26-28 quirky honeymoons 19/9/08 14:36 Page 27
Sanctuary Lodges
& Camps – inside a
luxury tent at the
Olonana camp, Kenya
Inset left: Masai bow
making, Kenya.
ECO-WARRIORS TREAD LIGHTLY says. “You’re creating memories of
With environmental awareness growing, a lifetime.”
honeymooners are increasingly likely to be For those looking for traditional
committed not just to caring for each other but beach stays, Virgin Holidays
for the environment. The good news is there features eco-friendly properties in
are plenty of holidays out there that are both its Small Hotels of the Caribbean
eco-friendly and romantic. brochure. For honeymooners,
Journey Latin America, which arranges several Virgin particularly recommends luxury boutique
hundred honeymoons a year, is among those Aito Morgan’s Rock, hotel Blue Haven in Tobago, where famous guests
members to have been awarded the organisation’s Nicaragua over the years have included Rita Hayworth,
highest rating for sustainable tourism. Marketing Robert Mitcham and the Queen.
executive Laura Forsyth says: “In the last couple Thailand, which has been running an “eco-chic”
of years, there has been a growing concern from marketing campaign, and Sri Lanka are other
clients about how their visit will impact on the popular honeymoon destinations with a good
environment, particularly to places such as the choice of quality green accommodation. Both
Galapagos Islands and Peru.” She adds that new- destinations have tourist boards which can suggest
builds in remote areas tend to be particularly several romantic hideaways for “eco-mooners”.
conscious of their sustainability. For clients who’d rather reduce their carbon
For eco-honeymooners, Forsyth recommends footprint by foregoing a flight, honeymooning in
the rustic luxury property Morgan’s Rock in Europe with first-class train travel could be the
Nicaragua, which is preserving primary forest and answer. Rail Europe recommends the Eurostar to
protecting and re-introducing endangered wildlife. Paris then an en suite sleeper compartment
For a romantic ecological ambience, she suggests overnight to Venice, Madrid or Barcelona, or
the Hotelito Desconocido in Puerto Vallarta, taking the new high-speed link to Switzerland.
Mexico, which uses solar power and so is
illuminated by thousands of candles at night. VIVA LAS VOLUNTOURISTS
Safari, already a honeymoon favourite, is a Having just celebrated their own good fortune,
good option for eco-honeymoons as many such Volunteering at some newlyweds may feel inclined to spread a
operators have long combined high-end accommo- a Thai orphanage, little happiness themselves. “Voluntourism”, by
dation with good practices. “It’s exclusive, it’s Hands Up Holidays which holidaymakers help charity projects abroad,
romantic and it ticks the environmental boxes,” is growing in popularity and, with care, can be
says Renette Hartridge, UK account manager for incorporated into a honeymoon.
Sanctuary Lodges & Camps. Agent-friendly voluntourism operator Hands
Sanctuary builds its safari accommodation with Up Holidays has had some honeymoon clients.
recycled materials, uses natural water purification Managing director Christopher Hill says:
and employs local people. The group’s camp at “From feedback, reasons given have been
Olonana has won a silver award from Ecotourism wanting the trip to be special, but also wanting
Kenya. it to be a bonding experience and wanting to
Hartridge believes the company’s sustainable do something for other people.”
tourism policy of having no more than 15 Hill recommends honeymooners pick
cottages or tents per camp also helps enhance the projects where accommodation is in hotels,
romance. “Because of our low numbers of guests, and sandwiching their volunteering stint with
we can be flexible and arrange things such as a sightseeing and relaxation, which Hands Up
private bush dinner or dining on your deck,” she can also arrange. For example, couples
27
go to www.ttglive.com
TTG Knowledge WEDDINGS & HONEYMOONS September 2008
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