Hot honeymoon bargains are still to be had, even though we’re in the middle of a recession. Rowena Carr-Allinson has been checking out some current bargains to make your money stretch that extra little bit further…
Under £1,000 – Lovely Luxury in Egypt
Where?
Kempinski Hotel Soma Bay, Egypt
Why go?
Beautiful secluded hotel pools, waterfalls and lagoons … Delicious fruit cocktails, and beautiful mountain and ocean views… From traditional Egyptian cuisine to Pan Asian delicacies, you can also enjoy a private five-course candle-lit dinner on the beach for the ultimate romantic experience. Local excursions include a diving or snorkelling lesson around the beautiful surrounding reefs or learn some new skills with an Arabic cooking masterclass. For those who want to take it easy the Thalassotherapy spa is a haven of relaxation and tranquility and offers a variety of fantastic treatments from underwater massages to seaweed wraps.
How Much?
Sovereign Luxury Travel (0844 415 1936; www.sovereign.com) is offering an online discount – 7 nights from £859 per person on a bed and breakfast basis, departing on 17th September 2012. Price includes flights from London Gatwick and private transfers.
What do you get?
Add on the honeymoon package for approx £370 pp and you’ll get an upgrade to 7 a Laguna Club Double Suite for 7 nights including flowers in the room on arrival, a five course candle-lit dinner with a complimentary bottle of wine and private airport transfers.
Great Extras?
The offer includes 21 red roses in the room on arrival !
Under £1,400 – All inclusive in the Magical Maldives
Where?
Olhuveli Beach & Spa Resort, Maldives
Why go?
The Maldives has repeatedly been voted the world’s most romantic holiday destination, and it’s no wonder why. With picture perfect white-sand beaches, turquoise lagoons and luxury over-water villas, it ticks all the boxes for a relaxing romantic escape. But not everyone likes to lounge around in the sun all day. Olhuveli has plenty of activities to keep guests occupied – even thrill-seekers! With one of the only registered kite-surfing schools in the Maldives, the watersports centre offers lots of activities such as windsurfing, catamaran sailing, stand-up paddle-boarding, kayaking, wake-boarding and excellent kite-surfing. Plus the resort has a five-star PADI dive centre and a great choice of snorkelling safaris.
How much?
Prices start from £1,332 per person (saving £449pp) in July with Thomson (www.thomson.co.uk; 0871 230 2555)
What do you get?
The price includes return flights from Gatwick, speedboat transfers to the hotel and seven nights’ accommodation in a deluxe room on an all-inclusive basis. Pay six nights and get the 7th night free!
Great extras?
Honeymooners also receive special bed decorations, a sumptuous fruit basket and a romantic candle-lit dinner followed by a special evening turn down service, all provided complimentary.
Under £1,600 – B&B in Beautiful Barbados
Where? The Crane, Barbados
Why go? A hidden tropical gem with deserted sandy beaches, breathtaking views and stunning lush scenery. Set on the spectacular South-East coast of Barbados, the resort is the oldest operating hotel on the island overlooking the powder pink sands of Crane Beach and the rolling Atlantic Ocean.
How much?
Kuoni (01306 747008; www.kuoni.co.uk) offer seven including flights from Gatwick with transfers in resort. Prices for 2012 are from £1535 per person, based on two sharing + add on the honeymoon package for approx. £150.
What do you get?
Bed & breakfast in a garden view junior suite, fresh flowers on arrival, a chilled bottle of wine waiting in your room, in-room breakfast on the morning after your arrival and a 5 hour daytime catamaran cruise.
Great extras?
Exploring Barbados with a five-hour daytime catamaran cruise where you can swim with turtles, explore the ocean, sip cocktails whilst admiring the impressive scenery!
Under £2,000 – Romantic All inclusive Plantation in the Caribbean
Where? Nisbet Plantation Beach Club, Nevis
Why go?
Stay in a truly romantic setting at Nisbet Plantation Beach Club, the only historic plantation inn in the Caribbean to be set directly on the beach.Lounge in hammocks hung between the palm trees on the beach, take a dip in the beachside pool or relax in the beachside hot tub.
How much?
Tropic Breeze offers a 7-night honeymoon package in a superior room from £1899 per person including return flights with BA to St Kitts and return transfers between St Kitts and Nevis.
What do you get?
Package includes breakfast, afternoon tea and dinner daily as well as a champagne breakfast in bed on the first day, a romantic beach dinner one night, a sailing cruise complete with lunch at a beach bar, a couples’ massage at The Palms Spa.
Great extras?
Zip around the island on distinctive his and hers Vespas. The package includes two days use of the Vespas so newly weds can discover hidden beaches, romantic restaurants and other treasures on the 36 square mile island.
Borrow a Flip video camera from reception to record your travels and the
resort will download the footage on to a CD for you to bring home.
Under £3,000 – Half Board Ultra Luxe in the Maldives
Where?
Conrad Maldives Rangali Island
Why go?
Setting the benchmark for sophisticated barefoot luxury, the Conrad Maldives Rangali Island offers a spectacular honeymoon location in the South Ari Atoll. Voted Best Hotel in the World by TripAdvisor reviewers and the recipient of a wealth of international awards, the twin-island resort provides an idyllic Maldivian experience to start a journey of discovery amid pure luxury. You will love the three world class spas, including the Over-Water Spa and The Spa Retreat, as well as Ithaa, the underwater restaurant – five metres below sea level where a spectacular 180 degree underwater view of the vibrant Maldivian aquatic life comes with the fine dining cuisine!
How much?
Carrier (www.carrier.co.uk; 0161 492 1358) offer 7 nights for the price of 6 from £2,865 per person (saving £1,400 per couple)
What do you get?
This package price includes accommodation in a Water Villa, including breakfast, complimentary upgrade to half board basis, return flights from Heathrow with Qatar Airways and transfers. Price is valid for departures from 26 May 2012.
Great extras?
As the ultimate honeymoon destination, the Conrad Maldives Rangali Island provides newlyweds with a host of special touches to make their dream trip extra special. All honeymoon guests receive a complimentary fruit basket and Champagne upon arrival, a half-day excursion of their choosing and a three-course candlelight dinner.
