Romantic: AFRICA
Romantic Africa Starry eyes and skies
It’s not just the call of the wild – in
name alone Africa
evokes the allure of romantic escapes and awe-inspiring experiences that just must be shared, says Jonathan Hart
Executive at Elegant Resorts. “Rich with wildlife, vast open wilderness, amazing starry skies and private candlelit dinners on the beach, it’s easy to be seduced by the surroundings alone. “Factor in the trend for soft
A
adventure combined with luxurious treats such as private plunge pools or double-treatment spa rooms and Africa also offers a myriad of memorable experiences for couples to share,” added Sturzy. Lisa Fisher, Programme Manager
at Rainbow Tours concurs: “Whether clients are celebrating a special occasion or just looking for a secluded getaway, Africa has some of the most romantic places on earth. Nothing can rival watching the sunset over the bush or plains towards a wide African horizon.” She says many safari camps and lodges offer a huge choice of romantic extras such as private dinners or indulgent spa treatments
frica naturally lends itself to romance like nowhere else, believes Julie Sturzy, Product
in the bush as well as hot air balloon rides or exhilarating safaris on horseback.
Spanning more than 50 enticing destinations from Cairo to Cape Town, Africa offers retailers an abundance of off-the-shelf or dynamic packaging opportunities, adds Lauren Williams, International Travel Consultant for Flight Centre in London. “In so many respects, Africa spells romance,” she said. South Africa, with its majestic landscapes, sophisticated hospitality networks and huge diversity of holiday products is a favourite with many operators. Trips aboard the luxury Blue Train
or bygone era Rovos Rail are among romantic icons, as is enduringly fashionable Cape Town, coupled with the nearby winelands and Garden Route. The small, luxury safari camps edging Kruger National Park, or in Madikwe Private Game Reserve near the border with Botswana, add to a mood of intimacy. Elegant’s Sturzy recommends the high-end, all-inclusive lodges of
Sabi Sands, boutique lodges such as Leopard Hills or Londolozi, or Singita Sweni, which offers three-day ‘Sweetheart’ arrangements. The barefoot luxury of Azura, nine seafront villas on the otherwise uninhabited private island of Quilalea in nearby Mozambique, is hard to beat when it comes to choosing a perfect romantic beach retreat.
Other options include luxurious lodges in Botswana’s Okavango Delta plus neighbouring Zambia’ s game reserves, which both offer romantic sanctuaries in the wilderness. And Victoria Falls, bordering Zambia
and Zimbabwe, is a must extension with river cruising, rafting and swimming to add to the
“Take time to discover what extras are available in order to create really memorable and
romantic itineraries for
your clients” LISA FISHER, PROGRAMME MANAGER RAINBOW TOURS
www.sellinglonghaul.com
June 2013 25
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