Whether looking for long haul or UK honeymoons, Your Hampshire and Dorset Wedding has lots of ideas along with essential travel advice.
Extensive renovation at Saint-Tropez hotel
Nineteenth-century Château de la Messardière is a majestic much-loved five-star palace hotel perched on a hilltop on the outskirts of Saint-Tropez. The property, with its trademark domed cupolas and turrets, has undergone extensive renovation over the last two years and is due to open July 2021. Saint-Tropez's largest hotel, it occupies 25 acres of glorious grounds overlooking the Côte d'Azur and Provençal countryside; highly acclaimed French architect and interior designer, Christophe Tollemer, over-sore the redesign incorporating the breathtaking views and magical Mediterranean light. Rates start from 1,150 in a Classic Room based on a new inclusive rate concept.... read more
Posted: 1 December 2021
Sussex-based Amberley Castle wins award
Sussex-based Amberley Castle has just been named a Tripadvisor '2021 Travellers' Choice Award Winner' - making it a must for honeymoon staycations. Positioning Amberley Castle in the top 10% of all hotels worldwide, the award is the result of reviews and ratings from travellers across the globe to identify the very best hotels on Tripadvisor. General manager Piers Vowles comments, "It's been a tough year in hospitality but winning this award is the cherry on the cake. Awards are always lovely to receive of course, but those voted for by our customers are our favourite, so we're particularly pleased with this one!" Amberley Castle is looking forward to a busy summer ahead, those keen to enjoy a break need to book in advance.... read more
Posted: 29 November 2021
New minimoon packages at Yorkshire hotel
Grantley Hall has launched an exciting selection of themed staycation packages perfect for UK minimooners. Guaranteed to blow away the lockdown lethargy, the packages are themed around outdoor exploration, gardens, cycling and wellness. Guests staying over the warmer months will also be able to enjoy Grantley Hall's enhanced al fresco dining programme including, The Norton Courtyard and EightyEight Terrace plus the stylish new outdoor dining space – The Orchard: relax, indulge and celebrate your newly married status!... read more
Posted: 24 November 2021
New guest experiences at Surrey hotel
Beaverbrook has debuted an array of irresistible new guest experiences that celebrate the best things in life, including the sensational Surrey Hills. Sitting proudly amid 470 emerald acres of meadows, woodland and gardens, Beaverbrook offers unique access to picture-postcard landscapes and hosts delightful discoveries for guests. A best-of-British summer is guaranteed, thanks to innovative balloon dining, vineyard tours, wine tastings, turbo e-bikes, Italy-inspired al fresco feasts, and self-driving jaunts in a classic car – what more can newlyweds need, luxury, romance and adventure!... read more
Posted: 22 November 2021
Head North of the UK for the ultimate minimoon in Scotland
Located in St Andrews overlooking the breathtaking Scottish coastline, Old Course Hotel Golf Resort & Spa has undergone a series of renovations including refurbished wedding venue spaces, the introduction of a penthouse, new guest rooms, as well as an additional destination restaurant and bar. The luxury hotel will boast 175 rooms with the introduction of a third floor in the 'Champions Wing' and the addition of 31 new rooms, overlooking the Old Course. A penthouse will also be added to the fourth floor, which is the perfect honeymoon suite or can be enjoyed for a post-wedding minimoon romantic break. It will be the only suite with a private lift, balcony, outdoor seating and firepit, with spectacular views overlooking West Sands Beach and the golf course.... read more
Posted: 18 November 2021
New travel platform launched for design-led places to stay
Hour directory, a new travel platform specialising in retreats and activities that are a matter of hours away from the bustling city, has been launched. Hour directory is a curated platform featuring architect-designed hideaways outside the city – and beyond. Designed and built in response to the pandemic, Hour directory provides city dwellers with a gateway of easy-to-reach spaces in relaxing places, with a design quality to match. Hour directory is a sophisticated yet simple portal that has been designed with usability and ease of travel in mind. The directory's elegant design reflects the beauty of the accommodation it advertises. User experience begins with a website that has been rigorously tested on all platforms and ends with an enchanting stay at a picturesque location.... read more
Posted: 21 June 2021
The award-winning Cottar's Safaris comprises of three properties:Cottar's 1920s Camp, The Bush Villa and The Conservation Camp – all located in the famous 'seventh' natural wonder of the world, the game rich Maasai Mara in Kenya.Located on its own 7,608-acre private conservancy, Cottar's 1920s Camp provides the romance of sleeping under canvas, incorporating the style of the safari experience. The camp comprises of nine ensuite tents, two of which are unique honeymoon tents. Following an extensive refurbishment, one of the honeymoon tents has stunning new interiors rivalling a suite in size! It has two bathrooms, separate fireroom, living and dining areas and bedroom with matching BauHaus inspired 1920s walnut bur wardrobes and a huge four-poster bed.... read more
