DESTINATIONS WEDDINGS & HONEYMOONS | SEASONS
CLOCKWISE FROM TOP LEFT: Florence; Sandals Grande Antigua; Hilton Seychelles Labriz Resort & Spa
AUTUMN Italy: Its landscapes were enough to inspire Michelangelo, Raphael and Leonardo da Vinci, so if the happy couple weren’t already besotted with each other, they will be after a week in Tuscany – particularly in autumn, when scorching temperatures start to recede, vineyards are full of plump harvest- ready grapes, and the hills light up in a blaze of red and orange. Citalia recommends a twin-
centre stay in Florence and Siena. Regional destination manager Heather Green says: “La dolce vita flourishes in Florence, where chic hotels are nestled within centuries- old architecture and restaurants delight with tasty dishes and award-winning wines, coupled with romantic Siena, which boasts beautiful medieval buildings and charming countryside. The best time to travel is September. Not only does it paint Florence and Siena with the autumnal colours of golden and amber, but the weather will be pleasant and travellers will miss the summer crowds, making it an ideal time to explore the romantic secret escapes the region offers.” Book it: A week split between five- star properties Belmond Villa San Michele overlooking Florence and
98 30 JANUARY 2020 La dolce vita
flourishes in Florence, where restaurants delight with tasty dishes and award-winning wines
Castel Monastero near Siena, both B&B, starts at £2,349 including
flights in September.
citalia.com
Seychelles: Another classic couples destination, the Seychelles is somewhere people aspire to go to on honeymoon, splashing out on the ultimate Indian Ocean escape. Kuoni product and purchasing executive Sarah Gatt suggests steering honeymooners towards the Hilton Seychelles Labriz Resort & Spa. She says: “The Seychelles is a great destination as it has the mix of fantastic beaches and activities. October is a nice time to visit as it’s generally drier and the trade winds are calmer. I strongly recommend upgrading to a Sanctuary Pool Villa as they offer lots of privacy with your own private pool.”
Book it: Seven nights in a Sanctuary Pool Villa starts at £2,759, including breakfast, BA flights from Heathrow, transfers, and honeymoon extras including champagne on arrival and a sunset cruise. Upgrade to business-class
flights from £1,485.
kuoni.co.uk
WINTER Antigua: The Caribbean comes into its own in winter, combining chilled- out vibes with glorious, guaranteed sunshine and seriously romantic resorts. Couples-only Sandals Grande Antigua Resort & Spa is one such escape, set on the white sands of Dickenson Bay. It’s worth upselling newlyweds to one of its Love Nest Butler Rondoval Suites, where couples get a private plunge pool, patio, oversized soaking tub and 24-hour room service, plus a personal butler to organise romantic add-ons such as a sunset cruise or candlelit dinner on the beach. Book it: Seven nights in a Caribbean Honeymoon Premium Room starts at £2,175 with all- inclusive accommodation, BA flights from Gatwick and transfers, for
travel on December 17.
sandals.co.uk
Samoa: If ever there was a time to fly to the other side of the world, it’s on a honeymoon, so the South Pacific should be on the cards for couples pushing the boat out – particularly if they’re keen to pair it with Australia or New Zealand for an all-round adventure. Will McQuade, assistant
product manager at Travel 2, says: “For newlyweds looking for a winter honeymoon in paradise, Samoa is the perfect choice. Just a three- and-a-half-hour flight from New Zealand, this beautiful country is unspoilt and non-commercialised but rich in culture and history. “I would recommend the award- winning Seabreeze Resort on the island of Upolu. The resort is small, intimate and adult-only, set on a secluded cove with its own white sandy beach. With just 11 villas, the focus here is on privacy and personalised service. Guests can enjoy a cocktail overlooking the water or relax with a massage.” Book it: Three nights’ room-only at the five-star Cordis Auckland, five nights’ B&B at Seabreeze Resort and two at Amoa Resort, flights from Heathrow and transfers in Samoa, costs from £2,499 for travel from
November 7-December 4.
travel2.com
TW
travelweekly.co.uk
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