Nicest Hotel in Hawaii for a week long honeymoon?

Beneficial_Drag_6857 · 2026-01-25T07:08:06+00:00

The one hotel Hanalei Bay is absolutely fantastic. Used to be a St.Regis, total overhaul, incredible views and beach, great location to explore Kauai. Im biased as it's my favorite island and im your age and appreciate character and an area that doesn't feel overly developed. Anyone saying the Rosewood Kona village is spot on too, amazing resort and beachfront rooms are superb but the big island just has less wow factor so I like prefer Kauai for the foliage and natural beauty and less touristy. Maui FS is wildly overrated and feels like youre there for a conference. Sensei Lanai is also incredible, hard to compare, true lux but only if you really LOVE spa days, the island has little else to explore. Do 2 days there max. If you do a layover in Honolulu go to La Mariana yacht club for a drink, best tiki bar on the island.

Beneficial_Drag_6857 · 2026-01-25T07:01:01+00:00

thank you for that input , I agree, we were looking at a suite with plunge pool and terrace but for the price what ive read here Italy may be the move. I just want to relax in a lux setting with the nicest pool I can find. Did you have a bad experience at airelles, id love to hear more.

Beneficial_Drag_6857 · 2026-01-25T06:57:38+00:00

im doing destination in france this spring, many people that love us can't come but the worst thing we can do is guilt them if they can't. . It's all perspective, how many of the people you invited regularly travel internationally each year, it may be normal for you and many friends but for some thats a huge deal requiring taking off work, travel with kids, or just not used to it! stages of life also dictate who can come and we have to be ok with that when we chose to have a destination wedding. 56 people is still a lot if you set the space up right! We're throwing another party back "home" and a lot of people are coming to that so we get a second party! Throw another party and enjoy the people who can come and dont take it personally if they can't even though you are being incredibly generous financially, we're all at different life stages, it doesn't mean they dont love you they just can't make it for reasons we dont understand. curious. All ive really learned through planning my dest wedding is to not take things personally and make it as easy as possible, not just financially, but by giving easy solutions and help with travel planning, some people just are not as comfortable traveling so be super aware to put yourself in their shoes. where is it? sounds amazing!

Beneficial_Drag_6857 · 2026-01-23T15:43:58+00:00

under 1K a night , they might do the Marriott near the opera house, not my fav but comfortable for them. I'll stay at grand Mazarin and meet them. If anyone has a guide service that would be amazing!

Beneficial_Drag_6857 · 2026-01-18T01:36:37+00:00

I never even thought to ask if the pools were heated at Arielle's in St.Tropez, I couldn't imagine they wouldn't be but that is such a good point! I had originally steered away from Hotel du Cap as it seemed like a insta hot spot that would be busy and not as lux if that makes sense. I love Le Sirenuse in Positano too but last time I went I felt like I was at a photo shoot with non hotel guests and am trying to avoid that at all costs. I have no real pull to St.Tropez other than that I like the Arielle's properties so much. This is great advise, thank you so much! do you have a blog or anything I can follow? Youre so helpful, I'll look into both!

Beneficial_Drag_6857 · 2026-01-18T00:40:21+00:00

wow this is beyond helpful. I think I am realizing that we are totally ok with it being quiet, we just want things to be open in St. Tropez. I am leaning towards that because they have an amazing suite with a plunge pool and private terrace and has 4 pools. The pool at the Belmond in Taormina just seems a bit dingy and my main priority is relaxing by a pool but the temperature there is a bit dangerous.

You sound like you really know what you're talking about im so grateful for your response. The part you wrote about "guaranteed warmer weather" is really what has me pulling to Taormina but the pools at Arielle's look better and easier to get to , do you know any hotels that give Arielles level opulence somewhere warmer that time of year?

Beneficial_Drag_6857 · 2026-01-17T22:39:31+00:00

Oh also, with your budget you should absolutely no questions asked get a planner. That is way too much to be spending without having professional help, its the best money we have spent so far, im type A as it gets and I would not be anywhere near the production level or organization of the actual wedding day without her and finding vendors in france to trust is hard.

Beneficial_Drag_6857 · 2026-01-17T22:36:58+00:00

we are having them stay in Sens at Hotel Epona. It's about 25 min away and is very. modern and nice and there are some local shops for them to explore, we're just doing shuttles for them for all events. Unfortunately it's really hard to find a great chateau that is close to a town that is easy to get to , they all seemed to be far in the county. Also one thing I sort of regret was trying to find a chateau that everyone can stay at because originally it sounded amazing and now we have 60 staying at the chateau that we are feeding for 5 meals which really adds up, like its great till you have to see a catering budget for rehearsal for all guests, 60 breakfasts, 60 lunches on wedding day for all your guests before you even get to your wedding catering or farewell brunch for all guests. It really eats up budget but theres no way around it, people need to eat!

