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Fresh from the world of weddings - the latest news, trends and stories for couples who love beautiful things.
Inside Celia - Baz Luhrmann and Catherine Martin's fantastical new private dining car on the British Pullman, where Shakespeare meets Champagne and every journey becomes the party of your life.
BASK Gili Meno: The Island Escape Everyone Will Be Talking About If you’ve visited Bali recently, you’ve probably noticed a growing trend among seasoned travellers. They’re spending less time in the crowds of Seminyak and Canggu and seeking out destinations that offer something increasingly rare: space, serenity and genuine connection to place. Just a short journey from Bali lies one of Indonesia’s best-kept secrets - Gili Meno. The smallest and most romantic of the three Gili Islands, Gili Meno feels like stepping back to a simpler time. There are no cars, no motorbikes and no traffic lights. Instead, white sand paths wind through the island, bicycles replace vehicles and crystal-clear waters reveal some of Indonesia’s most spectacular marine life. It’s here, on one of the island’s most beautiful stretches of beach, that you’ll find BASK Gili Meno. A barefoot luxury retreat redefining what a tropical island escape can be. Why Gili Meno Should Be On Your Radar For honeymooners, romantics and travellers craving something beyond Bali’s well-trodden tourist trail, Gili Meno offers the perfect balance. Located just 800 metres from the lively Gili Trawangan, BASK allows guests to enjoy complete island tranquillity while remaining only four minutes by boat from restaurants, nightlife and activities. What makes the location particularly special is its breathtaking setting. From the resort’s beachfront, guests can watch the sun set behind Bali’s Mount Agung to the west, while sunrise reveals the majestic silhouette of Mount Rinjani on Lombok to the east. Seeing two volcanoes from one location is a rare privilege and one of the many reasons this destination feels so unique. Getting There One of the biggest surprises about BASK is how accessible it is. Guests can fly into Lombok before taking a short transfer to the harbour and a quick boat ride across to Gili Meno. Direct flights from Australia continue to expand, making the journey easier than ever. Barefoot Luxury Meets Award-Winning Design From the moment you arrive, BASK feels different. The resort has been thoughtfully designed to blend seamlessly with its natural surroundings, combining contemporary architecture with organic textures and local influences. Accommodation ranges from stylish studios and lofts through to expansive one, two and three-bedroom villas, many featuring private plunge pools. Whether you’re celebrating a honeymoon, anniversary or simply escaping for a few days, every detail has been considered. Adding to the personalised experience, villa guests are assigned a dedicated BASK Host who assists with everything from restaurant reservations to organising island adventures. The Beach Club You’ll Never Want To Leave One of the highlights of any stay is the resort’s vibrant beachfront beach club. Spend the day stretched out on a sun lounge, cocktail in hand, while gazing across impossibly turquoise water. The atmosphere effortlessly shifts throughout the day, from relaxed mornings by the ocean to sunset sessions accompanied by music and live performances. Music is an integral part of the BASK experience. The resort’s dedicated Music Director curates the daily soundtrack, creating distinct moods that evolve from sunrise through to late evening. The result feels more boutique European beach club than traditional island resort. Food Lovers Rejoice The culinary offering at BASK rivals many of Bali’s best restaurants, with menus designed around fresh seasonal produce, creativity and international dining standards. At Pomona, the resort’s beachfront restaurant, Latin American-inspired flavours meet fresh island ingredients. Better still, the menu is entirely gluten-free without sacrificing flavour or creativity. For something more intimate, Rosalee delivers a completely different experience. Hidden beneath the resort, this stylish underground speakeasy combines premium wines, craft cocktails, jazz evenings and private tasting experiences. Wine enthusiasts will also appreciate BASK’s award-winning cellar, featuring more than 150 wines from around the world and the distinction of being the only venue in the Lombok and Gili Islands region to receive a Wine Spectator Award. For Honeymooners & Romantics It’s easy to understand why Gili Meno has long been known as the most romantic of the Gili Islands. Morning swims in crystal-clear water, long walks along deserted beaches, sunset cocktails overlooking the ocean and candlelit dinners beneath the stars create the kind of memories couples travel halfway around the world to experience. Unlike many luxury destinations, BASK manages to feel exclusive without ever feeling pretentious. The atmosphere is relaxed, warm and genuinely welcoming. For couples looking beyond the obvious honeymoon destinations, this is exactly the sort of discovery that makes a journey unforgettable. Dive Into An Underwater Wonderland The waters surrounding Gili Meno are among the most spectacular in Indonesia. Colourful coral reefs sit just metres from the beach, making snorkelling easily accessible even for beginners. Guests can explore vibrant marine ecosystems, encounter sea turtles and discover the famous underwater sculpture installation “Nest” by internationally renowned artist Jason deCaires Taylor. For those wanting to venture further, curated snorkelling and island-hopping excursions explore all three Gili Islands. The everAFTER Verdict There are plenty of beautiful resorts throughout Indonesia. What makes BASK different is its ability to combine barefoot island living with genuinely sophisticated hospitality. It delivers everything couples dream of in a tropical escape , extraordinary beaches, exceptional dining, thoughtful design, personalised service and a sense of discovery that has become increasingly difficult to find. For honeymooners planning their first adventure as newlyweds, couples celebrating a milestone or travellers simply searching for the next great island escape, BASK Gili Meno is one destination that deserves a place at the very top of your list. Because sometimes the most memorable destinations aren’t the busiest. They’re the ones that still feel like a secret. Getting There: Fly to Lombok and transfer by boat to Gili Meno. Don’t Miss: • Sunset cocktails at the Beach Club • Dinner and jazz at Rosalee Speakeasy • Snorkelling with turtles and the underwater sculptures • Exploring Gili Meno by bicycle • Wine tasting from the award-winning cellar • Sunrise views of Mount Rinjani and sunset views of Mount Agung Website: https://baskgilimeno.com/stay
Explore Blue Reverie, a wedding editorial at The Jackson Ranch that showcases a new language of “I do.” With soft blue hues, fine-art styling by Ruffles & Bells and emotive photography, this feature inspires couples with a refined vision of modern romance and thoughtful design.
