Describe the best wedding that happened at Karma St. Martin's?
By far the best wedding we had was on our first day of opening.. Donna & Gavin had holidayed together on St. Martin's every year as children, as their parents were close friends. When they became teenagers the holidays stopped, and sadly one parent passed away. Donna & Gavin were reunited at the funeral, and it was love at first sight! They started dating, fell in love, and stumbled across a photo of them both as young children, holding hands on a rock about to jump in the sea outside St. Martin's hotel.
The photo later became their wedding invitation, and it was decided there was only one place to get married - the place they had first met as children! The hotel had been derelict for a few years which was a huge disappointment, but the Karma Group purchased the hotel their dream venue that same year, and the rest was history! Donna & Gavin took a wedding photo on the same rock they'd played on as children, and this review says it all:
St Martins has very special memories to us so when my husband proposed there was only one destination to get married and as if fate had decided for us the Karma had opened its doors for business. The wedding day went like a dream it was well organised. Now onto the food, where do I start! Myself and my guests have not stopped talking about it since that day! It was amazing, fresh, perfectly cooked and the presentation was out of this world! The Karma staff are always on hand to help and they are always smiling and over our stay I felt like they had become friends, it was hard to say to say goodbye to them! They are lovely guys and girls! Rolina on my wedding morning gave me a pedicure and manicure which was brilliant, she also is a gorgeous lady and is the lady to see for spa treatments, I highly recommend you do. The hotel itself is gorgeous and relaxed it has a snug area which has a unique wine machine to take a glass or two! It also has a turntable with a selection of records on offer to play, this was a favourite of mine. The bedrooms are excellent we had the volunteer (the honeymoon suite) Amazing views and a balcony... Perfect! They are spacious and the beds are luxurious and every evening you get chocolates and a little weather report, a lovely touch. Myself and my husband actually stayed in the hotel for a week after and at all times the staff were friendly and welcoming. The Karma team made our dreams come true and I thank them all eternally. I wish them a great future and Mr and Mrs Sellwood will see you soonxxxx
What is your No. 1 wedding planning tip for couples?
Communication! Planning a wedding at short notice? No problem. Have a list of requirements as long as your arm? Great! Not sure if Karma St. Martin's will be able to accommodate you? Just ask! Communication is the key with any wedding, and we are here to help with every aspect of your wedding day
What’s your favourite personal touch you’ve seen at a wedding?
Some of the best weddings we hosted at Karma St. Martin's in 2016 were very intimate, on some occasions with members of the Karma St. Martin's team acting as witnesses. Sometimes less is more, and we pride ourselves on offering such personal service, which is remembered for years to come. When the bride from one of our weddings left her bouquet of flowers behind at the hotel, the General Manager couldn't resist going above and beyond... He ensured the flowers were dried, and posted them to the unsuspecting bride and groom!
Describe Karma St. Martin's in 5 adjectives
Picturesque, subtropical, tranquil, untouched & magical
Where’s the best photo spot at Karma St. Martin's?
Every location in the Isles of Scilly is photogenic, but the best place for wedding photos would be on the front lawn of the hotel, the beach (just 40 metres away), or the coastal path (2 minutes walk away). The front lawn is perfect for group photos, and there are plenty of locations in the hotel to ensure you get the shots you'd like
Have you had any celebrity guest or wedding at Karma St. Martin's?
We were delighted to accommodate the cast of Holby City and Eastenders recently. The large wedding party had an amazing time on St. Martin's, and made the most of the local businesses, with flowers coming from the nearby flower farm, and everyone getting on boats to travel between islands.
What’s your favourite canapé?
Chicken liver parfait on toasted brioche.. So simple, yet so tasty!
What’s your favourite midnight treat?
The Head Chef's chocolate delice, with orange jam doughnut and popcorn ice-cream
What is Karma St. Martin's most unique feature?
The views. Karma St. Martin's is extremely lucky with the location we have, which money can't buy. If it could, it would be priceless!
What part of your business are you most proud of?
When the Karma Group purchased Karma St. Martin's in 2014, it was a derelict building which had been closed for a number of years. We watched as the refurbishment team built up the floor, walls, and ceilings, and witnessed the hotel transform from a shell, into a beautiful and luxurious hotel. The Karma St. Martin's team pride themselves on going above and beyond, to ensure your stay at the hotel is a memorable one.