Posted: 18 June 2021
Elivi Skiathos, the most high-end luxury hotel on the island of Skiathos, has new experiences for couples looking to plan a heavenly honeymoon or celebrate a special anniversary in 2021. The romantic experiences include private dinners on the beach, sunset cruises, private film screenings and in-suite spa treatments. Spread across 213 acres, Elivi Skiathos is tucked away, perched on a verdant hilltop, in an area of natural beauty on the south-west of the island beside a wildlife refuge and with direct access to four of the island's best beaches – a picturesque backdrop!... read more
Posted: 16 June 2021
Tiny island is celebrating the imminent launch of its first community dairy
Sark is the smallest of the Channel Islands and considered the jewel of them all. Already famous for several things; its unspoilt beauty, for having no cars and for being the world's first Dark Skies Island, it now welcomes a new attraction. The tiny island is celebrating the imminent launch of its first community dairy. From this June, no trip to this stunning rural island hideaway will be complete without meeting the 16 stunning Guernsey dairy cows, seeing the dairy parlour in action and picking up treats from the shop.... read more
Posted: 14 June 2021
World’s best rooms with a view - Lepogo Lodges South Africa
Lepogo Lodges are one of Africa's few entirely not-for-profit high-end safari lodges, set remotely within the 50,000-hectare, malaria-free Lapalala Wilderness Reserve, home of the 'big five'. Noka Camp's five stilted villas, including one villa especially designed for families, are perched atop a 100ft cliff, overlooking the winding Palala River below and the endless bush ahead. After a long day of game drives, guests can relax in the window-side sunken bathtub or opt for a dip in their private heated plunge pool offering panoramic views of the surrounding terrain and inhabiting wildlife. Each villa also offers a unique outdoor 'sky bed' placed on the glass floor balcony over the ravine, providing guests with the ideal opportunity for star-gazing under the incredible African night skies, before drifting off into a peaceful slumber.... read more
Posted: 10 June 2021
Wild at heart - new minimoon escapes
Wildhive, a new boutique hospitality brand deeply rooted in nature will launch this summer with the opening of its first property - Callow Hall in rural Derbyshire. Surrounded by ancient woodland and 35 acres of wild open space, Callow Hall is the perfect launchpad for the Peak District and provides the ultimate, idyllic honeymoon destination.... read more
Posted: 19 May 2021
Ensure plenty of time to explore
With plans cancelled, events postponed, and more time spent at home, there has been ample time to pause and embrace a slower pace of life. With a vast number of hotels in stunning locations across Europe, Middle East, Eurasia and Africa, Wyndham Hotels & Resorts recognises the benefits of taking the time to appreciate a destination. The company has revealed five of its best European hotels to visit for a longer stay in 2021 where guests can maximise their time spent connecting with their surroundings by taking part in a host of mindful activities.... read more
Posted: 17 May 2021
For all those tying the knot in 2022 it's time to start planning your honeymoon now! What, honestly, is more amazing and life-changing than a safari for your honeymoon? Perfect for those looking for warmer weather, romantic settings and adventure, these destinations have it all. From star-gazing suites, culinary delights and thrill-seeking trips and tours, there really is something for everyone. It's the epitome of 'getting back to nature' and the honeymoon album will look amazing. Indulge, enjoy, here at County Wedding Magazines HQ we are struggling to pick our favourite...... read more
Posted: 14 May 2021
New British hospitality brand, GuestHouse
New British hospitality brand, GuestHouse - with three brothers at its helm - is on a mission to inject colour and creativity into best-of-British cities – via a series of heritage hotels enlivened by a modern outlook. The brand's first debut venture is established Bath charmer, No.15 Great Pulteney, which reopened this month under new ownership – and with an important addition to its name: 'by GuestHouse'. GuestHouse's hotel family will grow to include outposts in York (opening autumn 2021) and Brighton (opening autumn 2022), with others in the planning. Each of GuestHouse's properties will have its own unique character and appeal, reflecting the city it's set in, but a shared sense of bonhomie and five core values – indulgence; happiness; wonderment; hereness; and realness. Each hotel will breathe new life into a handsome, historic building, cherry-picked by the owners, with interiors that are inspired by the locale and shine a spotlight on local makers and creators.... read more
Posted: 12 May 2021
