From The Straits Times    |

tajlake_Chandraprakash Suite.jpgThe Chandraprakash Suite at the Taj Lake Palace. PHOTO: HER WORLD BRIDES JUNE – AUGUST 2013

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Bustier gown, from FLAMINGO BRIDAL. PHOTO: HER WORLD BRIDES JUNE – AUGUST 2013

1. TAJ LAKE PALACE, UDAIPUR
Experience amazing India at the Taj Lake Palace, one of the most famous destinations in Udaipur, Rajasthan. Often called the Venice of the East because of its wealth of elegantly preserved Rajput palaces, the beautiful Lake Palace was once the summer palace of the Maharana of Udaipur, Rajasthan, an opulent getaway reserved exclusively for family and guests.

The central courtyard – with its shimmering ponds and sparkling fountain – serves as the heart of the palace and is surrounded by carved arches, facades and hotel rooms. Inside, the palace features stunning Indian architecture and a myriad of details – from intricately patterned mosaics and lavish murals in a rainbow of spicy hues, to beautifully carved panels.

There’s really no better way to celebrate your newlywed status than in the Grand Royal Suites, which offer deluxe settings with spectacular views.
For hotel bookings, contact the Taj Lake Hotel’s Singapore office at 6732-1789.

[Club Med] Finolhu Villas - Lagoon Villa (3).jpgThe Lagoon Villas at Club Med’s Finolhu Villas. PHOTO: HER WORLD BRIDES JUNE – AUGUST 2015

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Ruched chiffon gown with crystal embellished sash, from DIGIO BRIDAL. PHOTO: HER WORLD BRIDES JUNE – AUGUST 2015

2. CLUB MED FINOLHU VILLAS, MALDIVES
Cerulean waters, magnificent shorelines ringed with vibrant coral reefs, and friendly sea creatures… One of the most popular holiday destinations in the world, the sheer beauty of Maldives, an island nation, has to be experienced first-hand.

The adults-only Club Med Finolhu Villas on Gasfinolhu Island is blessed with all of the above, plus a private kilometer-long beach, a jewel of a lagoon, luxurious spaces, and plenty of opportunities to indulge, relax, take beautiful pictures, and then indulge some more. Marrying beauty, nature, elegance and memories with contemporary interiors and high-quality colourful furnishings, you will find plenty of photo-opportunities for wonderful portraits – from the jetty and the bridge which links the main resort to the jetty, to the villas and main pool.

Couples looking to spend their newly-wed status here will love the little touches that make a stay memorable, like a 24-hour butler that’ll have you well taken care of, the buggy service, spa treatments, room service, and sumptuous dishes from the resort’s Motu Restaurant.
Visit www.clubmed.com.sg or call 1800-258-2633 for more information.

45 - The Datai - Main Pool 3.jpgThe Main Pool at The Datai, Langkawi. PHOTO: HER WORLD BRIDES SEPT – NOV 2013


Satin gown, from RICO-A-MONA. PHOTO: HER WORLD BRIDES SEPT – NOV 2013

3. THE DATAI LANGKAWI, MALAYSIA
Tucked away in the centre of an ancient virgin rainforest and poised at the edge of the Andaman Sea, the luxurious retreat, which boasts flourishing surroundings and resident wildlife creates a peaceful serenity about the resort.

Inspired by traditional Malay architecture, couples can choose from the spacious deluxe rooms to the elegant Beach Villas – each come with an exclusive swimming pool a butler and modern luxury amenities like a private rain shower.

Couples can also plan intimate dinner parties and receptions for their wedding at any of the following venues: The Pavilion, which offers authentic Thai fare, the alfresco Beach Club, The Gulai House for a traditional Malay-style reception, and The Dining Room, for a buffet-style spread of fine Malaysian and Western cuisine.
Visit www.dataihotels.com or e-mail infodatailangkawi@dataihotels.com for more information.

ayana resort and spa kisik restaurant.jpgKisik restaurant at Ayana Resort and Spa Bali. PHOTO: HER WORLD BRIDES DEC 2013 – FEB 2014

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Tulle and lace gown, from SILHOUETTE THE ATELIER. PHOTO: HER WORLD BRIDES DEC 2013 – FEB 2014

4. AYANA RESORT AND SPA BALI, INDONESIA
If your sense of Bali conjures up images of unspoilt beaches, shimmering waters, captivating sunsets and plush resorts, then the Ayana Resort and Spa Bali epitomizes all of the above. Luxurious private villas designed to ensure maximum seclusion and 290 rooms make up the five-star facilities of this sprawling 77-hectare getaway on the limestone cliffs near Jimbaran Bay.

For gorgeous pictures and mesmeric celebrations, there are several venues for you to choose from: Rock Bar Bali which is perched on the rocks right above the water; Bale Kencana, a traditional Bali wedding site shaded by tropical gardens and secreted behind ornate volcanic and limestone walls surrounded by a pond and natural stone paving; Kisik Jetty, the only private pier in Bali for hotel ceremonies; Tresna Chapel, a stunning glass chapel atop the edge of a cliff overlooking the Indian Ocean and Ayana Villa, a luxurious double-storey three-bedroom setting with a private pool, spacious front yard, and a cliff-edge gazebo for your nuptials.
Visit www.ayanaresort.com or e-mail weddings@ayanaresort.com for more information.

sofitel manila.jpgAn aerial view of the Sofitel Philippine Plaza. PHOTO: HER WORLD BRIDES DEC 2013 – FEB 2014


Lace and chiffon gown with keyhole back, from MY DREAM WEDDING. PHOTO: HER WORLD BRIDES DEC 2013 – FEB 2014

5. SOFITEL PHILIPPINE PLAZA
Fabulous for a destination wedding and honeymoon, the luxury of Manila’s only five-star resort is pretty amazing. The sprawling and lavish resort sits next to the sparkling Manila Bay, so you get the most spectacular sunsets and views of the bustling city around it.

Dressed in calming hues of brown, yellow and beige, and surrounded by tropical flora and fauna, it’s a heavenly oasis with elegant interiors featuring traditional Filipino decor accents and other indulgent details. If you’re planning a destination wedding, it is as perfect for a beachfront reception as it is for a celebration indoors in the Grand Plaza Ballroom, which can accommodate up to 1,500 guests, or a more intimate affair at any one of its other venues.

Honeymooners have a choice of 609 luxury rooms and suites. And then there is the ultra-luxe 576 sq m Imperial Residence – the city’s most prestigious collection of living spaces.
Visit www.sofitelmanila.com or e-mail H6308@sofitel.com for more information.