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Home / Travel

Run away with me - the best places to elope

By Jennifer Ennion
AAP·
4 Feb, 2015 11:00 PM4 mins to read

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Hawaii's Sheraton Kauai Resort has views of the Pacific Ocean. Photo / Supplied

Hawaii's Sheraton Kauai Resort has views of the Pacific Ocean. Photo / Supplied

Considering eloping? These world-class resorts promise wedding magic, writes Jennifer Ennion.

1. Stoneridge Estate - Otago, New Zealand

For sophisticated alpine charm, look no further than beautiful Stoneridge Estate in the South Island.

Just a 15-minute drive north of Queenstown, rows of Stoneridge grapevines climb up a hillside to a cluster of stone and reclaimed timber rooms. This luxury bed and breakfast accommodation is guaranteed to keep the fussiest of brides happy.

From the three suites, honeymoon cottage and main lodge (perfect for the reception if you do bring guests) you'll have views of Lake Hayes and Coronet Peak, the nearby ski resort.

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The ironwork inside the main lodge and in the courtyard is truly impressive and will be appreciated by those fond of art.

But the true show-stopper (aside from the happy couple) is a delightful tiny chapel set beside a pond and amid a pretty Victorian garden.

2. Semara Luxury Villa Resort - Bali

Follow in the footsteps of Australian model Jennifer Hawkins by tying the knot at the gorgeous Semara Luxury Villa Resort in Bali.

Located at Uluwatu, on the island's southern coast, the villas here have wonderful views of an aqua coastline. If you surf, you'll already know about the beauty of Uluwatu, which makes the perfect tropical backdrop for wedding photos.

The resort sprawls across more than 7ha and has seven five-bedroom villas, each with their own style - from plantation to traditional Asian. This is the kind of place where you and your most cherished friends can share a villa, spending pool and mealtimes together, before retreating to your own privacy in the evenings.

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Australian model Jennifer Hawkins was married at Semara Luxury Villa Resort in Bali. Photo / Supplied

3. Le Taha'a Island Resort and Spa - French Polynesia

If you dream of your own island paradise, then head straight to Le Taha'a Island Resort and Spa in French Polynesia.

The Relais & Chateaux resort on Motu Tautau islet is just a skip from the famed Bora Bora. Picture thatched-roof bungalows dotted along timber pathways that snake out from the island into an irresistibly blue lagoon.

Days will be spent stand-up paddleboarding, swimming and scuba diving, while evenings will be enjoyed dining among the trees or sipping a cocktail at the swim-up bar.

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Le Taha'a has won numerous travel industry awards, the most recent of which was making it on to Conde Nast Traveler's 2012 list of the world's best places to stay.

4. Intercontinental Fiji Golf Resort and Spa - Fiji

For fans of Fiji, the InterContinental is a sprawling resort with enough space for your entire wedding party, and then some.

Situated on Fiji's main island, Viti Levu, this hotel has four swimming pools, including one just for families, and another that's adults-only and is in prime position facing Natadola Beach.

There's also an 18-hole golf course, perfect for pre-wedding bucks fun, and a day spa where the bride and bridesmaids can enjoy some pre- and post-pampering.

For the big day, the resort even has its own quaint beachside chapel.

If you stay here, be sure to check into Club InterContinental - an exclusive area of hilltop suites. You'll get access to the Club Lounge, where you can curl up in your own mini cabana or "rest nest" poolside, as well as 24-hour butler service.

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Situated on Viti Levu, the Intercontinental Fiji Golf Resort and Spa is in a prime position facing Natadola Beach. Photo / Supplied

5. Sheraton Kauai Resort - Hawaii

Let your hair down and relax into island mode on the always beautiful Kauai in the Hawaiian archipelago - the perfect place to plan a wedding or to elope to. This is where a garland and matching lei of frangipani isn't out of place, and where newlyweds are serenaded by traditional ukelele. Situated on 8ha in front of Poipu Beach, guests can unwind with views of the Pacific Ocean. Follow your ceremony with a traditional Hawaiian luau before retiring to your oceanfront suite.

- AAP

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