Vows beside the southern coast, private safari encounters in Yala, misty highland mornings in Ella and secluded days on a Maldivian island; a wedding and honeymoon journey crafted across two of the world's most beautiful destinations.
Arrive at Bandaranaike International Airport, where you will be welcomed and assisted with your luggage before beginning the private journey south to Talpe.
Check in to Ishq Villa, an intimate beachfront retreat reserved for the couple and their wedding party. Settle into the villa, enjoy the oceanfront surroundings and spend the remainder of the day relaxing after the journey.
During the evening, gather for a relaxed welcome dinner at the villa; the perfect opportunity for both families and close friends to meet before the celebration begins.
Wake to the sound of the Indian Ocean and enjoy a leisurely breakfast at the villa. The morning will be kept relaxed, allowing plenty of time for wedding preparations, hair and makeup, photography and quiet moments with family and friends.
The wedding ceremony will take place within the private surroundings of Ishq Villa, with the setting arranged according to the couple's chosen style. Exchange vows against the backdrop of the southern coast before celebrating with cocktails, dinner, music and dancing.
Every element; from the flowers and ceremony setting to the menu, entertainment and photography, can be personalised around the couple's vision.
After a relaxed post wedding breakfast, spend the morning enjoying the villa with family and friends. The wedding party may depart at leisure, while the newlyweds begin their private honeymoon journey towards Yala.
Travel along Sri Lanka's southern coastline before entering the island's dry zone wilderness. Check in to the selected safari lodge and spend the afternoon unwinding. Enjoy the pool, surrounding landscape and the peaceful atmosphere of the wilderness.
As evening falls, share an intimate dinner beneath the stars.
Begin early with tea or coffee before departing for a private morning safari in Yala National Park. Explore the park as the wilderness begins to stir, travelling through forests, grasslands, rocky outcrops and lagoons. Yala is home to elephants, spotted deer, crocodiles, water buffalo, sloth bears and an extraordinary variety of birdlife. It is also renowned for its leopard population, although all wildlife encounters remain entirely natural and cannot be guaranteed.
Return to the lodge for a late breakfast and a leisurely afternoon. Alternatively, the morning may be kept free and the safari arranged at approximately 3:00 pm, when the temperature begins to soften and wildlife becomes more active once again. Conclude the day with a private dinner at the lodge.
After breakfast, leave the dry zone wilderness and travel into Sri Lanka's central highlands. The landscape gradually transforms as the road climbs towards Ella, revealing waterfalls, forested valleys, tea covered hills and distant mountain peaks. Stop along the way for photographs or a refreshing drink before arriving at the hotel.
Check in and spend the afternoon at leisure, enjoying the cooler climate and sweeping views across the hills. As evening settles over Ella, enjoy a romantic dinner overlooking the valley.
Begin the morning with an optional guided walk to Little Adam's Peak. The relatively gentle trail passes tea fields and opens onto beautiful views of Ella Gap and the surrounding mountains. Continue to the iconic Nine Arch Bridge, hidden among dense greenery and tea country. If the timing is right, watch a train slowly cross the stone viaduct before returning to the hotel.
The afternoon may be spent at leisure or exploring Ella's relaxed cafes and small boutiques. A private tea experience, couples' spa treatment or sunset picnic can also be arranged.
After breakfast, depart Ella and begin the scenic journey towards Colombo. Travel from the cool highlands into Sri Lanka's lively commercial capital, arriving during the afternoon. Check in to the selected city hotel and enjoy time to relax.
Later, explore Colombo with your private guide. Discover a city shaped by colonial architecture, contemporary design, colourful temples and an evolving culinary scene. Time may also be arranged for shopping at selected boutiques, jewellers and lifestyle stores. Conclude the Sri Lankan chapter of the journey with a special dinner at one of Colombo's finest restaurants.
After breakfast, transfer privately to Bandaranaike International Airport for the flight to Male. Upon arrival in the Maldives, receive assistance before continuing to the selected island resort by speedboat, seaplane or domestic flight, depending on its location.
Check in to the honeymoon villa and spend the remainder of the day settling into island life. Enjoy the lagoon, beach and uninterrupted privacy before watching the first Maldivian sunset together.
Wake to the sound of the ocean and enjoy a leisurely breakfast overlooking the lagoon. The day is yours to enjoy at your own pace. Swim in clear turquoise water, snorkel above coral reefs, relax beside the private pool or retreat to the spa for a couples' treatment.
A private sandbank picnic, dolphin cruise or sunset sailing experience may be arranged according to the couple's interests and the weather conditions.
Enjoy an unhurried final full day on the island. Spend the morning beside the ocean or discover the underwater world through guided snorkelling or diving. The afternoon may be reserved for complete relaxation within the privacy of the villa.
As evening approaches, a private beach dinner can be arranged to celebrate the honeymoon beneath the stars, surrounded by candlelight and the gentle sound of the Indian Ocean.
Enjoy a final breakfast and a quiet morning at the resort. At the appropriate time, transfer to Velana International Airport for the onward international flight, bringing the wedding and honeymoon journey to a close. Depart with memories of vows beside the Sri Lankan coast, encounters in the wilderness, misty hill country mornings and private days in the Maldives.
Wedding arrangements at Ishq Villa will be designed separately according to the number of guests, preferred ceremony style, menu, decor and entertainment. Legal marriage documentation will depend on the couple's nationalities and should be confirmed in advance. Safari experiences and wildlife sightings are subject to natural conditions. Domestic and international flights, seaplane operations and resort transfers are subject to schedules and weather conditions. The itinerary can be further personalised with preferred hotels, room categories, dining experiences, photography, spa rituals and private celebrations.
Every element of this journey can be personalised around you; different properties, additional guests, a different ceremony style, more days in the Maldives or a completely new direction. We design around the couple, not around a template. Tell us your vision and we will build something that belongs only to you.