Editor’s LETTER W
hat does luxury mean to you? A fy-and-fop on a private beach with toes never more than a few inches from the sea? Or sampling the latest gourmet oferings a buzzing capital city has to ofer? Tese days, just fnding a fve-star hotel simply won’t cut it, we know our readers are seeking more than ultra-fufy towels and slick room service; it’s all about the experience and the stories you’ll have to tell when you get home. From deep-sea fshing in Tailand to paragliding in Oman (or a tech-detox on a deserted patch of paradise), whatever your version of luxury is, we’ve got it covered. In association with top tour operator Kuoni, you’ll fnd essential, hadn’t-thought-of-that advice on booking your trip-of-a-lifetime, (where to go when and how to seal the deal), some hot new ‘wildcard’ destinations (who knew you could sleep out all alone on the salt fats of Bolivia?) and we’ve picked some of our fave resorts that ofer you more. More experience, more memories and, most importantly, more of the luxury you want. We promise, in a few hours from now, you’ll have that honeymoon sorted.
Contents
HARRIET CHUBB BRIDES SUPPLEMENTS EDITOR
02 TRAVEL KNOWLEDGE
42 THE LUXURY OF CONTRAST
Everything you need to know to book the perfect honeymoon.
Combine the city and beach for the best of both worlds.
06 THE LUXURY OF PRIVACY Some of the world’s most secluded hideaways.
48 THE LUXURY OF BEING IN THE KNOW
14 THE LUXURY OF SILENCE
Join the A-list and descend on one of the world’s most photographed beaches.
Had enough of city noise? We hear you.
22 THE LUXURY OF DISCOVERY
54 THE LUXURY OF TWO MOONS
Some sample itineraries to whet your appetite for a honeymoon on the road.
Save the long-haul adventure for later down the line and book a stylish minimoon instead.
26 THE LUXURY OF GASTRONOMY
60 WILDCARDS
Delicious honeymoon escapes for foodies – eat your heart out!
INSIDE sneak-peek Kandolhu Island in the Maldives has recently opened its five-star doors. With just 30 thatched villas built in the style of traditional Maldivian dhonis, it’s a castaway adventure you’ll crave! Turn to page 21 to find out more.
Unleash your adventurous side and try one of these outlandish trips for size.
62 WHEN TO GO 34 THE LUXURY OF DOING NOTHING
Te best honeymoon destinations plotted out month by month.
Fabulously unchallenging fy-and-fop destinations. Take sunscreen.
64 KUONI STORE MAP Find your nearest Kuoni store – and take your credit card with you!
NOT INTERESTED IN A TRADITIONAL HONEYMOON? TURN TO PAGE 60 FOR SOME OF THE WORLD’S MOST OUT-THERE ESCAPES... ∙ Publisher Camilla Newman ∙ Head of Bespoke Victoria Hunter ∙ Supplements editor Harriet Chubb ∙ Writer Leo Bear ∙ Art editor Pepita Fernandez ∙ Promotions art director Yasmina Green ∙ Senior promotions coordinator Grace Barnes
This page: Lonubo at Maafushivaru 1
The luxury of privacy NothiNg spells romaNce like a palm-strewN tropical islaNd all to yourselves. withiN these pages are some of the world’s most secluded hideaways. spleNdid isolatioN Never looked so good‌
2
LOCAL TIP... a lot of the food in the maldives is flown in from other countries. for something truly local, try a zesty palm heart salad.
maafushivaru Maldives SMALL BUT PERFECTLY FORMED, MAAFUSHIVARU
in the South Ari Atoll, has two gloriously wide beaches and a vast shallow lagoon to splash about in. Fans of the colourful underworld can snorkel around the resort’s pristine house reef, and if you sign up for one of the dive centre’s boat trips, you’ve got a good chance of spotting turtles, manta rays and whale sharks. Villas are light and airy, making the most of
uk to maldives 10¼ hours 8
GMT+5
the spectacular surroundings, and there’s plenty to delight the soul on the dining front with a Mediterranean restaurant and a zingy Japanese. Best of all, with just 48 villas and a strict adult-only policy, there’s little chance of anyone or anything disturbing you from your tropical love bubble. INSIDER TIP: Surprise your sweetheart with a picnic or overnight stay on Lonubo, Maafushivaru’s uninhabited sister island. BOOK IT: 10 nights full board, including seaplane transfers, from £2681 per person; overnight experience on Lonubo from £396 per person.
maradiva villas resort & spa Mauritius THIS FIVE-STAR BEAUTY IS ONE OF THE SMARTEST
resorts on Mauritius. Situated on the west coast amidst 27 acres of tropical leafness, this is the ideal place to live out your Tarzan and Jane fantasies. All villas come with their own private pools, and with an award-winning holistic spa, daily yoga and meditation classes, the Zen-like vibe, is certain to calm even the most frazzled of city folk. Te extensive grounds lend a real sense of space, so you never feel encroached on, and shaded paths crying out for romantic strolls, lead to secret sandy nooks. Foodies will be in heaven at the hotel’s breezy lantern-strewn Asian restaurant and at Breakers bar, there’s live jazz and piano to nudge you even further into a blissful state of relaxation. INSIDER TIP: For extra-VIP treatment, request butler service when you book. BOOK IT: 10 nights half board from £2773 per person.
Jade mouNtaiN Saint Lucia THIS IS ONE OF THE CARIBBEAN’S SWANKIEST
eco-retreats. Rooms are of the chart: vast, high-design temples with glittering inf nity pools overlooking Saint Lucia’s famous Pitons. Void of technology (no TV, radio or air-con), this is a place to properly switch of. And with a fourth wall missing (think giant picture window), the natural world is allowed to seep into every pore. Tucked up inside a mosquito net at night, it’s just you, the stars and the electrifying raw energy of the surrounding rainforest. Pure magic. INSIDER TIP: Scoot across to Anse Mamin, a secret beach with a burger bar, 10 minutes along the shoreline. Its creole baps are the best on the island. BOOK IT: 7 nights in a Star Sanctury Suite with breakfast from £3896 per person.
