DESTINATIONS HONEYMOONS INDIAN OCEAN RIGHT: Shandrani
Beachcomber Resort & Spa
FAR RIGHT: Constance Lemuria,
Seychelles BELOW:
Veranda Paul et Virginie Hotel, Mauritius
ASK THE EXPERT
Tom Higgins, marketing manager, If Only “The Indian Ocean is great for romantics - spectacular sunsets, star-filled skies, powder-white beaches and boat trips past coral reefs to deserted islands. And honeymoons are an especially good seller for agents since they’re usually planned well in advance, meaning you can tap into early-booking offers. Agents should carefully assess their clients’ aspirations and agree with the couple whether a regular offer or a ‘honeymoon’ offer is best – the honeymoon extras can be fabulous.”
upgrade to the next room category, and The Residence, which adds fruit, champagne and a catamaran cruise with lunch. The latter is one of Carrier’s top recommendations thanks to its underground spa and new outdoor cinema – worth highlighting to couples swayed by the prospect of snuggling up under the stars, popcorn in hand. Heritage Awali Golf & Spa Resort
offers the bride and groom a 35% discount along with free gifts, provided they stay at least five nights. Set on a sprawling golf course and surrounded by a 2,500-hectare nature reserve, it’s a good suggestion for those wanting to get outdoorsy and explore the rest of the island while making the most of the newlywed savings, though it’s worth noting it’s quite family-oriented. Shandrani Beachcomber Resort &
Spa gives 30% off, as well as free champagne from 6pm daily and complimentary watersports. For a slightly more affordable,
adult-only option, Travel 2 recommends the three-star-plus Veranda Paul et Virginie. It offers discounted rates for honeymooners as well as a fruit platter, bottle of sparkling wine and candlelit dinner, and also features double hammocks where couples can relax in peaceful, beachfront surroundings. The hotel is set to reopen in August after a series of renovations.
w SEYCHELLES AND SRI LANKA Over in the Seychelles there’s the five-star Constance Lemuria – home to the archipelago’s only golf course – which gives the bride up to 70% off accommodation (on a half-board basis). Both Mr and Mrs also get various goodies alongside £100 resort credit per person, per night on select dates, which is a big bonus for those wanting to dine in style or make the most of the wellness facilities. For a really top-end experience
there’s Denis Private Island, a 375-acre patch of paradise home to nesting turtles, exotic birds and other rare wildlife – alongside zero phone signal and just 25 villas and cottages. It offers a 30% discount for the bride, as well as a surprise gift, free cocktail and starlit dinner for the happy couple. Or suggest Shangri-La, whose Hambantota property in Sri Lanka, complete with an 18-hole golf course, gives all newly married guests a generous 20% off accommodation, food, drink and spa treatments, as well as in-room dining and a ‘dine by design’ meal. Clients who might not ordinarily consider a resort this high-end may well be tempted when they hear of the savings they’ll be making, and the priceless personalised experiences that come with it, so highlight the perks to couples wanting to pull out all the stops and you’ll have them booking before you can say ‘wedding bells’.
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travelweekly.co.uk 18 May 2017
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