Romantic
A Guide to
Scrub Island Resort, Spa & Marina
Escapes
Wedding-Centric Travel
When planning your wedding journey, the destinations you choose play a pivotal role in creating lifelong memories. From dreamy engagements to bachelorette parties, intimate destination weddings and picture-perfect honeymoons, every step is an opportunity for adventure and romance. Here’s a curated guide to some of the world’s most enchanting venues and locales to make every moment of your wedding experience unforgettable.
BY CHRISTIANA ROUSSEL
Photos by Taylor Heery, Hotel Esencia, Agile LeVin/Visit Turks & Caicos, Matthew Millman, Scrub Island Resort, Spa & Marina, The Ansonborough & Contributed
Engagements: Perfect Backdrops for the Proposal
Hotel Esencia, Riviera Maya, Mexico hotelesencia.com
Nestled along the pristine shores of the Riviera Maya, Hotel Esencia offers a mix of lush, tropical gardens and breathtaking beachfront views. Emily West, luxury travel advisor (emilywesttravel.com) shares, “Esencia still feels like a private home oasis — exclusive and tailored to perfection. Many of the items throughout the resort’s common areas are the original art and decor from when Esencia was a private residence for a dutchess of the Ferrari family.” Propose under the stars with a private dinner on the beach or amidst the estate’s lush greenery for an intimate moment.
Les Roches Rouges, Côte d’Azur, France
beaumier.com/en/properties/les-roches-rougeshotel/
Set along the French Riviera, this boutique hotel is a slice of Mediterranean paradise. Imagine popping the question on a terrace overlooking the Azure Sea, followed by champagne at sunset.
The Madrona, Healdsburg, California themadronahotel.com
This meticulously restored Victorian mansion in Sonoma County combines wine country charm with sophisticated luxury. The gardens provide an idyllic setting for a vineyard-side proposal.
The Madrona
Hotel Esencia
Bridesmaid & Groomsmen
Getaways:
Bonding Before the Big Day
Casa Rosada, Sayulita, Mexico casarosadasayulita.com
For a laid-back yet vibrant escape, Casa Rosada is perfect. With its boho-chic vibes, colorful streets and surf-town atmosphere, Sayulita is ideal for bonding over surf lessons, beach parties and margaritas. Emily adds, “It feels like a Barbie dream house meets Moroccan flair, and you can sleep up to 14. The attention to detail with 24/7 staff makes this unparalleled for morning private yoga, sailing or themed dinner parties.”
The Horse Shoe Farm, Hendersonville, North Carolina thehorseshoefarm.com
Owned and operated by the Turchin family, The Horse Shoe Farm can best be described as Southern Hospitality with a side of woo-woo. Brides and their bridesmaids can spend an afternoon in the Stable Spa getting facials and having tarot cards read. Then they can take the steps to the top of the silo for a moment of reflection (bring your Sharpie to add a great quote to the walls), or indulge in meditation or other wellness sessions.
Vermejo Reserve, New Mexico, USA
tedturnerreserves.com/vermejo/
For the adventurous group, this sprawling reserve offers activities like fly fishing, hiking and wildlife safaris. It’s a nature-lover’s paradise, with plenty of opportunities for camaraderie around a roaring fire. Emily notes, “Personally, I think one of the best parts of the resort is that it’s all-inclusive, including meals, activities, alcohol and transportation around the property. In terms of value, it exceeds expectations while remaining approachable and giving guys opportunities for quality time and activities together.”
The Ansonborough, Charleston, South Carolina
theansonborough.com
For guys’ groups looking to enjoy a bit of everything on their “mancation,” The Ansonborough is an ideal home base. Originally built in 1901 as a stationer’s warehouse in the city’s oldest neighborhood, the hotel is just a short stroll to the best restaurants, activities, historic sites and nightlife Charleston has to offer. Make sure to check out the hidden poker room as well as the Rooftop Garden overlooking the harbor.
The Horse Shoe Farm
The Ansonborough
HIT THE ROAD
Destination
Weddings: Where Dreams Become Reality
Borgo San Felice, Tuscany, Italy borgosanfelice.com
A medieval village-turned-luxury retreat, Borgo San Felice is the epitome of Tuscan romance. Exchange vows amidst vineyards and olive groves, then feast on farm-to-table Italian cuisine under the stars.
Palmetto Bluff, Bluffton, South Carolina palmettobluff.com/stay/
This sprawling, lowcountry estate offers a mix of Southern charm and upscale elegance. Choose from a waterside chapel or an oak-draped lawn
Tips for Planning
Your Wedding Journey
AStart Early
Popular destinations book quickly, especially for weddings. Reserve your venue and accommodations as soon as possible.
AHire Local Experts
Enlist local planners or concierges to help with logistics and ensure everything runs smoothly.
AThink About Accessibility
Make sure your chosen location is easy for guests to reach, especially if hosting a destination wedding.
ABlend Activities
Opt for destinations offering a mix of relaxation and adventure to cater to diverse tastes within your party.
APersonalize Your Experience
Incorporate local traditions, foods or music to make your event unique and memorable.
Whether you’re planning an elaborate destination wedding or an intimate honeymoon, these destinations promise unparalleled beauty, romance and luxury. With the right planning, your wedding journey will not only celebrate your love, but it will also leave you with memories to cherish forever.
for your ceremony, followed by a reception featuring local oysters and bourbon cocktails. And yes, this is where Justin and Hailey Bieber tied the knot.
Le Toiny, St. Barth letoiny.com
For those dreaming of a Caribbean escape, Le Toiny offers exclusivity and unparalleled beauty. Picture a cliffside ceremony overlooking turquoise waters and a private beach reception under the moonlight.
Scrub Island, British Virgin Islands scrubisland.com
Whether it is an intimate ceremony on a pristine beach, a cliff-side union with a commanding view of the turquoise waters or an elegant affair in the largest ballroom in the British Virgin Islands, Scrub Island Resort, Spa & Marina is the perfect setting for a stunning destination wedding. It offers a variety of settings for an exotic wedding ceremony.
Scrub Island Resort, Spa & Marina
Honeymoons: Starting Forever in Style
Cap Juluca, Anguilla belmond.com/hotels/north-america/caribbean/ anguilla/belmond-cap-juluca/
With its white-sand beaches and Greco-Moorish architecture, Cap Juluca feels like stepping into a dream. Spend your days lounging by the crystal-clear waters and your nights savoring Caribbean cuisine.
Ambergris Cay, Turks & Caicos ambergriscay.com
For ultimate seclusion, Ambergris Cay offers private villas with infinity pools overlooking the ocean. Activities such as snorkeling, sailing and fine dining ensure your honeymoon is as relaxing or adventurous as you desire.
Amangiri, Canyon Point, Utah aman.com/resorts/amangiri
Situated on the Colorado Plateau, Amangiri is the essence of luxury while still featuring easy access to three national parks: Zion, Grand Canyon and Bryce Canyon. Book a hot air balloon ride or a private helicopter tour to embark on your life together, or spend your afternoons at the spa for true desert wellness.
Turks & Caicos