HONEYMOON Out of Africa

A honeymoon in Kenya gives you the chance to relax by the beach as well as get the adrenalin-rush of a safari. And for luxury all the way, we have fallen for this Mara and Kenyan coast mix.

Imagine starting your honeymoon in the Kenyan bush. Ol Seki, located north-east of the Maasai Mara Game Reserve, has six uniquely designed rounded tents positioned on wooden platforms with dramatic 270-degree panoramic views. The luxurious Maasai inspired tents are more five-star hotel than campsite, yet at the same time you are totally immersed in the wilderness. From bush picnics to sundowners, night game drives to stunning walks across the plains, you'll get your holiday-of-a-lifetime experience, ticking off the big five or swooping up at sunrise in a hot air balloon.

After the adrenalin and excitement of the bush, you can fly to the beautiful Kenyan cost of Lamu for ultra luxurious relaxation in the exclusivity of the boutique hotel at Kizingoni Beach. With a personal chef, private pool, exclusive speed boat with captain, home grown food and an abundance of exciting activities, all in a picture perfect setting - who's complaining? Romantic strolls along the golden sand, a private dhow sunset cruise with cold drinks and freshly caught oysters - you'll be left with plenty of full-on romantic memories.

To find out more contact Imagine Africa on 020 7622 5114 or go to imagineafrica.co.uk

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HONEYMOON Green Dream

We have found one little solution to going green on your honeymoon. Offset your carbon footprint by staying in an eco-destination or stick closer to home and burn eco wood chips.

CANADA CALLING
Clayquot Wilderness Resort, British Columbia, Canada
An ultra luxurious, four-star eco destination, the Clayquot Wilderness Resort is a collection of luxury canvas tents located in the fragile Clayoquot Sound Biosphere reserve, near the seaside village of Tofino. Investing $3 million, over the next five years, into research, conservation and enhancement, the resort invites guest participation at any level, and is funded solely by resort revenues.

Its Eco Adventure package includes Vancouver-Outpost return floatplane fare, horsedrawn wagon shuttle, deluxe Outpost accommodations, all gourmet meals, snacks, alcohol, unguided activities (kayaking, canoeing, hiking, mountain biking, fishing), and guided activities (horseback riding, ocean and/or fresh water fishing, whale and bear watching, trekking, skeet, fly tying clinics, kayaking and canoeing, and mountain bike riding). Guests can also enjoy complimentary use of the massage tent and unlimited use of Outpost saunas and hot tubs.
For information go to Preferredboutique.com.

CASTLE ROMANCE
Dromoland Castle, Newmarket-On-Fergus, County Clare, Ireland
One of the most famous baronial castles in Ireland, Dromoland is located on 365 acres of its own estate. A 16th century castle with 21st Century values, it is taking key steps to reduce its carbon footprint. Electricity is sourced from a supplier that has an environmental impact of 488.10g of CO2 emissions per kWh, this is 12% lower than the average for Ireland of 549.1g per kWh. Energy efficient lighting is used throughout the castle, equating to a saving of 44 tonnes of CO2 emissions. The hotel is replacing all of its refrigeration units in the main castle kitchen with highly insulated units. And a wood chip burner has been installed to reduce the amount of oil used for heating and hot water. The use of carbon neutral woodchip instead of oil will reduce their carbon footprint by approximately 500 tones per annum.

Enjoy two nights accommodation in a Deluxe Bedroom with full Irish breakfast on both mornings including dinner for two on one evening of your choice in the Earl of Thomond Restaurant.

To find out more or make a booking log onto Preferredhotels.com.

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HONEMOON Essential Tips

Erik Haugen from luxury travel specialists, The Kiwi Collection, has some practical tips for WP honeymooners.

WHERE TO GO
As many honeymooners are looking for somewhere remote and unique, I would recommend that they start by looking for smaller properties with less than 60 rooms. Avoid mainstream brands and look for more independent hotels. These can be harder to find but there are some amazing ones around - hunt out magazines, books, websites.

SEARCH ONLINE
Select an online resource that shows the direct contact details to the hotels/resorts as this gives you the possibility to make direct contact with the hotel and ask relevant questions to the people on the ground (at the hotel/resorts) who can really answer the questions.

WHO TO TRUST
Don’t trust the star rating – all countries have their own! Online travel sites can also quite biased so I would recommend looking at the hotel’s website for media coverage. Find out what independent publications had to say about the resort.

SEEING IS BELIEVING
Look for specific details in the hotels' images online such as the pool furniture – if it’s plastic, chances are the hotel might not have the attention to detail you are after.

THE PRICE IS RIGHT
Watch out for internet specials – if a price is too good to be true, there is probably a reason such as it is for travel during the stormy season. When you do come to book, make sure you ask for the ‘Best Available Rate’. This is an industry term that most hotels use and may give you a better price than the one listed.

SPECIAL TREATMENT
Don’t be afraid to ask! It’s your honeymoon after all! Call the hotel and ask to speak to the director of sales. Sometimes they can do wonders if you mention you’re on your honeymoon. Upgrades, champagne on arrival, romantic dinners…if you don’t ask you don’t get.

KNOW THE LINGO
A room advertised as ‘ocean view’ may have a view only if you stick your head out of the window. Look for ‘ocean front’ instead. Similarly ‘superior’ or ‘executive’ rooms don’t always mean the best. Always ask for the size of the room for comparison.

For more information or to find more stunning honeymoon hotels, visit www.kiwicollection.com

Where are you going on honeymoon? Or is it a big secret?  Post a comment!

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