HONEYMOON

Entre Cielos | Argentina

Honeymoon High Jinks

Villa Havens offers an intimate hideaway amid the comforts of a world-class hotel

BY BECCA HENSLEY

For dream holidays with friends, your go-to plan for years has been renting snazzy vacation houses to share for communal fun. So, when you sat down to devise your honeymoon a deux, he said: “Let’s get a house somewhere awesome.” You nodded — then frowned. “Wait a minute,” you said, coyly twisting his tie and pulling his face toward yours. “We’ll be living in a house for the rest of our lives. Let’s get a hotel.” A discussion ensued, which resulted in the perfect compromise: a house at a hotel. “That’s the best kind of house,” you said. “Butlers, private beaches, room service, intimate plunge pools. Now more than ever honeymooners have a penchant to hide away from everyone else — even when already traveling to a far flung corner of the world. Luckily, a slew of superlative haunts across the globe offer dazzling villas, each set apart from the rest of the resort, but completely supported by its coddling staff and accessible to its beguiling amenities. Try these New Orleans Bride-tested romantic roosts to sequester with style.

MYSTIQUE SANTORINI | GREECE

Sunsets get rave reviews in Santorini. But this Greek island, rimmed by a caldera and cobalt lagoon, also pulls gravitas for its mysterious connection to the legendary lost city of Atlantis. Feel the magic at Mystiques, a symphony of classic, curvy, white Cycladic architecture and Greek-style enchantment. With suites and villas hewed into the cliffs, like opulent caves, the hotel ensures couples can gape at panoramic views of the breathtaking Aegean Sea. Choose from three commodious villa options, each with private pool, complimentary champagne breakfast and personal fitness room. When not luxuriating in your suite, explore Oia, hike, sail around the island, gobble feta cheese and sample Greek wine.

ENTRE CIELOS | ARGENTINA

M is for marriage, Mendoza and Malbec, to that tremendous triad, add another group of three that start with V—vamping, villas and vineyards. To fulfil every oenophile’s fantasy, stay at boutique-y Entre Cielos Luxury Wine Hotel & Spa, a member of Small Luxury Hotels, located in the heart of the Argentine wine country. Here, bike paths beckon, as do vinotherapy treatments (think: wine baths), hot air balloon rides, lazy afternoon swims, yoga and picnics galore. Surrounded by 1200 vineyards, the hotel facilitates winemaker meet and greets and peerless tastings. Snuggle together in a vineyard Loft Suite Limited Edition, a stilt-footed, glass-walled, elegantly appointed bungalow that lords over the vines — complete with an outdoor tub.

Four Seasons Resort Bali At Jimbaran Bay | Bali Mandarin Oriental Canouan | Caribbean

Mystiques Santorini | Greece

MANDARIN ORIENTAL CANOUAN | CARIBBEAN

Vanish from the radar on tiny, hilly Canouan, part of St. Vincent and the Grenadines. Already intimate with just 26 suites and 13 villas, the swish Mandarin Oriental exudes barefoot elegance. Loll about on its pink sand beach, tee off at its Jim Fazio golf course or ascend by funicular to the mountain top to be massaged in an atmospheric wooden spa hut. Back at your hillside-ensconced Patio Villa, a vast haven, with sleek Italian-designed interiors and equipped with personal golf carts, sip a cold drink on your terrace, which seems to hover above the sea. Dinners can be set up by your butler in unique locations — such as a private island or on the 13th-hole of the golf course.

SAN YSIDRO RANCH | SANTA BARBARA, CA

Canoodle like John and Jacqueline Kennedy who honeymooned at this lair amongst swaths of southern California’s storied wine country. Alternatively, you could write a book as Winston Churchill did here or rest by the pool as Audrey Hepburn preferred — her iconic sunglasses in place. You get the picture. That could be the two of you, strolling beside the lilac and olive lined lanes, exploring the veritable acres of untrammeled terrain, smelling the sea from your cottage’s terrace. Splurge on the 2,000-square-foot Kennedy Cottage, replete with an immense courtyard and sigh-worthy ocean views. Known for exceptional dining, with 17 miles of hiking trails and in-room spa service, this luxe ranch can customize sunset sails, private yoga, sound meditation, wine tastings and more.

