Private Island Destination Weddings

The question has been popped and the answer is an astounding yes. However, planning your dream wedding is not an easy task. You will want everything to be perfect down to the last detail and one of the most important elements is definitely the venue. If you’re seeking an exceptional venue that’s personal, intimate and original, you’ll definitely be tempted by one of these phenomenal private islands.

Isola Santa Cristina – Venetian Lagoon, Italy

Hidden in the Venetian Lagoon, the private Santa Cristina island by Siglinde Fischer / Charming Places is a sublimely romantic venue for a small destination wedding, especially with its ancient stone chapel for the ceremony and its proximity to possibly the most romantic city in the world: Venice.

The island is a 10-minute boat drive to Burano and Torcello and a 25-minute ride to Venice. Santa Cristina provides absolute privacy being completely surrounded by the waters of the lagoon. This, coupled with its nature beauty, provide a relaxing and magical atmosphere to celebrate your special day. A laneway bordered by cypresses leads to a tiny centuries’ old chapel. Alternatively, the stunning pool area can also be set up for a romantic ceremony or you may decide to pledge your vows instead right next to the lagoon with views of Burano, Venice and the setting sun.

The newly renovated villa sleeps 16 in two suites, five double bedrooms and two single bed rooms (all with ensuite bathrooms). The rooms have been decorated in a very inviting, light, Mediterranean style. If you have a larger guest list, accommodation for your other guests can be provided in nearby hotels.

Gather with your guests on the terrace, with its own open fireplace, an extension to the spacious living room and the lush tropical gardens. A menu of fine Venetian cuisine can be arranged by Isola Cristina or you can bring in an outside caterer. They can also organize entertainment by local classical musicians or contemporary bands and DJs.

Once the wedding is over and the guests have gone, the island is the ideal love nest for your honeymoon, with no disruptions except the local birds of the lagoon.

To say yes in this Venetian romantic haven, contact Isola Cristina via Siglinde Fischer / Charming Places here.

Calivigny – offshore of Grenada, Caribbean

There are many beautiful islands in the Caribbean, but you can have the gorgeous Calivigny Island, just off of Grenada, all to yourselves to tie the knot with an intimate group of friends and family.

Available through Villa Concierge, the 81-acre private island, boasting six white sand beaches and can accommodate up to 50 guests in two private residences and three beachside cottages. The graceful yet vast Calivigny Island Beach House, with nearly 140,000 square feet (13000 square meters) of living space, blends Balinese influence with French Colonial design. The residence offers 10 spacious bedroom suites, various dining areas both formal and casual, a massive rotunda roofed salon with floor to ceiling windows all around, idea for a wedding reception.

The Overhang House takes advantage of Atlantic ocean views on one side, and the Caribbean on the other, and boasts direct beach access. Contemporary furnishings and interiors by Christopher Guy mark this private island residence. A heated freshwater pool, a beach bar and beach kitchen, indoor and outdoor dining and lounging areas, full kitchen, and an ample pool terrace with 360 degree views. The Overhang House hosts nine bedroom suites.

The three two bedroom beach cottages also provide direct beach access. Each cottage boasts a living area, mini-kitchen, two spacious ensuite bedrooms, spacious terraces for outdoor dining and lounging and an outdoor jacuzzi.

Calivigny Island is fully staffed; including private chefs to create memorable dining experiences from your special wedding night dinner to beachside picnics and anything in between. A great holiday will be had by all guests with the various activities right on the island as well as access to several watercraft including a 44 ft. Hinckly a 27 ft. Boston whaler a 38 ft. Munson Landing Craft and VideoRay RVO submarine, jet skis, bikes, quads and more.

Start planning your perfect Caribbean destination wedding by reaching out to Villa Concierge at this link.

Punta Pájaros Island – Yucatan Peninsula, Mexico 

Across the Caribbean, Catherwood Travels have an extraordinary private island off one of the world’s most beautiful coastlines: breathtaking Punta Pájaros island nestled off the coast of Mexico’s Yucatan Peninsula. It’s found within the Sian Ka’an Biosphere Reserve, a 1.3 million acre UN World Heritage Site, making it the perfect destination for nature and beach lovers.

