When it comes to honeymoons, it really is possible to give clients a champagne lifestyle on a beer budget. Jo Cooke reports
When a gooey-eyed couple sits down in front of you and utter the word ‘honeymoon’ the pressure is on to come up with something special.
The good news is that if your lovebirds are looking for luxury and pampering but lack the five-star budget, they may still be in luck thanks to the abundance of special offers and great value deals currently on offer.
Hit the Med
According to Mathilde Robert, managing director of Planet Holidays, some short-haul options such as Greece can offer just as much romance and luxury as long-haul escapes. Moreover, she points to 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,” says Robert.
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. “My personal favourite is the Four Seasons in Limassol,” says Robert. “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 we have some exciting new properties in our portfolio that have particular appeal for honeymooners, such as the 29-room Kanuni Kervansaray – a newly renovated former Ottoman travellers’ inn in Cesme,” says Akin Koc, owner and managing director. 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.
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,” says David Nash, Prestige’s director of group travel.
“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.
Further afield, Kate Andrews, a product manager at Sunset Faraway Holidays, says Asia is 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.”
Andrews singles out the luxurious Shangri-La Rasa Ria Resort in Kota Kinabalu, Borneo as being 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,” she says. 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,” adds Andrews. “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.
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,” says Hayat Bourner a weddings supervisor at Virgin.
“I’d suggest 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,” says product manager David Fraser. “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.”
Bob Martindale, Perfect Weddings & Honeymoons, Staffordshire
“My top tip for great value honeymoons in 2011 is Caribbean cruises as there are so many great offers. Last year the Maldives and the Sandals resorts were our most requested honeymoon destinations. I can’t see this changing for 2011, however I think Dubai is going to give them a close run.”
Ian Inglis, Weddings4u
“For short haul, Cyprus is a top value destination for 2011. Many low-cost carriers fly there so you can keep costs down and accommodation options are varied from intimate boutique-style hotels to private villas and grand five-star luxury, meaning there is something special to suit every couple’s budget.”
Melanie Salt, Wedding & Honeymoon Specialist, Gates Travel, Cumbria