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An Iconic London Wedding Venue Gets Even Better: Introducing the Natural History Museum’s Darwin Centre and Wildlife Gardens

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Image by Matt Chung Photo 

It’s no secret that the Natural History Museum is one of London’s most breathtaking Jewish wedding venues.

The Natural History Museum has long been admired for its range of majestic indoor spaces – you might have seen stunning photos of unforgettable receptions in the Grade I listed Romanesque building’s Hintze Hall, with Hope the blue whale suspended from the ceiling – and they’ve just added a gorgeous new outdoor option to their repertoire.

Image by Matt Chung Photo 

The Perfect Outdoor Venue in Central London

With this summer’s opening of the new Darwin Centre and Wildlife Gardens, the Natural History Museum has acquired a new indoor/outdoor venue space perfect for a drinks reception on a summer evening – or even an outdoor chuppah, right in the middle of central London.

Team STG was lucky enough to attend the opening event inaugurating the new space, and we were so impressed with how quiet and peaceful the gardens feel, despite being nestled in the heart of bustling South Kensington. Set back from the surrounding streets, with lots of greenery and trees to block out the sounds and sights of the big city, it’s truly a serene oasis – something that’s not easy to find in a central London wedding venue.

Image by Matt Chung Photo 

Gardens Galore

And of course we also love that there’s so much for your guests to see and learn as they take in the spaces: the Evolution Garden is a path through 2.7 billion years of our planet’s history, told through an immersive timeline of plants, rocks of different geological periods from across the UK, and the Nature Discovery Garden features different habitats represent the rich biodiversity that can be found in the UK’s urban spaces. And to mark the opening of the gardens, a  new bronze cast of the museum’s much-loved Diplodocus Fern has been unveiled, ready for your photo ops.

Image by Matt Chung Photo 

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Win a Romantic Stay at the Pan Pacific London, A Haven of Serenity in the Heart of the City

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Freya and David‘s Jewish wedding at the Pan Pacific | Photo by Dominika Miechowska

I’m so delighted to be able to offer you the chance to win an overnight stay at Pan Pacific London, a stunning luxury hotel that combines Singaporean hospitality with London design!

If you’re looking for a luxurious and contemporary haven in the heart of London to host your Jewish wedding, look no further.

Located in the center of the City in One Bishopsgate Plaza, Pan Pacific London‘s location is unrivaled. Juxtaposing the best of old and new London architecture, One Bishopsgate Plaza showcases not only a modern bronze tower, but also the 144 year old One Devonshire House. Add in some serene Singaporean flair, and you’ve got the perfect backdrop for a Jewish wedding.

Freya and David‘s Jewish wedding at the Pan Pacific | Photo by Dominika Miechowska

Naturally, Pan Pacific London is known for its world-class service. The hotel’s events team are passionate about working with each and every couple to plan a day tailored to your individual needs and tastes. 

The hotel’s dedicated Event Emporium – the only one of its kind in the city – is an immersive experience that turns those important occasions into sensory experiences. Absolutely no detail is spared during inspirational one-on-one sessions; from the softness of the linen to the curation of personalised menus and the scent of the room, there are no limits other than your imagination. Pan Pacific London’s dedicated Celebrations Connoisseurs are ready and waiting to help you create a bespoke Jewish wedding that will exceed your wildest dreams. 

Focus on Wellbeing

Part of what makes Pan Pacific London special is its focus on bringing serenity and wellbeing to the bustling City. Nowhere is this better encapsulated than in the hotel’s world-class SENSORY Wellbeing, a destination floor dedicated exclusively to holistic health and featuring the most technologically advanced hotel gym and facilities in London.

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Win a Stay in Kosher Paradise at Grand Hyatt Baha Mar, the Caribbean’s Ultimate Jewish Wedding Destination

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If you’ve been here awhile, you know how obsessed I am with Grand Hyatt Baha Mar in the Bahamas. Team STG member Sam couldn’t stop raving about her epic weekend visit, and I just love the fact that there’s now a luxury hotel in one of the most gorgeous spots in the Caribbean that’s SO perfect for Jewish weddings.

Grand Hyatt Baha Mar is the only luxury hotel in the Caribbean offering in-house kosher catering for your big day, kosher wedding specialists on hand to help you every step of the way, on-site kosher restaurants, and even the option to cater a kosher Shabbat dinner for your guests before or after the main event. And that’s before we even get to the pristine white sands, crystal-clear water, blue skies, and flamingos (more about that later).

