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Will travel for love

The destination wedding marketplace is valued at a whopping $80 billion, representing 27 per cent of the total global wedding industry. We pick out the top destinations for outbound Middle Eastern weddings this year for your clients
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Flower power at Centara Grand Beach Resort & Villas Krabi

Interesting trends have emerged during the recently concluded Annual Destination Wedding Planners (DWP) Congress in Florence, Italy, organised by Dubai-based QnA International.

The global destination wedding industry is estimated at $80 billion, representing 27 per cent of the global wedding industry, which is valued at $298 billion.

The biggest market contributing to the destination wedding industry is North America, which contributes a whopping 30 per cent or $24 billion to the market. The next big contributor is Asia, contributing 22 per cent or $17.6 billion, followed by Europe’s 20 per cent or $16.0 billion and South America’s 12 per cent or $9.6 billion. Australia contributes 6 per cent or $4.8 billion, and the Middle East and Africa contribute 5 per cent or $4 billion each respectively.

The UAE and Turkey have been recognised as leading destinations for couples from Middle East and Africa, followed by Lebanon, UK, France, Saudi Arabia, and Morocco. Interestingly, emerging wedding destinations for couples from the region include Greece, Czech Republic, Thailand, Spain, Italy and South Africa.

We pick out the top choice in the emerging and established wedding destinations for you.


CENTARA GRAND BEACH RESORT & VILLAS KRABI

Thailand

Complete with sweeping views of the towering limestone cliffs and calm, pure seas, this property has large villas with the choice of private swimming pool or outdoor Jacuzzi. The resort has everything that a couple and their wedding guests would be looking for from a variety of dining options to the luxury, award winning spa, SPA Canvaree, home of the Honeymoon Suites, some of the largest in Thailand. These suites provide the full spa experience in the privacy of one room.

Experience a Thai style Buddhist wedding or a Western (non-religious) ceremony with a variety of indoor and outdoor themed set-ups to choose from. The price tag is a bargain at THB115,000 ($3,225) inclusive of tax and service charges, valid until December 31, 2018.

Wedding package includes briefing with personal wedding coordinator, one-hour relaxing massage for the couple, bespoke floral arrangements for in-house guests and wedding venue, bridal bouquet and corsage for the groom, wedding cake, sparkling wine for toasting, a romantic candlelit set dinner for the bride and groom (exclusive of beverage), anniversary gift of a complimentary two-night stay in a Deluxe Ocean Facing room including daily breakfast for two and one private beachfront dinner for two (exclusive of beverages).

The Thai wedding ceremony also includes a Buddhist ceremony, striking Thai traditional long drum parade, wishing dance ceremony, Thai water blessing, fragrant neck garlands for the bride and groom, donation and offerings to the monks and temple attendants including Sung Katarn

A variety of thoughtful extras, available at a surcharge, are wedding registration, a private speedboat trip to romantic islands, wedding photography and videography, make-up and hairdressing, and food and beverage options for guests.


ONE & ONLY CAPE TOWN

South Africa

One&Only Cape Town is an oasis of elegance amidst the vibrant playground of one of the world’s most fascinating cities. Located in the heart of the Victoria & Alfred Waterfront, One&Only Cape Town offers an array of attractive wedding venues, South African and international cuisine, and an unprecedented level of luxury and service. And if you needed some last-minute advice, the property also has a special Wedding Concierge team handy.

The resort offers beautifully appointed venues for life's most memorable occasion.

Cruise away with One & Only Cape Town

For a grand wedding, the Ballroom is the ideal venue. Large and versatile, it can accommodate from 50 to 120 people for a breakfast, lunch or dinner wedding reception, including a dance floor. Cocktail wedding celebrations can be held for up to 250 people.

Or cruise along the Atlantic Coast with dolphins and drop anchor in the still waters of Clifton Beach whilst saying your vows as the African sun sets. Sip on French bubbles and enjoy the culinary delights prepared by One&Only Cape Town's chefs on-board a beautiful Italian yacht or Catamaran. Ideal for an intimate wedding shared with close friends and relatives.

The intimate wedding package starting from R13,200 ($845) includes initial and follow-up meetings with the resort’s wedding consultant, the wedding ceremony, which will take place under the gazebo on the resort’s jetty with Table Mountain in the background, a bouquet of African indigenous flowers for the bride and a buttonhole for the groom, a romantic rose petal turndown and a bottle of Graham Beck Brut, initial interview with the resort’s interdenominational minister explaining all protocols, and wedding cake.


