Editor’s pick The Montagu Arms is a charming countryside hotel and wedding venue tucked away in the picturesque village of Beaulieu. The beautifully restored 17th-century boutique hotel offers a scenic setting for weddings in the heart of the New Forest. The four-star property provides an intimate and elegant backdrop for celebrations of every scale, from relaxed small gatherings to exclusive private hire celebrations. Guests can stay over in a choice of 33 elegant bedrooms and suites, brimming with country charm and providing a welcome home from home. Features include wood panelling and lead-lined windows in the House Suites, and a freestanding bathtub, twin marble sinks and a private terrace in the Courtyard Suite montaguarmshotel.co.uk NOT JUST TRAVEL UNVEILS HONEYMOON TRENDS Not Just Travel Ellie Parkinson has announced that couples are looking beyond the traditional honeymoon, choosing journeys that tell their story. They want to wake up somewhere extraordinary, and experience something they’ve never seen before, whether that’s watching the sunrise over the African plains, stepping onto powder-soft sand in Zanzibar or enjoying an aperitivo overlooking the Italian coast. Founder Ellie tells us, “Safari is always a popular choice for honeymoons in destinations like Kenya, travelling through the Masai Mara and Amboseli National Park in search of the incredible wildlife and landscapes. Also, long-haul luxury is high on the wish list, with glamorous places like Las Vegas and the Caribbean always trending. Closer to home in Europe, an Italian adventure awaits, travelling through Venice, Pisa and Rome, finishing with time along the beautiful Sorrento coast.” Honeymoons are becoming more than a single holiday; they’re being designed around the couple, their passions and the experiences they want to remember forever. ellieparkinson.notjusttravel.com THE ALVERBANK UNVEILS THURSDAY WEDDING PACKAGES According to wedding specialists at The Alverbank, a coastal wedding venue overlooking the Solent in Gosport, weekday weddings are becoming increasingly popular as couples look to prioritise experiences, value and flexibility. While Saturday weddings remain a classic choice, Thursday celebrations are allowing couples to enjoy many of the same benefits, often with greater venue availability and the opportunity to create a wedding experience that extends into a long weekend with loved ones. “We’re seeing couples become much more intentional about how they spend their wedding budget,” says Claire Wake, wedding events manager at The Alverbank. “Rather than simply following tradition, many are choosing a Thursday wedding and using the savings to invest in the things that matter most to them – whether that’s exceptional food, entertainment, photography or a memorable honeymoon.” The trend reflects a wider shift in the wedding industry, with couples placing greater emphasis on creating meaningful experiences rather than adhering to traditional wedding conventions. “A Thursday wedding often gives guests something to really look forward to,” Claire adds. “Many choose to take Friday off work and enjoy a long weekend together, which can make the celebration feel even more special.” To meet growing demand, The Alverbank, set within a Grade II listed building with panoramic views across the Solent, and nestled amongst the grounds of Stanley Park, has introduced a dedicated Thursday Wedding Package, offering couples exclusive use of the venue, seasonal dining and dedicated wedding planning support. alverbank.co.uk 8
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