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Island Renewal
Maui may be a top honeymoon destination, but its azure blue skies and beautiful sunsets have also made it a popular choice for another type of celebration: vow renewals. According to Kristine Fong, catering sales manager at The Westin Maui Resort & Spa, impromptu vow renewals are a growing trend. And they’re not just for couples celebrating a milestone anniversary—more and more 30-somethings are renewing their vows.
“Oftentimes, the couples are already here on vacation, so the decision is a last-minute one,” says Fong, who coordinates one nuptial per day at the property. “Many do it so they can incorporate their young kids into the ceremony.”
Wendy Harvey, public relations director at the Fairmont Kea Lani, has seen a rise in vow renewals as well. “One of our guests orchestrated the ceremony by first scheduling a beachfront family portrait for himself, his wife and their two kids,” she recalls. “He surprised them all by asking his wife to marry him again, which she did right by the gazebo. It was a beautiful moment.”
Harvey says she has seen couples renew their vows after being married just three years. It’s a romantic gesture that’s also helping to remind couples—and their children—what marriage is all about. Whether big or small, renewal ceremonies are all the more memorable at any of these island spots:
The Westin Maui Resort & Spa—At The Westin, an intimate vow renewal ceremony can be done on Lokahi Point, an outdoor venue with magnificent panoramic ocean and island views—not to mention gorgeous sunsets. Afterward, the couple and their family can celebrate over kalua duck potstickers and kurobuta pork chop at Tropica, the resort’s signature restaurant. And for a nightcap, it doesn’t get better than a massage at the 15,000-square-foot Heavenly Spa. 2635 Ka’anapali Parkway, Lahaina, 808.667.2525; westinmaui.com.
Fairmont Kea Lani—At Hawaii’s only luxury all-suite and villa oceanfront resort, the Pacific Terrace is a popular spot for nuptials and vow renewals. It’s no wonder, as the terrace overlooks the beach and Pacific Ocean, with the islands of Lanai, Molokini and Kahoolawe providing an amazing backdrop. After taking photographs on the private beach, couples can indulge in true island flavor at Ko, where the cuisine—served in candlelit poolside cabañas—reflects the culinary traditions of Hawaiian, Chinese, Filipino, Portuguese, Korean and Japanese cultures. 4100 Wailea Alanui, Wailea, Maui, 808.875.4100; fairmont.com/kealani.
Say No More
A unique experience in art and function, Sè San Diego is a premier luxury hotel with all the bells and whistles. It is ultra chic—a 23-story structure in steel and glass. A series of handcrafted, textured finishes echo those in legendary Asian resorts. And the penthouse suite is the grandest of all on the West Coast, with three stories and a 4,400-square-foot rooftop terrace. A private sundeck on the third floor features views of Mexico, Coronado and the Pacific.
For the ultimate wedding party treat, Sè Spa offers an organic full-bar and dining menu, including “Spatinis” and a Blooming Tea Bar featuring exotic and specialty teas. Upon arrival guests are treated to a “Soma” shot of honey, pomegranate and organic vodka—once considered the wine of immortality in ancient Indian tradition. 1047 Fifth Avenue, downtown, 619.515.3000; sesandiego.com.
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