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14 | www.travelweekly-asia.com PRODUCT Weddings The Maldives is recognised as one of the world's greatest destinations for weddings and honeymoons, and among those idyllic islands, Outrigger Konotta Maldives Resort is a standout. It comprises 21 beach pool villas, seven two-bedroom beach pool villas, 21 ocean pool villas, three lagoon pool villas and the Grand Konotta Villa. The resort is accessible via a 55-minute flight from Kaadedhdoo Airport, followed by a 30-minute ride on a private yacht. Guest services and amenities include a Mandarin-speaking concierge, butler service on request, international currency exchange and recreational activities such as yoga, pilates and cooking classes. Prospective brides and grooms looking to wed or renew their vows at Outrigger Konotta Maldives Resort receive guaranteed early check-in with bed and bathtub decoration upon arrival, along with a wide choice of wedding services handled by a dedicated wedding coordinator. On the wedding day, couples are escorted to the resort's exclusive beachfront venue for a sunset ring and vow exchange ceremony. Outrigger provides brides and grooms with a photographer, a master of ceremony, and an authentic band of Bodu Beru musicians. Following the ceremony, champagne toast and cutting of the cake, newlyweds are escorted back to Outrigger Konotta Maldives Resort for more pictures and a romantic dinner in a private venue. Guests have the option to select the Standard or Deluxe wedding package with a three- or six-course meal, and also meet with Outrigger's Chef prior to the dinner to create the custom menu. Outrigger Konotta Maldives Resort offers elegant dining in areas that allow couples to sit back and unwind, such as Nala Rah – the resort's signature teppan grill and sushi bar. As an added surprise for honeymooners, once a week, Outrigger Konotta Maldives Resort selects one couple during the management cocktail reception to receive a romantic upgrade on their dinner accommodations for the evening. Honeymooners are also entitled to 20% off the à la carte Spa menu and 10% off spa retail products (advance booking required upon reservation). For couples, Outrigger's romantic retreats include beachside lunches under the shade of an Arabian- styled tent, private lobster dinners on the sea, a full moon cruise, or a sunset cruise on a traditional Maldivian Dhoni boat. Outrigger Konotta Ocean Pool Villa. By Travel Weekly Asia OUTRIGGER'S Magical Maldives for couples E merging later this year as an all-new, refined tropical retreat, the Alohilani Resort Waikiki Beach will set an idyllic scene for memorable, aloha-infused weddings, honeymoons and celebrations of all sizes. The modern resort – the product of a US$115 million redevelopment of the existing Pacific Beach Hotel that spans the entire property from the exterior façade to all public spaces and 839 guest rooms and suites – will welcome newlyweds and soon-to-marry couples with a romantic, aloha- chic setting rich with authentic design touches inspired by Oahu's lush landscape, rich culture and heritage. Upon arrival, romance travellers will enter Alohilani Resort Waikiki Beach's re-imagined, beautifully landscaped porte cochere entrance and be greeted by a sophisticated lobby experience that includes retail boutiques, and a lounge and bar set against the backdrop of a stunning 280,000-gallon oceanarium brimming with sea life. Residing on land held by the Queen Liliuokalani Trust and located just steps from the beach among oceanfront shops, eateries and activities, the resort offers the highest level of indulgence and relaxation with two new exclusive restaurants from internationally-acclaimed Iron Chef Masaharu Morimoto and a chic destination pool deck complete with an all-new saltwater infinity pool overlooking Waikiki Beach, sophisticated social and relaxation spaces, and an outdoor pool bar. WHERE FAIRY TALE WEDDINGS COME TO LIFE Whether in search of an intimate seaside ceremony or reception overlooking Waikiki Beach, or a grand affair on the destination pool deck, those looking to tie the knot at Alohilani Resort Waikiki Beach will be met with a variety of indoor and outdoor wedding and reception spaces, a series of upscale wedding packages, world-class catering and expert service. Starting at US$2,900, the wedding package selections each includes their own local touches such as a groom's lei, hula dancer and Hawaiian keepsake wedding certificate, alongside traditional elements that include a non-denominational wedding officiant and ceremony coordinator, photography packages and floral arrangements, among others. THE STUFF OF HAPPILY-EVER-AFTER HONEYMOONS After the big day, the premier Waikiki resort welcomes couples to retreat to one of its all-new suites that elevate tropical romance by bringing authentic Hawaiian spirit and modern beach house style to Waikiki Beach. Newlyweds are encouraged to relax and rejuvenate in one of the tranquil poolside cabanas, cheers to nuptials at Momosan Waikiki's tropically-landscaped beer garden, and enjoy memory-making exploration of the island's many cultural activities and adventures. HAWAIIAN WEDDING: It's something to dream about S P E C I A L F E AT U R E Photo Credit: iStockphoto