Punta Pájaros’s properties offer understated elegance, a perfect blend of beach informality and all the comforts sophisticated travelers demand. These include three separate guest properties: Casa Blanca Lodge, Playa Blanca, and Casa Redonda which combined accommodate up to 52 guests. Casa Blanca has ten seaside rooms and can accommodate twenty-two people. On the same property is the smaller Casa Redonda for groups of four to six people or it could be ideal for the bride and groom. It has two large private suites with oversized private baths, a full service kitchen and a large water view living & dining area. Casa Redonda has a spectacular waterfront deck overlooking the Caribbean. Ten miles along the Island’s coast is the Playa Blanca Lodge which features seven large duplex cabanas, sleeping 14, spaced among the palms near the beach. The main lodge building has a deep-set covered porch, perfect for reading and relaxing, as well as a rooftop sanctuary for stargazing.

The islands offers almost infinite activities on land and water. Explore its two archaeological sites, tunnel through mangrove forests by kayak or canoe, tour the island on a bicycle or in a launch, or try your hand at the island’s world-famous fly-fishing. The sanctuary’s dozens of animal and bird-life species mean there’s something new to see on every outing. All the while, exquisite white-sand beaches make for great swimming and sunning. The island’s coral reef, the second most pristine on the entire planet, means unbelievable scuba diving.

Whether you’re lounging on the beach or plunging to the deeps of the crystal waters, you’ll have the beauty of Punta Pájaros all to yourselves for this trip of a lifetime.

Check availability for Punta Pájaros via Catherwood Travels here.

Vamizi Island – Mozambique 

For serious beach lovers looking to commemorate their love on an endless, pristine, powder-white sandy beach, then look no further than cazenove+loyd’s Vamizi Private Island, a hidden romantic treasure in the Indian Ocean.

Found on a remote island in the Quirimbas Archipelago in Northern Mozambique, Vamizi is surrounded by dramatic coral reefs and requires a private charter to get there from Pemba on the mainland. The decor is chic and simple with hints of Arabia.

This spectacular island retreat can accommodate 60-70 guests, the six romantic beachfront villas are big, bold and beautiful and sleep between 10 and 12 people each. Each villa comes fully staffed, including a host and chef, giving you total flexibility.

Guests can take part in a host of marine and land activities including kayaking, dinghy sailing, deep-sea fishing, whale watching, birding and guided nature walks and of course snorkeling over the amazing coral reefs or be exquisitely pampered with an array of spa treatments.

Fall in love a second time during your wedding and honeymoon at this stunning island by contacting cazenove+loyd today.

Amilla Fushi – The Maldives

Celebrate the union of your love at the most beautiful and picturesque destinations in the world in the whole world: the private island of Amilla Fushi in the Maldives. The exclusive resort also has some carefully created wedding packages that make your trip to this island home completely unforgettable.

Located in breathtaking Baa Atoll, one of the 26 natural atolls in Indian Ocean and a UNESCO declared World Biosphere Reserve, Amilla Fushi is only a 30-minute seaplane ride from Malé International Airport. The private island resort is made up of stunning and spacious residences each with a private sanctuaries that either hover over shimmering waters, cling to the treetops, or hug the shores of pristine white sand.

Amilla’s eight Beach Residences, which have four, six or eight bedrooms, are extremely well suited for destination weddings to accommodate families or groups of friends traveling together. They are sleek and comfortable featuring individual pools, fully equipped kitchens, and expansive living spaces. The 59 one and two bedroom houses sleep 130 and are have various locations along the lagoon, beach, ocean reef as well as the unique wellness treehouse.

Their attentive staff can take care of every detail of your wedding from hair and makeup to flower arrangements and from a decorated wedding buggy to a Maldivian blessing at the ceremony. Then after the big day, newlyweds can enjoy an unforgettable private dinner on the beach, a romantic sunset cruise while sipping the finest champagne or experience an elegant and unique, over the water dining experience with breathtaking ocean views.

With so much to discover at Amilla Fushi, activities are abundant and will have you diving in the resorts’ own Blue Hole, snorkeling with manta rays and white sharks at Hanifaru Bay or enjoying a cheese and wine tasting evening to name a few. Or spend a day or two focusing on your wellbeing at their amazing Javvu Spa which provides a variety of treatments and programs including the innovative Bodyism system.

For more information on Amilla Fushi’s wedding packages, see their profile here.

