Heavenly honeymoons with a difference

After all the preparations that have gone into the big day, the honeymoon is the perfect time to unwind as newly-weds embark on married life together. However for some couples, the idea of post-nuptial paradise differs wildly from the traditional tropical beach - whether it be trekking through the rainforest on an Amazonian adventure or exploring the ancient wonders of the world.

With this in mind, Greenbee Specialist Travel, in partnership with Cox & Kings, has put together some truly unique honeymoon destinations for adventurous newly-weds looking for something a bit different.

The Greenbee Specialist Travel Honeymoons brochure (greenbee.com/specialisttravel) outlines sensational destinations to suit all tastes, with a month-by-month guide to help ensure that whatever time of year couples decide to go on their honeymoon, they won’t need to compromise on what they want. All tailor-made honeymoon packages detailed in the new brochure benefit from luxury accommodation (generally four or five star), expert local guides and private transfers and excursions - with complimentary lounge access at UK departure airports to ensure the honeymoon starts in style.

WINTER HONEYMOON

Honeymooners wishing to take a break from the bleak British midwinter can enjoy the stunning scenery of Northern India or indulge their flamboyant sides in Latin America.

The rich heritage and exquisite sights of Northern India, which boasts some of the world’s most striking architecture, offers much to delight cultural couples. From the magnificent Mughal monuments of Delhi and Agra (including the dreaming spires of the spectacular Taj Mahal), to the fascinating forts and palaces of Jaipur, Jodhpur and Udaipur, honeymooners will find themselves surrounded by stunning sights at every turn. The post monsoon months (October to March) are also an ideal time to visit, being cooler and dry.

Greenbee Specialist Travel suggests: From £2,145 to £2,845 per person for 13-nights, including flights, four- and five-star accommodation, private transfers and guided excursions exploring North India and Rajasthan.

Happy couples wishing to celebrate their start to married life with a touch of tropical glamour would do well to consider Brazil. February is a great time to visit for those honeymooners wishing to enjoy the vibrant and exotic atmosphere in Rio de Janeiro, with the world-famous Carnival, which takes places this month, a particular highlight. As well as glamorous Rio, Brazil is home to many other memorable sights, including the thrilling Iguaçu Falls, the mighty Amazon, and the historic towns of Salvador and Ouro Preto.

Greenbee Specialist Travel suggests: From £3,345 to £3,525 per person for 13-nights, including flights, superior accommodation, private transfers and guided excursions in Rio de Janeiro, Salvador, Ouro Preto and Iguaçu.

SPRING HONEYMOON

Animal lovers can walk on the wild side in Costa Rica or enjoy the dramatically modern landscapes of Japan.

The verdant landscapes of Costa Rica, including rainforest, jungle canopy, and active volcanoes, make it a must for newly-wed nature enthusiasts. Wildlife lovers can explore the canals and mangroves of Tortuguero National Park in search of monkey, sloth, birdlife and leatherback turtles - or simply enjoy the beautiful and relaxing beaches of the Guanacaste coast. The dry season, from December to April, is a perfect time to visit.

Greenbee Specialist Travel suggests: Nine nights from £1,945 to £2,445 per person, including flights, superior accommodation (three to five star lodges), private transfers and guided excursions to Tortuguero National Park, the active volcano of Arenal and Monteverde.

Japan is renowned for its culture, history and natural beauty, and spring here is particularly beautiful, with clear blue skies and the flowering of the world-famous cherry blossom (sakura). Touring this fascinating region, newly-weds will be dazzled by dynamic Tokyo and Kyoto, captivated by majestic Mount Fuji and the hot springs of Hakone National Park, and moved by Hiroshima.

Greenbee Specialist Travel suggests: From £2,395 to £2,795 per person for eight nights, including flights, accommodation and private guides visiting Tokyo, Hakone and Kyoto, with the option to extend the stay on the beach at Okinawa.

SUMMER HONEYMOON

Old-world romance or awe-inspiring ancient wonders?

Traditionalists after some old-fashioned romance should never ignore Venice, perhaps the world’s most romantic city. May and June are a good time to visit, as the scenery is beautiful, temperatures pleasant and there are relatively few crowds. Whether exploring by gondola or by foot, this beautiful city is a constant inspiration with its grand palazzos and piazzas and its magnificent courtyards and churches.

Greenbee Specialist Travel suggests: From £529 per person including flights and three or four nights at the renowned Boscolo Hotel Dei Dogi, a luxurious 18th century palace with an enchanting internal garden offering stunning views of the lagoon.

Machu Picchu is one of the most breath-taking archaeological sites in the world, and is particularly stunning during the dry season, which runs from April to October. Couples can reach this otherworldly spectacle in ultimate style and comfort aboard the luxurious Orient-Express Hiram Bingham train. Other ancient, colonial and scenic highlights in Peru include the Sacred Valley of the Incas, the small fortress town of Ollantaytambo and the floating islands of Lake Titicaca.

Greenbee Specialist Travel suggests: From £3,200 to £3,400 per person for a 10-night luxury journey, including flights, luxury accommodation in Orient-Express hotels, private transfers including the Hiram Bingham train and guided excursions.

AUTUMN HONEYMOON

Enjoy a dramatic wildlife encounter on an African safari or search for ancient Egyptian treasures.

With natural beauty and wildlife, cosmopolitan Cape Town, historic towns and the dramatic Victoria Falls, honeymooners are simply spoilt for choice in South Africa. The happy couple wishing for an exciting animal adventure can embark on a safari, or take some time out to relax on unspoiled beaches. Although a year round destination, October to March are considered the best months to visit Cape Town and the Garden Route.

Greenbee Specialist Travel suggests: From £2,345 to £2,745 per person for seven nights, including flights, accommodation in four-star hotels in Cape Town, the Cape Winelands, Oudtshoorn and the Garden Route, private transfers and excursions with the option to end the trip in Mauritius.

Egypt offers a treasure trove of incredible experiences, from the Khan El Khalili bazaar of Cairo and the mystical Nile, to the world-renowned Valley of the Kings, Karnak Temple, Aswan High Dam, and the spectacular Great Pyramids. All sightseeing excursions are accompanied by a qualified Egyptologist. September to November are wonderful times to visit to enjoy warm, sunny days.

Greenbee Specialist Travel suggests: From £1,065 to £1,285 per person for seven nights, including flights, accommodation, a four-night Nile Cruise, private transfers and guided excursions in Cairo, Luxor and Aswan. Greenbee Specialist Travel can also arrange for the couple to unwind at the end of their tour with a stay at the Movenpick in El Quseir or the deluxe, all-suite Oberoi Sahl Hasheesh on the Red Sea.

Laura Ashley, Greenbee Specialist Travel Product Manager, says: “We understand that the perfect honeymoon is extremely personal, and choosing the right one can be a real challenge. The Greenbee Specialist Travel Honeymoons Brochure is a seasonal guide highlighting just a few of our favourite honeymoon destinations, ideal for those looking for a bit more from their time away. So whether culture vultures or animal adventurers, Greenbee Specialist Travel can help couples have the honeymoon of their dreams.”

To create your perfect honeymoon with Greenbee Specialist Travel or to order a copy of the Honeymoons brochure, log on to Greenbee.com/specialisttravel.