Hot honeymoon escapes in Africa for 2008
Whether it be a 'soul safari' at Garonga, a hot-air balloon flight over the Mara - or a spa break in Kenya or Mozambique, barefoot luxury on a private island or diving in Madagascar, what these places all have in common is gorgeous romantic settings - and some fantastic honeymoon packages to pamper and spoil...Some of the Hottest Honeymoons in Africa are offering some amazing value-added packages for honeymooners available through your preferred tour operator or travel agent.
Indigo Bay Island Resort and Spa – Bazaruto Island, MOZAMBIQUE
The recently refurbished Indigo Bay, now the top luxury beach resort in Mozambique, opened its brand new Sanctuary Wellness spa in December 2007. The spa overlooks the azure blue ocean and boasts 4 Dry Treatment rooms, a wet Treatment Room with Hydrotherapy capsule, a Hydro Pool and Ice Pool. Signature treatments will include Moya Crystal Massage, Elemis spa rituals and Rasul. Ideal for a beach honeymoon, possibly combined with a safari in South Africa. Activities include horse riding, bird watching, dune biking, diving, snorkelling and watersports, to mention but a few of the activities on offer!
The resort offers a special Beach Honeymoon Chalet with its own private splash pool, and if honeymooners stay a minimum of 6 nights they get not only a seventh night complimentary, but get spoilt rotten with some fantastic value-added gifts… such as a fruit platter and bottle of wine in their room on arrival, one 3-course romantic dinner for two in their private patio or on the beach, one authentic dhow cruise for two with bubbly, honeymoon surprise gifts plus an $80 discount voucher for the spa towards a treatment for two. Unbelievable value!
Website: Raniresorts.com
Medjumbe Private Island – Quirimbas, MOZAMBIQUE
Located in Mozambique’s Quirimbas Archipelago, Medjumbe Private Island is just 800 metres in length and 350 metres wide. True hedonistic pleasure await at this romantic and exclusive island getaway. Accommodation consists of 13 ensuite thatched chalets all centred around maximising their views – complete with outdoor showers, private sun decks, hammocks and plunge pools!
A perfect backdrop of endless white sand and translucent sea mesmerises all who visit, whilst the untouched marine environment allows for constant new discoveries, whether your passion is diving, fishing, snorkelling, or simply exploring unspoilt beaches. Over 12 pristine dive sites to choose from! Rates vary depending on dates of travel between $400 and $600 per person sharing per night on a Full Board basis. This rate also includes non-motorised water sports, house wines, local beers and spirits.
Medjumbe offers the seclusion and privacy Honeymooners can usually only dream of! Their honeymoon special is a fantastic pay 6 stay 7 nights, with loads of extra s thrown in such as a fruit platter and bottle of wine in their room on arrival, one 3-course romantic dinner for two in their private patio or on the beach, one authentic dhow cruise for two with bubbly, honeymoon surprise gifts, romantic turn downs and a discounted PADI DSD private course ‘experience diving’ program for 2 persons (optional – incurs additional charge of US$100 per person)
Website: Raniresorts.com
Serena Beach Maisha Health Spa – Shanzu beach, North of Mombasa, KENYA
The Serena Beach Hotel and Spa on Shanzu Beach, north of Mombasa in Kenya opened its new Maisha Spa (Maisha meaning ‘life’ in Swahili) in May 2007. Facilities at the spa include four single treatment rooms and two divisible treatment rooms all with their own shower amenities, two plunge pools, two saunas, two steam rooms, a yoga/meditation room and a hair and beauty salon. A wide range of Elemis treatments and packages will be available and signature treatments will range from deep tissue massages to ‘ritual coconut milk’ body wraps – all using all-natural essential oils and sea extracts etc. The hotel offers a wide range of activities including free watersports.
This is a great beach extension to a Kenyan safari. Their 2-night "MAISHA" SPA BREAK includes accommodation, return Flights between Nairobi and Mombasa, a beachside Breakfast with "bubbly", a luxury Vanilla scented candle in your room, a fresh Fruit basket, healthy eating options during your stay and a choice of TWO spa treatments.
They also offer a honeymoon package where for a small extra fee of US$350 you get the honeymoon suite with a balcony overlooking the ocean, a beach breakfast with bubbly, a poolside private diner for two with wine, a massage and gifts in your room of nuts, fruit and flowers etc.
Website: Serenahotels.com
Garonga Safari Camp – Limpopo Province, SOUTH AFRICA
Garonga is an exclusive 14-bed safari camp situated west of Kruger National Park in South Africa's Limpopo Province. Garonga’s holistic philosophy is to offer a ‘safari for the soul’. An unhurried and intimate wildlife encounter with some of Africa’s big game, but with the emphasis is on relaxation. There can be no better way to unwind, than to be pampered by the resident aromatherapist / reflexologist at the bush spa, while gazing over the nearby waterhole. This outdoor, thatched Aromatherapy Sala is a tempting place to lie and meditate for hours, whilst enjoying treatments such as Indian head massage, Hot Stone Therapy (Winter only), or the Honeymoon Couple Instructional massage.