Rooms are off the chart: vast, high-design temples with glittering infinity pools overlooking Saint Lucia’s famous Pitons uk to mauritius 12 hours
GMT+4
uk to saint lucia 9 hours
GMT- 4 9
LOCAL TIP... if you sign up for a thai kayaking safari, insist on wearing a life jacket. tides and rips can be unpredictable.
silavadee pool & spa resort Koh Samui, Thailand THIS HILLSIDE HIDEAWAY on the south east coast of Koh Samui is just 30 minutes from the airport and has the perfect balance of comfort and style. Te oceanfront pool villa suites (pictured) come with spectacular private infnity pools overlooking the deep blue expanse of the Gulf of Tailand, so there’s no real need to stray from your room.
uk to phuket 13 hours 10
GMT+7
But when you feel like mixing with the outside world, you can slink over to the Height restaurant for an al fresco bite or shimmy down a walkway over volcanic rocks to the resort’s picture-perfect crescent of sand. INSIDER TIP: Fancy fexing your biceps with a Tai boxing lesson on the beach? Te instructors at Silvadee will have you punching like a pro in no time. BOOK IT: 7 nights in a Jacuzzi Deluxe room including breakfast from £1009 per person. stopover in Bangkok at the Banyan Tree from £190 per person.
uk to koh samui 13 hours
GMT+7
BaNdara villas Phuket, Thailand THIS SEXY NEWCOMER - due to open January 2015 – on Phuket’s south east coast is one of the only hotels to occupy this stretch of powder-sof sand. Contemporary villas have been built into a tranquil hillside, each with a commanding view of the horseshoe bay below. Hipsters will love being among the frst to set foot in the hotel’s trendy roofop bar and to sample the light bites on ofer at the beachfront restaurant. Of course, the 33 villas have been built with 21st-century travelistas in mind, and are crammed full of luxury and mod-cons. Te largest ones, found at the top of the hill have tremendous views and beneft from a second storey with a generous living room, so you can really make yourselves at home. Hot, happening and immensely private. You heard it here frst. INSIDER TIP: For a change of scenery, visit Bandara Villas’ nearby sister resort. BOOK IT: 7 nights in a Pool Villa including breakfast from £1187 per person; stopover in Bangkok at the Banyan Tree from £190 per person.
viceroy Bali Ubud, Indonesia RENOWNED FOR ITS HIP DESIGN HOTELS ACROSS THE GLOBE,
Viceroy knows how to impress its guests. T is outpost, in the arty hilltop community of Ubud, is one of the group’s lesserknown properties, hidden away amidst dense greenery overlooking a dramatic ravine. Very much in touch with nature, it ofers tranquillity in spades. With just 25 spacious villas, each with its own plunge pool, you’ve got masses of room to call your own, and the Kuoni Garden Spa Villas – exclusively reserved for Kuoni’s UK guests – include a 60-minute spa treatment each day at the stunning Lembah Spa; perfect for a little extra pampering. INSIDER TIP: Speak to the concierge and arrange a helicopter trip along Bali’s breathtaking coastline. BOOK IT: 5 nights including breakfast in a Garden Pool Villa from £2061 per person. Ideally combined with a beach stay.
lumBiNi villas & spa Bali, Indonesia DESIGNED IN THE FORM OF A MINIATURE BALINESE VILLAGE,
Lumbini Villas & Spa benefts from a strong sense of place. Situated at the heart of Jimbaran, one of the island’s most desirable patches, just across the road from the beach (which is epic!), this contemporary haven is perfect for couples seeking something boutique-chic. Each of the hotel’s 24 villas comes with its own private pool, and for added privacy, why not request a sizzling barbecue just for the two of you within the lotus-flled grounds of the resort. INSIDER TIP: Jimbaran Beach is lined with feet-in-the-sand restaurants lit by fame torches perfect for a romantic evening stroll. BOOK IT: 7 nights in a One Bed Pool Villa including breakfast from £1427 per person.
uk to Bali 15 hours
GMT+7 11
KUONI TRAVEL SECRET... honeymooners get upgrades (subject to availability), a romantic cruise and a 30 minute spa workshop.
white saNds luXury villas & spa Zanzibar, Tanzania ZANZIBAR IS A TOP CHOICE FOR A 2015
honeymoon. T is intimate eco-resort opened last year, and has taken luxury to a new level. With a natural, stripped-back organic look, lodgings are ultra-stylish, ultra-exclusive and ultra-private. Tere are just 11 enormous pool villas and a glorious white-sand beach ideal for kite-surf ng. Powered entirely by wind and solar energy, a honeymoon here = 100 per cent guilt-free indulgence. Te environmental theme continues in the spa, where therapists use local ingredients including coconut husks and fragrant spices from the market. INSIDER TIP: Make the most of your outdoor bathroom with twilight, moonlit baths. BOOK IT: From £234 per person per night; ideal combined with a tailormade safari.
uk to ho chi minh city, vietnam 12 hours 12
GMT+7
uk to Zanzibar 10¼ hours
GMT+3
siX seNses NiNh vaN Bay Vietnam LISTEN UP ECO-GODDESSES, this exquisite resort is one of Vietnam’s most exclusive addresses. Situated on a private peninsula, featuring beautiful thatched villas blending in with the natural surroundings, it is both stunning and sustainable. A world away from the buzzing beach resorts that attract gapyear travellers, this oasis of winding paths, roped walkways and stepping stones will have you entranced from the moment you set foot on the property. Each villa comes equipped with bicycles so you can go of exploring on your own, or set your alarm and head out early for a hike to the top of Heo Mountain – it will just be you, the rising sun and the dissipating dawn mist. INSIDER TIP:Tere’s a lobster farm not far from the hotel. Pick a lobster, bring it back and the chefs will cook up your catch. BOOK IT: 5 nights in a Hill Top Pool Villa including breakfast from £1705 per person.
Arrival is via a small plane (cue amazing views from on high) followed by a 50-minute jeep ride (spot the giraffe!)
sereNgeti Bushtops Tanzania FORGET GLAMPING, this camp in the spectacular UNESCO World Heritage Serengeti National Park perfectly blends world-class creature comforts with the raw, untamed power of the bush. Arrival is via a small plane (cue amazing views from on high) followed by a 50-minute jeep ride (spot the girafe!). Like all safaris; game drives, picnics and sundowners are the order of the day, while in the evenings, for added privacy, you can have your dinner delivered to your tent (one of only 12). What better way to plan your future together than next to a crackling open campfre? INSIDER TIP: Book between June and November and you’ve got a good chance of witnessing the astounding wildebeest migration. It’s one of nature’s best spectacles. BOOK IT: 4 nights in a luxury tent with light aircraf fights, all meals, game drives and one private bush breakfast from £3131 per person.
uk to tanzania 10¼ hours
GMT+3 13
This page: Keyonna Beach, Antigua
The luxury of silence The rusTling fronds of a lone palm, The genTle fizzing of waves breaking on an idyllic beach, and a backing Track of exoTic bird calls. welcome To The splendour of silence‌
LOCAL TIP... on sunday nights, there’s a weekly bbQ at shirley heights. cue steel bands, stunning sunsets and plenty of rum being sloshed around.
