You’ve planned the wedding down to the last detail, but where are you going to spend your honeymoon? Phoebe Oliver gives us her top picks to suit all types of happy couples…
TROPICAL PARADISE
The all-inclusive Jolly Beach Resort & Spa in Antigua offers excellent value honeymoons in paradise. With Antiguan hospitality and a mile-long stretch of white sand all rooms benefit from an ocean view with beachfront suites for a little more privacy.
There are five restaurants to choose from, including Italian at Bocciolo, Indian at Utsav or Caribbean and seafood at the relaxing beach-front Lydia’s. Also in the all-inclusive package is the extensive activities programme, ranging from water sports to tennis. Then why not head to the world class spa for a relaxing couple’s treatment.
For those honeymooners who bring kids along, this is the perfect place for them to have hours of fun whilst you relax with a cocktail by the adult-only pool. The package includes treasure hunts, beach picnics and pirate nights for the little ones, and volleyball tournaments, bonfires and a games room for the teenagers.
7 nights in Antigua with Virgin Holidays (www.virginholidays.co.uk), including scheduled flights with Virgin Atlantic from London Gatwick direct to Antigua, all-inclusive accommodation at the 3V Jolly Beach Resort and Spa and airport transfers start from £999pp.
MILE LOW CLUB
Since the dawn of passenger aviation, the ‘Mile High Club’ means rock stars and honeymoon couples, but for 2014, luxury property specialists Oliver’s Travels has launched the Mile Low Club; a new luxury service for audacious travellers.
Plunge into Lovers Deep, a specially adapted leisure submarine, interior designed and furnished to the individual customer’s specification and staffed by the Captain, chef and personal butler (who share separate accommodation to ensure guest privacy).
Lovers Deep offers the option of being moored at a location chosen by the customer, whether a stunning coral reef off the coast of St. Lucia or a sunken battleship in the Red Sea. With private speedboat transfers as standard, the service can also be customised with optional extras including helicopter transfers with a beach landing, free rose petal scattering service or champagne breakfast in bed – all booked through the Oliver’s Concierge service.
The Mile Low Club service starts from £175,000 per night (excluding air travel). http://www.oliverstravels.com/mile-low-clublaunches
COLONIAL CAMPING
A safari honeymoon at Sabi Sabi’s Selati Camp allows you to revel in the beauty of the African bushveld, experiencing some of the finest luxury accommodation available. At Selati Camp, newlyweds enjoy a complimentary bottle of sparkling wine and welcome platter which can be taken either in their luxury suite bathroom or their Jacuzzi. Couples will also be surprised by a romantic private dinner on the pool deck with candlelight and their own private chef.
The Romantic Selati Camp is infused with railway memorabilia from the 1900’s, vintage décor and gentle lamplight, the eight beautifully appointed thatched suites offer intimacy and colonial opulence, each with full bathroom en-suite and private alfresco shower.
Ivory Presidential Suite offers original antiques, a draped four-poster bed, private terrace, fireplace and a magnificent en-suite bathroom, complete with a very private plunge pool. Experience the ever-changing landscapes and rhythms from the clear light of dawn to fiery sunsets.
Land Rover game drives, Big Five encounters, excellent African cuisine and gorgeous landscapes are only a few of the reasons why honeymoons at Sabi Sabi are so highly revered.
Black Tomato (www.blacktomato.com) can arrange a luxury safari honeymoon including a four night stay at the luxurious Selati Camp at Sabi Sabi from £3,180 pp. Price includes return flights, accommodation, and transfers.
GLORIOUS GLAMPING
Ditch the high tech world and honeymoon in Bluebells – just for two – at The Dandelion Hideaway in Leicestershire. This is the ultimate in glamping with an en suite roll-top bath and a private, secluded wood burning hot tub.
Cosy up in the huge sleigh bed with the fluffiest goose down duvet and an eiderdown to keep snug. For a change of scene, spend a night next door in Bluebells’ little sister, Bluebell’s Nest – an elevated wooden haven suspended over a drift of wild flowers.
Spend lazy days sitting in the rocking chairs on the veranda, or reclining on the old fashioned day bed, reading, listening to the gramophone, playing board games, spotting birds and star gazing from the telescope, with only the sounds of birdsong, the whistling kettle and the wind rustling in the trees.
With a butler’s sink, a wood burning stove with an excellent cooker and even a selection of grandma’s cookery books, local supplies can be bought from the farm’s own Cow Shed Stores, plus there’s lots to forage for in the hedgerows and a basket of herbs growing outside.
Start the day with freshly laid eggs from the hens and finish by toasting marshmallows over the camp fire. For honeymooners there is a complimentary bottle of champagne in the fridge and a breakfast basket.
Autumn Prices for two sharing Bluebells and Bluebell’s Nest start from 4 night weekday break from £475 www.thedandelionhideaway.co.uk
Phoebe Oliver is the founder of travel specialist PR firm Oliver Relations
www.oliverrelations.co.uk
Twitter: @oliverpr