I’m absolutely thrilled to offer you a chance to win three nights’ stay for two at the Caribbean’s hottest Jewish wedding destination, so you can experience it all for yourself!

The dreamiest destination in the Caribbean

Surrounded by gorgeous beaches, tranquil water, and warm sun, Grand Hyatt Baha Mar is the perfect setting for a stunning wedding weekend where you and your loved ones can get away from it all to celebrate the big day distraction-free. And it’s just a few hours’ flight from the East Coast of the US, with nonstop flights available from many US cities. 

It’s a truly epic destination for an unforgettable Jewish wedding in tropical paradise, and I’m so excited that we’ve teamed up with Grand Hyatt Baha Mar to offer one lucky couple (you can be single with a plus one, engaged or married to enter) a chance to experience the luxuries of the hotel, including:

  • A three-night stay in a standard king room
  • A $200 gift certificate for one dinner at Cinko Asian Latino Grill, Grand Hyatt Baha Mar’s kosher restaurant
  • Site tour available upon request 
  • Total value = $2600

 

A Jewish Wedding at Grand Hyatt Baha Mar

Grand Hyatt Baha Mar is a truly one-of-a-kind venue for a Jewish wedding. There’s no place else in this kind of lush Caribbean setting that makes it SO easy to throw a kosher wedding. 

Grand Hyatt Bahar Mar perfectly combines local color (literally – you can even have the hotel’s friendly flock of pink flamingos join you for a meet and greet during your cocktail hour!) with classic luxury, incorporating the culture and spirit of the Bahamas while attending to all the nuances that make Jewish weddings special. 

When you (and your guests!) need a little downtime, you can take advantage of the resort’s eight exquisite pools, get cozy in a private poolside cabana, or enjoy spa treatments at the 30,000-square-foot ESPA at Baha Mar – and for those seeking more active pursuits, there’s golf, water sports, a luxe beachfront waterpark, cooking classes, and so much more.

Spectacular Service every step of the way

Grand Hyatt Baha Mar’s kosher wedding specialist handles all the details to elevate your wedding, from helping you build Jewish and cultural traditions into your day to private Shabbat dinners overlooking the ocean. 

You’ll receive a full range of unparalleled services to help you personalize your Jewish wedding your way, and you’ll have help with all the details that will elevate your day, from helping you select decor and vendors to delivering gift bags and late-night snacks. Continue ReadingContinue Reading

My Weekend in Kosher Paradise at the Grand Hyatt Baha Mar in the Bahamas

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I couldn’t have imagined back in 2019, as a member of Brides Club planning my own Jewish wedding, that one day I would be a part of the incredible team here at Smashing the Glass. As luck would have it, I joined the team back in 2020, and these last three years as a Features Writer have been such a blast. This July, I was given the opportunity of a lifetime to take part in the Kosher Fam weekend, sponsored by the Grand Hyatt Baha Mar in the Bahamas with other amazing Jewish influencers and to see what it was like to spend a proper Shabbat in the Caribbean. 

The First Kosher Restaurant in the Caribbean 

What makes a stay at the Grand Hyatt Baha Mar so unique is that it boasts the first 100% certified kosher restaurant in all of the Caribbean as well as a fully kosher food truck and other kosher options throughout the resort. Cinko, their Asian Latino fusion inspired restaurant, is not only kosher, but each dish is so unique and delicious that you could have a new item on the menu for every meal in a week and still not run out of tasty options to try. One evening for dinner, I ordered the Korean beef kimchi tacos, the salmon ceviche, and for my main course a stunning red snapper in an aji amarillo and coconut Thai sauce with succulent bites of yuca.

Shabbat Accommodations at a 5 Star Hotel

Whenever I’ve traveled and need to account for Shabbat or kosher meals, it’s usually whatever pre-packaged options I have on hand. I’ve never seen the luxury of a 5-star hotel take into consideration its kosher guests with such preparation and care. Cinko closes its doors to general hotel guests every Friday night through Saturday unless you make special reservations for Shabbat dinner and takeaway lunch, securing your kosher meals ahead of time. 

From Cinko’s candle lighting setup and hand washing station, to the beautiful Shabbat table with challah and wine the Grand Hyatt Baha Mar thinks of everything in making sure all you need is accounted for and you can just enjoy the beautiful Shabbat feast that’s been pre-prepared. Shabbat lunch is just as thoughtful with takeaway boxes filled with scrumptious food, and your own personal challah roll and grape juice for kiddush. The local Chabad Rabbi also has wonderful resources online and does his best to gather a minyan for Shabbat every week. 

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