TOP 10 Honeymoon hideaways
Harry and Meghan’s plans are top secret, but any of these trips would be fit for royalty
1 ST LUCIA
With lush rainforests and dramatic volcanic scenery, this island in the lesser Antilles is known as the Hawaii of the Caribbean. Prince Harry visited only last year, and there can be few places more romantic than Jade Mountain, a resort set high above beachfront Anse Chastanet resort on the southwest coast. Its 29 open air Sanctuary rooms have fine views of the twin Pitons, St Lucia’s magnificent volcanic landmarks, thanks to an infinity pool taking the place of the fourth wall. Bridges leading to rooms ensure total privacy and no one is allowed on without permission from the guests’ personal Major Domo. THE DEAL: Honeymooners can get seven nights’ all-inclusive for the price of six at Jade Mountain now, starting at €3,962pp (saving up to €1,987pp) in a Sky Jacuzzi Suite if booked by June 30, for stays up to August 17 with Inspiring Travel Company. Includes London flights, private transfers, a bottle of
2 NAMIBIA
The soon-to-be royal newlyweds are rumoured to have set their sights on the southern African country, home to one of the planet’s oldest and largest deserts, the Namib. Privacy is almost guaranteed at Hoanib Valley Camp in rugged Kaokoland, which opens in June. In the Hoanib River Valley, surrounded by mountains and desert, the luxury safari lodge is perfect for exploring the dramatic landscape and seeing wildlife such as big cats, hardy desert elephant, rhino and giraffe. The six canvas-roofed suites have ensuite baths, huge beds and verandahs. THE DEAL: As part of a customised itinerary, Timbuktu Travel offer stays at Hoanib Valley Camp from €605pp a night including all meals, drinks, two safaris and transfers from Windhoek airport. International flights extra. timbuktutravel.com
3 MALDIVES
Reached only by seaplane, Mirihi Island in the South Ari Atoll is the ultimate dream honeymoon for those who want to escape from it all. One of the Maldives’ smallest resorts, with just
37 rooms, this barefoot luxury hotel oozes romance. Sign up for an ‘Adventuremoon’ package to go snorkelling among turtles, stingrays and reef sharks and swim with the biggest fish in the world on a Whale Shark safari. THE DEAL: The seven-night Adventuremoon package starts at €4,338 per couple staying in a Water Villa on half-board and includes two guided dives or snorkelling sessions, a Whale Shark Safari, an island visit and a Dolphins at Sunset cruise. Return seaplane transfers cost €536. UK flights to Male extra. mirihi.com
4 BALI
With superb beaches, clear waters, dramatic volcanoes and ancient temples, it’s no wonder this Indonesian paradise is known as The Island of the Gods. Honeymooners should head to Samaya Seminyak Resort set on golden sands regarded as one of Bali’s hippest beaches. Each of its 52 huge and very private pool villas has every comfort newlyweds could wish for. You even get a butler and there are bars and restaurants in strolling distance. THE DEAL: Book by May 31 to save up to €821 on a seven-night stay in a pool villa now from €2,412pp including flights, private transfers, breakfast, afternoon tea and yoga. Honeymooners get a free Balinese massage. turquoiseholidays.co.uk, 0044 01494 678400
5 KENYA
The East African country took centre stage when Prince William popped the question to Kate there. Stay in one of 10 stylish tents at Ol Seki Hemingways Mara and enjoy a safari. ‘Ol Sexy’, as the camp is affectionately known, is set in the private Naboisho Conservancy near the Mara Reserve. After a thrilling night game drive, spotting elephant, hippo and leopard, you can enjoy a candle-lit dinner under the stars before retiring to your kingsize bed. THE DEAL: The bride stays free with Ol Seki Hemingways’ special offer. A night’s full-board is from €540 for two (saving up to £309) for selected dates. Includes three shared game drives, one bush breakfast, one private dinner and transfers to Ol Seki airstrip. UK flights to Nairobi are extra. hemingways-collection.com
6 SCOTLAND
With over 2,000 majestic castles, it’s no surprise that Scotland has a special place in royal hearts. After a week at Inverlochy Castle in the foothills of Ben Nevis, Queen Victoria declared she ‘never saw a lovelier or more romantic spot’. Today it’s a sumptuous five-star hotel which has welcomed Charlie Chaplin, Sean Connery, Elton John as well as the Queen herself. Rooms have fourposter beds and baths big enough for two. And with culinary royalty, Albert and Michel Roux Jr at the helm of its three dining rooms, you’re sure of a meal to remember. THE DEAL: One night’s B&B starts at €396 in a small double and from €736 in a suite. Fourcourse dinner from €75pp. inverlochycastlehotel.com, 0044 01397 702177
7 SEYCHELLES
Kate and William honeymooned here in 2011, no doubt attracted by the pristine white sands and topaz blue water. At the southern end of the main island of Mahe, lies the five-star Banyan Tree Seychelles resort. Unwind after the excitement of the nuptials with a holistic treatment at the hotel’s award-winning spa.
THE DEAL: British Airways launched direct flights to the Seychelles in March and British Airways Holidays is offering 35 per cent off stays at the Banyan Tree Seychelles for bookings made 90 days before travel. Seven nights’ B&B starts at €2,717pp with return flights from Heathrow on selected dates in November. Book by May 24. ba. com, 0044 0344 493 0778 For more info or great holiday inspiration go to mirror.co.uk/ traveltop10
8 HAWAIIAN ISLANDS CRUISE
Fittingly, Princess Cruises (the ‘Love Boat’ of the popular 70s TV series) offers a Hawaiian Islands’ itinerary, beginning with Oahu, home to capital, Honolulu and the iconic Waikiki Beach. Other ports of call include Maui, the island laying claim to the world’s largest dormant volcano and Haleakala with the Jurassic Rock featured in the Jurassic Park movie. Back on board, enjoy poolside Movies Under the Stars cinema, relax on the sundeck of the adults-only Sanctuary or have a couple’s massage in the Lotus Spa. THE DEAL: Emerald Princess sails from Los Angeles on December 14 calling at Hawaiian islands, Oahu, Kauai, Maui, Hilo