Category: General

The Sky Villa measures 5,000 square feet and features five bedrooms and two terraces.  The Sky Villa measures 5,000 square feet and features five bedrooms and two terraces. 

Wedding planners are continuing to look to Spain for its idyllic weather and Mediterranean charm. 

The trend of destination weddings is continuing to rise. An industry worth over $36bn in 2024 is projected to hit $137bn by 2029 as couples continue to shun the home wedding and instead choose to head further afield.

Often, it’s the desire to do something a little different. But as more and more choose destination weddings, securing a unique location is becoming a challenge. Spain, particularly its islands and coastal resorts, offers a plethora of choice.  

So why are so many couples looking to tie the knot in Spain? The weather certainly has a big impact. Many head to the Canary Islands or Spain’s beloved Costa del Sol to increase the chance of clear skies on their big day. Nothing is guaranteed, but the Canary Islands benefit from over 320 days of sunshine a year.

But the glorious weather is only really scratching the surface; there’s incredible food, world-class hospitality and a wealth of picture-perfect period buildings that act as the ideal venue. It’s no surprise that Spain has become such a hit for weddings and honeymoons. 

Canary Islands

Just off the northwestern coast of Africa, Spain’s Canary Islands are beloved for their idyllic climate. They offer mild winters and blissful summers with a pleasant sea breeze and hardly any rain. It’s no surprise that the weather alone has lovebirds flocking to the volcanic islands of Spain for a destination wedding. Not to mention their location, only a four-hour flight from London or seven from New York. It’s manageable for those with friends and relatives on either side of the pond. 

Aside from the ideal climate and location, there’s also an impressive number of dream wedding venues. The Ritz-Carlton, Abama on the island of Tenerife offers guests several different venues, from clifftop gardens overlooking the Atlantic to a beautiful terrace for those looking for something a little more contemporary. Food is handled by Michelin-starred chefs and there’s a ballroom for the reception. 

Or for a honeymoon, consider Paradisus by Meliá Salinas Lanzarote, a beachfront, adults-only resort with plenty of brutalist architecture and gardens designed by César Manrique. This resort offers cultural activities for travelers to immerse themselves in, and also has a wellness focus, so the obligatory honeymoon couples massage is well within the realms of possibility. 

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Balearic Islands

Much closer to the Spanish mainland and the rest of Europe, the Balearic Islands — comprised mainly of Ibiza, Mallorca and Menorca — have been popular with tourists since the late 1950s. But in more recent years, these islands have become one of the great epicenters of the destination wedding.

With its perfect white sand beaches, historic buildings and affinity with late-night partying, Ibiza is the dream party wedding destination. While Mallorca and Menorca excel at creating memories at a slightly slower pace. 

On Ibiza, the team at the Ibiza Gran, a five-star icon in Ibiza Town, have become particularly accustomed to offering weddings. They offer a mixture of well-groomed gardens and exquisite interiors for the big day. The hotel’s catering team also takes pride in delivering a high-quality menu with immaculate presentation, making excellent use of the impressive local produce.

Those more drawn to Mallorca should consider Son Berga. Once a farm, today the property’s main source of income is weddings, and it’s easy to see why. Its impressive central courtyard can seat 220 guests and feels like stepping back in time. 

[See also: The Best Beaches for Windsurfing in Spain]

Costa del Sol

Andalusia’s Costa Del Sol has long been cherished by travelers, particularly for its superb weather. Running along Spain’s southern coast from the resort town of Nerja in the east through popular Malaga and Marbella, this corner of the mainland offers plenty of choice for wedding planners and honeymooners alike looking for a destination wedding in Spain. 

The Anantara Villa Padierna Palace Benahavis is suitably palatial and offers numerous potential venues, from a Roman Amphitheatre that seats up to 300 guests to a secluded chapel that’s perfect for 20. 

The beauty of a wedding on the Costa del Sol is that once it all wraps up, you’re already on your honeymoon, so you can head out straight away on a roundtrip up the coast and explore some more of the beauty that Spain has to offer.  

To learn more visit spain.info

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This whiskey was previously only available overseas. This whiskey was previously only available overseas.

The nearly 5,900-square-foot duplex apartment at 150 Charles Street fetched a record-setting $60 million in an off-market deal. The nearly 5,900-square-foot duplex apartment at 150 Charles Street fetched a record-setting $60 million in an off-market deal.

Take a look inside this Turkish builder’s elegant new vessel. Take a look inside this Turkish builder’s elegant new vessel.

A collaborative prototype from Icon 4×4 and Moment Motor Co., it’s a test bed for initial limited-production examples starting at $499,000. A collaborative prototype from Icon 4×4 and Moment Motor Co., it’s a test bed for initial limited-production examples starting at $499,000.

Built in 1717 by architect Joseph Huddleston, the historic residence recently underwent a five-year renovation.  Built in 1717 by architect Joseph Huddleston, the historic residence recently underwent a five-year renovation. 

The Chairman of New York’s premier mountain resort on transforming Windham Mountain Club into a year-round luxury destination. 

With its unique public-private model and a vision for year-round luxury, Windham Mountain Club is reshaping what a modern mountain retreat can be. Located in New York’s Catskill Mountains, just a short drive from Manhattan, over the past year, the resort has undergone a transformative rebranding under the leadership of Sandy Beall – renowned hospitality visionary and co-founder of Blackberry Farm and Blackberry Mountain.

Elevating its offerings beyond winter sports, Windham Mountain Club is now a premier four-season destination, blending world-class hospitality with outdoor adventure. With an eye toward thoughtful expansion, exclusive partnerships, and an emphasis on family-friendly experiences, it is setting a new standard for mountain retreats.

To learn more about this next chapter, Elite Traveler sat down with Beall to discuss his vision, the club’s latest enhancements, and what makes Windham truly special.

