For richer, for poorer

In response to a growing number of enquiries, key2holidays, the luxury online operator, has identified the plight of the modern-day bridegroom. Traditionally tasked with whisking his new bride away on an unforgettable and even extravagant honeymoon, nowadays the would-be Romeo must settle upon this once-in-a-lifetime itinerary in a climate of financial caution and restraint.

key2holidays’ consultants have the know-how to work to a budget without compromising on style to create each dream honeymoon. The individuals’ interests, likes and dislikes are catered for by their dedicated team of tailor-made travel experts, ensuring the couple feel a million dollars without parting with the same sum.

For couples wanting style on a budget, both Egypt and Oman offer 5 star luxury at 4 star prices and guaranteed sunshine. They are also excellent mid-haul choices for ‘mini-moons’ for those not able to be away for long, or those who are postponing a proper honeymoon until things are a bit more certain. Consider embarking on some Arabian nights for around £1,000 per person:-

EGYPT - Away from the bustling beaches and the Euro-zone, a combination of opulent Cairo and the peaceful Siwa Oasis offers escapism, culture and adventure. First, three nights at Cairo’s luxurious Mena House Oberoi, a luxury hotel since 1869 in an impeccable position beside the Ancient Pyramids of Giza, with the oldest golf course in Africa. After this, a transfer across the desert to Al Baben, a boutique hotel by the Siwa Oasis, close to the Egyptian sand sea. The oasis has been a stopover for travellers for many thousands of years, and this hotel is tucked away in the walls of Shali at the very heart of the area. Rooms are luxurious but retain a rustic feel, and the rooftop restaurant serves exquisite regional food.

• Six nights in Egypt including three b&b nights at the 5 star Mena House Oberoi, Cairo and three b&b nights at the 4 star Al Babeen, Siwa Oasis costs from £1099pp including return flights with EgyptAir and transfers.

OMAN has been tipped as a hot destination for 2009, and a honeymoon here offers spectacular beaches fringing dramatic mountain ranges plus a taste of the Arabic culture and warm hospitality. The 5 star Chedi Muscat is a world class beach resort on the Arabian Gulf offering seclusion and luxury.

• Five nights’ b&b at the 5 star Chedi Muscat costs from £935 per person including return flights and transfers.

With a top spend of £1500pp, key2holidays recommends looking at different aspects of the Caribbean to find tropical luxury within budget. Cuba is growing in popularity, offering honeymooners spectacular Caribbean beaches plus vibrant cities with a story to tell:-

• A fourteen night Cuba multi-centre honeymoon including five nights all-inclusive at the 5 star Rio D’ Oro, Guardalavaca, three nights b&b at the 4 star Melia, Santiago de Cuba and four nights at the 4 star Parque Central, Havana costs from £1379pp.

Finally, perhaps South Africa has the last word on honeymoon ‘wow factor’, plus currently the Rand offers excellent rates of exchange. For under £3000pp, jaws can be all but guaranteed to drop at the new Tintswalo Atlantic – a romantic luxury hideaway perched on the edge of the ocean in Chapman’s Peak Mountain Reserve, offering a chic retreat and the ultimate bath-with-a-view.

This is followed by four nights at the Tintswalo Safari Lodge in the Kruger National Park, an exclusive safari lodge enjoying free flow of the ‘Big Five’ staying in a lovingly finished stone cottage with a private deck and a plunge pool.

• A seven night South Africa two centre including three b&b nights at 5 star Tintswalo Atlantic with car hire, followed by four full board nights at 5 star Tintswalo Safari Lodge and two game drives a day costs from £2705pp including return flights with South African Airlines, flights from Jo’burg to Tintswalo and transfers.

Matthew Rushbrooke, General Manager of key2holidays, commented, “At key2holidays, we know a honeymoon needs to be special regardless of what is going on in the outside world, but we also know special does not have to mean out of reach. By knowing our destinations and tailoring each trip closely to the client, we can create the ideal escape to meet the brief for ‘wow factor’ without it having to add pound signs.”

As part of the Western & Oriental Group, key2holidays also offers ‘honeymiles’ - a free wedding list gift service. This is valid on all honeymoons over the value of £3000 per couple.

ATOL bonded key2holidays offers tailor-made holidays including flights, accommodation, tours, car rental and travel services to the Caribbean, Europe, the Far East, the Middle East, the Indian Ocean, Africa, Australia plus multi-centre holidays. It has a dedicated team of experienced travel consultants that tailor-makes affordable luxury travel to suit all durations and budgets.

For tailor-made wedding and honeymoon suggestions, visit key2holidays.co.uk.