5 ‘megamoons’ worth swooning over
When you’re given a licence to pull out all the stops to make a honeymoon extra special, these operators can help with suggestions for the ultimate getaway
Post-pandemic bucket list demand continues, as does the trend for couples to have a “minimoon” just after their wedding then splash on a big honeymoon later.
So, when newlyweds are going all out, what can you offer? Here are some expert-curated suggestions for your clients’ “megamoons”.
SAFARI AND SANDS
Claire Metharam, Azure Collection
For a memory-making safari megamoon, Azure Collection picks Lion Sands Ivory Lodge in South Africa, where the suites have private decks and pools, and clients can overnight in a luxury treehouse.
“There’s something magical about sleeping under the stars, and where better than being encapsulated in the romance of the African bush surrounded by the lights of the Milky Way?” says head of product Claire Metharam.
She adds: “Safari couples beautifully with the Seychelles, and the Seychelles and honeymoon go hand-in-hand. Anantara Maia Villas is arguably one of the most luxurious properties in this Indian Ocean archipelago. Sprawling accommodations with idyllic views and secluded privacy make this the ultimate honeymoon spot.”
Book it: Azure Collection can combine four nights’ full-board safari at Lion Sands Ivory Lodge in an Exclusive Suite, with an overnight in a romantic bush tree house, then seven nights’ bed and breakfast in a Premier Ocean View Pool Villa at Anantara Maia from £49,400 per couple. The price also includes an overnight at Johannesburg’s Saxon Hotel and business class flights with Qatar Airways; azurecollection.com
Enticing extras: At Anantara Maia, couples staying three nights or more are entitled to receive a bath experience with bottle of champagne, a private dining experience and a complimentary room upgrade (subject to availability).
ISLAND TRIO
Harry Kyrillou, Planet Holidays
“Greek island hopping in the 1970s and 1980s was something students did with rucksacks, often sleeping on beaches. Since the 21st century it has progressed to become truly special,” says Harry Kyrillou, commercial and aviation director of Planet Holidays.
Besides mainland Greece, Planet features over 30 islands, which Kyrillou says now offer “competitive ultra-luxury”. He recommends a triple-centre incorporating Avant Mar Hotel and Suites in Naoussa, Paros, which is new for the operator’s 2024 programme.
Book it: Planet Holidays can create a 10-day honeymoon starting with three nights at Grecotel Mykonos Blu, Platis Yialos, in an Island Bungalow Deluxe seaview room; followed by three nights on Paros at the Avant Mar Hotel and Suites in Naoussa, in a superior seaview room, then four nights on Santorini in a honeymoon suite with sunset view and plunge pool at the Esperas Hotel, Oia. From £10,585 per couple, based on BA flights in June 2024, it includes ferry transfers and daily breakfasts; planet-holidays.co.uk
Enticing extras: Kyrillou suggests a business class upgrade for a further £550pp and switching to the Andronis Luxury Suites in Oia, where a premier suite with outdoor hot tub would add £2,250 for the couple.
FIRE AND ICE
Mandy McGlade, American Affair
With fairy-tale landscapes, wildlife watching and adventure experiences, Canada is a strong honeymoon choice in its own right. Teaming it with the neighbouring US can create extra memorable contrasts.
American Affair suggests a megamoon combining Canada with volcanic Hawaii. Product manager Mandy McGlade explains: “This twin-centre itinerary creates the perfect holiday for newlyweds to celebrate. The combination of the turquoise lakes, glaciers and majestic mountain peaks of the Rockies with the white-sand beaches and blue seas of Hawaii is truly special.”
Her Canada pick of Moraine Lake Lodge offers “total escapism” with TV-free cabin-style accommodation, close to Lake Louise, while Kahala Hotel in Hawaii is set on a private beach.
Book it: American Affair offers a 14-night honeymoon with a week at Moraine Lake Lodge, Alberta, and a week at Kahala Hotel, Honolulu from £7,454pp based on Heathrow flights with Air Canada on 1 June 2024 and including eight days’ car hire; americanaffair.com
Enticing extras: Moraine Lake Lodge offers opportunities for hiking, kayaking and day trips to Banff. McGlade recommends booking spa treatments at Kahala Hotel, from where it’s also easy to explore Waikiki Beach (10 minutes’ drive) and Pearl Harbour (20 minutes).
DOWN UNDER WONDER
Deborah Wadhams, Gold Medal
“Australia is a great option for honeymooners due to its beaches, national parks, beautiful scenery, vineyards, wildlife and culture,” says Deborah Wadhams, Gold Medal’s head of long-haul product.
Suggesting the Whitsunday Islands as a first base, she adds: “Qualia, on Queensland’s Hamilton Island is the perfect resort for couples to relax and enjoy the private beach. The hotel can arrange romantic experiences, including helicopter rides to the iconic Heart Reef and Great Barrier Reef.”
She recommends adding Sydney Harbour and a wine tasting side trip to the Hunter Valley, then a Singapore stopover on the way home to experience another continent’s culture.
Book it: Gold Medal can create a 20-night megamoon from £7,459pp based on a 12 September departure, with flights included and private transfers and breakfasts throughout. In Australia, this covers three nights at Crystalbrook Riley, Cairns; three at Stamford Plaza, Brisbane (Superior King); five nights in a Leeward Pavilion at Qualia; and four at Crown Sydney (Deluxe King) with a day trip to Hunter Valley. In Singapore, two nights at the Clan Hotel are teamed with three at The Outpost Hotel Sentosa; goldmedal.co.uk
Enticing extras: Besides helicopter flights, Qualia offers a private boat charter, picnic drop-offs and guided sommelier sessions. In Singapore, Wadhams suggests a tour in a vintage Vespa sidecar.
UNESCO HIGHLIGHTS
Lauren Francis-Smith, Audley Travel
There are some once-in-a-lifetime experiences to be had in Latin America, and newlyweds with cash to splash can combine several.
“I recommend a dual-centre honeymoon, spending time on a cruise in the Galapagos, exploring the mighty Amazon jungle and seeing the bucket-list highlights of Peru – Cusco, the Sacred Valley and Machu Picchu – while staying in fantastic hotels,” says Lauren Francis-Smith, Latin America senior specialist at Audley Travel.
She adds: “The Galapagos is one of the most pristine, untouched wildlife destinations in the world and is a real adventure – ideal for making honeymoon memories. Peru is one of the world’s top culinary destinations, so a tasting menu in a top restaurant in Lima or Cusco makes for a very memorable and romantic dinner.”
Book it: A 23-day tailor-made trip to the Galapagos, Ecuador and Peru with Audley Travel costs from £15,985pp, based on October 2024 travel, with transatlantic business class flights, regional flights, a seven-night Galapagos cruise, hotels including Napo Wildlife Centre in Ecuador’s Yasuni National Park and Sumaq Machu Picchu Hotel, plus transfers and excursions; audleytravel.com
Enticing extras: At Napo Wildlife Centre, in the Ecuadorian Amazon, Francis-Smith recommends clients upgrade to a suite cabin for the best lakeside position. She also suggests a traditional shaman-led Andean commitment ceremony at Machu Picchu’s Sumaq Hotel.
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