keyonna beach Antigua THE DREAMY CARIBBEAN ISLAND OF ANTIGUA
is one of the easiest to get to, with plenty of direct fights from the UK. Keyonna Beach is a delightfully laid-back couples-only hideaway on the south west coast near Johnson’s Point and Jolly Harbour, just 30mins from the airport. With charming shabby-chic beachfront cottages, petalstrewn beds and a bar serving rum-infused
uk to antigua 8.5 hours 16
GMT-4
cocktails from dawn ‘til dusk, there’s little to distract from the peace and quiet. Whether you prefer combing the beach for shells or re-reading your favourite novel on a Balinese daybed, rest assured, the only noise you’ll hear, is a member of staf asking if you’d like another drink… INSIDER TIP: Book a diving trip to Cades Reef and you might come face-to-face with barracuda, moray eels and reef sharks. BOOK IT: 10 nights all inclusive from £1596 per person.
palm island resorT The Grenadines NOW WE ARE TALKING. T is tiny speck of a private island accessible via Barbados, is as secluded and intimate as it gets. With a circumference of just 1.5 miles, you could actually run rings around it on your morning jog! As well as running trails, there are cycle paths and an array of watersports on ofer, but our advice is to while away the day in a hammock listening to the gentle sway of coconut trees. Each of the hotel’s 43 rooms combine simplicity with Caribbean fair (think rattan armchairs, zesty lime throws and wooden ceiling fans). But best of all, with only a scattering of private homes on the island, you really can pretend it’s your own private hideaway. INSIDER TIP: Have your camera at the ready, the 10-minute boat transfer from Union Island to Palm Island is prime Instagram fodder. BOOK IT: 10 nights all inclusive from £2049 per person.
mahamaya Gili Meno, Indonesia HIP, MINIMALIST AND OVERFLOWING
with personality, Mahamaya ofers top-notch service with a strong undercurrent of ecoawareness. It may be a bit of schlep to get to (a two-hour road transfer from Lombok then a 15-minute boat transfer) but the journey is worth it. Te island of Gili Meno is gloriously understated and quiet – what the brochures call ‘a real hidden gem’. At the heart of the hotel lies a stylish Asian-fusion restaurant serving up fresh uncomplicated fare – all organic where possible – and the kitchen is open-plan so you can pick up tips while chef rustles up your dinner. Of the nine rooms, the pool suites set around the swimming pool are airy and luxurious, but for total undisturbed quiet, book one of the hotel’s elegant villas on the beach. And relax… INSIDER TIP: Look closely at the pictures on the wall at the hotel’s seafront bar and you’ll spot some words of advice from Marilyn Monroe. BOOK IT: 5 nights in a Pool Suite including breakfast from £1575 per person.
uk to The grenadines 10.5 hours
GMT-4
uk to lombok 15.5 hours
GMT+8 17
roving bushTops Tanzania ROVING BUSHTOPS IN THE SERENGETI is as wild and liberating as it gets. Emulating the pioneering spirit of early explorers, the camp is unfenced and semi-permanent, allowing it to change locations according to wildlife migratory patterns. Each of its six smart canvas tents come with butler service, so there’s always someone on hand to run you a bath and bring you a gin and tonic, which is well-deserved afer a long day stalking the Big Five. Best of all, you are assigned your own 4x4 (with driver and guide) so you can forget 5am wake-up calls and do things entirely at your own pace – and, crucially without other people bickering over binoculars when you’re straining your ears for the call of the wild... Now that’s luxury. INSIDER TIP: Want to push the boat out? Book a private hot-air balloon ride over the plains – it comes with champagne and a bush breakfast, natch. BOOK IT: 4 nights with light aircraf fights, all meals, drinks, private game drives, laundry & massages from £3292 per person.
layana resorT & spa Koh Lanta Yai, Thailand SITUATED ON ONE OF THAILAND’S LEAST spoilt and quietest islands, this adults-only, 51-room resort will quench every bride’s thirst for exotic downtime. Boasting a pinch-yourself-it’s-so-beaut beach and acres of perfectly manicured lawns, there’s no danger of stumbling upon a full moon party here. Te hotel prides itself on its peaceful atmosphere and the chilled-out philosophy extends to the beach where long tail boats and motorised watersports are strictly forbidden. Shhh, hushed voices and sof-soled shoes all round please. INSIDER TIP: Be sure to book a session in the spa’s new Salt Room, where salt and mineral-infused oxygen combine to ease away any stresses and worries. BOOK IT: 7 nights with breakfast from £1235 per person. Stopover in Bangkok for 3 nights from £190 per person.
LOCAL TIP... Take a 5 minute tuk-tuk ride to saladan, the local town, which has a small night market.
Maafushivaru, Maldives Spa & Pool
uk to krabi 13 hours 18
GMT+7
uk to Tanzania 10¼ hours
GMT+3
lion sands game reserve Sabi Sands, South Africa YEARN TO HEAR THE ROAR OF A LIONESS protecting her cubs or the triumphant trumpeting of an elephant? At Lion Sands Game Reserve, you’re in for a treat. Located in one of Africa’s most game-rich areas, Kruger National Park, you can even go to sleep with the sound of animals purring all around you by spending a night in Chalkley Treehouse. More openair suite than traditional treehouse, a four-poster bed and dining table is set up on a deck within the branches of an ancient tree overlooking the plains. Completely open to the elements (no walls or windows), it’s not for the faint-hearted but it’s defnitely a once-in-a-lifetime experience. With daily bush walks, game drives and hippo tours on ofer, as well as some of Africa’s best guides on hand to answer all your questions, this is luxury at its most elemental. INSIDER TIP: Make sure you try a spa treatment – the Africology products used at Lion Sands are 100 per cent natural and chemical free. BOOK IT: From £332 per person per night all meals, drinks & game drives; Chalkley Treehouse overnight experience £267 per person supplement.
desroches island Desroches, Seychelles LOCATED 230KM SOUTH-WEST OF MAHÉ
(an hour by small plane in the direction of Madagascar) the private island of Desroches is the most far-fung resort in the Seychelles. An untouched nature sanctuary, home to coco du mer and giant tortoises, this is as undiluted as tropical paradise gets. No wonder it’s a favourite with Te Duke and Duchess of Cambridge. At lunchtime, safari chairs and tables are set up in the shade of a
LOCAL TIP...
giant rubber tree and staf take orders in stylish sarongs. Meal times are f xed, which lends a social feel to dining, although there’s no obligation to speak to anyone of course. For snorkellers/divers, there’s a fantastic spot called the Aquarium, swimming distance from the shore. Amidst this sandy, coralencrusted oasis, you can get up close to fan coral, spiny lobsters and barracuda. And if luck is on your side you might even be able to swim back to shore with a turtle for company. INSIDER TIP: Desroches ofers some of the best cave diving in the Indian Ocean. BOOK IT: 7 nights in a Beach Suite on all inclusive from £3808 per person.
uk to south africa 11.5 hours
nothing can prepare you for the incredible sight of the stars at night. There’s hardly any light pollution & it’s just spectacular. remember to look up!