There are hotels that impress, and then there are hotels that disarm you, with warmth, with thoughtfulness, with the kind of grace that feels almost old-world in its sincerity. Mandarin Oriental, Munich, tucked quietly into the cobbled folds of the city’s Old Town, is very much the latter. Five-star European charm meets six-star service, wrapped in a hush of polished marble and whisper-soft hospitality. Set within a historic building in the very heart of Munich, the hotel places you moments from Marienplatz, Maximilianstraße’s designer boutiques and the Bavarian State Opera, an address that feels both quietly exclusive and deeply connected to the rhythm of the city. From the moment we arrived, snow curling through the air like shaken icing sugar, the tone was set. The doorman greeted us by name, as though we were returning houseguests rather than first-time visitors. When our bags were whisked away, so too were the last remnants of travel fatigue. Munich, it seemed, was ready to charm us. Attention to Detail, Down to the Smallest Gesture Mandarin Oriental is known globally for its precision, but here in Munich, that precision is delivered with warmth, personality and a kind of intuitive foresight that feels almost telepathic. We returned to our suite after an afternoon exploring the winter markets to find: A pristine computer screen wipe placed neatly atop our laptops Cable ties prepared for each of our devices And, to my quiet delight, a complimentary minibar, alcohol included, restocked with Bavarian treats and indulgences It was as if the hotel were saying, We see you. We know you. Settle in. The hotel itself feels wonderfully intimate for a luxury property, with 48 guest rooms and 25 suites, each blending contemporary comfort with a distinctly Bavarian elegance. Rooms begin at a generous 33 square metres and feature king-size beds, marble bathrooms with both walk-in showers and bathtubs, and thoughtful design touches that make the space feel more residence than hotel. Breakfast in a Bavarian Winter Glow Breakfast was served on Level 1 in the warmly lit Restaurant Matsuhisa Munich, transformed in the early hours into a serene morning dining room. By night, the space becomes the celebrated Matsuhisa Munich, where Chef Nobu Matsuhisa’s Japanese-Peruvian cuisine takes centre stage. Signature dishes such as Black Cod with Yuzu Miso and Yellowtail Sashimi with Jalapeño have made the restaurant a destination for both guests and Munich locals alike. But morning here is gentler. If hotel breakfasts were a love language, this one was fluent: A continental spread of still-warm pastries Flaky Bavarian pretzels Fruits, yogurts and charcuterie Fresh-pressed juices and excellent coffee And perfectly executed eggs from the à la carte menu It felt like the perfect prelude to a day in the city, nourishing, unpretentious and deeply considered. A Suite to Exhale In Our suite offered room to move, think, exhale, a rarity in European city hotels. A generous sitting area meant we could actually live in the room, not merely perch in it. And the bathroom… well, Munich’s winter was made for it: a deep bathtub, steaming salts, and the kind of silence that encourages you to soak until the world blurs. Many of the hotel’s suites extend even further into the realm of indulgence, some spanning up to 325 square metres, with private terraces, panoramic city views and beautifully crafted interiors that reflect both Bavarian heritage and contemporary design. Evenings Above the City As dusk settles over Munich’s terracotta rooftops, the hotel transforms again. The Munich Sushi Club, perched on the rooftop, offers breathtaking 360-degree views across the city skyline. In winter, the rooftop becomes something entirely magical, with intimate glass domes glowing softly above the city, creating one of Munich’s most atmospheric dining experiences. Downstairs, Ory Bar hums with quiet sophistication. Recently recognised as Best Hotel Bar in Germany, Austria and Switzerland, it’s a destination in its own right, where inventive cocktails are crafted with remarkable precision and presented like miniature works of art. Returning here each evening felt less like ending the day and more like beginning another small adventure. Wellness Between Wanders For travellers adjusting to winter time zones, the hotel’s wellness facilities offer a welcome reset. A Turkish steam bath, Finnish sauna and Technogym-equipped fitness centre create a calm space to recharge between explorations of the city. Jet lag, it turns out, is far easier to negotiate when a sauna awaits. Old Town at Your Doorstep Step outside, and Munich unfolds instantly. • Hofbräuhaus, the legendary beer hall, is literally around the corner • Designer boutiques line nearby Maximilianstraße • Marienplatz, the city’s historic heart, is just a five-minute stroll away • And the sprawling English Garden sits only ten minutes from the hotel. This is a city of contrasts where grand architecture and centuries of history coexist with modern creativity and exceptional dining. Winter Markets & Mulled Wine Memories Fortunate to stay in the most famous time of year, Munich's Christmas markets were in full swing, glowing lanterns, sizzling sausages and the unmistakable scent of mulled wine drifting through the cold. . Order a Glühwein mit Schuss (with a shot of rum or Jägermeister). You’ll pay a €5 deposit for the mug. Keep it. It’s the perfect souvenir: small, charming and warm with memory. A City of Charm, Language and Heart Munich delights in layers, old and new, refined and rustic. Even the language becomes part of the experience. • Hallo | Hello • Danke | Thank you • Bitte | Please / You’re welcome • Prost! | Cheers • Wo ist…? | Where is…? Little phrases open big doors. Munich, You Charmed Us Entirely From its snow-swept streets to the flawless service of Mandarin Oriental, Munich left its mark, not loudly, not insistently, but with an elegant, unmistakable whisper: Come back soon. And we will.
