insideKENT Magazine Issue 124 - August 2022 | Page 125

KENTWEDDINGS

A KENTISH MINI-MOON

KENT WEDDINGS
WITH ELABORATE MULTI-DAY WEDDINGS ON THE RISE ALONGSIDE THE COMBINED PRESSURES OF OUR PROFESSIONAL AND SOCIAL LIVES , OUR TIME , RESOURCES AND ENERGY FOR EXPENSIVE AND LENGTHY HONEYMOONS CAN BE A LITTLE SPARSE . ENTER OUR WELCOME SAVIOUR : THE MINI-MOON . A FAIRLY NEW AND VERY MUCH WELCOMED EXPRESSION , THE MINI-MOON DESCRIBES A SHORTER HONEYMOON THAT IS JUST AS SWEET . ALTHOUGH MANY OF US STILL EMBRACE THE TRADITION OF JETTING OFF SOMEWHERE DISTANT AND EXOTIC TO ENJOY SOME PRECIOUS MOMENTS WITH OUR NEWLY-WED OTHER HALF , THE ALLURE OF A MINI-MOON OFFERS COUPLES THAT MUCH-NEEDED RESPITE AFTER POTENTIALLY EXHAUSTIVE WEDDING FESTIVITIES WITH MUCH LESS PRESSURE AND WITHOUT THE SACRIFICE OF LOTS OF TIME AND ENERGY .
ELMLEY NATURE RESERVE
Typically a long weekend and spanning up to five days , mini-moons are most popular in the form of a staycation . Although they might be shorter , less expensive and home-country-based , this does not mean they have to be any less romantic , fun or luxurious .
With Kent ’ s divine concoction of blissful beaches , captivating countryside and award-winning hotels and retreats , it comes as no surprise that the Garden of England is one of the UK ’ s most sought after mini-moon choices for couples . Whether you ’ re looking for ultimate relaxation , undisturbed one-on-one seclusion , or simply wish to carry on the fun and frivolities of the big day itself , Kent is sure to have something to suit your every need and desire .
ONE FOR … ROMANTIC SECLUSION
Elmley Nature Reserve www . elmleynaturereserve . co . uk
The closest you can get to your own private island this side of London , the Isle of Sheppey offers acres of flat grass and marshland that teem with wildlife and offer total escape from the roar of reality . A beautiful quiet stillness descends on the isle , which also consists of sweeping shingle beaches , vast estuaries , meandering rivers and of course , glorious views . Elmley Nature Reserve invites guests to ‘ escape into nature ’ during their stay as well as having the exclusivity of being the only nature reserve in which one can stay overnight . Describing themselves as ‘ a vast wilderness ,’ Elmley ’ s spectacular landscape , soul-stirring skies and breathtaking wildlife provides a truly inspirational escape for any couple looking to get away and spend time together . Choose from sweet and solid comforting cottages , cosy intimate cabins , or stay in one of the main farmhouse ’ s exquisitely designed rooms . Each with its own individual character , every place has been created as a retreat so couples can make the most of their time away and utilise the restorative power of nature .
Guests can also enjoy exquisite meals and delectable drinks at Elmley , either at The Kingshill Barn Bar , The Cowshed Café for lunch or breakfast in the Farmhouse . From seasonal locally sourced food to the unforgettable wildlife experiences and huge open skies , expect an extraordinary stay at this serene slice of Kent .
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