GMT+2
uk to seychelles 11¾ hours
GMT+4 19
diamonds aThuruga Maldives AS DAZZLING AS ITS NAME SUGGESTS, this sparkling resort in the South Ari Atoll has gorgeous white-washed overwater villas that wouldn’t look out of place within the pages of a White Company brochure. Choosing from a sunset vista or a sunrise view is as taxing as it gets here and if you’re looking for an allinclusive honeymoon – which defnitely makes sense in the Maldives – this one certainly fts the bill. For active types, the watersports centre ofers windsurfng, canoeing, laser boats and hobie cat sailing, but with beaches like these, you’ll probably just want to down-towels and inhale the serenity. Our advice? Book a water villa, (these have been added more recently) they come with free wif and iMacs. INSIDER TIP: For a brand new perspective on the Maldives, sign up for a ‘photo fight’ during which you snap your villa from on high. BOOK IT: 10 nights in a Sunrise Water Villa, all inclusive from £2924 per person.
le cardinal Mauritius UNLIKE MANY OF THE ‘GRANDE DAME’ STYLE
hotels on Mauritius, which can feel quite grandiose and dated, this small boutique hotel on the island’s north west coast really breaks the mould. Friendly staf and a laid-back atmosphere pervade but just because it’s petite and unpretentious, that doesn’t mean Le Cardinal skimps on fve-star fnesse. No, no, you still get all the trimmings such as petit fours and amuses bouches. Most of the rooms are housed within a two-storey building overlooking the bay of Trouaux-Biches but for added glamour, you can opt for a penthouse – these come with indoor Jacuzzis and private plunge pools. INSIDER TIP: Spa goddesses will love the hotel’s small pampering ‘nest’ on the roofop – the views are heart-stopping. BOOK IT: 10 nights half board in a Junior Suite from £2312 per person.
uk to maldives 10¼ hours 20
GMT+5
uk to mauritius 12 hours
GMT+4
Twenty-five minutes in a seaplane from Malé, transports you into another world a world before concrete and noise and stress
kandolhu island Maldives
KUONI TRAVEL SECRET... honeymooners will receive a complimentary 30 minute massage, candlelit dinner on the beach with a bottle of champagne & a 10% discount off spa treatments.
THIS SPLENDID INDIAN OCEAN RETREAT is a member of the Small Luxury Hotels of the World – and for good reason. Twenty-fve minutes in a seaplane from Malé, transports you into another world – a world before concrete and noise and stress. A pinprick of a desert island measuring just 150m by 200m, surrounded by a marine-rich house reef, paradise doesn’t come more prettily packaged. Te resort has just 30 elegant nauticallyinspired villas, yet impressively, it has four restaurants so you’ll never tire of the menus. We love Kandolhu Island for its generous allinclusive packages, which include access to all of its restaurants, each of which is à la carte, plus drinks and a minibar (with a well-stacked wine chiller). Banzai, the Japanese restaurant is particularly good, so make sure you book a table in advance – it only seats six. INSIDER TIP: Spa treatments are by Voya (an organic hand-harvested seaweed product). Eat your heart out Gwyneth Paltrow. BOOK IT: 8 nights in a Jacuzzi Beach Villa including breakfast from £2404 or all inclusive from £3360 per person.
uk to maldives 10¼ hours
GMT+5 21
The luxury of DISCOVERY TO SOAK UP THE REAL ESSENCE OF A PLACE, YOU OFTEN NEED TO TRAVEL AROUND A BIT. CHECK OUT THESE SAMPLE ITINERARIES FOR SOME EYE-OPENING HONEYMOON JOURNEYS
INTOXICATING INDIA DAY 1: Arrive in Delhi and meet with your
private driver and a local Englishspeaking tour guide. DAY 2: Explore Old Delhi’s narrow streets and colourful bazaars. DAY 3: Drive to Agra to see the magnifcent Taj Mahal. DAY 4: Wander around the pink city of Jaipur. DAY 5: A jeep ride to the Amber Fort. DAY 6: Head back to Delhi for a night. DAY 7: Fly back to UK. HONEYMOON HIGH: Te Taj Mahal’s cool marble lines and clear symmetry are awe-inspiring – it has to be seen to be believed. WHAT THE EXPERTS SAY: We recommend that you extend your honeymoon to include Ranthambore, Shimla, Udaipur and Mumbai. Or, if that’s too much, you could easily tag on some beach-lounging in Sri Lanka or the Maldives. BOOK IT: 6 nights private tour including 5 star accommodation on mixed meal plan from £1794 per person.
Jaipur
Amber Fort
BEAUTIFUL BALI DAY 1: Recover from your nuptials by fopping
onto one of Bali’s best beaches. DAY 3: Head north to Lovina for two nights to
explore the local culture. DAY 5: It’s up to arty Ubud in the hills for a
change of scenery, museums, cafés and lots of cheeky monkeys! DAY 7: Stay overnight in the village of Candidasa DAY 8-11: And relax… Four nights back on the beach before heading home. HONEYMOON HIGH: Taking a soak in the natural volcanic hot springs of Lovina. WHAT THE EXPERTS SAY: Te roads in Ubud are lined with colourful shops and traditonal workshops, but the real reason to visit is to see the rice terraces – giant steps of green cascading down to the valley foor. BOOK IT: 11 nights including accommodation on a mixed meal plan from £1737 per person.
Ubud temple
OFF THE RADAR IN SRI LANKA DAY 1: Arrive in Habarana, home to some of the
country’s most iconic cultural and historical treasures. DAY 2: Explore one of Sri Lanka’s national parks at leisure with your own private driver. DAY 3: Head to Passikudah, a small village on the east coast. DAY 5: Watch elephants and leopards at play in Maduru Oya National Park. DAY 6: Amble around the ancient city of Polonnaruwa before packing up to go home. HONEYMOON HIGH: A diving trip to the wreck of the HMS Hermes, a British naval ship that sunk during World War II. WHAT THE EXPERTS SAY: All of Kuoni’s itineraries are fexible and can be tailor-made to suit you. Why not include some down-time on one of Sri Lanka’s beaches or twin Sri Lanka with the glorious Maldives? BOOK IT: 7 nights including breakfast and some evening meals in 3&4 star accommodation and private driver/guide from £1503 per person.
Polonnaruwa
San Diego
CLASSIC ROAD TRIP THROUGH
CALIFORNIA DAY 1:
Jet in to Los Angeles
DAY 2: Pick up your wheels and drive to San
Diego – Cadillac anyone? DAY 4: Head to Palm Springs for an overnight
stay at the trendy Viceroy hotel. DAY 5: Back on the road, and over to the bright
lights of Las Vegas. DAY 7: A night in Death Valley at Furnace
Creek Ranch. DAY 8: Yosemite eat your heart out. DAY 9: To the foodie capital of America, sunny San Franscisco. DAY 12: Santa Barbara. HONEYMOON HIGH: Taking a helicopter trip from the high-rise skyline of the Strip in Vegas to the plunging depths of the Grand Canyon. WHAT THE EXPERTS SAY: For San Francisco, we recommend you pre-book a visit to Alcatraz because tickets can be hard to come by. Hire a bike and cycle to the Golden Gate Bridge from Fisherman’s Wharf – the views are breathtaking. BOOK IT: 10 nights including car hire and GPS from £1876 per person.
