In the world of luxury event planning, there are experiences that stand out as truly extraordinary, leaving a mark on those lucky enough to be part of the journey. Our recent FAM trip to London and the English countryside as guests of Amie Bone’s The Fantasia Experience was undeniably one of them. We embarked on a journey that transcended the ordinary. For a few magical days, we were able to immerse ourselves in a world of creativity and luxury, thanks to our gracious hosts Amie Bone, The Four Seasons Hampshire, The Four Seasons London and Elan Artists and their partners. From serene countryside retreats to opulent gala dinners, join us as we relive some of the best moments of our trip. (And delight in some great destination wedding and event inspo too!)
Setting the Stage: Fantasia III by Amie Bone
At the heart of our journey was the renowned Fantasia masterclass, led by the visionary UK florist, Amie Bone. With a career spanning over two decades, Amie is celebrated for her ability to turn dreams into reality through the art of floral design for a host of elite clients. For workshop participants, Fantasia promised three days of immersive learning and creative exploration, culminating in an extravagant gala dinner. As VIP guests of the Fantasia Experience, we were granted exclusive access. We got to witness the magic unfold on the night and meet many of the talented people who help Amie bring this and other events to life.
Hampshire Highlights
For the first two days of our trip, Four Seasons Hampshire served as our tranquil retreat in the English countryside. This restored 18th-century manor is surrounded by 500 acres of picturesque landscape. Here, we were able to indulge in a variety of traditionally British outdoor pursuits including axe throwing, clay pigeon shooting, and archery. On our first evening, we also enjoyed a welcome dinner in The Library Bar. New friends and culinary delights within an elegant space – what could be better? The following day, we were treated to ‘brunch on the barge’ and a canal boat tour of the Basingstoke Canal. After soaking in the beauty of our surroundings, we were pampered at the hotel spa, in preparation for the ball.
The Fantasia Ball
And what an evening it was! The theme of Fantasia III (and we do love a theme!) was inspired by Greek mythology. From the first moment, we were transported to a mythical underworld where reality blurred with fantasy. The venue was The Dairy at Waddesdon, country estate of the Rothschild family. This incredible venue was transformed into a realm of wonder, thanks to 75,000 stems of flowers and a team of 250 industry professionals. Every detail was meticulously curated to captivate the senses and ignite the imagination. It was a symphony of colors, fragrances, and intricate floral compositions.
First, we were welcomed with drinks on arrival. Then, we entered the ‘heavens’, where we found a giant Pegasus statue and a choir, all dressed in white. (The ‘underworld’ turned out to be the location of the after party!) The ballroom itself was breathtaking, showcasing the craftsmanship and artistic vision that is the hallmark of Amie’s events. Beyond the décor, we also loved seeing the guests in their formal attire. The creative dress code was ‘The Fury of the Gods’. So who knows – you may see a mythology-inspired dress code at one of our future Engage! events!
London Calling
The following day, our journey continued in the vibrant city of London, where we were whisked by branded London taxicabs and welcomed by the luxurious Four Seasons Hotel at Park Lane complete with a royal trumpet, red carpet welcome. We were excited to see and experience the newly renovated landmark hotel. Of course, it didn’t disappoint, with its glittering chandeliers and incredible views of the London landmarks. The group was also able to spend some time exploring the capital, including Burlington Arcade. The Burlington is England’s oldest (and longest!) shopping arcade and we were delighted with personal shopping experiences and thoughtful and generous gifting. As well as this treat, we enjoyed indulgent dining at the Four Seasons’ Pavyllon restaurant and Maison François.
As a fitting finale to our adventure, we attended a private dinner at Spencer House, the aristocratic city palace built by the 1st Earl Spencer, an ancestor of Diana, Princess of Wales.
Reflecting on the Fantasia Experience
As we reflect on the unforgettable moments shared during our trip, we must thank the hosts, sponsors, and collaborators who made it all possible. From Four Seasons Hotels and Amie Bone Flowers to our long-time friends at Elan Artists, each partner played a vital role in shaping our experience. Their dedication to excellence and commitment to creativity served as a source of inspiration and delight. And it was a testament to the power of collaboration in the event industry. The spirit of innovation that defined this experience will serve as inspiration as we continue to push the boundaries of creativity in event design for future Engage! events.