Vatuvara Private Islands – Fiji

If you’ve always dreamt of getting married in paradise, your dreams will come true at Vatuvara Private Islands. What could be more romantic than a desert island lost in the South Pacific?

Situated in Fiji’s pristine northern Lau waters on Kaibu Island, guests have a completely secluded romantic refuge. The island features three luxurious one-bedroom villas which is an excellent match for a no-fuss escape with a select set of friends or family. Additional accommodation can be arranged on nearby islands.

Each villa features elegant South Seas furnishings, an extra-large king bed with a double vanity ensuite, a lounge with flat screen satellite television, apple tv, Wi-Fi, kitchen, stocked bar and wine fridge, additional bathroom, library with computer, and indoor spa with Jacuzzi. Outside you can relax on your private veranda with an infinity bionized heated pool surrounded by lush local vegetation. A garden path leads to a private beach, dining gazebo, activities and outdoor shower facilities.

You can exchange your vows directly on one of pristine white sand beaches and the endless turquoise waters of the Pacific and enough a generous candlelit feast of succulent seafood and freshly grown organic fruits and vegetables.

If you can remove yourselves from the beach, a number of activities beckon like diving over one of the world’s best-preserved coral reefs, boat trips, hiking, teeing off on their 4-hole golf course or trekking through the tropical jungle to discover the red-prawn caves.

Learn more about organizing your Robinson Crusoe ultra private wedding on Vatuvara Private Islands at this link.

A honeymoon is your trip of a lifetime, however, with so many exceptional destinations around the world, deciding where to take this epic vacation is far from easy. Your selection can be facilitated by focusing in on a specific part of the world, like the Asia-Pacific. With its immense cultural diversity, fascinating historic sites, mouth-watering cuisine and phenomenally romantic settings, the region has something for all tastes and interests. Here are some of our favorites across the area to help you plan an exotic and heavenly honeymoon.

Koh Samui – Thailand

From north to south, Thailand’s cultural richness and natural beauty make it a marvelous and multifaceted honeymoon destination. No day of your trip will be the same as you wander through colorful temples, treasure hunt at vibrant markets, swim with schools of exotic fish, sample authentic Thai cuisine and lounge under seaside palm trees. All these pleasures can be experienced to their fullest on one of Thailand’s breathtaking islands such as Koh Samui, off the country’s eastern coast in the Gulf of Thailand.

The best couple’s resort on Koh Samui is Samujana, Thailand’s most luxurious boutique villa estate. The expansive property offers guests uncompromised privacy and service while boasting a prestigious hilltop location just a few minutes’ drive from Samui International Airport. Each of the unique, individually designed villas has spectacular panoramic sea views and private beach access. Enjoy over-sized infinity pools, fully equipped kitchens, landscaped garden areas, private in-villa dining options as well as private activities from yoga to Muay Thai boxing.

With exclusive access to Koh Samui’s finest services, couples can indulge in romantic activities like a sunset dinner prepared by the head chef of the island’s most illustrious restaurant, a private champagne catamaran excursion or a luxurious spa afternoon catered to by an expert therapist. If you can manage to tear yourself away from the beautiful estate, you can take in the island’s temples, markets, elephant experiences and a variety of sports from fishing to zip-lining and from hiking to ATV safaris.

Baa Atoll – The Maldives

Over one thousand coral islands, miles of untouched sandy beaches and endless aquamarine waters, The Maldives are a honeymooner’s paradise. It’s hard to find a more romantic setting for couples wanting to escape the crowds often found at coastal destinations. Here you’ll be able to spend your days relaxing on its deserted beaches, boating around nearby islands, snorkeling above the reefs and pampering yourselves with private spa treatments.

One of the archipelago’s most luxurious resorts is Amilla Fushi. Located in Baa Atoll, a UNESCO World Biosphere Reserve, it’s only a 30-minute seaplane ride from Malé International Airport. It has spacious, designer private homes featuring private sanctuaries that either hover over crystal waters or are nestled among the treetops which add a unique dimension to your romantic break. You can dine privately at your villa or in one of the resort’s five restaurants. Explore the area on by taking a private excursion to sandbanks or to see dolphins, or spend a day (or more) relaxing at their renowned Javvu Spa, where its range of treatments include several specific designed for couples.

