They say that opposites attract and that is certainly the case with Claire and Mark Griggs. When choosing their honeymoon destination, he wanted adventure, while she craved relaxation. Luckily, they found the best of both worlds in Thailand. Claire reveals all…
Honeymoon compromising
As they say, the key to a successful marriage, is learning to compromise. We both had very different ideas of what makes for the perfect honeymoon and this was to be the first test for us as newlyweds. After some consideration, we finally agreed upon some key ingredients – a splash of sunshine, a sprinkling of great food and a generous helping of fun. However, Mark craved adventure while, after all the excitement of the wedding, I needed a well-earned beach break. So, we struck upon the perfect plan: a two-centre trip to Thailand, taking in both the tropical heat of the jungle in the North and a blissful escape to the beaches of the South.
A welcomed arrival
Upon arrival, we were greeted by a chauffeured car, which took us even further North, into the heart of the Golden Triangle. Our home for the next three nights was to be the Four Seasons Tented Camp and nothing could’ve prepared us for the experience that awaited us there. From the arrival at the camp, by traditional long-tailed boat, to every member of staff greeting us by name. Top that off with our very own ‘tented camp’ accommodation with stunning views over the Mekong River, we truly felt that we had arrived in paradise.
Thailand adventure
Our personalised schedule for the next few days included a mahout lesson where we would learn how to ride elephants through the jungle and a couple’s spa treatment in an open air tree-house located deep in the heart of the jungle. Cocktails at the sunset bar, overlooking the river into Burma and Laos, became an evening ritual, as did having breakfast with the baby elephants and feeding them ripe bananas and turnips each morning – an incredible experience that we will never forget.
Amazing memories
The highlight of our short stay in paradise was a private dinner at the Elephant Camp, where we were greeted by the sight of a thousand tea lights as far as the eye could see. We indulged in mouth-watering cuisine, followed by toasted marshmallows by the campfire and the opportunity to release a lantern together into the night’s sky. It left us with memories that would last long after our suntans had faded.
Come back next week and find out what Claire and Mark did while visiting South Thailand
