Nothing screams “destination wedding” like powdery white sand beaches and the crystal-clear waters of the Caribbean. And nowhere caters to destination weddings quite as well as Zemi Beach House on the island of Anguilla. 

At Destination I Do, we’ve covered beach destinations across the globe for close to 20 years and know what it takes to be an ideal location for a destination wedding or honeymoon. After visiting the island of Anguilla and staying at Zemi Beach House, I can say, without a doubt, this place is truly special for your home-away-from-home celebration. 

This Caribbean gem offers a unique combination of natural beauty, luxury amenities, and a sense of exclusivity that will make your wedding day truly unforgettable.

Location and Setting

Anguilla is a small island located just a short 25-minute ferry ride from neighboring St. Maarten. Zemi Beach House is situated on the island’s east end, overlooking the unparalleled Shoal Bay Beach – ranked as the #1 beach in the Caribbean by USA Today. And if we’re throwing around recognitions, Zemi Beach House was voted #1 resort for a destination wedding by USA Today as well. If the backdrop of a pristine beach, turquoise waters, and year-round warm weather is your destination wedding dream, you’ve found it.  

Accommodations

Spread over six stunning acres with direct access to Shoal Bay Beach, Zemi Beach House offers a variety of oceanfront luxury accommodations. Select from 76 beautifully appointed rooms, suites and villas that offer both extra space and seclusion, with features like private balconies, plunge pools and outdoor showers. These options are perfect for couples who are interested in a full buyout and guests who want to enjoy a more exclusive experience. 

Wedding Venues

Zemi Beach House offers several venues that can accommodate weddings of different sizes and styles. The most popular option is obviously the beach, where you can exchange vows with your toes in the sand, the gentle sound of waves in the background and a cotton candy-colored sky at sunset. 

Another option is the Zemi Thai House Spa, a restored 300-year-old Thai house that has been converted into a unique spa and event space (we’ll cover this more in detail below). The Thai House offers a distinctive atmosphere, with its antique wooden architecture, authentic decor, and tranquil ambiance. 

For the perfect “Plan B,” the resort’s beachfront restaurant, 20 Knots, can host a sophisticated indoor/outdoor event. And for welcome cocktails in an intimate setting, the Tranquility Pool serves up not only a serene environment but gorgeous panoramic views of the sea. For a larger celebration, the main pool deck is also available.  Each of these venues has its benefits and can provide a secluded and romantic setting for your special day.

Delectable Cuisine

Despite the fact that Zemi Beach House is a boutique resort, it offers an abundant selection of culinary options, from casual beachside fare to elegant fusion menus. The resort’s fine-dining restaurant, Stone, serves a blend of Caribbean and Asian cuisine, with an emphasis on “sea-to-table” local ingredients. For more casual dining, the resort has several options, such as the Bohio Bar & Lounge, which serves light bites and sushi with hand-crafted signature cocktails in a romantic setting. 20 Knots is located directly on the beach and is open daily, serving a Caribbean-Latin fusion menu and is where guests enjoy a complimentary breakfast served each morning. 

Lastly, the one-of-a-kind Rhum Room is an intimate space that offers a selection of 140+ types of small-batch, single-estate rums. Perfect for a nightcap or full afternoon tasting, you and your guests can enjoy a cigar or a signature rum cocktail served by their on-site expert.

Thai House Spa

One standout at Zemi Beach House is their on-site spa – Zemi Thai House Spa. Constructed over 300 years ago in Thailand and transported back in the 1970s piece by piece, it was reconstructed to its Chiang Mai origins (without nails if you can believe it). 

In 2016 it was converted into the spa that you can pamper yourself in today. Having visited Thailand and the northern region it hails from, it truly feels like you’re transported to the destination once you’ve entered its doors. The treatments and traditions used at the spa pay homage to its home country. With five treatment rooms, their Vitality Pool, juice bar and Moroccan-inspired Hamman, the spa offers it all, but every inch of the space feels calm and peaceful. 

Activities and Excursions

Apart from the wedding festivities, Zemi Beach  House and Anguilla offer a wealth of activities and excursions that can keep you and your guests entertained during your stay. The resort has a variety of amenities, such as the aforementioned Zemi Thai House Spa, a fitness center, and a beachfront infinity pool. The resort’s concierge can also help you arrange crowd pleasing fun such as snorkeling, kayaking, paddle boarding and sailing.

One must-see is Sandy Island. The only way to get there is by boat, so chartering a sea-worthy vessel by Calypso Charters Anguilla is your best bet. Its storied past is best learned over a fruity cocktail. The island has survived many a storm and the restaurant and bar that sits atop this tiny strip of sand has survived right along with it. Take a full day of sea exploration and cliff diving with Calypso Charters and finish with an afternoon piña colada at Sandy Island for a day you won’t soon forget.

Anguilla is a paradise for outdoor enthusiasts, beach lovers and sun dwellers alike, with its miles of pristine sands, limestone cliffs, and lush landscapes. Celebrating with your wedding group or your partner after saying your destination “I do’s” at Zemi Beach House will start your life off in the right metaphorical direction…in paradise with sunny skies ahead.

Vendor Credits: Photography: Allen Tsai Photography; Film: Daniel Shackleford; Planning & Event Decor: Brian Worley of B. Worley Productions; Linens: Nuage Designs; Entertainment & DJ: Jarrell Entertainment; Paper & Stationery: Paper Daises Stationery