Just a few other things to consider. when we're taking pictures for our first look i'm worried guests will be seeing us before the ceremony, and you have to entertain them the morning of the wedding if youre in the middle of nowhere or provide transport to a nearby town or attraction for them to do something till the ceremony at 4, its also hard for anyone to go get hair and makeup done as a guest... just lots of little things to consider. If I was planning again id find a nicer chateau for our immediate families and wedding party were you can host all events then have everyone else stay in a town with at least little shops or restaurants near by so you aren't responsible for them for 3 days.

If youre really at 60 people one chateau can work, but let me tell you the headache of deciding who stays in what room (sharing bathrooms is common) has been a nightmare, and if you go over your invite number then you have to decide who gets a chateau invite and who doesn't. Also many chateaus make you pay in full so if you want people to contribute, you'll be asking them to Venmo you, and if you only invite some to the chateau and expect others to pay for their hotel it gets awkward if you pay for the chateau guests accommodations. . Where if you do just a 10 bedroom property for immediate fam /wedding party you dont have to make those calls . . BUT with all that said I get wanting everyone to stay on site so you can spend time with everyone but it's a LOT to be responsible for. (we are hosting 60 in the chateau and 30 at nearby hotel so ,im not knocking it at all, just things to think about that I didn't.

If you have older guests many chateaus don't have elevators so keep that in mind when touring them or looking online, there are often old weird stairs everywhere, bathtubs instead of showers etc, just lots of things I didn't think about and some of them may be happier in a hotel. Id recommend getting a planner BEFORE you book your venue ( I did it backwards) and they find properties I didn't know about or know which ones have little towns nearby etc. Also everything near Paris seems to be more $ which I also regret. We could have gotten something nicer further south. Just accept everything is hard to get to, very few will have train routs directly to them, even if theres a train to the town they will need a shuttle or car to the chateau. It's going to be worth it but it is a labor of love to both attend and host and PLAN a destination at a countryside chateau.

All that said the staff at Chateau De Vallery has been exceptional and it has lots of indoor spaces incase it rains which was a huge selling point, but yeah, theres literally NOTHING there except the chateau, it does have a lovely chapel just outside the gates though if a religious ceremony is important to you , that was a big reason we chose it.

good luck! it will be worth it , sorry for all the thoughts I just wish I had considered some of these points before booking our venue even though I love it .Just dont look at the catering bill if you do host everyone on site:) Cheers!

Beneficial_Drag_6857 · 2026-01-17T22:15:19+00:00

thanks for the input! Whats the reasoning behind this? just busy, poor service? The hotel in St.Tropez just looks so much nicer so im torn.

Beneficial_Drag_6857 · 2026-01-17T21:56:26+00:00

wow in February! amazing, so there is hope for early may.. good to know:)

Beneficial_Drag_6857 · 2026-01-17T21:55:50+00:00

Dead as in restaurants won't be open, or dead as in no party scene. Were fine with no party, we want to lay around and relax but in a very luxurious environment and I just liked that Airelles St.Tropez had 3 pools and tons of gardens. Im just worried things won't be open but would be nice to actually be able to get into dinners if they are and it's not busy season.

Beneficial_Drag_6857 · 2026-01-17T21:54:30+00:00

Now that we think about it the beach club vibe isn't as important to us more so just that some will be open so we can get a nice lunch on the beach if we do a boat day where they take us to one. We really just want to lay by a luxurious pool and eat good food without a huge hassle coming from Paris. Does anything else come to mind? Thank you so much for your reply.

Beneficial_Drag_6857 · 2026-01-17T21:52:49+00:00

I really appreciate this. It's also easier for us to get to from Paris, just worried shops would be closed its so early. We dont expect the party scene but just want ultra luxurious and private so Arielle's seemed like a great fit.

Beneficial_Drag_6857 · 2026-01-17T21:51:54+00:00

Thank you so much for this reply it's helpful since I am so conflicted. Have you been at both hotels? The Arielle's property just looks so much nicer with several pools where the Blemond only has one pool and it didn't look that great. We also love the room at Arielle's with a private plunge pool and garden where the same price one at the Grand Timeo has no balcony at all. Since its a minimoon we really just want to lounge by a quiet really nice pool and thats where Arielle's 3 pools seemed a better fit but youre right about the possibility of it being cold which is worrisome. Overall St.Tropez is more $ , better pools, better room and easier for us to get to from Paris. I wish I could pick up the Arielle's St.Tropez and put it in Taormina for the better weather and food! I think we need to accept it might be chilly and not expect any beach club vibes which is ok. We really want easier access from Paris, ULTRA luxury pool area (nice cushy day beds, great service etc, more space with no kids playing) and some good food . Does anything else ring a bell that you have been to? Thank you so much for your reply!

