10 most stylish wedding destinations of 2018

The vibe? A gloriously isolated historic villa in the heart of Tuscany’s lush Maremma region surrounded by with olive groves and grapevines (the ideal spot to plan a Virat and Anushka-style wedding)

Loved up stuff? There is a spa, hammam, a fab black slate hot tub, indoor pool and a Jacuzzi with garden views.

Most romantic room? The Prestige suite has a huge bed, panoramic views and a bath made for two to wallow in.

Wedded extras? From the hotel’s own private chapel, to tailor made menus by Chef Enrico Bartolini, guest accommodation, hair styling and make up, everything is covered so you can just relax and enjoy.

Book? Wedding packages start at Dh9,171; andana.it

The vibe? Barefoot beach luxury is on the cards at this enchantingly romantic luxury haven seventy-five minutes seaplane ride from Male airport, in Haa Alif, one of the Maldives remotest atolls. Think coconut groves, lush vegetation and a glittering lagoon where you can watch all those exotic fish.

Loved up stuff? Dive with your loved one to see eagle ray and black tip reef sharks: order lobster jalfrezi at a candlelit table in the Samsara Asian fusion restaurant or enjoy a couple’s massage in the glorious spa.

Most romantic room? Ocean Villas on stilts above the shimmering Indian Ocean have glass-floored living rooms with sundeck, infinity and a personal villa host to cater to your every whim.

Wedded extras? Bridal hair and make-up, manicure and pedicure, in-villa post-wedding breakfast and a professional photographer are just some of the wedding perks here.

Book? Wedding packages start at Dh8,712; hideawaybeachmaldives.com

The vibe? Expect laid back chic and a reggae music backdrop at this luxurious and very private property overlooking the white sand beaches of Jamaica’s Oracabessa Bay where Ian Fleming penned all of his 14 James Bond novels, and which is now owned by Island Records music mogul Chris Blackwell (the man who discovered Bob Marley).

Loved up stuff? Enjoy a massage in the swim-up hillside spa; a romantic tête-à-tête in the treetop restaurant lit with glittering lights or head out to spot marine life in the property’s glass bottom boat.

Most romantic room? The Fleming Villa, where the Bond author once lived, is vast, with its own pool, private beach and a fleet of staff to wait on you hand and foot.

Wedded extras? From the best musicians, to a cake commissioned from the island’s best baker, Chris Blackwell’s talented team promise to create a wedding that’s as unique as you are.

Book? Contact the property for an individual quote; goldeneye.com

The vibe? Run by the O’Hara family since the 1950s, this sophisticated hotel surrounded by acres of beautiful ponds and gardens looks like it stepped out of a colonial-era print. Expect old fashioned luxury and modern comfort harmoniously combined.

Loved up stuff? Wander past palm trees, ponds and sweet smelling frangipane hand in hand, relax in the elegant spa, or enjoy a candlelit gourmet dinner together.

Most romantic room? The very stylish Plantation suites have four poster beds, a covered terrace with private plunge pool and gloriously romantic sea views.

Wedded extras? From the wedding cake to the bouquet, minister’s fees and wedding breakfast, everything taken in hand here – all you need to do is to show up.

Book? Wedding packages start at Dh11,005; coralreefbarbados.com

The vibe? Member of the elegant Relais & Châteaux hotel group, this five-star hotel retreat, which was once a neoclassical mansion, sits on the edge of Santorini’s spectacular volcanic caldera. For an explosive blend of historic style, luxurious surroundings and spectacular views this property can’t be beat.

Loved up stuff? Swim together in the outdoor plunge pool with breathtaking views over the caldera, enjoy the spa facilities or murmur sweet nothings to each other as you dine al fresco by candlelight admiring the breathtaking views of that magnificent caldera.

Most romantic room? Choose a junior suite Caldera View for best views, as well as your own terrace and private use of spa facilities.

Wedded extras? Your guests are guaranteed to be wowed by that volcano-view terrace and you’re sure to love the red carpet entry, tailor-made menu, DJs, chauffeur service and photo shoot provided for your big day.

Book? Wedding packages start at Dh71,078; lamaltese.com

The vibe? With its 360-degree vistas of the capital and rooftop infinity pool, this property occupying floors 34 to 52 of the Shard, London’s tallest building, is incredibly hip. You can expect huge chandeliers, marble panelling and excellent service.

Loved up stuff? Swim beneath the stars as you admire stunning vistas over the city from that rooftop pool, dine in the hotel’s gourmet restaurant or have the concierge book two seats for a show at the historic Rose Theatre close by.

Most romantic room? Pick Westminster, London or Shangri-La, one of the three magnificent suites, which have walk-in wardrobes, marble bathrooms, L’Occitane toiletries and butler service.

Wedded extras? Tailor-made menus, bride and groom accommodation, Shangri-La signature breakfast and a dance floor for the reception are just part of the wedding package on offer here.

