Honeymoon Destinations

Dream Honeymoons on a Budget

When a couple sits down in front of me and utter the word ‘honeymoon’ the pressure is on to come up with something special.

The good news is that if you lovebirds are looking for luxury and pampering but lack the big budget, you may still be in luck thanks to the abundance of special offers and great value deals currently on offer.

Hit the Med

Planet Holidays, offer some short-haul options such as Greece, which can offer just as much romance and luxury as long-haul escapes. Moreover the fact that many Greek hoteliers haven’t increased their prices for 2011. “One of our top-selling honeymoon destinations is Crete, which has many five-star resorts,”

Couples can pay as little as £1,499 to stay in a Royal Villa in the grounds of Aldemar’s Knossos Royal hotel, in Hersonissos. Loved up guests can choose to have a massage in the comfort of their own space, and dinner on their terrace.

Another good-value destination that appeals to all age groups is Cyprus. A favourite is the Four Seasons in Limassol,”  “Even the standard double rooms have a Jacuzzi bath big enough for two.” Seven nights’ half board costs from £937.

For something smaller and more boutique she recommends the Londa Beach Hotel, also in Limassol, where the honeymoon suite boasts a round bed. Prices for March departures start from £614.

Turkey and Egypt

Turkey offers particularly great value and Turkey specialist Anatolian Sky offers a selection of chic hotels in traditional towns beyond the large-scale tourist hubs.

“This year they have some exciting new properties in their portfolio that have particular appeal for honeymooners, such as the 29-room Kanuni Kervansaray – a newly renovated former Ottoman travellers’ inn in Cesme,” . A seven-night stay starts from £585.

Egypt is another good bet for honeymooners. One of Planet Holidays’ most popular itineraries combines Cairo and El Soukhna on the Red Sea. Seven nights in June start from £997.

Morocco

For those seeking something different from a classic beach escape, Prestige Holidays is championing Morocco.

“Marrakech is a really vibrant and exciting city; eating out is very reasonable compared to many European destinations and there’s a fantastic range of high quality accommodation. “I’d recommend honeymooners stay in Maison Arabe, a delightful riad hidden in a quiet street on the edge of the medina. The property’s beautiful suites include two with Jacuzzis on their large terraces and super views.”

A week in June costs from £726 including British Airways flights, transfers, breakfast and a free hammam at the hotel spa.

Asia

Further afield, Sunset Faraway Holidays offering in Asia are perfect for those seeking ‘exotic’ on a budget.

“Malaysia and Thailand provide many ideal honeymoon locations where clients can explore amazing landscapes, temples and palaces then retreat to the beach.”

The luxurious Shangri-La Rasa Ria Resort in Kota Kinabalu, Borneo is especially romantic. “It’s set in 400 lush, tropical acres beside the exquisite Pantai Dalit beach and adjacent to an interactive orang-utan education centre. Seven nights cost from £1,375 from May until July, with honeymooners receiving a 20% discount on spa treatments.

“Koh Lanta island in Thailand is an up and coming honeymoon destination. The island has wonderful beaches, magical sunsets, great diving and verdant jungle. A seven-night stay costs from £1,375 for travel between May and June at the Cha-Da Beach Resort & Spa. Honeymooners will receive a free Thai massage.

Indian Ocean

Virgin, Cosmos and Kuoni are all tipping the Indian Ocean as the honeymoon hotspot for 2011.
“As the area has become more developed, competition for customers has increased and hoteliers have lowered prices.

The Chaaya Lagoon Hakuraa Huraa in the Maldives. It has water villas and costs from £1,465 all-inclusive for seven nights. It’s fantastic value for money.

With the launch of its new Maldives and Indian Ocean brochure, Cosmos Distant Dreams is aiming to increase its share of this market. “The brochure features lots of value-added offers for honeymooners.  For many, this is the deciding factor when making the all-important decision about where to stay.

Hoteliers in Mauritius are offering some particularly great deals. Twelve nights’ half-board at the Mövenpick Resort & Spa in May costs from £1,629. Honeymooners receive a 50% discount for the bride, room upgrade (subject to availability) and a candlelit dinner.

Kuoni is tipping Sri Lanka with its ancient cities, jungle and palm-fringed beaches. Top picks include The Fortress, a five-star boutique hotel that boasts a beautiful ocean-front setting. Five nights start from £1,383, and newlyweds are offered extras such as a private four-course dinner, complimentary room up-grade and Champagne cocktail.

“Bali is a romantic destination we’re recommending for honeymoons in 2011. It has superb hotels with fantastic customer service available at great prices. With rich history, stunning scenery, powder-white sandy beaches and amazing sunsets. This mystical island is a true tropical paradise and will enchant honeymooners.”

To discuss your honeymoon, please contact:

Richard Slater

Henbury Travel

Co-operative Personal Travel Advisors
Local rate phone 0843 459 0816

Email richard.slater@co-operativepta.co.uk

Web:  www.co-operativepersonaltraveladvisors.co.uk/richardslater

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With a career of 25 years in the independent travel sector, Richard Slater knew exactly which  route to take after being made redundant in January and that was to set up Henbury Travel.

After recent events like the ash cloud more and more people said to me that they wished that they had booked through a  travel agent, rather than a call centre or on the web. Many of these people had contacted met when their travel company could not be help.

Having only worked for independent agents, I knew that clients wanted to received excellent service and be able to rely on a knowledgeable expert, who is a available at a time to suit them. Richard  decided that Henbury Travel should be part of The Co-operative Personal Travel Advisors, and this would allow him offer competitive prices and the flexibility to find the holiday that suits you, with a choice that many agents can't offer. It is as important for me to offer the same level of service to a client booking a value break as to the clients who book a five star cruise, as you never know what kind of holiday a client may want next time.

Financial protection is guaranteed, Henbury Travel Co-operative Personal Travel Advisors are members of ABTA (the Association of British Travel Agents) and we also hold an Air Travel Organisers Licence (ATOL).

Richard can be contacted on 0843 459 0816 or richard.slater@co-operativepta.co.uk