FOUR SEASONS HOTEL PRAGUE

Czech Republic

Prague’s most glamorous weddings unfold in true luxury – where centuries of architecture provide the backdrop for stellar Four Seasons cuisine and personalised care. In this most desirable Old Town location, at the edge of the Vltava River, romantic magic is woven with fairy-tale views of the Charles Bridge and Prague Castle. The spacious main ballroom flows outdoors to a riverside terrace, while the Baroque ballroom offers sunlit 16th-century beauty.

From invitations to wedding cakes, floral creations to memorable farewells, Four Seasons simplifies planning. The hotel can make its banquet spaces, or its outdoor terraces with their riverside view of Prague's principal landmarks, available for photography. Four Seasons will provide a list of recommended vendors to coordinate the paperwork required, work with the couple on flower designs, cakes, menu, linens and table-top décor as well as salon and spa services.


GRAND HOTEL TREMEZZO LAKE COMO

Italy

Grand Hotel Tremezzo, located on beautiful Lake Como in Italy, is one of Europe’s most scenic wedding destinations. With never-ending views out across the water disturbed only by the rose-tinted Grigne Mountains and picturesque town of Bellagio, there has never been a place that is more romantic or special, than here.

Grand Hotel Tremezzo Lake Como

A genuine Grand Hotel, the renowned palace is steeped in history and a sense of mellow luxury, the timeless elegance of both its setting and art nouveau design is the perfect backdrop for cherished wedding photos. Built in 1910, Grand Hotel Tremezzo directly faces the lake and boasts a unique location that combines both exclusivity and proximity, being just an hour’s drive from Milan.

La Terrazza restaurant is a versatile open-air or indoor function space ideal for receptions of up to 80 guests (60 seated) whereas the elegant and eclectic Sala Regina provides a more traditional and private option catering for up to 110 standing and 40 seated guests. The formal reception can also be preceded by an exclusive cocktail event at T Beach or an excitable after party at L’Escale with its striking al fresco veranda, making for the perfect conclusion to your Lake Como wedding.

With 90 rooms and suites at Grand Hotel Tremezzo your entire party of guests can stay in luxury accommodation while newlyweds can enjoy the Honeymoon Suite Maria or one of the eight newly appointed lavish Rooftop Suites with their own panoramic terrace and outdoor Jacuzzi.

Blessing ceremonies can take place at neighbouring Villa Carlotta or Villa Balbianello, two of the most outstanding villas on Lake Como and reached by Ruy, Grand Hotel Tremezzo’s very own period Venetian boat for one of the most magical weddings possible.


GRACE SANTORINI

Greece

Luxury boutique group Grace Hotels’ Grace Santorini just opened last month in Santorini after undergoing extensive enhancements. Santorini has been a romantic getaway for generations, and weddings are expected to be quite popular with this newly refurbished property.

Grace Santorini is an exclusive boutique hotel set on the hillside at Imerovigli, a peaceful village on the northwest coast, with traditional white houses carved into the rock face. It sits 300 meters above the Caldera, a deep basin formed by the volcano sinking into the sea during 1500 BC.

The hotel’s complete renovation provides guests with a significantly upgraded experience, while retaining the intimacy it has become synonymous with. Innovative design, a new lounge, an extensively expanded culinary experience, and a holistic approach for enriched luxury wellness, will reinforce Grace Santorini as one of the world’s top luxury boutique hotels.

Two new suites with private plunge pools and terraces, together with a new full service spa offering a wide range of wellness treatments to complement the yoga, Pilates and fitness areas, will open in 2017.


THE ADDRESS MONTGOMERIE DUBAI

UAE

The lush emerald greens of The Address Montgomerie Dubai, make a natural set-up for a wonderful wedding celebration. More than 265 acres of golfing fairways, gardens and lakes look toward the Dubai skyline at this boutique resort. Set in the heart of the prestigious Emirates Hills, the 18-hole championship golf course, designed by Colin Montgomerie, and five-star, award winning accommodation are regarded as the premier leisure destination in the Middle East.

Avid golfers, leisure seekers and connoisseurs of the finer things in life will find a range of services and facilities to meet their individual desires.


EMIRATES PALACE ABU DHABI

UAE

At Emirates Palace, wedding dreams will become reality. Where royal weddings are the signature, the talented team of professionals promises to plan your perfect wedding. Inspiration is found in every corner of the breath-taking grounds of the palace, from the glimmering ocean to the ceilings adorned in gold.

Wedding parties can start from 30 to 2,000 guests, space is not an issue at this hotel. Create your magical space under the stars in one of the many outdoor Gazebos, on the beach with the breath-taking backdrop of the illuminated Palace, or within the regal glamour of the spacious Ballroom. With a selection of indoor and outdoor venues, there is nothing like a Palace wedding.

By Rashi Sen

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