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Capture the fondest wedding memories at the destination of your dreams
Some of us grow up with an ideology of how our wedding is going to play out as a fairytale romance in a fairytale castle. But as we grow older, the likes begin to change—perhaps a barefoot beach fits better, or for the adventurers, a safari in the outdoors. Either way, the location and venue of the destination wedding is a crucial decision made in the early stages of planning for the big day, to relive your newborn fairytale dreams properly in the right place and at the right time. The humble continent of Asia is home to some of the most pristine locations for a tropical love—within close reach from Hong Kong—to align your festivities with a picturesque, memorable backdrop for your “I do” moment.
For the beach beauties: Langkawi, Malaysia
Serene turquoise waters and lush paddy fields adorn Malaysia’s picturesque coastal gem, also known as Langkawi—or officially, as Langkawi, the Jewel of Kedah. The archipelago is home to 99 islands, boasting tropical rainforests and breathtaking landscapes within protected wildlife diversity, surrounded by the Andaman Sea. It’s tempting to envision a wedding here—plenty of ceremonies take place on Langkawi’s most pristine white sand beaches with barefoot brides gliding down the waterfront aisle.
If the outdoors and the beach are your callings, the Four Seasons Resort is one to fulfill your island wedding dreams. Nestled in a UNESCO-Geopark setting, the luxury concierge team organises bespoke weddings to curate a wedding upon the theme of its surrounding backdrop: nature. Choose a venue from the beach, for petal-lined sands, or perhaps, the garden for a tropical lantern-lit theme—paradise is awaiting.
For a jungle celebration: Bali, Indonesia
Bali—the captivating island known for its sacred practices in healing and wellness rituals—is a tranquil destination for wedding-goers, yet provides all you need for a picturesque location and an abundance of choice in luxury venues to host your ceremony. When you take in the spectacular environment the destination has to offer—from mystical volcanoes to untouched coral reefs—it’s no wonder many celebrities, A-listers and travellers flock here for their happily ever afters. Settings can vary from breathtaking cliff-edge estates to a secluded jungle oasis. Tie the knot at this outdoor-friendly wellness haven for an unforgettable destination wedding.
Part of the Ritz-Carlton group, comes Mandapa, an elegant outdoor reserve situated within the rolling hills and surrounded by lush paddy fields. Host an intimate wedding here, which can be customised with dim-lit twinkling lights for ambiance followed by dinner under the stars—all amongst a stunning emerald backdrop.
For the water wanderlusts: Maldives, Indian Ocean
Known for its unparalleled luxury and breathtaking ocean views, the Maldives is perched out in the Indian Ocean and its grandeur mirrors the epitome of romance from the stylish hotels to the warm, white sand. The island—a real-life Pinterest paradise mood board—may be frequently booked by honeymooners, but who’s to say your wedding day can’t be celebrated here too? Indulge in an underwater world of love and lust for your special moments.
There’s no shortage of extravagant hotels and villas in the Maldives, and most of the high-end ones —unsurprisingly—have honeymoon packages. It’s not actually legal to get married in the Maldives, however, the island nation hosts a similar celebration, a blessing ceremony, which binds two lovers together. Anantara Dhigu overlooks the cerulean seas on its own private island accessible by speedboat and offers an island getaway for wedders. The resort’s wedding packages take place on the pristine, white-sand beach under a silk canopied tent. Prior to exchanging vows, the couple may indulge in the 60-minute aromatherapy massage followed by the bride being escorted down a traditional Maldivian fire-lit torch path. Newlyweds are likely to follow through with a honeymoon here, out on a luxury yacht to embark on the crystal-clear Indian Ocean and wake to the sounds and sights of dolphins.
For colonial French enchants: Da Nang, Vietnam
Vietnam is home to plenty of spectacular sights, be it lavish beaches to waterfield paddies and jungles. An up-and-coming destination in the making—courtesy to its uprise in luxury hotels and emerald sceneries—Da Nang is one to keep an eye on particularly for an unforgettable wedding destination. The port city stretches over 30km of coastline between Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh, secluded in its own wake away from the bustle of the northern and southern tourist-driven districts. The location: a quaint, cultural hub of peaceful beaches and unspoiled forests of a previously French-colonised nation port which make up its unique heritage.
At the Intercontinental Danang Sun Peninsula Resort, wedding-goers can expect a combination of the city’s best kept secrets: the charming Son Tra Peninsula looking over the intimate East Sea. The resort—which focuses on the four elements, Heaven, Sky, Sea and Earth—designed by well-established architect, Bill Bensley, exhibiting romantic flair from every corner. Celebrate your wedding at one of the iconic venues, from the tropical garden to the private beachfront, but for the traditionalists, opt for the colonial French-inspired mansion “La Maison 1888” for a stylish “I do” moment which features a terrace with views of both the sea and the gardens below.
For the mountain escapists: Mussoorie, Himalayas, India
Vivid colours, elegant, traditional attire and divine henna art—these are the typical connotations of the wedding in India, celebrated for its culture and longstanding heritage. Yet, over in the cloudy Himalayas, a more low-key ceremony awaits in the Mussoorie region (also referred to as the “Queen of Hills”). Here, guests can take in the natural elements of the earth, composed of scenic valleys, towering mountains and lush greenery for a hillside paradise wedding.
The five-star JW Marriott Mussoorie Walnut Grove Resort & Spa is a city escapist’s dream—one to indulge in for the magical dream wedding destination for nature-advocates with an appreciation for the finer things. Nestled in the foothills of the Garhwal Himalayan ranges, the hotel offers majestic views of the mountains in its al-fresco space, followed by a series of events including a sangeet ceremony (music and dancing) and a decadent meal—all personalised and catered to your wedding dream.
For the sunset dreamers: Boracay, The Philippines
What was once an overcrowded tourist destination on the Philippines’ paradise island, Boracay, which was previously closed for six months, reopened in 2018 with a cap on visitors to reduce over-tourism. The idyllic island, famed for its stunning resorts and beaches, retains its picturesque landscapes within its tiny yet marine-rich diversity. Brides and grooms come to say their vows on the soft sands whilst gazing over the sunset beauty for a romantic, alluring wedding of bliss.
Tropical luxury awaits at Shangri-La’s Boracay retreat, cocooned in a sheltered bay on the north of the island. There are several venues to choose from here, all boasting pristine views prepared for your vow exchanging. The Alon Garden is ideal for sunset panoramas and the sounds of the beach waves crashing, whilst the Sea Pavilion is perched over a cliffside vista for a breezy, hair-sweeping moment as you walk down the aisle.
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