Viceroy, Palm Springs
Grand Canyon
Governors’ Camp
AFRICA FOR FIRST-TIMERS DAY 1: Arrive in Nairobi. DAY 2: Drive north to the shores of Kenya’s
Lake Naivasha. DAY 3: Go on the prowl for famingos and
big cats. Binoculars at the ready! DAY 4: Fly by light aircraf to the world-famous
Maasai Mara for two days of amazing game drives. DAY 7: It’s back to Nairobi to connect with your international fight. HONEYMOON HIGH: A hot-air balloon safari at Governors’ Camp – taking of at sunrise over the vast plains before landing in the middle of the bush for a Champagne breakfast. WHAT THE EXPERTS SAY: Complete your African adventure with a few nights on the beautiful white-sand beaches of Zanzibar – the island is an easy hop from Nairobi. BOOK IT: 6 nights including full board at Governors’ Main Camp, game drives and light aircraf fights from £2422 per person.
Mauritius
Long Beach Hotel
Réunion Island
LUX* Ile de la Réunion
LA RÉUNION & MAURITIUS DAY 1: Hit the tarmac at La Réunion airport
and check in to the trendy LUX* Ile de la Réunion. DAY 2: Take an early morning helicopter ride over the Jurassic peaks of the island. DAY 3: Learn about Réunion’s fascinating history and vivid natural landscapes on a guided 4x4 tour. DAY 5: Jump on a short fight to Mauritius for some R ‘n’ R at Long Beach hotel. DAY 10: Return to UK. HONEYMOON HIGH: Te Réunion helicopter ride is a seriously exhilarating experience – you can fy right up close to the island’s volcanoes and waterfalls, but be warned, the pilot might do a few thrilling 360-degree turns. Gulp! WHAT THE EXPERTS SAY: LUX* hotels are full of surprises, like a mini-bar full of goodies hidden in the grounds for guests to fnd. BOOK IT: 10 nights including breakfast in La Réunion and half board in Mauritius from £2248 per person.
This page: Baros Maldives
1
The luxury of
GASTRONOMY THE TINKLE OF ICE MELTING IN A SILVER BUCKET, A STARCHED LINEN TABLECLOTH AND THE ANTICIPATION OF A WHIRLWIND CULINARY ADVENTURE… WHEN IT COMES TO FINE DINING, THIS COLLECTION OF HONEYMOON HIDEAWAYS HAS IT ALL
2
The luxury of doing noThing
Clear your to-do list, switCh off your BlaCkBerry and set your mind free. often the simplest pleasures in life are the most memoraBle‌
LOCAL TIP... take a seaplane transfer at least one way for the best way to see the beautiful atolls
kuramathi island resort Maldives JUST LOOK AT THIS STUNNING SCENE.
You can almost smell the salty air infused with notes of frangipani. Te Maldives is the ultimate choice for doing nothing, and this resort in the North Ari Atoll has all the qualities required for lavish lounging around. With 290 villas, it’s one of the larger resorts in the archipelago, and with size comes space. Plenty of it. At one end of the island, there’s actually a sandbar that
uk to maldives 10¼ hours 36
GMT+5
stretches over a mile. On top of this there are two swimming pools, ten restaurants, six bars, tennis courts, a gym, a selection of watersports and an eco-centre boasting the skeleton of a sperm whale. Tere’s also a marine biologist on hand to show you round 20 local dive sites. But who are we kidding, with beaches like these, you’ll be horizontal in no time… INSIDER TIP: Te ‘Select’ all-inclusive package is well worth considering (from £70 per day). It includes a choice of a-la carte restaurants plus wine with meals. BOOK IT: 10 nights full board from £1374 per person; upgrade to sea plane transfer from £67 per person one way.
Velassaru Maldives LOVESTRUCK YOUNG COUPLES are sure to be enamoured by this chic and trendy Maldivian retreat. Mood lighting, minimalism and a shisha menu are just a few of the highlights that have earned the resort its place within the Small Luxury Hotels of the World portfolio. Teppanyaki, a Japanese restaurant set over the lagoon, has its own creative twist on Asian dishes, but for the sheer simplicity of doing nothing, we like Sand, where you can feast on fresh seafood at candlelit tables dotted along the beach. It’s raw, stripped-back island living just as it should be. For further opportunity to sit back and relax, there’s a stunning oceanfront infnity pool, and ofen the staf will set up beanbags and popcorn on the beach for a movie under the stars. INSIDER TIP: Te beach rooms have enormous indoor/outdoor bathrooms, so you might want to opt for one of those instead of the traditional villa on stilts option. BOOK IT: 10 nights including breakfast from £1509 per person.
KUONI TRAVEL SECRET... honeymooners receive one complimentary candlelit dinner and a relaxing couple’s massage.
solana BeaCh Mauritius DOING NOTHING COULDN’T BE EASIER at Solana Beach on the east coast of Mauritius, the beach is to-die-for. Need your umbrella adjusted so the sun isn’t in your eyes? No need to get up. Handsome beach boys patrolling the shores are there to help – that is, when they’re not handing out fresh coconut water or serving guests tropical fruit punch. Guest rooms have a fresh, contemporary take on tropical luxe with blackboards on the walls for planning as much or as little as you like. Tere are zumba and aqua ftness classes and free paddle-boarding and glass-bottom boat trips, but avoiding the hoopla and watching a sensational sunrise or sunset with your new Mr or Mrs is just as rewarding. INSIDER TIP: Want to hook yourselves some yellow f n tuna or striped marlin? Belle Mare, where Solana Beach is located, is a great location for deep-sea fshing. BOOK IT: 10 nights half board from £1411 per person.
uk to maldives 10¼ hours
GMT+5
uk to mauritius 12 hours
GMT+4 37
preskil BeaCh resort Mauritius QUAINT AND QUIRKY WITH A DRAMATIC TURQUOISE LAGOON, Preskil on the south east coast of Mauritius, has killer views out towards Ile aux Aigrettes, Blue Bay Marine Park and Lion Mountain. All the rooms have been designed to face the sea and are arranged in charming cottage-style blocks scattered among well-tended gardens, and a duo of à la carte restaurants serving tapas and steak, is sure to satiate even the largest of appetites. Tanks to the hotel’s location on a secluded private peninsula, there are three diferent sandy coves for lounge lizards to choose from – which, we’re sure you’ll agree, makes doing nothing all the more interesting. INSIDER TIP: If you take a trip to the coral island of Ile aux Aigrettes, make sure you take comfortable shoes. Te trail is very rocky and uneven in places. BOOK IT: 10 nights half board from £1493 per person.
