DESTINATIONS WEDDINGS & HONEYMOONS | TRENDS
exper expert ASK THE Leah Marshall,
director of sales, Unique Vacations UK “For agents looking to sell
Sandals and Beaches Resorts to their honeymoon clients, I’d recommend discussing budget versus requirements first and working backwards from there. Are they set on a
particular room category, resort, or timeframe? If they have a
bigger budget to play with, start off with our signature Love
Nest Butler Suites and work your way down, if needed.”
CLOCKWISE FROM TOP LEFT: Conrad Rangali Island and Resort; on safari in the Masai Mara; Marigot Bay, Saint Lucia; Milaidhoo Island Maldives
booking and this is especially the case for honeymooners after two years of postponed weddings and trips. “Couples are booking everything from luxury island
getaways to the Maldives and Mauritius, as well as more adventurous trips to Africa, Latin America and Asia and we have noticed an appetite for tailor-made, multi-destination trips.”
He adds that many couples who went on a smaller trip closer to home after their wedding – the so-called ‘minimoon’ – are opting for grander holidays to celebrate their marriage now they can book with more confidence as restrictions have eased.
BEST OF THE BEACHES Operators have pointed out that luxury stays in the Indian Ocean are still popular with newlyweds. A survey by Expedia found 30% of UK-based couples planning their honeymoon were looking at tropical islands, with the Maldives topping the list of preferred destinations and the Seychelles also in the top five. The Caribbean remains in demand, with the
promise of romance, shimmering turquoise waters and breathtaking resorts among the key reasons for booking. Saint Lucia, with its lush rainforests and iconic Pitons, is consistently sought after and was recently named the
Luxury experiences can start with helicopter transfers. Couples can arrange private dinners, with champagne delivered by a zipline.
Caribbean’s top honeymoon destination at the World Travel Awards. Patricia Charlery-Leon, director of UK and Europe at the Saint Lucia Tourist Board, says: “It is a popular choice with honeymooners as there is a real breadth of hotels and experiences and, of course, the stunning beauty of the island as a backdrop. “Luxury experiences can start with helicopter transfers upon arrival, private boats trips or a romantic sunset cruise. Couples can arrange private beach dinners, with champagne delivered by a zipline. Romantic spa treatments on the beach or spas can be easily arranged.”
GLITZ AND GLAMOUR Others are choosing the glitz and glamour of swanky US destinations, with America the fourth most-popular honeymoon spot for couples in Britain according to an Expedia poll.
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8 SEPTEMBER 2022
travelweekly.co.uk
PICTURE: Shutterstock/Sven Hansche; RT Creation
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