Tropical Islands, Safari and Luxury Hotels – Honeymoon Inspiration
Capo La Gala, Italy
Honeymoons have always being referred to as a holiday of a lifetime, with couples retreating to remote, tropical islands, staying in luxury hotels, while others head to distant plains for once in a lifetime experiences.
Mini-Moon in Ireland
Mini-moons are becoming quite popular for a number of reasons – people need to save up after the big day to be able to afford their dream honeymoon or for some, the chosen destination needs to be visited at a particular time of year to ensure best weather! A 3-4 day break is quite popular and many choose a high standard hotel in Ireland for this.
KERRY, IRELAND
- A great location for a romantic break away – quaint towns like Kenmare and Dingle
- Beach walks, Molls Gap, Kerry Way
- Plenty of day trips to keep you occupied – Valentia Island, Skelligs, boat ride on Killarney Lakes
Carrig Country House Hotel, Caragh Lake, Killorglin From €99 pp B&B
The Park Hotel, Kenmare From €235pp – B&B, 5 Course dinner and use of pool area
SOUTH AFRICA
Safari and beach holiday in South Africa
- A safari is often a once in a lifetime trip and it’s worth doing it properly, although this often means it comes with a bit of a price tag.
- If you have the money it is worth doing a smaller safari, where accommodation tends to be in canvas tents or small cabins. While you are out in the middle of nowhere, there are lots of little luxuries such as gourmet feasts and running water!
- Depending on you’re budget, you can get everything from rooms in a safari lodge, shared by large groups, to super luxurious cabins or safari tents, with a personal butler serving romantic, candlelit dinners on your own veranda and private safari trips.
- Best time to go is October – April
Indian Ocean & Kruger Safari
Fly into Johannesburg and south-east of here (around 8 hour drive or you can fly to Richards Bay) is the stunning St Lucia Bay and the Greater St Lucia Wetlands, a natural world heritage site, teeming with wild-life. Here you’ll have the opportunity to see whales, dolphins, turtles laying eggs, crocodiles, hippo’s and of course, on land some of the ‘Big 5’ pound the area around. This is a great and slightly different safari and beach combination.
Option 2: Capetown, Winelands & Garden Route
Fly into Cape Town spending a few days in the cosmopolitan city visiting the many shops and restaurants, swimming at Camps Bay. Just an hour from the city are five fantastic wine regions, surrounded by stunning countryside – Franschhoek and Stellenbosch would be two of the most popular.
Take at least a week to drive the glorious garden route, taking in time to see the whales, swim with sharks, trek through national parks, unwind on sun drenched beaches and visit lively towns, filled with great restaurants and bars.
Stops include Mossel Bay for shark cage diving, ship-wreck diving or nature lovers should head to Tsistikamma and Wilderness – stunning national park area where you can go trekking, do coastal and forest walks and accommodation is in the parks, however you have to book well in advance.
There are a number of private Safari parks on the eastern cape, so once you reach Port Albert the parks will generally arrange a transfer from here.
Special Offers
Gohop.ie
Wild Kingdoms & Indian Ocean 10 day tour from €1540pp (includes Breakfasts throughout, one lunch, accommodation as per the itinerary, transportation and sightseeing) Flights not included
Cape Town, Garden Route & Safari Honeymoon from €1560pp (includes Cape Town arrival transfer accommodation with some meals, car hire for 10 days, 4×4 game drives while on safari) Flights not included.
Maldives
I don’t talk about places I’ve not been, however, for the honeymoon slot I had to mention the Maldives. This is the ultimate romantic beach location – tropical islands, white sandy beaches, private villas, sunset cruises – nothing could be more romantic. There are over 100 resort islands offering accommodation in bungalows, hotel rooms and water villas.
A trip to the Maldives is not going to come cheap, although if you travel outside the November – April period you will get better deals. Just be aware you will get caught in the Wet Season.
Special Offers
Maldives- 4* Reethi Beach from €1,429 pps
Price includes return flights, 7 nights in a Reethi Villa on a B&B basis, resort transfers by seaplane, generous luggage allowance and taxes. (Certain date availability)
Club Med, Maldives from €2209
Price includes return flights, 7 nights accommodation all inclusive, taxes and charges
SPECIAL OFFERS IN ROMANTIC EUROPEN SPOTS
5* Boutique Hotel Capo La Gala, Sorrento– From €1,449pps
Price includes return flights from Dublin, 7 nights accommodation on a B&B basis, resort transfers, generous luggage allowance and in-resort representative. Price is based on September departure.
NOTE: Ireland AM viewers will receive a €100 discount on long haul honeymoons on 21st July 2016
Thomson Sensatori Properties
5* Sensatori Resort Tenerife From €1480pp includes return flights, 7 nights full board, bag allowance, taxes & charges
Julianne Mooney 