Finding the right venue is crucial as it will set the tone for so many elements of the planning. I love going to discover new places and was delighted to be invited to check out Château Saint Martin near Nice in September.
What really struck me initially was how close to Nice the property is and how quickly you are transported into such a tranquil location. For a lot of Provence destinations you usually need to travel much further for a similar transformation. With 40 keys it’s an intimate property but with a host of different locations onsite for welcome evenings, ceremonies, dinners, and parties.
Options & Backdrops
Whenever I’m in a venue I’m always looking for how many different options we have to host different events (or different formats of a certain event). I frequently push venue teams to understand how we can use the space and maybe in ways they haven’t done before.
Whilst exploring Château Saint Martin there were so many different location possibilities from the terrace and olive garden to a 21st century chapel and all the grounds around the vast swimming pool. A very special way to programme multiple events at one venue is to steadily ‘unveil’ different spaces across each day which works very well at Château Saint Martin.
Checking your wet weather options is crucial even in a sunny destination! As our climate changes I often argue that this is more important in (usually) sunnier climes. Generally, properties in Southern Europe are fully designed for outdoor living and celebrating and their wet weather options can fall short. Ensuring you’re happy with the alternative is vital and I thought the ‘wet weather’ alternative at Château Saint Martin was particularly special. Their starred restaurant Le Saint-Martin is a beautifully airy space and it’s adjoining event spaces and Rossini bar would make for a very sexy interior celebration.
Service Excellence
When you opt for a hotel as your venue they will truly be your partner as they will provide your staff, catering and logistics so ensuring the right pick is vital.
The level of service I had the pleasure of receiving across the weekend was superb. Across all roles the team at the property were exceptional. The staff were hands on without it being too much and warm & friendly whilst remaining discreet.
One of the most special atmospheres you can create with a destination wedding is, ultimately, that you’re on holiday with your friends and family away from reality. The staff play a huge part of this and are central to this experience.
Mindful Weddings
We’ve been seeing a steady rise in mindful weddings and incorporating elements of wellbeing into the wedding programme for guests and the wedding party. We’ve had grooms begin their wedding day at a Russian banya and yoga sessions to kick off the weekend. It’s a great way to both relax into the weekend and also provide considered experiences for your guests. A property like Château Saint Martin is ideal for this as you have the hotel’s spectacular spa, as well as their concierge team, to help you provide mindful experiences for your guests. Wedding weekends can be full on and allowing time for rest and helping it become a holiday for those involved.
This is a romantic gem nestled up in the hills around Nice with views all the way out to sea, ideal for private celebrations and weddings from the traditional to the out of the ordinary.
Matthew