FOUR SEASONS RESORT BALI AT JIMBARAN BAY | BALI

Write your own rendition of “Eat, Pray, Love” in faraway Bali, a paradise of emerald-hued rice paddies, leafy jungles, fragrant flowers, playful monkeys, mystical temples and churning seas. Tuck into this legendary resort’s airy, stand-alone suites, each boasting such breathtaking extras as an outdoor tub surrounded by a private stone-walled garden and views of the unfathomably cobalt sea. Built to evoke a Balinese village of yore, the hotel pampers couples with extra touches, such as baths drawn with rose petals and incense, outdoor pools filled with flowers petals, dinner in the garden, breakfast floating on trays in the suite’s pool and indigenously designed spa treatments. Diversify at the resort’s other magical property near Ubud, Four Seasons Sayan, where the River Villas have rooftop meditation decks.

BANYAN HILL ESTATE | SEYCHELLES

In the exotic, impossible to imagine Seychelles, an archipelago in the Indian Ocean off the coast of East Africa, Fregate Island appears like a mirage. Here, sweethearts can take over not just their own villa, but their own peninsula. Banyan Hill Estate, with a private pool and plenty of space to play, includes private butler service. Be assured your assistant knows all the best places for sundowner cocktails and dinners al fresco. Activities, such as snorkeling, windsurfing, scuba diving and deep sea diving, fill sun-dappled days, while memorable conservation-oriented moments (think assisting with turtle hatchings) provide lovebirds with a sense of giving back to the locale.

ANDAZ SCOTTSDALE RESORT & BUNGALOWS | SCOTTSDALE, ARIZONA

Romance ignites in the dramatic desert terrain that surrounds vibrant Scottsdale. With otherworldly rock formations, crayon-box colorful sunsets, cacti as tall as human beings and plenty to do — from award-winning golf courses to cowboy adventures by horseback to dune driving — this western city has a notable gastronomic portfolio. Check into the buzzy Andaz, set on 23 acres near Camelback Mountain. It blends midcentury modern design with local art and culture to showcase its Sonoran Desert environs. Isolate blissfully in Albers House, a two-bedroom villa, stashed away from the rest of the resort in a section aptly called The Retreat. Soaking tubs, an outdoor shower and a fireplace await. b

bridal resources

TO HELP YOU WITH ALL YOUR WEDDING PLANNING NEEDS

12 Seasons Catering & Mr. Mudbug 131 23rd St., Kenner, 504-465-9770, catering@mmiculinary.com

Aroma Catering 400 E. William David Pkwy, Metairie, 504-833-2120, liz@aromanola.com, aromacateringnola.com

Backyard Printing (& Secondline Handkerchiefs) 1960 Surgi Drive, Mandeville, 985-231-7789, Backyardprinting@ gmail.com, Backyardprinting.com, Secondlinehandkerchiefs.com, Leslie McGoey

Balcony Ballroom 4738 Utica St., Metairie, 504-885-8001, info@balconyballroom.com

Beth’s Florist & New Orleans Wedding Planners 2014 Clearview Parkway, Metairie 504-455-2353, bethsflorist@gmail.com, bethsflowersonline.com

Bliss Bridal 4712 Magazine St., 504-592-7507, beablissbride.com, nola@beablissbride.com

Club Pilates 6001 Magazine St., New Orleans, 504-355-1898, clubpilates.com/uptown; 2077 N. Causeway Blvd, Madenville, 985807-1186, clubpilates.com/mandeville

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Court of Two Sisters 613 Royal St., New Orleans, 504.-522-7261, 504-352-3773, court2si@courtoftwosisters. com, MMorantez@courtoftwosisters.com