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Windham Mountain Club has a unique public-private setup. How does this benefit both members and the general public, and what makes this approach special?

Sandy Beall: Windham Mountain Club was inspired by the opportunity to create a multi-generational resort focused on families, with great weather and endless amenities within a beautiful, quiet, protected mountain setting. Operating as public-private gives us the flexibility to offer something for everyone. Whether it’s a day trip with friends, a weekend getaway with family, or a long-term investment in a membership that lets you create lasting memories, this model ensures we can deliver the ultimate experience tailored to each guest’s needs. 

What inspired the recent rebranding of Windham Mountain Club, and what does it aim to represent moving forward?

Windham has always been a special place — charming, welcoming, and home to an incredible community. Its proximity to New York City makes it uniquely positioned for something more, something truly exceptional. With Windham Mountain Club, we saw an opportunity to elevate the experience, not just on the slopes but across the entire mountain and beyond. By investing in world-class hospitality, elevated accommodations, amenities, and year-round programming, we’re creating a true four-season destination. Moving forward, Windham Mountain Club will represent a refined yet adventurous year-round retreat that sets a new standard for mountain living.

With new upgrades and amenities for the 2025 season, what are you most excited for guests and members to experience?

Everything, really. Since last season, we’ve seen incredible enthusiasm for our dining offerings. Whether it’s a Greek salad, homemade chicken salad on a fresh croissant, a freshly made burger or homemade pizza at Foodhall, sushi at Okami, authentic mid-mountain Italian dining, or a meal at our Windham Grill Dinner House, we’re serving up something for everyone — always with the level of quality we hold ourselves to.

Our members have also embraced the new wellness offerings, from bespoke massages and facials at our spa to our 5,000-sq-ft luxury gym with dedicated fitness classrooms, as well as the Recovery Lab, where they can receive personalized health assessments designed to support their active lifestyles.

But what I’m particularly excited about is what’s coming this summer — the opportunity for members and guests to fully immerse themselves in nature. Whether it’s hiking, mountain biking, horseback riding, fly fishing, clay shooting, golf, or enjoying a scenic outdoor dinner after an adventurous day, these experiences will take full advantage of the landscape and embody what Windham Mountain Club is all about: elevated adventure, relaxation, and hospitality, all in one place.

How do you balance creating an intimate atmosphere and close-knit community while still welcoming new guests and members?

It’s at the heart of what makes Windham Mountain Club special. As a premium year-round resort destination, we’re intentional about preserving an elevated, uncrowded, and intimate experience, whether you’re here for a weekend or as a longtime member. We cap daily lift tickets to ensure the mountain never feels overcrowded, and our hospitality is high-touch in all the right ways. We also thoughtfully curate events that bring people together — live après-ski music, family fireworks shows, collaborations with local vendors — ensuring that every visit feels both personal and welcoming.

Windham Mountain Club is expanding beyond just a winter destination. What are some of the year-round activities and experiences members can look forward to?

Starting in May, members can enjoy guided horseback riding, clay shooting, fly fishing, a robust hiking program, and a kids’ camp — plus special cultural programming that brings in unique speakers, events and experiences you won’t find anywhere else in the Catskills. Next year, we’ll be unveiling a new aquatics and racquet center, followed by a Fazio-designed golf course for members in 2027. 

As part of this next chapter of Windham, you’ve partnered with luxury brands to offer exclusive experiences. How do these collaborations elevate the guest experience, and can we expect to see Windham Mountain Club evolving with similar partnerships in the future?

Partnerships are a key way we elevate the experience at Windham Mountain Club, bringing in brands that align with our values, members and guests. A great example is our partnership with Aman New York for Adventures on the Slopes — a luxury city-to-summit day trip that offers Aman guests an unparalleled alpine experience. These collaborations allow us to offer something truly special, blending world-class service with exclusive access. Looking ahead, we’re excited to explore partnerships that complement our vision and benefit our members. 

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You’ve had great success with Blackberry Farm and Blackberry Mountain. Does your approach at Windham Mountain Club differ from what you established at Blackberry – are there any shared principles that tie these projects together?

I’ve had many successes in hospitality over the last four decades and while each business is unique, the core philosophy is the same. Thoughtful hospitality, a deep connection to place, land and nature, attracting and building a great team and creating experiences that feel both elevated and personal for the entire family. Last, it is a long game, a passion to create something special. At Windham Mountain Club, we’re bringing that same attention to detail, exceptional service, and sense of community, but tailoring it to the energy and spirit of the Mountains of New York.

What sets Windham Mountain Club apart from other luxury mountain resorts, both in the Catskills and beyond?

The protected mountain land of the area, the outstanding weather year-round, the historic town of Windham and its community, to name a few. There’s more to do than any guest would have time for, all at a premium level and within an easy two and a half hour drive from the wealthiest popular New York area market. 

What is your long-term vision for Windham Mountain Club, and how do you see it evolving in the next 5 to 10 years?

It will be the place to go for families all year, but even more in the Spring, Summer and Fall for world-class experiences, whether adventures, wellness, skiing, golf or the best kids’ camp. Our vision is to offer memorable experiences across all seasons — from skiing and golf to wellness, rejuvenation and strategic partnerships. Our long-term vision also includes expanded real estate options for members, which we’ve already begun. As we evolve, I’m committed to making Windham Mountain Club a place guests will return to year after year.

windhammountainclub.com

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The Montecito Heights residence is squirreled away down a long driveway on more than an acre of tree-shielded property surrounded by open space and hiking trails. The Montecito Heights residence is squirreled away down a long driveway on more than an acre of tree-shielded property surrounded by open space and hiking trails.

This is the fourth release in the Distil Your World series. This is the fourth release in the Distil Your World series.