Ruby Hotels, the Munich-based hotel brand and pioneer of the 'Lean Luxury' philosophy, has launched its first UK property in London's Southbank. The new 76-room hotel, Ruby Lucy, enjoys a prime position on the Southbank's Lower Marsh, while the interior design is inspired by the area's bustling fairs and markets, entertainment and theatre scene, with a carnival theme running throughout the hotel. Rich, dark tones meet bright brass accents and subtle stripes, accented with playful props including circus drums and juggling pins. All guest rooms showcase Ruby Hotels' sleep-scientist-approved formula, including full soundproofing and blackout curtains, and enjoy quirky touches and cutting-edge technology, such as a Marshall guitar amp and a personal tablet PC pre-loaded with a carefully-curated London city guide.... read more
Posted: 10 May 2021
Award win celebrations for hotel
Belfast's five-star Culloden Estate and Spa, which has entertained A-list couples such as Victoria and David Beckham and Catherine Zeta-Jones and Michael Douglas, is celebrating the major accolade of Best Hotel for Romance in the UK by Luxury Lifestyle Magazine. To celebrate being named Best Hotel for Romance, the Culloden Estate & Spa has launched the Just the Two of Us and Five Star Romance packages: Five Star Romance from £175pp includes: luxurious overnight stay in an Executive Room, mini bottle of Prosecco each in room, romantic breakfast in bed the following morning, candlelit three-course dinner in Vespers Restaurant, sensuous ESPA bath oils for a dreamy bath experience, and a Hastings Love Duck.... read more
Posted: 7 May 2021
New for the year ahead, dazzling Victorian country house hotel Beaverbrook launches an assortment of interactive Stay & Cook packages at The School of Cookery, where couples and guests will learn tricks of the trade from the in-house team of professional chefs. Whether it's the Okawari Japanese experience, a sushi-making masterclass, or the Hearty and Homegrown experience, a sustainable cooking class, or perhaps the Plant-based & Nutritious experience for eco-conscious guests looking to improve their plant-based repertoire; guests are guaranteed to leave The School of Cookery with new skills sure to impress.... read more
Posted: 7 May 2021
The five-star Kagi Maldives Spa Island has officially opened in the North Male Atoll. The boutique 50-villa property provides couples, friends and solo travelers with a 360° wellness experience, just a 15-minute seaplane or 60-minute speedboat ride from Velana International Airport.At the heart of the island sits Kagi's 1500-square-meter spa and wellness hub, complete with an open-air, teardrop-shaped sky roof at its core. Kagi also houses a state-of-the-art gym, two restaurants, three bars, a dive centre and a house reef.... read more
Posted: 5 May 2021
Ten Top Places to Honeymoon in 2022
Brides and grooms have been largely grounded for over a year now and many are pinning their hopes on 2022 as the time to honeymoon in style. Here are ten top ideas for those planning ahead. Each offers something different from the 'fly and flop' style trip and will appeal to couples looking for a honeymoon with some serious wow factor.... read more
Posted: 5 May 2021
A stunning new bijou coastal cottage perfect for UK minimoons
Crabtree & Crabtree has just launched a stunning new bijou coastal cottage which would be perfect for couples look to minimoon in the UK this year and next! The Bothy at Cheswick, Cheswick, Northumberland, is a charming bijou stone cottage, a one-bedroom bolthole just a few minutes walk from Cheswick Sands, one of the finest and largest beaches on Northumberland's Heritage Coast.One of the best kept secrets of Northumberland, here vast golden sands stretch as far as the eye can see with black basalt rock-pools and dunes to explore and spectacular views across to the Holy Island of Lindisfarne. Romantic country walks, sunset strolls on the beach or kite-surfing and sand-yachting are all on the doorstep, as well as a cobweb of footpaths and the 192-mile-long cycle routes.... read more
Posted: 3 May 2021
Glampingly uncovers its new UK finds for 2021
Glampingly, Cool Camping's glamorous sister site, is offering bookings for luxurious and out-of-the-ordinary glamping accommodation. It has beefed up its collection ready for a big staycation year with demand set to be huge for summer 2021! UK minimoons are going to be a must-have too with appetites bigger than ever for the winning combination of indulgence and the great outdoors, these latest glamping stays are sure to book out quickly for the year ahead.New on the roster of feel-good stays includes: a two-yurt site a mile from Hadrian's Wall, perfect for a small glamping takeover, three luxury, adults-only, woodland cabins in the grounds of a Scottish castle and a clutch of stylish Derbyshire pods on stilts with hot tubs and supreme countryside views.Check out some of the new UK highlights below and, to view the full 1,500-strong collection of yurts, lodges, cabins, treehouses and everything in between visit glampingly.co.uk... read more
Posted: 30 April 2021
Tinwood Estate in West Sussex open for UK staycations!