Garonga has a honeymoon package that is available when booked through a tour operator. Based on a Minimum 4 nights stay the Couple will receive, a 45 Minute massage each (normally R440.00), a complimentary bottle of Champagne (375ml) on arrival plus complimentary return transfers (if required) to either Hoedspruit or Phalaborwa Airport (normally R960.00).
Rates start from just R2 075.00 per person per night off peak (01 May – 31 August 2008). This includes all meals, teas & coffees, game drives, bush walks, sleep-out excursions and bush baths. Soft drinks, house wines, local beers and spirits and laundry are also included - excellent value for money!
The new Little Garonga Camp is also fantastic for honeymooners with only 3 suites. Ideal for exclusive use for an intimate wedding.
Website: Garonga.com
The Blue Train – SOUTH AFRICA
The Blue Train is an all inclusive luxury rail cruise, showcasing some of South Africa's most spectacular scenery, whilst guests are pampered onboard, what has been regularly voted, The World’s Leading Luxury Train. By day elegant private suites provide generous lounges, changing, as night falls, into subtly lit en-suite bedrooms with butler service. Perfect for honeymooners!
The Blue Train boasts a club car, non-smoking lounge and, at times, an amazing observation car. Dinner is an elegant affair in the dining car, complimented by fine cuisine and award winning South African wines. The most popular and frequent route is between Cape Town and Pretoria in either direction. There are also fantastic packages on offer, combining safari lodges such as Kapama in Mpumalanga and Bakubung in the Pilanesberg. The Blue Train is an icon of South Africa and a journey of a lifetime for discerning travellers. When better to do it than on your honeymoon? They make sure they spoil honeymooners on board with sparkling wine, rose petals and gifts.
Website: Bluetrain.co.za
Nosy Iranja Lodge – MADAGASCAR
Sun kissed beaches, an azure ocean boasting natural coral reefs teeming with exotic fish, breathtaking sunsets and a tropical climate combined with absolute tranquility, natural beauty and unique flora and fauna, provide a perfect and unforgettable destination for a honeymoon retreat!
Better known as Madagascar’s premier resort island or the “Perfumed Isle” due to its abundance of heady Ylang Ylang blossom scent, Nosy Bé is home to Legacy’s recently refurbished Nosy Iranja Lodge. Newlyweds can indulge in cuisine with delicate tropical flavours or watch the sun set whilst sipping an exotic cocktail after a leisure-filled day spent scuba-diving snorkelling, water-skiing, sailing, fishing or simply lying in the sun!
All honeymooners at Nosy Iranja Lodge get a warm Malagasy welcome and loads of VIP extras including:
- Garlands on arrival at the Nosy Be Airport.
- Hostess to meet and greet all guests when boarding the boat shuttle
- Chalet decorated with flowers and coconut balm provided
- Complimentary sarong per couple
- One complimentary private sunset cruise around the island with cocktails.
- One private seafood dinner served on the terrace of the chalet with a complimentary bottle of wine
- "Good luck" traditional Malagasy ceremony on the beach
Website: Legacyhotels.co.za
Tshukudu Bush Lodge - Pilanesberg Game Reserve, SOUTH AFRICA
From its remote hilltop setting, Tshukudu Bush Lodge offers sweeping views of the malaria-free Pilanesberg National Park, and the chance to view over 80 species of wildlife and 360 bird species! The lodge boasts just six luxury cottages perched on a rocky outcrop – each with its own private balcony for maximum enjoyment of the panoramic views. To keep the pressures of the outside world far from this true wilderness retreat, Tshukudu can only be reached by the once-daily transfer from nearby Bakubung Lodge. Once there, you won't find radios, televisions or telephones in these cottages - it is all about the fresh air, the views, the sunsets, nature and romance!
Slate floors and thatched roofs ensure the rooms are cool havens in the hottest weather, whilst wood burning fires ensure they are cosy in the cooler months. Another outstanding feature is the exquisite African-themed bathrooms, with sunken baths that overlook the plains below … a breathtaking view of the wild. This 5 star boutique lodge offers a fully inclusive experience, including two daily guided game drives, bush walks, full English brunch, high tea and a five-course dinner, accompanied by a selection of fine South African wines and local beverages. With its unparalleled personal service, Tshukudu is the perfect indulgent getaway for honeymooners!
Honeymooners at Tshukudu can enjoy a private in-room dinner with Butler for the evening - on request. They will receive sparking wine in room on arrival and will be spoilt with VIP turndowns at night with rose petals sprinkled on bed and in bathroom, where an inviting bubble bath is run to enjoy the views over the bush.
