offers a revitalized Tower Wing with refurbished rooms and suites, a glitzy towering lobby, three new restaurants and a renovated Horizon Club Lounge. Dating back to 1971, this hotel’s recent renovations which were completed early this year (2017) has added to its lure as a convenient five-star haven surrounded by lush tropical gardens and close to the glitzy malls of Singapore. Beautiful wedding-friendly spaces at the hotel include the spacious ballroom for indoor events, and the Banyan Deck and Dutch Pavilion for charming outdoor events.
11. Alila Fort Bishangarh, Rajasthan
Launched in February this year (bookings to open for July 2018 onward), the Alila Fort Bishangarh lies 75-minutes by road from the Jaipur airport, in Rajasthan. A truly unique and historic structure, Fort Bishangarh is 230 years old, and after extensive renovations that took around seven years, it is positioned as one of India’s boutique fortress properties. With minimalistic decor fused with modern settings, it is an elegant venue for an intimate destination weddings thanks to its 59 rooms and suites. Indoor venues include a Ballroom Darbar for 120-180 people and the Haveli Terrace where 80 people can be easily accommodated for a glamorous evening function.
12. The Ritz-Carlton, Koh Samui, Thailand
Built on land that was once a coconut plantation, The Ritz-Carlton in the island of Koh Samui on the eastern coast of Thailand was launched in November this year (2017). A beautifully planned tropical paradise spread across 58 acres, the family-friendly hotel has 175 suites and pool villas that offer up stunning views of waters of the Gulf of Thailand and lush greenery. Plan your exchange of vows or outdoor daytime pheras here at the Sala Thai, a pavilion constructed at a height, that overlooks the Gulf of Thailand.
13. Four Seasons Resort Seychelles
Situated at the secluded Desroches Island in Seychelles which is a 35-minute plane ride from Mahe airport, the Four Seasons Resort Seychelles is slated to open in March next year (2018). It is just the place for a private, exclusive and picture-perfect wedding as it offers a heady blend of natural beauty, a pristine beach and a host of activities for wedding guests flying in for the celebrations. The 71 villas, residences and suites here are family-friendly spaces that come with private pools and have direct access to the power-soft private beach. Interesting venues such as The Lighthouse restaurant on the beachfront are perfect for a wedding brunch. You will love the warm sunshine, tropical breezes and world-class amenities here.
14. ITC Hotel Hyderabad II, Telangana
Overlooking the serene waters of the Durgam Cheruvu Lake in the middle of Hyderabad’s Hi-Tech City, the ITC Hotel Hyderabad ll is slated to be open for business sometime next year (2018). Located in the heart of the bustling New Business District of Hyderabad, it will have 272 guest rooms and suites. A modern and striking structure, it will also offer banqueting spaces alongside specialty restaurants, a cafe and a bar.
15. Taj Swarna, Amritsar, Punjab
Taj Swarna in Amritsar, Punjab, is the first Taj property in the city which is considered the culinary capital of Punjab. It opened earlier this year (2017) and is situated around 12 km from the Amritsar airport. It is close to popular attractions such as the Golden Temple, Ram Bagh Gardens, and Jallianwala Bagh. Fast becoming a popular pick for destination weddings, the luxurious Taj Swarna hotel does full justice to authentic Amritsari cuisine – a perfect option for a lavish wedding feast. It offers around 7,000 feet of banqueting space. The Trinity Hall here and the adjoining lawns can accommodate up to 1,250 people.
*Showcase your new or renovated hotels & resorts to a large discerning audience of exclusive wedding planners, to-be-wed couples and honeymooners. Email the details to [email protected].