With UK minimoons set to sky rocket this year, and lockdown restrictions due to relax, Tinwood Estate in West Sussex is delighted to throw open the gates to guests once more for Vineyard Tours, Wine Tastings, Afternoon Tea and Overnight Stays! The recently-built tasting room already boasts a vast outdoor south facing terrace, overlooking the vines, and a Tinwood marquee and heating will be added in case the Spring weather is not so favourable. Just over an hour from London, next door to the world famous Goodwood Estate, Tinwood is perfect for a day trip. Meet the winegrowers themselves and gain an insight into how they grow the vines and make the wines, with a vineyard tour and full tasting experience. Taking 1.5 hours, you will be shown around the vines and estate, and then taste three glasses of delicious sparkling wine. After the tour you're welcome to stay for an extra glass or a cold bottle!... read more
Posted: 28 April 2021
New hotel, The Rooster, opening on Greek island of Antiparos
new boutique hotel, The Rooster, opening on the under-the-radar Greek island of Antiparos on 1st June 2021. More than a resort, The Rooster is the vision-become-reality of one woman driven to create a destination with depth, value and relevance to today's traveller. Conceived as a wellness and lifestyle resort that embraces 'slow living', The Rooster has been designed with unpretentious aesthetic luxury in mind paired with excellent service, while providing a holistic mindfulness escape. It is a retreat for the discerning traveller that celebrates the soulful Greek island through sustainability, wellness, organic food, learning and fun. Cloistered between the sandy, unspoilt beaches of the Aegean coastline and the dramatic landscape of the Cyclades amidst open fields and the mystical caves of Antiparos, The Rooster exists in complete harmony with nature. It has an enchanting raw beauty with sustainability at its heart, all the while working in harmony with the local community.... read more
Posted: 26 April 2021
New treehouses at Lanrick, Perthshire, Scotland
Five stunning and sustainable treehouses (opened late October 2020), have just released their Spring and Summer bookings. Located in dense woodland on the banks of the River Teith in Perthshire, these treehouses offer a WiFi free, authentic Scottish wilderness experience. Riverside and woodland walks, biking, picnics and salmon and trout fishing are all on the doorstep yet this peaceful off-grid retreat is only an hour from both Glasgow and Edinburgh. Designed by husband and wife team, Simon and Louisa Dickson, each treehouse is named after a local woodland bird and has its own unique design in keeping with the stunning natural surroundings of the Lanrick estate, where Simon grew up. Built from timber from the estate to minimise carbon footprint, the treehouses seamlessly blend into their surroundings. They are powered by air source heat pumps for heating and hot water, while there are cosy log burning stoves (using wood from the estate) for the chillier seasons.... read more
Posted: 23 April 2021
10 of the best UK staycation properties
Holidaying at home can be just as exciting and much more relaxing than planning a trip overseas; and there's never been a better time to explore the cities and countryside on offer across the UK than now. Whether it's beautiful beaches, magical woodlands, rolling hills, or the remote wilderness; our wonderful island has it all and Staycation UK has a guide to 10 of the best UK staycation properties.... read more
Posted: 22 April 2021