Honeymooners can take advantage of their “Time for Two” package. It includes daily breakfasts, one unforgettable private dinner by the beach, a romantic sunset champagne cruise and a special “romantic turn down” in your room. In addition, if you stay a minimum of three nights in an Ocean Lagoon, Ocean Reef or One Bedroom Beach House you will receive a 20% discount on your room rate.

Irrawaddy River – Myanmar

Since its recent political openness, Myanmar has become the ideal destination for adventurous couples. Even if tourism is gradually picking up, it is still largely uncharted territory where you can admire ancient pagodas without throngs of camera-wielding tourists, boat past typical fishing villages on spectacular Lake Inle, experience authentic interactions with local tribes and end your trip on the deserted beaches of the south coast.

A unique and intimate way to discover Myanmar is by taking a cruise on one of Amara River’s private teak river boats. Normally for up to 10 or 14 passengers, you can charter the boat just for two and have the exclusive attention of their professional and friendly staff. The traditional wooden boats were custom built and outfitted with modern luxury amenities. The front cabin is set up as a “honeymoon suite” and couples can view the riverbank sites from the upper deck which has a canopied dining area, a bar and a sun deck with colonial style deck chairs.

The boat can take several routes, though the best for a honeymoon is a six-day trip starting in the north in Mandalay and traveling south to Bamaw. A honeymoon cruise will likely include some romantic surprises. You might find your dinner table decorated with flowers and candles, be brought breakfast in bed or relax over a couple’s massage on the deck. Off the boat, couples can do special activities like having an exchange of vows ceremony in a temple at sunset or a breathtaking hot air balloon ride over Bagan.

Bali – Indonesia

The magical Indonesian island of Bali is a sublime setting for an enchanting honeymoon. You’ll be seduced by the tranquility of its Hindu temples, the flashing colors of its intricate dancers and the rhythms of the waves crashing against its stunning shorelines. Release your stress over yoga on an outdoor patio, bike through graceful rice fields, hike to the top of lush volcanoes and swim in warm blue waters before closing the day on the beach with a feast of delicious local specialties accompanied by a traditional music performance.

Enjoy the cultural and natural splendors of Bali in the comfort of your private hotel at Luna2. The first true design hotel on the island, this beachfront boutique in sophisticated Seminyak has been deemed one of the “World’s Top 10 Hottest Hotels” by Tatler Magazine Hong Kong. Opened in 2007, and named after the first spacecraft to successfully land on the moon in the late-1950s, its unique design and philosophy unites the past, present and future. You will find this inside with beautiful contemporary furnishings and artwork, and outside with a sleek private pool area and direct beach access.

As a private hotel, you are treated to the impeccable services of an exclusive hotel with the intimate setting of your own “home.” Its dedicated 20-person staff ensures you have the ultimate out-of-this-world stay. Dine on the top international cuisine of its specially designed menu of “Lunafood” and make the most of the range of in and out-of-house activities and spa treatments.

Vatuvara Private Islands – Fiji

If you want to be get away from it all and spend quality time alone with your new bride or groom, there’s no better place than Fiji. Perfectly positioned for total privacy between Tahiti and Australia, this volcanic archipelago features over 300 awe-inspiring islands, around a third of which are uninhabited. Discover lush mountains, peaceful valleys, and unspoiled sandy coves. Its year-round tropical climate, with reliably long sunny days and warm evenings, means you can vacation here any time of year. If offers more than lounging around on the beach – not that there is anything wrong with that especially on honeymoon – active travelers can partake in a variety of sports like snorkeling, diving, surfing, deep-sea fishing and mountain trekking.

Experience your own Robinson Crusoe lost paradise on Vatuvara Private Islands. Hidden in Fiji’s pristine northern Lau waters on Kaibu Island, it is only accessible by the resort’s private airplane. With only three private villas you have the utmost luxurious privacy, you can also opt for an exclusive island buyout to have the whole island to yourselves.

The villas combine Fijian style and contemporary comfort. The one-bedroom villas each feature a large en-suite, fully equipped kitchen, indoor dining and living room area, dedicated villa spa, tropical courtyard and bionized heated pools, as well as indoor and outdoor showers. Each stay is custom-designed to your travel preferences and can include a day of pampering bliss with massages and treatments, exploring abandoned villages, boating the shimmering aquamarine lagoons, or topping your trip off with a champagne evening picnic under the stars.

