The basics
Combining the Old World elegance of Europe, the sexiness of a tropical beach, and the convenience of a quick plane flight, the One & Only Ocean Club is a one-stop-shop for tropical wedding perfection. While it shares a Bahamian island with that most exuberant of resorts, Atlantis, the Ocean Club maintains a quiet, tranquil attitude. The fact that it’s so close to a family-friendly, wallet-friendly behemoth is actually good news for lots of wedding couples, who can stash their extended families down the road while they revel in elegance.
Wedding details
There are two full-time wedding staffers coordinating it all. Most brides fall hard for the Versailles-inspired gardens built around a 12th-century cloister imported from Europe. Exchange vows under the ancient arches, then think about cocktails beside the sunken pool, where you can also set up an extra-long feasting table. If you’ve got a large crowd, you’ll be asked to spring for a tent on the lawn. Small groups can take over one of the gorgeous villas. At all, menus are overseen by Jean-George Vongerichten, one of the world’s true culinary stars.
Keep in mind
You can’t marry on the beach here, so look elsewhere if you want the sand-between-your-toes experience. But for a lot of couples, a background of turquoise sea between those medieval pillars is plenty of atmosphere.