lonG BeaCh Mauritius LONG BY NAME AND LONG BY NATURE, the beach at Long Beach stretches as far as the eye can see. Te hotel, on the other hand, is designed with urbanites in mind, around a central modern piazza. Tere’s even a funky little nightclub called Bombora should you have any bombastic moves you’d like to show of. Down at the water’s edge, fresh seafood is on the menu at Tides restaurant and there’s a secluded spa with plenty of chill-out areas including a breezy treetop pavilion, ideal for doing nothing in. Jetsetters who think they’ve seen it all can’t fail to be impressed by the hotel’s climbing wall and the amount of imagination put into all the details of this unique property, and with 255 rooms, there’s plenty of choice when it comes to your style of lodgings. INSIDER TIP: Long Beach’s Chopsticks is one of only a handful of Chinese restaurants on the island. BOOK IT: 10 nights half board from £1796 per person.
LOCAL TIP... it helps if you can say a few phrases in french – the locals will love you for it.
uk to mauritius 12 hours 38
GMT+4
ConstanCe ephÉlia Seychelles LOCATED OFF THE EAST COAST OF AFRICA,
the Seychelles comprises a string of 115 glorious sun-drenched islands. On Mahé, the mainland where you fy in to, there are a number of excellent resorts to choose from, but for anyone seeking true natural beauty, Constance Ephélia ticks all the boxes: Bounty-commercial beaches, a dramatic backdrop of mountains and fascinating fora and fauna. Inside, elegance is an understatement. Rooms have a colonial air and the communal areas are smart and grown-up. Tere are fve restaurants and two bars, each of which deserves credit for its fawless service. Tere’s also a snazzy Shiseido spa where you can try a few ancient Japanese treatments. Oh, and the hotel’s sister resort, Constance Lemuria on neighbouring Praslin island, is equally alluring – so you might want to consider a twin trip. INSIDER TIP: Between October and February, turtles come to lay their eggs on the beach. You might even see one hatch! BOOK IT: Constance Ephelia: 10 nights half board from £2159 per person.
LOCAL TIP... the local ‘piton Beer’ is definitely worth trying. it tastes like shandy and costs around 80p a bottle.
rendeZVous Saint Lucia PARADISE-SEEKING PRINCESSES will feel right at home at this cosy Caribbean love nest. Exclusively for couples, there’s no fear of a baby squealing in the next-door room or bickering teenagers spoiling your special moment. Beachlovers will be in their element, galloping handin-hand along the two-mile stretch of Malabar Beach. And when you need a pina colada or a club sandwich, all you need to do is push a little fag into the sand for beach service. New this year, the hotel has added a ‘river’ of wading pools, a rockery and a palm-enshrouded spa, so there’s plenty of opportunity to cool of when the mercury hits red. Alternatively, you can indulge yourselves with an ‘in-room retreat’ – cue candlelight, petals, chocolate trufes and champagne. Yes please! INSIDER TIP: To make a VIP entrance, why not book a helicopter transfer from the airport and save yourselves the 90-minute road transfer? BOOK IT: 10 nights all inclusive from £1920 per person.
uk to seychelles 11¾ hours
GMT+4
uk to saint lucia 9 hours
GMT- 4 39
ZoËtry paraiso de la Bonita Riviera Maya, Mexico FLAMBOYANT, ARTY AND BRIMMING with fery Mexican character, this feel-good resort is certain to appeal to creative types seeking something a bit diferent. A rustic hideaway on Mexico’s windswept east coast, there is plenty to admire in the surrounding area so you can do as much or as little as you like - with no danger of feeling guilty if you want to simply fy and fop. Why go sightseeing anyway, when there’s an amazing thalassotherapy spa on the premises? With just 90 suites, this is one of the most intimate resorts in Cancun, and with a strong emphasis on healthy eating – think lots of fresh juices, sushi and ceviche - it’s just right for 21st century stylistas. INSIDER TIP: To shrug of any side efects of jetlag, head to the spa for a mud and seawater treatment. You’ll emerge glistening like a mermaid. BOOK IT: 10 nights all inclusive in an Oceanfront One Bedroom room from £2352 per person.
KUONI TRAVEL SECRET... Consider the ‘endless privileges’ allinclusive package. it’s one of the best deals in mexico.
st. James’s CluB morGan Bay Saint Lucia FLAMINGO-PINK, FLORIDIAN IN ITS PROPORTIONS
and full of fun, this great-value all inclusive on St Lucia’s northern coastline caters well to honeymooners with little ones in tow. Tere’s a kids pool complete with waterslides and an excellent kids club with programmes for toddlers and tweens alike. But that’s not to say honeymooners sans enfants will feel lef out. Tanks to the hotel’s extensive grounds (a whopping 25 acres) there are plenty of peaceful pockets to sneak of to, plus there’s an adultonly hilltop pool with the best views reserved for its visitors. With or without kids, you can bask in the sun or work your way through the imaginative cocktail list – one thing’s for sure: you’ll be begging to stay longer. INSIDER TIP: Book a table at Jardin for a sophisticated menu of French Creole dishes and a pianist on hand to set the mood. BOOK IT: 10 nights on all inclusive from £1491 per person.
uk to mexico 10.5 hours 40
GMT-5
uk to saint lucia 9 hours
GMT- 4
Lover’s Beach (yes, really) is a blindingly white slice of paradise ideal for swimming, thanks to its calm and protected setting
the Verandah resort & spa Antigua CRAVING AN AUTHENIC CARIBBEAN EXPERIENCE
KUONI TRAVEL SECRET... if you want to truly escape head to the adults only pool - no music & no wifi
with plenty of romance? Te Verandah has a winning combination of colonial charm (think traditional plantation-style cottages) and quirky character. Presiding over a picturesque swoonworthy bay that will have you reaching for your camera over and over again, everything from the cocktails that come overfowing with straws and fowers to the platters of exotic fruit at breakfast, spells tropical delight. Lover’s Beach (yes, really) is a blindingly white slice of paradise ideal for swimming, thanks to its calm and protected setting. And in the evening, you can dress up for dinner at Nicole’s and pick lobster claws out of each other’s bibs, or keep your fip-fops on for jerk chicken and mojitos at Rasta Bar. INSIDER TIP: Book an Exclusive Kuoni Water View Spa Suite and you’ll get three free spa treatments and a dinner for two included in your stay. BOOK IT: 10 nights all inclusive from £1684 per person.
