The Best Resorts for the Ultimate Guest Experience
One major reason couples choose to do a destination wedding is for their guests to have an immersive experience – one that goes beyond the wedding day. Sure, the wedding day is the reason for gathering, but couples want their loved ones to enjoy the time away as if it is their own vacation. Your wedding attendees have taken the time off of work and traveled to be a part of the festivities, so why not make sure they are truly entertained and delighted throughout their stay?
We’ve selected some of the best resorts to make sure your guests have the ultimate experience from the moment they arrive until the second they board their flights home.
Classic Convenience
Nestled in the charming town of St. Augustine, Florida, Casa Monica Resort & Spa offers guests both a gorgeous place to stay and myriad things to do and see. From the stunning local beaches to bustling nightlife in the heart of the historic district, guests will have no trouble finding something to fill their time. The property was originally built in 1888 and is within walking distance of popular haunts like Lightner Museum, St. George Street and national monument – Castillo de San Marcos. For those who want to golf, a tee time at Palencia Golf Club can be arranged through their on-site concierge, or if a little relaxation is more up their alley, Poseidon Spa offers pampering treatments in a zen-like environment. When it comes to the big day, the Spanish-Moorish architecture of the hotel will wow your loved ones giving your wedding celebration a romantic feel from the start.
Oceanfront Opulence
Another crowd-pleasing hotel in Florida is The Ritz-Carlton, South Beach. This five-star, Art Deco property on the shores of South Beach is perfect for couples looking to treat their guests to sunshine, white sand beaches, and the ultimate in pampering. The property, originally built in 1950, has been completely reimagined with guest experience as the primary focus. With luxury-appointed rooms, spacious layouts and panoramic city or ocean views, guests might not want to leave their hotel rooms. But if they do, they’re covered there too. Miami doesn’t sleep, so nightlife is abundant and during the day there are countless places to shop, appreciate art, or dine under the sun. Your wedding is sure to be the pinnacle of their stay as the property has 18 different spaces to tie the knot (our favorite is Starr Bar – overlooking the ocean and South Beach).
Lakefront Luxury
Many people assume Las Vegas is an arid land filled with casinos and never-ending hotel rooms. Let’s disrupt that notion with The Westin Lake Las Vegas Resort & Spa. This desert oasis is exactly that. Set on the shores of Lake Las Vegas, the resort excels at surprising and delighting guests the moment they walk through the doors. Enjoy an active day of poolside fun at the Westin or hit the sticks at a nearby golf course (there are three to choose from). Then cap it off with a sunset gondola ride to the nearby Village for dinner and gelato or a fireside cocktail under the stars. Make sure to say your “I do’s” next to the sparkling lake for the picturesque backdrop and if you plan to take your party into the wee hours of the night, transition into one of their many gorgeous ballrooms for a silent disco or after party.
Wedded in Wellness
Wellness travel is having a moment and it is a wonderful thing to incorporate into your wedding weekend, especially for guests. Finding a property with health and fitness at its core might align perfectly with what you picture for you and your attendants to experience. The Westin Bayshore, Vancouver is an idyllic venue for those seeking a wellness-centric retreat. This contemporary hotel seamlessly combines luxury with a focus on well-being, offering a unique blend of scenic beauty and health-conscious amenities (like an on-site yoga studio, outdoor saunas and complimentary bike rentals). With its expansive wellness facilities, including a state-of-the-art fitness center and rejuvenating spa services, The Westin Bayshore provides you and your guests an opportunity to indulge in self-care amidst the wedding festivities. The serene ambiance of the surrounding marina and lush gardens creates a tranquil backdrop for wedding ceremonies and receptions. You can exchange vows against the breathtaking backdrop of the Vancouver skyline, knowing your celebration is not just a union of love but an immersive experience in holistic well-being.
Crowd-Pleasing Accommodations
A city like Raleigh in North Carolina offers endless activities for guests in a drivable destination for many. Maximize the time spent by finding a hotel in the heart of it all like The StateView Hotel, Autograph Collection. Your loved ones can hit the town on a walking food tour, or hit the sticks at one of the many nearby golf courses (Lonnie Pool Golf Course is only two miles away and is an Arnold Palmer-designed course and training facility). Maybe a pub tour is more your scene, so hop a trolley to stay safe as you take in a pint (or a few). There is no end to the sightseeing in this stunning area. If guests prefer to stay close to home, they can enjoy lounging on the expansive terrace with views overlooking Lake Raleigh.
No matter the backdrop you choose – be it by the sea or in the mountains – your guest’s experience will have a direct impact on your own. Wowing them from the start will help to ensure a wonderful wedding weekend for everyone involved.
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