The healthy way to honeymoon

The only destination spa in Mauritius, Shanti Ananda Maurice, has teamed up with an exclusive safari lodge in South Africa, Madikwe Hills, to offer the ultimate wellbeing honeymoon experience for couples who share a passion for nature and wellbeing but do not want to comprise on five star luxury and beautiful surroundings.

Couples will start their 10-day honeymoon at Madikwe Hills, a luxury private game lodge with magnificent views overlooking the endless bushveld of South Africa’s malaria free Madikwe Game Reserve. From here they will enjoy the thrill of a safari where days will be spent outdoors in search of both the Big and the Little Five (their bird or insect equivalent). Offering fine dining under the African stars, evenings too are just as exciting as guests choose between a 3 course bush dinner out on the plains or sample more local fare in the boma, a traditional African enclosure, decorated romantically with hurricane lamps and a raging fire on cooler nights. The food at Madikwe Hills is always sourced locally and accompanied by superb South African wines from the cellar.

There is also a small spa for those looking for a pampering experience where treatments are based on a fusion of ancient healing tradition, philosophies and rituals from Africa together with modern day principles. Should couples be looking to enrich their mind, the Library houses a collection of fiction and non-fiction books with many providing an insight into the African continent, its history and wildlife.

Indoors, romance too is apparent throughout. The 10 suites have been cleverly set amongst boulders and age-old Tamboti trees offering absolute privacy along with the majestic views. Designed for complete relaxation and comfort they comprise romantic bathrooms and outside showers, private decks and plunge pools along with concertina glass doors allowing guests to truly feel at one with nature.

From here, ‘the natural healing’ continues on the shores of the Indian Ocean at Shanti Ananda. This 55-villas destination spa is spread over 35 acres of tropical landscaped gardens with unparallel views of the hills and offshore reefs. Here, couples will enjoy an indigenous Mauritian experience, combining luxury accommodation, fresh and delicious food with a wide range of Ayurvedic and international treatments.

The spa at Shanti Ananda is dedicated to restoring balance and harmonising energies through a holistic approach blending the healing principles of the east and west. Couples can enjoy an extensive menu of body and beauty treatments and immerse in a lifestyle that focuses on the synergy of the mind, body and soul. There is also a myriad of activities on offer including nature walks, beachcombing, golf, cultural performances, deep sea fishing and cooking classes.

Shanti Ananda offers newlyweds complete privacy and they are guaranteed to return home feeling relaxed, rejuvenated and ready to embark on married life together.

This is truly once in a lifetime opportunity to combine a wildlife adventure in the heart of African bush with a true wellbeing experience on the shores of the Indian Ocean.

Prices start from £4, 640 per person for 4 nights at Madikwe Hills and 6 nights at Shanti Ananda Maurice*. For more information and bookings, visit carteblanchetravel.com.

* Prices include international flights and internal transfers.