uk to antigua 8.5 hours
GMT-4 41
1
the luxury of contrast Twin-cenTre honeymoons ThaT deliver a bolT of meTropoliTan drama before a Tranquil beach break. combine The besT of boTh worlds‌
2
shanGri-la’s rasa ria resorT Borneo, Malaysia REMOTE, REGAL AND OOZING ADVENTURE, this Malaysian hideaway not only benefts from a humongous private beach, but there’s actually an Orang-utan sanctuary located within its tropical grounds. Nature-lovers can watch the cheeky primates at play during feeding time, and learn all about the endangered species and how conservation makes a diference. Ten there are the rest of Borneo’s assets to admire: stunning scenery, dramatic waterfalls and serene empty beaches to boot. Canopy walks, bird-watching and guided rainforest treks can all be arranged via the hotel – that is, if you can tear yourself away from your new ginger friends. FOR CONTRAST: On the way to Borneo, stop of in the New York of the East: Hong Kong for its century-old markets, steaming dim sum and up-all-night clubs. BOOK IT: 3 nights at Excelsior Hong Kong & 6 nights at Shangri-La’s Rasa Ria from £1710 per person.
uk to borneo 15.5 hours 44
GMT+8
panGkor lauT resorT Pangkor Laut, Malaysia THIS SOUTH-EAST ASIAN BEAUTY HAS VIRTUES
aplenty. Number one, it’s nestled on its own private island. Two, it’s surrounded by virgin rainforest, and three, it has a jaw-dropping beach. Oh, and did we mention the award-winning spa? It’s one of the best in Malaysia. Seamlessly blending stylish digs with unspoilt nature, Pangkor Laut really is spectacular. Island-hopping, fshing, yoga, tai chi and jungle trekking are a few of the activities on ofer, but for honeymooners, dinner at adults-only Fisherman’s Cove is a must. Our tip? Book one of the villas on stilts for ultimate privacy. FOR CONTRAST: Twin this trip with a city break in colourful Kuala Lumpur and visit the tallest twin buildings in the world! BOOK IT: 5 nights at Pangkor Laut & 3 nights at Majestic Kuala Lumpur including breakfast from £1558 per person.
KUONI LOCAL TIP... does your other half fancy themselves as a bit of a pro-surfer? from may to october kata’s waves really ramp up, bringing surfer dudes flocking.
KUONI TRAVEL SECRET... honeymooners at pangkor laut receive room upgrades, 30% off all couples treatments at the spa village & a bottle of house wine.
kaTa Thani Phuket, Thailand SUNSETS DON’T COME MUCH MORE GLORIOUS THAN
those at Kata Tani. Tis pretty tropical resort on Phuket’s southern tip represents the island at its most alluring. Located on a 1.5km-long strip of sand fringed by palm trees and tropical almond trees (much needed during the hottest hours of the day), the setting is idyllic. Townies will appreciate the hotel’s close proximity to Kata, which is rammed full of souvenir shops, chilledout bars and a mix of cheerful open-air restaurants and more upmarket modern establishments. Although with six restaurants and a variety of cuisine including Tai and Italian, you won’t be short on choices. FOR CONTRAST: Combine this relaxed beach trip with 48 hours in the cosmopolitan city of Abu Dhabi, where glittering skyscrapers give out to vast echoing deserts. BOOK IT: 5 nights in Phuket & 3 nights at Traders Abu Dhabi including breakfast from £1105 per person.
uk to kuala lumpur 12.5 hours
GMT+8
uk to phuket 13 hours
GMT+7 45
Tokoriki island resorT Tokoriki Island, Fiji
LOCAL TIP... make sure you’re in bangkok on sat or sun to explore the famous chatuchak weekend market which has over 8000 stores.
THANKS TO ALL-ROUND CHEAPER AIR TRAVEL and high-frequency f ights from the USA, the splendid shores of the South Pacifc are now more accessible than ever, and Fiji is fast becoming a buzzword for honeymoon planners. Tokoriki Island, located just over an hour by motorboat from the main island is an eyewateringly attractive adults-only hideaway located in the Mamanuca island archipelago. Twenty-six cozy thatched villas (or bures as they are known locally) and eight generous villas are scattered across the island, all of which exude an unpolished, homespun feel. Of course, the surroundings are every escapist’s fantasy: quivering lush foliage, cresting turquoise waves and an abundance of sweet-smelling tropical fowers. FOR CONTRAST: Break up this epic cross-continental journey with a few days in the celebrity capital of the world, Los Angeles. BOOK IT: 7 nights in Fiji & 3 nights in Los Angeles from £3885 per person.
bandara resorT & spa Koh Samui, Thailand WITH AN INVITING FISHERMAN’S VILLAGE WITHIN WALKING
distance of the gates of the hotel, Bandara Resort & Spa on the northern shore of Koh Samui is a great choice for couples who want to soak up the warm Tai hospitality the country is known for. We love how welcoming the staf are and how laid-back the atmosphere is throughout the resort, and it’s the little touches such as fresh pancakes sprinkled with tropical fruit at breakfast, that make it really special. Rooms are understated (nit-pickers need not apply) but the hotel’s immaculate grounds are hard to beat and the pool is one of the largest on the island. Best of all, this is one of Tailand’s more afordable honeymoon choices. FOR CONTRAST: It’s easy to venture further to Northern Tailand or Cambodia or simply twin this trip with the bright lights of the intoxicating Asian city of Bangkok for a hedonistic start to married life. BOOK IT: 7 nights at Bandara Resort & Spa & 3 nights at Banyan Tree Bangkok including breakfast from £1280 per person.
Maafushivaru, Maldives Spa & Pool
uk to koh samui 13 hours 46
GMT+7
uk to fiji 26 hours
GMT+12
The sT.reGis mauriTius resorT Mauritius THIS ELEGANT RESORT, ONE OF THE NEWEST ON
Mauritius, makes the rest of the resorts on the island pale in comparison. Located within a nature reserve in the unspoilt south, the St Regis benefts from a dramatic backdrop of Le Morne, a vertiginous 550m emerald-green mountain. Accommodation comes in the form of chic thatched cottages arranged in clusters or ‘villages’ around central courtyards, each served by teams of butlers. A plantation-style manor house with a Victorian colonnade peppered with rattan armchairs forms the centerpiece of the hotel, and a vast pool and swathes of sand make up the rest. Despite its relative isolation, the hotel has a sociable, buzzy feel, and the spa is one of the glossiest we’ve seen in the Indian Ocean. Full points. FOR CONTRAST: Start your honeymoon with a whirlwind tour of Dubai and pick up some dazzling outfts in its marbled malls for an even more sophisticated beach odyssey. BOOK IT: 3 nights in Dubai including breakfast & 7 nights in Mauritius including half-board from £1996 per person.