Website: Legacyhotels.co.za
Woodridge Country Hotel – KwaZulu-Natal Midlands, SOUTH AFRICA
Woodridge Country Hotel is set in the heart of the KwaZulu-Natal Midlands in South Africa. It is a 4 star country style retreat for the nature lover who desires fine food, fine wines and a chance to rejuvenate their body, mind and soul. Perfect for recovering from the madness of a wedding.
Honeymooners will feel pampered and spoilt in one of their 10 Luxury suites, including a Honeymoon Suite, all of which look out over the cascading swimming pool into the Woodridge Nature Reserve and Balgowan Valley below. The Honeymoon suite has its own pool, double bath, double shower, private entrance in the nature reserve, private garden and patio. It also boasts a 4 poster king sized bed and small dining area. However all of its luxury suites are indeed fit for royalty … tastefully furnished with luxury en-suite bathrooms, complete with hand-made ‘smellies’, soaps and bath products from their herbal centre. Fresh biscuits and treats are prepared by the chefs each day and left in your room as a surprise – a lovely personal touch.
Activities on-site include walks and hikes through the Woodridge Nature Reserve, horse riding and fishing. There is loads to do in the area too such as trips to the Battlefields and the Drakensberg Mountains – as well as a host of activities such as hot air ballooning, abseiling, water sports, golf or African Village tours. Woodridge is also popular for weddings and boasts its own thatched chapel which seats up to 120 guests, complete with glass backdrop overlooking the valley below.
Woodridge offer a fantastic honeymoon package whereby, if couples stay a minimum of four nights, they get champagne and fruit in their suite on arrival, can enjoy a free lunch at the Indlovu Grill House during their stay, and can look forward to a complimentary spa treatment to the value of R150.00 per person. They will also get a free upgrade from a luxury suite to the honeymoon suite subject to availability. The rate is R1475.00 per person per night including Dinner, Bed and Breakfast.
Website: Woodridge-estate.com
Isandlwana Lodge - KwaZulu-Natal Battlefields, SOUTH AFRICA
This unique Battlefield lodge is one of few places where you can experience the same kind of peace, tranquillity and romance. Perhaps a slightly ‘unconventional’ honeymoon retreat … but to visit it is to know its appeal. It is a place of great history, emotion, soul and beauty – and its hills have an almost magical energy…
Only a 4-hour drive from Durban, Isandlwana Lodge overlooks the actual Anglo-Zulu battlefield at the base of Mount Isandlwana. This owner-run property sleeps a maximum of 24 guests in 12 luxurious rooms with private balconies, and prides itself on its personalised service and attention to detail. The whole front of the lodge is glassed for maximum enjoyment of the views over the battlefield plain. Guests can enjoy a wide range of activities including Battlefield Tours, Zulu Village Safari, Horse Trails on a nearby farm, birding, walking trails and photographic safaris. Zululand game reserves are also close by.
Honeymooners will receive a bottle of champagne and hors d’oeuvres on arrival (and) a complimentary bottle of wine at dinner on their last night. If there are honeymooners staying, the lodge staff often put on an evening of entertainment for the guests, singing traditional Zulu wedding songs. A memento of the songs translated into English will be will be presented to the couple. Honeymooners also receive a certificate for a free night on a two or more night stay on an
anniversary of their choice.
Website: Isandlwana.co.za
Ghost Mountain inn – Zululand, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa
At the foot of the legendary Ghost Mountain in Mkuze, northern KwaZulu Natal lies the privately owned 4 Star Ghost Mountain Inn - a perfect setting to experience the allure of Africa in stylish comfort. This intimate and beautiful hotel is the ideal location from which to explore the array of wildlife and coastal reserves in Maputaland and the Elephant Coast. Nature enthusiasts will appreciate the abundance of wildlife and the scenic splendours of this rich and diverse region during game drives, guided walks and boat cruises in the company of knowledgeable rangers.
Back at the hotel, the spa offers a range of skin and body treatments and healthy lunches in a tranquil environment. Those who prefer the relaxing sound of birdsong and the warmth of the African sun will find their respite at the poolside within the glorious indigenous gardens of the Ghost Mountain Inn.
Ghost Mountain Inn’s honeymoon package including 3 nights accommodation with a complimentary room upgrade (subject to availability), including a welcome drink on arrival and a fresh fruit surprise in their room. This 3-night package also includes a private breakfast with sparkling wine in their room on the first morning, a complimentary Boat Cruise to view game on the shores of Lake Jozini and one Indulgent Couples Massage in the spa. On the second day, couples can spend the morning in Mkuze Game Reserve viewing game and birds and later, a romantic picnic lunch with more bubbly either in the reserve or in the Inn’s tranquil gardens.
The package includes dinner each evening –one of which is private in a secluded setting. Rates start from R2895 per person on a B&B basis for standard rooms and R3255 for Executive Rooms. If honeymooners book the Suite at R3885 per person for 3 nights, they also get the 4th night complimentary. Rates are based on travel before the end of October 2008.
Website: Ghostmountaininn.co.za