The Eiffel Tower twinkling at the end of Avenue Montaigne. French doors thrown open to the hotel's own ice rink. Dinner at Le Relais Plaza - the lighting perfect, the service effortless. And the story of a fashion house born across the street. Paris in winter, at its most quietly unforgettable.
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It's easy to neglect your wellbeing in the whirlwind of wedding planning. But what if the months leading up to your big day could be as much about nourishing your body and mind as flowers and dress fittings?
From Jacquemus bags to hand-crafted gowns, the texture everyone dismissed as vintage is becoming the bridal statement of the season. If you'd told us a few years ago that crochet would become one of the most-searched bridal aesthetics of the season, we might have raised an eyebrow. And yet here we are - and honestly? We should have seen it coming. There is something about crochet that resists explanation. It isn't simply a texture, or a technique, or a fleeting return to the seventies. It is something slower and more intuitive - a sensibility. The feeling of standing barefoot on warm stone, of a long lunch that stretches pleasantly into afternoon, of things made carefully, by hand, for someone specific. Crochet does not perform. It simply is. And right now, the bridal world is paying very close attention. From the runways of Paris to the most intimate coastal ceremonies, crochet has quietly woven its way into the vocabulary of contemporary bridal dressing. Brides are reaching for open-weave textures and artisanal silhouettes not out of nostalgia, but out of something more considered — a desire for pieces that feel personal rather than pristine. A rejection, perhaps, of the overly polished in favour of the beautifully made. "Sometimes the most beautiful things look like they've been made slowly, by hand, with a story behind them." Jacquemus - always a reliable interpreter of the romantic and the sun-drenched has captured this mood with particular precision in its Small Turismo Crochet bag. Tactile and quietly commanding, it carries that rare quality of feeling both effortless and intentional at once. It is the kind of object that speaks without announcing itself. The kind you carry on a honeymoon morning through a market in the south of France, or tuck under your arm at a welcome dinner by the sea. Would you carry crochet on your wedding weekend? We suspect, once you've held something like the Turismo in your hands, the answer will come easily. Some things simply feel right - and this, undeniably, is one of them.
The right song at the right moment can turn a beautiful wedding into an unforgettable one. Here's your guide to curating the perfect wedding playlist from aisle to after-party.
In the whirlwind of wedding planning, stress, late nights, and busy schedules can take their toll on your complexion. That's where La Belle Cosmetics can help. Here, their expert team answers the questions every couple should ask on their journey to aisle-worthy skin.
Say yes to days of yacht cruising, cocktail sunsets and dancing barefoot with your best girls through the Aegean. Our latest guide, “Mamma Mia Energy Only: The Ultimate Greek Islands Bachelorette Itinerary,” takes you from Mykonos to Paros via Milos - complete with where to stay, what to do and how to bring the movie-magic to your trip.
The right song at the right moment can turn a beautiful wedding into an unforgettable one. Here's your guide to curating the perfect wedding playlist from aisle to after-party.
The right song at the right moment can turn a beautiful wedding into an unforgettable one. Here's your guide to curating the perfect wedding playlist from aisle to after-party.
Could your star sign hold the secret to your perfect match? From fiery Aries to dreamy Pisces, we explore the romantic rhythms of every zodiac sign and how the stars...
Could your star sign hold the secret to your perfect match? From fiery Aries to dreamy Pisces, we explore the romantic rhythms of every zodiac sign and how the stars...
The modern wedding is no longer just a single day—it’s a curated weekend experience. From welcome cocktails under the setting sun to a relaxed farewell brunch, a thoughtfully planned multi-day...
The modern wedding is no longer just a single day—it’s a curated weekend experience. From welcome cocktails under the setting sun to a relaxed farewell brunch, a thoughtfully planned multi-day...
