whether you’re looking for unadulterated relaxation or an adventure in the wild, Sally and Alice Travel Co. have something to suit every newlywed Mr and Mrs. Below we have showcased just a handful of our tried and tested honeymoon favourites...
KENYA AND THE SEYCHELLES - FOR OLD-SCHOOL ROMANTICS
Kenya has long been recognised as the most romantic of all safari destinations, and now you can experience the real Out of Africa at Angama Mara, a lodge set high up on the Great Rift Valley escarpment, with views that stretch for miles across the Maasai Mara 300m below. As a nod to the romantic tale that was filmed on the site of Angama Mara, the lodge offers intimate picnics for two on the crest of the Out of Africa kopje that is featured on the movie’s poster – meaning guests can have their very own Karen and Denys moment. But there’s no doubt the most remarkable feature of the resort, whose name means ‘to be suspended in mid-air’ in Swahili, are the spectacular views (each of the 30 tented suites by architect duo Silvio Rech and Lesley Carstens feature 11m wide floor to ceiling windows). The perfect finish to any romantic safari in Kenya is time spent on the day-dream islands of The Seychelles, and here, one of our absolute favourites is Denis Private Island, (usually paired with a few nights on Mahe the main island). It’s difficult to imagine a more serene and perfect place for honeymooners - there’s no cell phone service, very limited wifi, and only 25 chalets on the island. Aside from a few golf carts, there are no cars on the island and guests and staff ride bicycles or walk through the jungles and along the white sandy shoreline. The Denis team has taken careful measures to protect native forest habitats, protecting rare local birds, and making a comfortable home for dozens of giant tortoises, including Toby, a 118 year old Aldabra Giant Tortoise.
TANZANIA - FOR ADVENTURE
At 55,000 sq. km, the Selous Game Reserve in southern Tanzania is vast (twice the size of Switzerland) and is the largest protected wildlife sanctuary in Africa. As a result it feels very remote, wild and exclusive as opposed to the more frequently visited parks of the north. Set on the banks of the mighty Rufiji River, Sand Rivers Selous has just eight spacious stone and thatched cottages, hidden amongst the bush but open-fronted to incredible vistas across the river. Sand Rivers offers an all-round safari with 4×4 drives, guided walks, boat trips, fishing, and, for the very adventurous, fly camping in the wild – just you and your new bride under a mosquito net surrounded by the African bush. Those looking to extend their safari can continue inland to the even more remote Kigelia Ruaha, an authentic mobile bush camp in the stunning baobab dotted Ruaha National Park. To finish with some time relaxing on the beach it’s then a short flight across to the main island of Zanzibar where a short drive and boat trip will have you on your own little private island paradise, Mnemba Island, a tiny atoll off the east coast of Zanzibar which offers the ultimate in barefoot luxury with just 10 secluded bandas hidden in the palms and set on a pristine beach. Diving (for qualified divers) is included here and the sea is so clear you won’t feel the absence of a swimming pool.
MOROCCO - FOR A TASTE OF THE EXOTIC
From the rugged mountain ranges of the Atlas to the endless sand dunes of the Sahara, the surf beaches of the Atlantic coast to the exotic souks and alleyways of Marrakech and Fes, Morocco has it all. The accommodation is just as varied – from our favourite mountain retreat, Kasbah Bab Ourika, which offers breathtaking views across the High Atlas from its hilltop perch, to La Sultana Oualida, a lavish spa hideaway at the edge of Oualidia’s sleepy lagoon. Moroocco is also a great option for those who only have time for a shorter honeymoon – BA flies direct to Marrakech and there are plenty of spoiling and luxurious accommodation options within easy striking distance of the airport such as The Capaldi – a country house hideaway in the foothills of the Atlas where newlyweds can soak up the sun by one of the pools in the extensive landscaped gardens, indulge in superb international cuisine, and enjoy the tranquility (no kids under 12 allowed!). Those with more time can venture across the Atlas Mountains to the ‘House of Dreams’, Dar Ahlam, a magical desert oasis and former home of a medieval sultan nestled in gardens of palm and olive trees on the fringes of the Sahara. This luxurious Relais & Châteaux hotel is at the gateway to the Sahara and for an unforgettable experience, honeymooners can extend their trip in to the desert proper for a stay in the luxury tents at the El Khiam Ahlam desert camp.
BOTSWANA - FOR THE ULTIMATE SAFARI
After countless safaris and having spent time running a camp in Botswana, we now understand why Botswana's Okavango Delta deserves pride of place on any safari enthusiast's or nature lover's bucket list. The Okavango is also one of the few places in Africa where one can go on safari by mokoro - a dugout canoe where ‘polers’ guide you through the labyrinth of channels, standing like gondoliers at the rear of the boat. For honeymooners with limited time to travel, Vumbura Plains is the perfect one stop shop as the game viewing is superb and there are wet and dry safari activities on offer virtually year round. The rooms here are vast - outside there is a decked area with a private plunge pool and day bed, inside the interiors are soothing with softly draped wall hangings and an open plan bathroom, all with views out over the floodplains. Best of all is the east-facing aspect which makes early morning wake-up calls a pleasure... At Sanctuary Baines' Camp in the Moremi Game Reserve, couples can look forward to a bath under the stars on their own private deck and 'roll out' beds for a sleep-out in style. Superb food, beautiful delta landscapes and the fact that your dinner companions might include Jabu, Morula and Thembi the resident orphaned elephants, all make for an unforgettable stay. For complete contrast, San Camp in the Makgadikgadi Pans offers an incredible feeling of freedom with the near 360-degree vistas from your simple yet stylish white tent, perched at the edge of an endless, glistening sea of salt. Here you'll move your focus from traditional game viewing to the small things - get up close and personal with meerkats, discover your inner speed demon on a quad bike and gain privileged insight into the lives of the San Basarwa people.
South Africa AND MAURITIUS - FOR GREAT VALUE
Honeymoons to South Africa and Mauritius offer some of the best value around in terms of the amount of luxury you get for your money. We suggest starting your honeymoon at the Madikwe Game Reserve which is one of South Africa’s largest yet least known Big 5 reserves, just a short charter flight from Johannesburg and advantaged by being non-malarial. Here Madikwe Hills is a stylish and intimate option beautifully located amongst boulders and age-old Tamboti trees. Accommodation is generous in every sense of the word and the suites each have a private wooden deck with a sparkling plunge pool, a fantastic space from which to watch the passing parade of wildlife visiting a nearby waterhole. Safari in South Africa combines particularly well with time in Mauritius, the perfect destination for honeymoons with its endless stretches of beaches, good weather and world-class line up of idyllic beach resorts to choose from. Honeymoons in Mauritius also benefit from considerable discounts with the bride often staying for free. The west coast of Mauritius has flat golden sand beaches, shallow water and the best sunsets, and here we love The St Regis Mauritius Resort set against the backdrop of the iconic Le Morne Mountain. This resort has facilities galore, including a huge spa and a proper in-house cinema with plush leather seats and each room is assigned a butler who takes care of your every need. The food is excellent, from the smoked marlin tartine at the beach bar to the delicious Asian feast at the Floating Market restaurant, and they can arrange romantic private dinners for two on their jetty.
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We organise honeymoons for clients all over the world, to destinations all over the world. We're good at keeping secrets, and we're also good at surprises. We want your honeymoon to be the first of many happy and memorable holidays with Sally and Alice Travel Co...