Monday, August 10, 2009

Australian Destination Wedding Paradise

Words by Jennifer Stein

Introducing Villa Botanica. Located on the edge of the Coral Sea, overlooking Airlie Beach and Hayman Island, this secluded paradise has rarely been open to the public except for very exclusive destination weddings.

As part of the Australian Open Garden Scheme, the property will be open to the public the weekend of October 31st-November 1st.

Owners, Ralph and Janet Hogan were driven by a desire to create something significant and inspirational. Ralph Hogan says, “I am influenced by the turn of the century when people created lasting beautiful spaces. Our newest addition to the garden is a Cactarium, which I like to imagine pays homage to the Art Nouveau hothouses of Europe.”

Janet Hogan says, “what visitors love most is the integration of buildings and gardens, the slightly manic obsession with detail and the way plants create the connective tissue for all our architecture. It’s a very beautiful, magical location and one we have the great fortune to be custodians of. It’s a privilege we love sharing with others”.

With its unique Balinese ambiance and spectacular setting, Villa Botanica is rapidly developing a reputation as Australia’s most beautiful wedding venue.