KUONI TRAVEL SECRET... honeymooners receive a bottle of champagne, a romantic dinner (excluding beverages) and a one hour couple’s massage in mauritius.
uk to mauritius 12 hours
GMT+4 47
This page: Hayman Island, Whitsundays, Australia
1
The luxury of BEING IN THE KNOW
YOU’VE SEEN THEM IN THE PAGES OF GLOSSY MAGAZINES COURTESY OF OLIVIA PALERMO, KATE MOSS AND GWYNETH PALTROW. NOW YOU CAN BE PART OF THE JETSET IN-CROWD BY BOOKING A HONEYMOON AT ONE OF THESE ULTRA-GLAM A-LIST ESCAPES
2
This page: Grace Santorini, Santorini, Greece
1
the luxury of two moons An immediAte mini-breAk followed by A long-hAul honeymoon At A lAter stAge is the wAy mAny couples like to go these dAys. stArt mArried life on A high with one of these mAgnificent minimoons...
2
grAce sAntorini Santorini, Greece THIS SMOLDERING AEGEAN BOLTHOLE IS THE
very defnition of boutique-chic. Carved out of a clifop on the volcanic island of Santorini, the views are truly spellbinding. Wake up early enough and you’ll actually have your heads in the clouds… Everything at Te Grace is of the cleanest purest white – the people behind it are clearly perfectionists, designing everything to dramatically contrast with the vast blue sea beyond. All 21 rooms, and the communal areas, are open-air and breezy yet maintain an intimate feel. Te only downside is there’s no white-sand beach to fop onto – but there are cool black sand ones, and who cares anyway, when there’s an ultra-stylish linear infnity pool to lounge by? INSIDER TIP: Get out and about, there’s plenty to see: Skaros Rock and its church and fortress remains, for starters. BOOK IT: 5 nights including breakfast from £1750 per person.
uk to santorini 3¾ hours 56
GMT+2
lefAy resort & spA Lake Garda, Italy IDEAL FOR CLEAN-LIVING COUPLES THAT LIKE
to keep ft, this excellent spa retreat is the ultimate place to recover from the excesses of your wedding blowout. Way too much champagne in your system? Don’t worry, the dedicated detox team will wash it out for you. Want to plan your future with a clear head? Sign up for yoga and meditation classes. With its exquisite lakeside views, state-of-the-art facilities and top-notch service, your stay at this cool, contemporary retreat can be as pure or as indulgent as you want it to be. INSIDER TIP: Te local tipple is a ‘Hugo’, made from Prosecco, mint, elderfower cordial, ice and a splash of soda. BOOK IT: 5 nights in a Prestige Junior Suite including breakfast from £1542 per person.
LOCAL TIP... nearby Verona is where shakespeare’s love story, romeo & Juliet, was set. sign up for a tour and you can reenact the famous balcony scene.
AnAssA Cyprus LOCATED WITHIN A VERDANT NATIONAL PARK
close to the ‘Baths of Aphrodite’, where legend says she would meet with her lover Adonis, this sleek European resort exudes the sleepy charm of a traditional Byzantine village with low-rise villas arranged around a square, and has access to its own private golden beach – one of the best on the island. Popular with families (partly because it’s so easy to get to), honeymooners are also well catered to with an adult-only restaurant serving candle-lit romantic dinners with no fear of having spaghetti fung at them. A Roman-style Talassa spa, harnessing the healing powers of seawater, will appeal to spa goddesses. Although, a long luxurious bath with the windows cast open over the glittering Med, is sure to relax even the most jittery of newlyweds. INSIDER TIP: Garden Studio Suites come with breathtaking sea views, but for extra space and privacy, consider a Junior Suite – some even come with private pools. BOOK IT: 5 nights including breakfast from £1205 per person.
uk to Verona 2 hours
GMT+1
uk to cyprus 4.5 hours
GMT+2 57
il sAlViAtino Florence, Italy WHAT COULD BE MORE DECADENT THAN A STAY in a glamorous Renaissance palace overlooking the orange clay-tiled roofops of Florence? With just 45 sumptuous suites, Il Salviatino is one of the most devilishly elegant villas in Tuscany. During summer, you can f ll up on authentic Tuscan dishes at La Terrazza, which enjoys magnifcent views across to the dome of Santa Maria del Fiore, and in the winter months, you can cosy up in Le Serre, a charming snug with a dazzling freplace. Oozing uncompromised luxury, we can think of nowhere better to pose as an aristocratic couple on their grand European tour. INSIDER TIP: One of Kate Moss’s besties Fran Cutler held her 50th birthday bash at Il Salviatino. It was wild! BOOK IT: 3 nights from £1235 per person.
LOCAL TIP...
blue pAlAce resort & spA Crete, Greece
Maafushivaru, ice cream doesn’t come Maldives Spa than at any sweeter grom gelateria. &florence’s Pool
try crema di grom made from Valrhona ecuadorian chocolate. bellissimo!
GREECE IS TOO OFTEN AN UNDERRATED HONEYMOON DESTINATION,
but it’s brilliant value for money, enjoys an incredible climate and delivers a fascinating cultural punch too. All things considered, it’s the ideal choice for a minimoon. T is coastal hideaway overlooks the medieval fortressed island of Spinalonga, and is just 300m from a traditional fshing village where you can order your calamari straight from the sea. Lap up the luxury in the hotel’s Elounda Spa – a marble emporium with Turkish steam baths and therapeutic thalassotherapy pools or try your hand at tennis, yoga or meditation. Ten at the end of the day, retire to those epic views for an ouzo or two. INSIDER TIP: Ask the hotel to pack you up a picnic and disappear for the day to one of the hotel’s nearby islands – some of them feel completely untouched by time. BOOK IT: 5 nights including breakfast from £1192 per person.
uk to crete 3¾ hours 58
GMT+2
uk to florence 2.5 hours
GMT+1
AngsAnA riAd lydines Marrakech, Morocco FOR A SHORT-HAUL EXOTIC ADVENTURE, MOROCCO
LOCAL TIP... if you are taking taxis around the city, make sure the driver has a meter and make sure they turn it on, even if it’s a short trip.
is easy to get to, yet feels like an entirely diferent world. Tere are zillions of riads to choose from but this one in the Kasbah district of Marrakech is more charming than most. Lovingly restored with seven gorgeous rooms and suites, a shaded courtyard flled with date palms and a roofop terrace with panoramic views of the Atlas mountains, it’s quite an Aladdin’s cave. Tere might not be a proper restaurant to speak of (not many riads have them), but if you ask in advance, the owners will be happy to rustle up a tagine for lunch or dinner – although chances are, you’ll be out getting lost in the souk or riding camels in the desert… INSIDER TIP: Te riad is just ten minutes south of Djemaa El-Fna, the main square famous for its smoking food stands, snake charmers and street sellers. BOOK IT: 3 nights including breakfast from £469 per person.
uk to marrakech 3.5 hours
GMT+0 59