Book? Wedding packages start at Dh16,049, shangri-la.com

The vibe? If you’re seeking a trendy and original wedding space you can’t get much better than this hotel crafted from ice. Artists spend months with tractors, ice picks and chainsaws to create the gleaming corridors and shining rooms where everything is made from frozen water and even drinks are served in goblets made from ice. Loved up stuff? Sleep beneath a reindeer hide on a bed crafted from ice, enjoy sumptuous local food including reindeer filet served with red lingonberries, head out for some husky sledding together or try and spot the entrancing Northern Lights.

Most romantic room? Book one of the elaborately carved suites insulated by tightly compacted snow and cuddle to keep out the chill.

Wedded extras? Weddings here are truly unique: you’ll say ‘I do’ in the hotel’s own carved ice church and enjoy a celebratory evening that includes blocks of ice engraved with the names of you and your guests and a gourmet meal including local specialities prepared by the Michelin-trained head chef.

Book? Wedding packages, including accommodation, start at Dh28,867; icehotel.com

The vibe? Seeking a totally exclusive wedding venue far from the crowds, but close to some of the Seychelles’ best beaches? Then this luxurious resort with just 11 private villas, on a private island a short helicopter ride from the main island of Mahé is probably for you.

Loved up stuff? Wander barefoot along sandy deserted beaches together, swim in balmy sea beneath swaying palm trees, luxuriate in the spa or sup on fish fresh from the sea prepared by the hotel’s accomplished chef.

Most romantic room? All of these villas are spacious and stylish with elegant furnishings, but the best is probably Villa 11 with personal plunge pool and direct beach access.

Wedded extras? Book the entire island for this special occasion and let the highly professional staff make all the arrangements for your barefoot wedding in paradise. Book? Basic wedding packages start at Dh20,635; north-island.com

The vibe? This large, yet classy, beach resort has plenty of private nooks and crannies, but also has dozens of restaurants and recreation amenities for couples who like to be active.

Loved up stuff? Wander the powder white sand beaches, wallow in one of the hotel’s five pools or play a round of tennis together.

Most romantic room? The Grand Rondovals decorated in colonial Caribbean style with four-poster, king-size beds, huge bathrooms with deep tubs, private plunge pools and butler service just ooze romance.

Wedded extras? As part of the individually tailored package, couples exchange vows in the fabulous new Overwater Serenity wedding chapel with panoramic views of Rodney Bay.

Book? The wedding is free if you stay three nights or longer; sandals.com/main/grande/gl-home

The vibe? What could be more romantic than getting married in a Parisian palace on the chic rue de Rivoli, close to the Louvre, in the world’s most romantic city? If you agree that nothing could be, check into Le Meurice, a wonderland of chandeliers, marble and antique furnishings where surrealist artist Salvador Dali loved to stay.

Loved up stuff? Dine on top notch gourmet food in the three Michelin-starred restaurant, enjoy the spa facilities, or head out together to buy the wedding ring in one of the chic boutiques along the Rue St. Honore.

Most romantic room? The Belle Etoile penthouse has its own private lift, butler’s pantry and stunning views over the world’s most romantic city from its rooftop terrace.

Wedded extras? Wedding packages are tailor made in this historic hotel where celebrities and international royalty have been wed, and where scenes of Woody Allen’s romantic comedy Midnight in Paris were filmed.

Book? Contact the property for an individual quote; dorchestercollection.com/Le-Meurice

Why? With splendid scenery and stunning sights, South Africa is a dream location for a wedding. Add to that the favourable exchange rate -- and the fact that the average cost of a wedding in South Africa is priced at less than USD15,000 -- and you’ll understand why this country should be top of your list.

Where? Babylonstoren Gardens is an historic Cape Dutch farmyard where you can wed in one of the region’s most picturesque locations.

Find out more? All inclusive wedding packages available from Dh18,628; babylonstoren.com

Why? An emerging wedding destination, Rishikesh, next to the holy River Ganges, is an excellent spot to organise a magnificent wedding at a fraction of the price that it would cost elsewhere.

Where? As sumptuous as a palace, Aloha on the Ganges is a gorgeous venue to tie the knot and professional staff will help you with planning from A to Z.

Find out more? All inclusive wedding packages available from Dh4,591; leisurehotels.co.in

Why? With pristine beaches, wonderful food and hospitable people, Thailand has been on the destination wedding map for decades and value for money is a major reason for this country’s popularity when it comes to tying the knot.

Where? Andaman White Beach Resort has a glorious beachside location, lovely rooms and a range of great value packages for couples to choose from, including a traditional Thai wedding and an intimate, couple-only ceremony.

Find out more? All inclusive wedding packages available from Dh8,226; andamanwhitebeach.com

Why? For couples who want to get wed in paradise, Bali really does have everything; what’s more, this idyllic location is incredibly budget-friendly.

Where? Legong Keraton beach hotel offers romantic beach-side cottages at half the price of major resorts and they will also go that extra mile to help you plan your special day.

Find out more? All inclusive wedding packages available from Dh10,512; legongkeratonhotel.com

• Check the package: Many hotels and resorts will also offer you (the couple) accommodation as part of the package, so make sure you ask.

• Go for a buffet: Dining is not always included in a resort’s wedding package so if you want to save some pennies choose a buffet-style dinner, which will generally be cheaper than a sit-down meal, or consider marrying at the resort and then taking your reception to a local restaurant or somewhere cheaper.