One part of a couples’ lead-up to their wedding is their Bachelor Party or Bridal Shower, so I’ve put together a short list of my top hotels for Brides and their nearest and dearest to escape to for a spot of luxury!
Authors Bio: Vivienne May Weddings was founded and created by Kerrie May. With over 8 years of experience in the luxury wedding & event industry, Kerrie has worked at some of the UK’s most iconic venues alongside a selection of renowned industry professionals and worked with a selection of high-net worth couples.
Kerrie is a UK Wedding Planner and has a distinctive reputation amongst her fellow luxury wedding professionals. Her wealth of experience, industry knowledge and unrivalled passion for bringing her clients vision to life is what drives her to plan impeccably designed, style-led and perfectly co-ordinated weddings, with romance at it’s heart.
Originated in the late 1600’s in Holland, Bridal Showers started as an alternative to the dowry system. The Brides family and friends would gift small favours and have an enjoyable afternoon discussing the wedding.
Your Maid of Honour/Chief Bridesmaid traditionally hosts the Bridal Shower with the bridesmaids however they can also include the Bride's Mother, Sister and even your future Mother-in-Law with the planning (it also makes it less stressful if your Maid of Honour can allocate mini tasks to everyone that would like to be involved).
Chewton Glen, New Forest – For those looking for a luxurious 5 Star, private weekend away with nature at its heart.
Photo credit: Chewton Glen, New Forest @chewtonglen
Just imagine this: You and your bridal party in one of their stunning Treehouses, complete with hot tub, wood burners, marble bathrooms (all whilst being 35ft above the ground), this is ultimate indulgence in a beautifully tranquil and secluded setting.
And when you’re not relaxing in your private abode for the weekend, the main Hotel has plenty to offer. From scrumptious Afternoon Tea, to the calming Spa, to booking into their iconic Cookery School (where you’ll be guided by some of the UK’s top celebrity chefs), you’ll be spoilt for choice.
Archerfield House, Scotland – A beautiful 17th Century, Grade I listed House, perfect for those of you wanting to be near the coast with plenty of adventure on your doorstep.
Photo credit: Archerfield House, Scotland @archerfieldhouse
Nestled on the East Lothian Coast, the hotel boasts rooms, suites (and even their own Villas!) A must-see is The Marine Villa – sleeping up to 10 guests, the cosy villa has private beach access, 6 beautifully decorated bedrooms and endless picturesque coastal views. And you don’t have to worry about taking it in turns to cook all weekend as you can hire one of the hotel’s Chefs to cook for you at the Villa (sign me up!)
There are also many other options to your dining during our stay, from a delicious picnic prepared by their Executive Chefs for you to enjoy amongst picturesque settings, to dining at the hotels exclusive Clubroom, to Gin, Cocktail & Whiskey tastings – it’s all on-site for you to indulge!
Nearby you can visit the world-famous Edinburgh Zoo and Edinburgh Castle, go cable Wakeboarding or if you’re a Whiskey lover, why not take a trip to the famous Glenkinchie Distillery.
For anyone who wishes to stay within the resort, Fletchers Cottage Spa is the place to be; complete with 12 luxurious treatment rooms, warming log burners and idyllic views over their captivating walled garden. They are also proud to provide a responsible, ethical approach to their treatments.
The Corinthia, London – for those City-lovers out there, The Corinthia is one to visit for the perfect balance of escapism amongst bustling city-life.
Photo credit: The Corinthia @corinthialondon
Whether you choose to stay in their Rooms, Suites or Penthouse Suites, the décor provides exclusive contemporary elegance with creative key features (and if you’re lucky enough to stay in their Suites you will also enjoy breath-taking views of iconic London landmarks).
Their ESPA Life Spa provides a world-class holistic approach to treatments, fitness and beauty, whilst bringing together leading professionals leaving you feeling completely at ease. The Spa itself sits across 4 of the hotels floors. From the indoor pool, to the ice fountain, to the amphitheatre sauna – this is one for those looking to fully embrace the meaning of a ‘Spa Weekend’.
And when it comes to dining head down to Kerridge’s Bar & Grill, founded by the renowned Michelin-starred Chef Tom Kerridge for an indulgent treat!
The Langley, Buckinghamshire – perfect for the country-loving Brides!
Photo credit: The Langley @thelangleyuk
The views of Langley Park are simply stunning and with Windsor Park and the Chiltern Hills on your doorstep, there are endless opportunities to enjoy a true countryside staycation.
Once the country estate of the Duke of Marlborough, The Langley has been immaculately restored to combine the wealth of history with contemporary, serene décor. The Cedar Restaurant combines British & European menus, whilst their ornate Drawing Room provides the perfect setting for traditional afternoon tea with your closest family and friends.
And if you are looking to treat yourselves, their state-of-the-art Langley Spa provides an attractive list of treatments and amenities (they even have an amethyst crystal steam room and post-spa ice fountain!)
These are just a selection of many beautiful UK hotels to host your Bridal Shower at. When searching for your perfect venue, it is also worth asking the hotels if you can hire a separate room to play games and relax in private, surrounded by your closest friends and family.
Once you’ve had some quality time with your Bridal Party, why not head off on a Mini-Moon nearer to your wedding day to spend some quality time together before the big day arrives! Check out my blog on my Top 5 Choices for a relaxing and luxury Mini-Moon retreat.