DAT BAND 504-872-3925, Booking@DatBandLA.com, DatBandLA.com David’s Bridal 4630 Veterans Blvd., Metairie, 504-770-6333, davidsbridal.com

Diamonds Direct New Orleans 3230 Severn Avenue Metairie, Olivia Harris, Marketing Manager oliviah@diamondsdirect.com 504-383-3900

Dickie Brennan & Co. 605 Canal St,, Restaurant directory: 504-274-1958, Palace Café: 504-523-1661, Dickie Brennan’s Steakhouse: 504-522-2467, Bourbon House: 504-522-0111, Tableau: 504-934-3463 Stephanie Aubrey, Sales Manager, 504-274-1806, Aubreys@dbcno.com

Dillard’s Bridal Registry 3301 Veterans Memorial Blvd #1, Metairie, 504-833-1075, dillards.com

Eau Claire Photographics 141 Robert E Lee Blvd #331, New Orleans 504-432-7879, eauclairephotographics. com

English Turn 504-392-2200, englishturn.com, Jessicak@ englishturn.com

Eye Wander Photo 7964 Goodwood Blvd, Suite A, Baton Rouge, 225-366-4567, eyewanderphoto.com

Gabby Chapin Photography gabby@gchapinstudios.com

Gem Printing Co. 504-834-9580, 504-831-1762, gem@ gemprinting.com, gemprinting.com

Generations Hall 310 Andrew Higgins Dr., New Orleans, 504-581-4367, sschulkens@aol.com, generationshall.com Fabulous Flowers LLC. By Appointment, New Orleans, 504-909-0253, fabulousflowers@cox.net, fabulousflowers.us Federal Ballroom New Orleans 147 Carondelet St., New Orleans, 504-587-2088, marketing@securitycenter. com, federalballroom.com

Harvie Live Wedding Paintings 1204 S. White St., New Orleans, 985-687-9106, info@harvieoilpaintings. com, harvieoilpaintings.com

Haydel’s Bakery 4037 Jefferson Hwy, Jefferson, 504-837-0190, 504-837-5512, cakes@ haydelbakery.com, haydelbakery.com

Higgins Hotel New Orleans 945 Magazine St., New Orleans, 504-528-1944, higginshotelnola.com

House of Broel’s Victorian Mansion and Gardens 2220 St. Charles Ave., New Orleans, 504-522-2220, 504-494-2220, info@houseofbroel.com, houseofbroel.com

I Do Bridal Couture 4265 Perkins Road, Baton Rouge, 225-361-0377, ramsey@idobridalcouture.com

Intercontinental New Orleans 444 St Charles Ave., New Orleans, 504-525-5566, Ihg.com

IRIS floral + event design studio irisfloral.com

John’s Tuxedos 3200 Houma Blvd., Metairie, 504-455-5353, johnstuxedos.com

Joe Gambino’s Bakeries 4821 Veterans Memorial Blvd., Metairie, 504-885-7500, email@gambinos.com, gambinos.com

‘KH’ Sugar Gallery Kimberly Hairston, 504-303-9454, Khsugargallery.com

Kim Starr Wise Floral Events 437 Philip St., New Orleans, 504-315-5607, kimstarrwise.com, fb: kimstarrwisefloralevents, instagram: kimstarrwise

Limousine Livery 4333 Euphrosine St., New Orleans, 504-561-8777,info@limolivery.com

Loews New Orleans Hotel 300 Poydras St., New Orleans, 504-595-5320, noheleadcoordinator@ loewshotels.com, loewshotels.com/ new-orleans/meetings/weddings

Magnifi-Scents with Melissa 425 Pine Street, Hahnville, 985-722-5711 merrington1980@yahoo.com

MS Wedding Events 405-473-8246, msevents700@gmail.com

New Orleans & Company 2020 St. Charles Ave., New Orleans Rachel Funel, Wedding Expert 504-566-5011, RFunel@NewOrleans.com

