New Jersey Bride Blog

Oh, how I wish the Four Seasons Hualalai had been in existence when I went on my honeymoon to Hawaii’s Big Island a number of years ago. This Zagat’s number-one rated resort in the world for 2008 offers 243 bungalow-style rooms with ocean views, five swimming pools, a great golf course, and four restaurants, all in a romantic eco-friendly setting. The wellness spa even offers outdoor treatments using indigenous Hawaiian ingredients such as macadamia nut, coconut, sugar, Lehua honey from Island bees, and Kona coffee beans. You don’t have to twist my arm…

If you’ve never been to a Four Seasons, you’re definitely in for a treat…and what better time for a treat than your honeymoon. Plus, the Big Island is such a wonderful place. From the deserted black-sand beaches and picture-perfect waterfalls to the award-winning golf courses and the active Kilauea volano (where you’ll feel like you’ve stepped foot on the Moon), the Big Island is one of my favorite places. (Don’t miss dinner at the Canoe House at the Mauna Lani Resort—you will not be disappointed!)

And now you can save a small fortune by taking advantage of the Four Season’s fourth-night-free offer (now through December 18). Rates start at $775 per night. If you book an oceanfront room or an executive suite, you can also choose either two rounds of golf per stay or two complimentary spa treatments. This special rate can be booked at fourseasonsresorts.com/hualalai or by calling 888-236-3026.

No, it’s not New Jersey, but boy is this place amazingly beautiful. If you’re looking for a truly one-of-a-kind destination wedding location with Turkish flair, Marmara Esma Sultan in Istanbul may be the perfect choice. This historic mansion where sultans and courtiers were once entertained is one of the premier wedding and events venues in all of Istanbul. It has been restored to provide a striking contrast between old and new. While all the architectural details of the original exterior façade were reconstructed, the interior is a statement in modern design. A soaring glass-and-steel-enclosed interior gives the entire space an open feeling and provides breathtaking views of the Bosphorus.

There are more than 7,000 square feet of interior event space and more than 23,000 square feet of outdoor space in its exquisitely landscaped gardens. The gardens can accommodate up to 1,000 for seated banquets and up to 3,000 for cocktail receptions, while the two-story mansion can accommodate up to 450. And a private dock even allows for your dramatic entrance via yacht!

Wedding coordinators are available to assist with all the details, from obtaining a wedding certificate, booking an officiate and transportation to décor, menu, and flowers.

For more information, click here.

I keep finding really cute gifts for your bridesmaids, and these travel jewelry pouches are no exception. Called gemvelopes, these chic fabric pouches offer a convenient place to store and organize your jewelry when you’re on the go. Finally, no more tangled necklaces and lost earrings! And they’re perfect to stash into your carry-on bag at the airport, keeping all your jewels close at hand. There’s a special cushion to hold earrings in place, a strap for rings and necklaces, plus a pocket for bracelets (see the picture below).

I especially like these because I haven’t seen them everywhere yet, and chances are neither have your maids. Finally, an original gift! They come in a variety of colors and designs (love the pink design pictured above, but there’s plenty more fun options on the website), and each pouch closes with a ribbon and a snap.

And at just $24.99 for the cotton pouches and $45 for the suede, they’re an affordable option. If you’re feeling especially generous, you could always include a necklace or pair of earrings! To see all of the designs and to order, go to gemvelopes.com.

At the end of June, I was lucky enough to take a trip to the Caribbean island of Nevis with my husband for my fortieth birthday trip. And while there, of course I had to check out everything this island offers for your destination wedding or honeymoon. I’ll be writing all about it in our next issue of New Jersey Bride, but here are some of the highlights:

This small island of just about 12,000 residents is a tiny gem located next to St. Kitts. We took a direct flight out of JFK into St. Kitts, then hopped onto a boat, which whisked us away to Nevis. As soon as we arrived on Nevis, I knew we were someplace special. It was quiet and calm and incredibly beautiful.

Our first stop was the Nisbet Plantation Beach Club (nisbetplantation.com), which truly is a wonderful place. With just 36 suites set on more than 30 acres of an historic sugar plantation that dates back to 1778, Nisbet is a private, romantic little piece of heaven set beachside on the Caribbean. “Barefoot elegance,” “casual luxury,” and “understated-yet-upscale” just begin to describe this special resort, perfect your honeymoon or destination wedding. With the absence of televisions, you fall asleep to the sound of the surf, and can feel yourself relax and unwind the moment you step onto the property, with palm trees lining the way to the beach. You won’t want to leave…

That is until you venture over to the Four Seasons Nevis (fourseasons.com/nevis/), which is every bit as fabulous, but in an entirely different way. The Four Seasons delivers on what you’ve come to expect from one of the masters of the five-star luxury resort: impeccable accommodations, a to-die-for location, fabulous food, first-rate activities, and service second to none. Every type of water sport is available, along with complimentary fruit smoothies, frozen pineapple, and chilled towels brought directly to your chaise on the beach. You have your pick of restaurants, along with award-winning golf and spa services. There’s no need to leave the grounds…but what fun would that be?

The island offers numerous other high-end resorts such as the Montpelier Plantation Inn (montpeliernevis.com), where Princess Diana would holiday with the boys; the Hermitage Plantation Inn (hermitagenevis.com), with its charming smattering of gingerbread-like cottages; and the Golden Rock Resort (golden-rock.com), a fun eco-resort with a one-of-a-kind sugar mill honeymoon suite.

Daily excursions consist of rain-forest hikes, horseback riding on the beach, snorkeling, horse-drawn carriage rides, sampling local restaurants, custom pottery shopping, and curing your ailments in the hot baths.

It’s absolutely an island you’ll discover on your honeymoon and will be sure to return to for future anniversary trips. There’s not many special places like this anymore….

For more images, click here.