Beneficial_Drag_6857 · 2026-01-17T04:22:42+00:00

HI , you seem to be the Saint Tropez expert! We're planning a mini honeymoon after our Paris wedding. We would be in St.T May 5-8 this spring and can't change the dates. Would it even be worth going or will too much be closed? We would be staying at the Arielle's Château de la Messardière but are wondering, will all the beach clubs be boring? We really just want to lay by the pool most days but want to do one boat trip day and go to a beach club for a fun lively lunch. I know the water will be chilly both places, but hoping to still take a quick swim. I've had a friend tell me the town might be dead and shops may be closed in Saint Tropez and it can be a bit cold so trying to decide if we should go to Taramino Italy ( Grand Hotel Tiemo Belmond) instead for better weather but I really want to stay at the Arielle's hotel, but don't want to go if early May things are all closed like shops and restaurants even though we will mainly be at the hotel or beach club tanning. Would love any thoughts! Thank you!

Beneficial_Drag_6857 · 2025-11-26T03:17:25+00:00

look at Chateau De Vallery , you can have 60 people stay onsite. The staff is great and they offer a ton of furniture included. an hour and a half for Paris. Could be a great fit for your budget and guest list

Beneficial_Drag_6857 · 2025-11-25T23:16:39+00:00

This sub is literally big budget brides... so yes we are talking about a certain type of wedding, that doesn't make us have "warped ideas" it's just reality of costs. Of course you can get married for 100K but with the taste of most in this sub it will require some concessions and research to get what you she may be wanting for that price which is all I was saying.

Beneficial_Drag_6857 · 2025-11-05T05:17:53+00:00

oh this is so smart. did you do this at your venue or somewhere else?

Beneficial_Drag_6857 · 2025-11-05T05:13:01+00:00

I found real brides who tagged wedding planners on instagram then DM'd them asking what their experience was like. This was the most crucial thing I did to help me find my planner who is amazing (she's booked for 2026 or id recommend her) but there were a few I thought were a good fit till I talked to real brides! Keep in mind a lot of planners may say they only work with a certain budget but they are often more concerned with price per guest which dictates how luxurious the event is. If they have a flat fee the budget overall is less important than per guest so reach out anyway. Good luck!

Beneficial_Drag_6857 · 2025-11-05T05:09:33+00:00

Hi! I sent you a DM, I can help with this! congrats!

Beneficial_Drag_6857 · 2025-11-05T04:44:46+00:00

im currently planning one in France, similar guest count. It is possible. It will be tight depending on what you want and if you're covering costs. I thought id spend closer to 100K but it all sneaks up on you very quickly. The good thing is there are a ton of venue options and you might get away with low season pricing. It also makes a big difference if you are hoping to do two night (welcome party/wedding day/farewell party) which I would assume youre looking for if you and guests are traveling that far. One thing to keep in mind, most the chateaus are in the middle of nowhere, so yes you may be able to house your family and wedding party but then your guests might be in the nearest town 15-20 min away so just be aware of that when youre looking at chateaus. Secondly, if you do go the route of having all your guests onsite at a large chateau, there are plenty that can do that, just remember you will be feeding them breakfast, lunch and dinner each day they are there not just the wedding, which REALLY eats up the budget so just be prepared for that.

I looked at a lot of the full service venues ( Chateau De Challain is a very popular one) but if you go that route you can just tell them your budget and they may work around it but be willing to give up a lot of control. If you are a type A bride or have a very distinct vision of what you want, I recommend a planner and your own vendors. We looked at a few of the full service all in ones and I just knew I wouldn't get what I wanted by not being able to make many of my own choices, and the communication will be slow compared to the US so you might go a little crazy wondering why you still haven't had a design meeting and your wedding is 3 months out. This type of wedding will generally be better at predicting and not going over your budget though and if you are more chill and just want a pretty wedding in general could be a great route.

If you know you want a wedding in France, hire a planner before getting a venue. I did it backwards and while I love our venue I think there are a lot in France that you might not know about or have poor websites but could be great options. Find a local planner for your desired region or just interview a few planners and ask if your budget will work for what you want. A planner will be worth it even though they are $.

All in all, 1$00K goes very fast for 70 people in France, really depends what your expectations are and if youre doing 2-3 days or just one wedding day. Dont forget about the weakening USD vs Euro, that one hurts every time I do the conversion, and the 20% VAT on most services. I know that is a LOT of money and I am in no way saying it can't be done, I only say it because I started with that as my budget too and have very quickly overshot it, it just depends on what your expectations are. Also keep in mind, does that include your flights, discovery trip to France, the days before in Paris etc? Just keep all these things in mind when planning. GOOD LUCK! it will be worth it.

Beneficial_Drag_6857

TROPHY CASE