New Orleans Marriott and Sheraton New Orleans 555 Canal Street and 500 Canal St., New Orleans, Beth Tusa, 504-553-5571, Beth. Tusa@marriott.com

New Orleans Marriott Warehouse Arts District 859 Convention Center Blvd., New Orleans, 504-613 2888, Paige.Zerby@marriott.com, Ann Elise Lopez, 504.258.3976, annelise.lopez@ marriott.com

NOPSI Hotel, New Orleans 317 Baronne St., New Orleans, Pre Opening Executive Offices, 935 Gravier St., Suite 120, New Orleans, Colleen Page, Director of Catering, cpage@NOPSIhotel.com, Nicole Maxwell, nmaxwell@nopsihotel.com

Omni Royal Orleans Hotel 621 St. Louis St., New Orleans, 504-529-7022, omniroyalorleans.com Pearl’s Place 3114 Severn Ave., Metairie, 504-885-9213, pearlsplacebridal@gmail.com, pearlsplace.com Pontchartrain Hotel 2031 St. Charles Ave., New Orleans, 800-708-6652, thepontchartrainhotel.com

Rae Flowers Photography 3357 Castle Dr. Kenner, hello@raeflowers.com 504-914-5625

Renaissance Photo NOLA 504-228-7508, renaissancephotonola. com, Renaissancephotonola@gmail.com

Rome’s Tuxedos 3213 17th St., Metairie, 504-324-7227

Royal Palm 1901 Manhattan Blvd., Harvey laroyalpalmfpc.com, 504-644-4100

Royal Sonesta New Orleans 300 Bourbon St., New Orleans, 504-553-2205, rsnosales@sonesta.com

RZ Productions 504-975-0817, rzproductions.net, Cinematic Wedding Films

Smile Doctors SmileDoctors.com, 800-864-1582

Stacy Marks Photography 1025 N Hullen St., Metairie, 504-237-2173, stacymarkswed@gmail. com

Swiss Confectionery, Inc. 3700 Orleans Ave., New Orleans, 504-522-7788, mail@swisscakes.net, swisscakes.net

The Bridal Boutique by MaeMe 3331 Severn Ave., Metairie, 504-266-2771, maemebridal@gmail.com, mae-me.com

The Chicory 610 S. Peters, New Orleans, 504-521-8055, jenna@chicoryvenue.com, chicoryvenue.com

The Cocoa Bean Bakery & Café 910 E Morris Ave., Hammond, 985-345-2002, thecocoabeanbakery.org The Court of Two Sisters 613 Royal St., New Orleans, 504-352-3773 MMorantez@courtoftwosisters.com

The Pearl Room 2310 Hickory Ave., Harahan, 504-737-0604, mredsrestaurants.com

The Plant Gallery 9401 Airline Highway, New Orleans, 504-488-8887, theplantgallery.com kenny@theplantgallery.com

The Sweet Life Bakery 6268 Vicksburg St., New Orleans, 504-371-5153, 516 veterans Blvd., Metairie, info@nolasweetlofe.com, nolasweetlife.com

The Moore 5616 Citrus Blvd. New Orleans, 504-737-1300, themoorevenue.com

Town & Country Travel Inc 110 Veterans Blvd. Suite 180A Metairie, 504-838-8702, tctvl@bellsouth.net, townandcountrytravelinc.com

Tres Bien Photography 504-534-8737, tresbienphotovideo.com

Tuxedos To Geaux 3400 16th St., Metairie, 504-455-5393, Tuxedostogeaux@gmail.com, Tuxedostogeaux.com

Up’Sa Daisy Hair Salon 3363 Severn Ave., Metairie, 504-888-8466

Your Day Production Wedding Videographers yourdayproduction.com, weddings@yourdayproduction.com, 504-273-0005, New Orleans; 985-227-4579, Houma/Thibodaux •