Wedding trends for 2012 show that opulence is on the up and following a year of royal wedding grandeur, couples are raising their game on the romance stakes with a return to venues oozing historic splendour.
For those looking for awe-inspiring inspiration, a magical gem of a venue awaits on the Dalmatian coast of Croatia at Leši? Dimitri Palace lesic-dimitri.com, a five-star boutique retreat offering the only elite accommodation between Dubrovnik and Hvar.
Whether looking for a unique and bohemian getaway to tie the knot or a secluded wonderland to elope for the most magical of honeymoons, Leši? Dimitri Palace will prove an unforgettable host. Set on Korcula, a lesser-known gem of an island, renowned for its rich heritage and culture, Leši? Dimitri is tucked behind Korcula’s mediaeval walls overlooking the crystal waters of the Adriatic Sea.
Occupying an 18th century palace the hotel neighbours the historic reside of Marco Polo and embraces the inspirational life of the Venetian merchant traveller, with five incredible suites inspired by his intrepid routes. Each suite is unique in style and character with influences from the Silk Road, Thailand and the Mediterranean.
Couples wanting to escape with their exclusively nearest and dearest can enjoy the entire palace at the hands of its warm, friendly and meticulous team. On hand to assist with organising a civil service in a selection of dreamy locations throughout Korcula from beach, boat to medieval square or a local church service for Catholic couples. The palace will organise the administration and logistics on-island before hosting an intimate and magical reception behind the palace walls.
With capacity for 30 dinner guests, the restaurant and seaside terrace at Leši? Dimitri, will come alive both by day and by dusk. At sundown, lit by candles and overlooking the Adriatic Sea the setting will challenge even life’s pragmatists to succumb to a little inner romance. A traditional Korculan feast will be created by the hotel’s chef, satiating celebratory appetites with a creative menu of seasonal, local and organic produce, not forgetting the region’s most popular delicacy and aphrodisiac – its plump local oysters, washed down with the finest Croatian wines.
Celebrations are encouraged well in to the early hours especially by the palace’s charming staff and may very well include a recital of stirring opera from the hotel’s GM who in addition to his classical operatic training is also the ‘Red King’ of the Moreska, an impressive sword dance native to the island of Korcula.
Leši? Dimitri, has capacity to accommodate up to 18 guests, throughout its five luxurious suites, each with spacious living areas and some with multiple bedrooms private courtyards and balconies. Exquisitely designed suites feature high spec technology and even ipads to completely ease guests’ experience.
The honeymoon couple should opt for the award-winning Arabia Suite for the ultimate seclusion, indulgence and romance. The one-bedroom suite is cocooned in stylish, ethereal white interiors and offers breathtaking 360 degree views of the Peljesac Channel, Korcula archipelago, surrounding medieval rooftops and Mount Llija.
For honeymooners Leši? Dimitri is the perfect reside not only offering a private-home feel of seclusion in the most breathtaking setting but bespoke and suitably romantic activities and excursions. Hop on to the palace’s very own sailing boat loaded with Champagne and oysters for a leisurely sail around the Dalmatian Coast or even set out to catch your own cultured delicacies ripe from the water. For those favouring speed, the palace’s motorboat will get you to neighbouring islands to explore both in a flash and in style.
Leši? Dimitri’s team will create bespoke excursions to suit all tastes, from wine tastings and tailor-made gastronomic experiences to cultural tours with local experts in history, architecture, music, botany, food and wine, not openly available to the public for a real insider’s treat. Thrill-seekers and the more adventurous can enjoy hiking the Peljesac, kayaking and windsurfing.
As a honeymoon should incorporate at the very least a little indulgence, couples can enjoy spa treatments from the comfort of their suite by the palace’s very own Thai spa therapists. Offering the very best of East meets West therapies combined with the palace’s bespoke product created with a local apothecary utilising produce native to the Croatian islands.
