Why not have your wedding in the fourth most expensive place to live on the planet, the British version of Monte Carlo! It is not San Tropez or Beverly Hills but Sandbanks in Poole Dorset, the most exclusive and exotic location in Britain. I was so excited to be invited to stay in Poole for 4 nights with JFB Hotels.
I drove just over 2 hours from London to get to Poole to my first hotel, The Sandbanks Hotel. A luxurious venue with fabulous panoramic views across Poole Bay. This magnificent hotel is one of the only hotels in the country with direct access to the beach. If you are looking for a true romantic wedding venue then The Sandbanks Hotel is for you. This hotel would be perfect for a mini moon or even a 2 week honeymoon. You will be spoilt for choice of activities from The Oasis Treatment Rooms where you can pamper both your mind and body, to The water sports academy which provides first class tuition for people of all ages from novices to experts.
- Rooms: 116
- Civil Ceremony and Partnership:
- La Mer Room overlooking Poole Bay can accommodate up to 50 guests
The Peninsula Suite has magnificent views over the harbour and bay, an utterly unique and timeless room which can accommodate up to 100 guests. - Wedding Breakfast and Evening Function:
- The Sandbanks Brassiere, a delightful conservatory-style room with private terrace area, lounges and private bar suitable for up to 100 people seated or 140 for an evening celebration.
- La Mer Room, Ideal for the more intimate wedding party, it is the perfect venue to seat 30 guests for dinner.
My second night was spent at The Harbour Heights Hotel, a real boutique hotel with contemporary elegance with a fresh and stylish interior. I experienced wonderful views over Poole Harbour and Brownsea Island. What I love most about this hotel was the amazing outside terrace area overlooking the harbour. I thoroughly enjoyed a delicious meal outside surrounded by such glamorous sighs and views. If you choose to have your wedding at this hotel, you will receive a complimentary harbour view bedroom included within the package and even have use of the other FJB hotels leisure and spa facilities.
- Rooms: 38
- Civil Ceremony and Partnership:
- The Hytes Suite can accommodate up to 100 guests and boasts spectacular views across Poole Harbour.
- The Canford Suite can hold wedding parties up to 40 guests
- Wedding Breakfast and Evening Function:
- The Hytes Suite has floor to ceiling glass patio doors leading to a private terrace and BBQ area. Suitable for receptions for up to 100 people seated or 150 for an evening function.
My Third night was at The Haven a true Haven, you can not get closer to the water with this hotel. The Haven hotel had my favourite bedroom of them all. I was spoilt for choice with two large balconies facing the sea. Perfect if you want to get views of the turquoise ocean water, and luxury yachts. I would really love to have a house in this area, shame as to live in Sandbanks you are looking at a cool £10million a house.
- Rooms: 77
- Civil Ceremony and Partnership:
- The Purbeck Suite can accommodate up to 90 guests.
- The Brownsea Lounge is perfect for a more intimate wedding parties of up to 48 guests.
- Wedding Breakfast and Evening Function:
- The Purbeck Suite is ideal for larger parties 156 seated/190 evening reception.
- The Brownsea Lounge can hold a wedding breakfast up to 48 people.
- The Club Lounge is perfect for pre dinner drinks so your guests will have breathtaking views of Poole Bay.
My last hotel visit was The Chine Hotel, which had a very chic boudoir feel to it with a lovely ruby red colour scheme that added drama to the magnificent dazzling chandeliers. I could imagine all the actors and actresses that have stayed in the hotel along the years whilst performing in Bournemouth. The Chine hotel has wonderful secluded gardens and direct access to the beach.
- Rooms: 88
- The Garden Suite can accommodate up to 40 guests.
- The Pineview Ballroom, a beautiful room with a lovely granite bar and original fireplace features offering guests views of the pretty gardens.
The Gardens has 3 acres of mature gardens that add so much beauty for your wedding day. From the stately pine trees, which afford a truly glorious backdrop to the lily pond. Perfect for the formal and informal photographs or drinks before arriving.
Overall I realised there is really no need to fly away to experience the luxury and unique destination for your wedding day or your honeymoon. Whether you are looking for lavish glamour or intimate elegance, Poole’s spectacular harbour and surroundings provide a truly continental experience and the perfect place to celebrate with your family and friends.
