special report
WEDDING/HONEYMOON DESTINATIONS
Robert warns Italy can be expensive. “People want to marry at Villa Gaeta, where Casino Royale was shot, and I say, ‘Have you got £40,000?’” Operator Belleair points out that Malta also offers historic venues, with the bonus of keener pricing. Santorini and Cyprus are the most popular
wedding destinations for Planet, partly due to convenience. “In Cyprus everybody speaks reasonable English and it’s easy to arrange,” says Robert. “In Greece, there are the most amazing views and no-frills airlines mean guests can just go for the weekend.” Premier Holidays has seen a lot of recent
interest in African beach resorts. “Destinations such as Zanzibar and Mozambique offer images of idyllic faraway escapes that are really appealing to honeymooners, so should definitely be on agents’ radars this year,” says Southern Africa product manager John Parker. Canada has jumped from 24 to 19 in Kuoni’s list
of best-selling holiday destinations, perhaps helped by the 150th anniversary of Confederation. “As part of the festivities there’s free entry to Canada’s National Parks historic sites,” explains commercial and product manager Sheena Paton. “This is ideal for couples looking for a more active honeymoon.” Other rising stars include La Reunion for Kuoni, and eco-lovers’ island Dominica for Caribtours. Premier’s Parker says resorts are
getting more original with the honeymoon perks they offer. For instance, at Savanna Game Reserve in Sabi Sands, newlyweds are surprised with daily treats like baths with Champagne on return from game drives, or private in-suite dinners. Honeymoons account for
23% of Kuoni’s bookings and their value rose from an average £2,951 per person in 2015, to £3,193 in 2016. Like weddings, honeymoons are becoming more complex, with operators reporting increased demand for twin- or multi- centre trips. For Premier, safari-and-beach
Bride and groom in Venice
Italy: Synonymous with romance, Italy has scenic Tuscany, Lake Garda and Lake Como, and the historic architecture of Rome, Florence, Venice and Verona. It’s trending with couples who want a wedding in a non-beach venue. Ceremonies can be held in elegant town halls, decorated with frescoes and antiques, palaces and even the remains of the 13th-century San Francesco cloisters in Sorrento.
South Africa: Couples can combine Cape Town’s beaches with nearby vineyards, and a self-drive along the Garden Route. Or, they can head straight on to safari to spot the ‘big five’ and relax overnight in luxury lodges. Due to the weak rand, the destination is exceptional value at the moment, so even top restaurants like Nobu can be an aff ordable honeymoon treat. South Africa also twins well with the Indian Ocean.
Sri Lanka: Palm-fringed golden beaches, and the option of impressive cultural touring and safari using a private driver/guide, make Sri Lanka a top honeymoon spot. It’s also great value. For weddings, many resorts can incorporate colourful local traditions, like troupes of drummers and dancers, or even a decorated elephant.
Romantic boutique hotels have been added in recent years, and the east coast has opened up. The destination is easily twinned with nearby honeymoon favourite the Maldives.
Portugal: This is a top choice for short-haul same-sex weddings, which were legalised there in 2010, meaning gay couples can have a destination ceremony, with the same status as if they married in the UK. Relaxed residency requirements mean couples don’t have to stay in resort as long beforehand as some other destinations. For beach weddings, the Algarve is the most popular spot. Villas are available as an alternative to hotels — good for familymoons or house- party-style celebrations.
Bali: This Indonesian island is back on trend. Although flights still aren’t direct, some choose to twin-centre with Singapore, Bangkok or Hong Kong. Bali’s climate is good in the British summer — handy for honeymoons aſt er UK nuptials. You can also marry there with cultural inclusions like local dancers. Bali’s white sand beaches are oſt en twinned with the rice terraces at Ubud. Other attractions include Hindu temples and volcanoes. Luxury resorts are plentiful.
countrybycountry.com | ABTA Magazine
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IMAGE / ILLUSTRATION: GETTY
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