Contact Vatuvara about this exclusive experience at this link.

Our UltraVilla experts are constantly innovating, discovering exceptional new properties and filling us in on exclusive special offers on the world’s best luxury villas and apartments. From enjoying springtime in Paris and London to escaping from big city buzz in the Maldives and Montana, here’s this month’s inside scoop.

The Perfect Luxury Experience with Paris Perfect

One of our France experts, Paris Perfect, has just added a fantastic new address in one of the city’s loveliest squares: Place Dauphine. Situated at the tip of Ile de la Cité, within minutes walking distance from Notre Dame, Saint Germain, the Louvre and other main attractions, it’s the ideal location for exploring the city.

Two years of extensive renovations were carried out on the building to create a five-star luxury experience. It features a ground level studio apartment, four one-bedroom apartments and two extraordinary one-bedroom apartments that are duplexes with balconies overlooking Place Dauphine.

For a limited time they are offering guests who stay between April 12 and May 30, 2016 a 20% discount! (minimum 5 night booking required). To find out more information about Paris Perfect and to request a booking click here.

Your Own Parisian Haven with Haven in Paris

We stay on in Paris with the fabulous May deals by our experts at Haven in Paris. Springtime is one of the most magical times to visit the city. Many of their apartments are situated near one of the city’s lovely parks, like their Monceau apartment in the photo above.

This elegant two bedroom/two bathroom, a short walk from the famous Parc Monceau is the perfect pied à terre. You can take advantage of great last minute deals on this and their other fabulous Paris apartments for any bookings for the month of May. 

Mountain Magic with Montana Homes’s New Grizzly Creek

Across the world and far from the hustle and bustle of the city, Montana Homes has just added a wonderful new property: Grizzly Creek Ranch. Located in a breathtaking and ultra-private wilderness location at the edge of Yellowstone National Park, Grizzly Creek Ranch is a classy and comfortable retreat for up to 30 guests. This is the first time this exquisite property has been available and there is nothing else like it in the Rocky Mountain West.

Guests have exclusive use of six homes, a fabulous dining and event hall, a recreation barn, yoga and massage cabin, and the 2,000 acre ranch. Guided hiking on the ranch, campouts for the kids and meals prepared by a private chef are included. They can arrange a variety of add-on private activities such as Yellowstone Park tours, fly fishing instruction, river rafting, and on-site yoga and massage. It is also a unique venue for weddings and other events for groups of up to 100. For further information and booking, see Mountain Homes profile here.

The Ultimate Spa in the Maldives at Amilla Fushi

If the spectacular location of Amilla Fushi in the tropical Maldives was not already relaxing enough, the luxury resort is taking wellbeing to the next level. Its Javvu Spa, launched last October, has just announced a new partnership with the Clean and Lean Bodyism. Javvu Spa’s philosophy centers on a holistic approach to wellness, focusing on movement, spirituality and spa. As such, they have carefully chosen specialist spa brand partners such as PURE Massage, QMS and iLA. The partnership with Bodyism and its original concept furthers their respective commitments to combining physical and mental approach to wellness for a happier and healthier life.  

In addition to the new program partnership, the resort has created Wellness Tree Houses to enhance these wellbeing goals. Safely installed 12 meters up amongst the treetops, the private one-bedroom spa ‘nests’ have their own dedicated treatment suites, providing the utmost paradisiacal retreat. Stay tuned to our May newsletter for an exclusive invitation to discover this new offering or start dreaming today by looking at Amilla Fushi’s UltraVilla profile.

Special offer: Springtime in Chelsea with London Perfect

Experience London in bloom this spring with a great special offer for bookings in May and June on London Perfect’s Christchurch apartment. Located in the heart of Chelsea, this apartment is the optimal London base, especially for flower lovers as it’s just across the road from the famous Chelsea Flower Show.

The refined apartment is set on two levels, with beautiful decor and fine furnishings throughout. It has an elegant living room, modern eat-in kitchen, stylish separate dining room and two bedrooms with en-suite bathrooms. A true highlight is its Italian-style garden. A rarity in London, it’s the perfect place to take in the longer spring days and milder weather of the season. Learn more about this elegant rental and the last minute special for May and June here.