Our travel diary for the months ahead, includes travel trends for honeymooners, the perfect Mekong journey, a delicious slice of Cornwall and a hot honeymoon ticket for Indian adventurers
Cast away
For the perfect cast away experience, hire Gypsy, your own private river vessel to cruise along the Upper Mekong. This traditional boat with wood interiors and thatched roof offers luxurious cabin space for four, although you are welcome to hire it for two and spread out even more. As it’s exclusive hire, you can stop at villages and sights as you please. There’s an onboard chef, and your choice of lounging spaces includes bar, dining and sitting rooms and forward-facing sundeck. The boat can be hired for four days or three days, taking in the route between Luang Prabang, the cultural heart of Laos, and the Golden Triangle of northern Thailand. mekongkingdoms.com
Sail on
Danai Beach Resort & Villas in Sithonia, Halkidiki, has introduced a new luxury motor yacht, The Bird, to enable guests to explore the local sights by sea. This area of northern Greece is rich in archaeology, as well as lush forests and sheltered bays, making it perfect for cruises. The resort has also introduced a selection of bespoke proposal experiences – from a serenade by a local Greek chorus or floating pianist to a private firework display or candlelit meal on its private 300-metre beach. If you decide to return for the wedding (a speciality here), there are beautiful spots on the resort for a ceremony, or you can marry in the local St. Nikitas Village Church. danairesort.com
Indian odyssey
Less explored by travellers, the Andamans looks set to be a hot ticket for honeymooners now that Taj Exotica has opened on the archipelago’s Havelock Island. Located on crescent shaped Radnanagar Beach, its 75 luxe villas are surrounded by rich coral reefs and located on the edge of jungle. This is heaven for divers, with reef sharks, manta rays and huge turtles among the sea life. With flight links from Indian cities including Chennai, Kolkata, Delhi and Bangalore, it makes a great twin-centre taking in a world-class beach and some of India’s cultural highlights. Best time to visit is between December and March. tajhotels.com
Cornish cream
Long a favourite for weddings and UK getaways, Carbis Bay has added superb new beachfront lodges, all with direct access to its private Blue Flag beach. All offer superb contemporary design and fantastic views from the balconies. Our favourite has to be the 250 square metre Deluxe Lodge, which offers two suites and two double bedrooms – all with ocean-facing balconies and views of the bay from their lavish bathrooms. A large open-plan living space filled with light leads out to a private beach garden with hot tub and sauna pod. carbisbayhotel.co.uk
Cyprus gem
Paphos’ long-established five-star hotel Annabelle’s has added even more star quality after a two-year transformation. It now has a new wellness centre and the Ouranos rooftop pool, bar and restaurant offering stunning views of the ocean. Opened in 1985 by George Thomas, The Right Honourable Viscount Tonypandy, Annabelle’s has long been considered a ‘home from home’ for winter and summer sun-seekers because of its setting in serene six-acre sea-front gardens. The £10m transformation also includes 26 new bedrooms, including duplex suites, all offering sea views. Perfect as a pre-wedding retreat or minimoon, Annabelle’s also offers luxury weddings on the beach. thanoshotels.com
Travel trends
So what are the top trends in honeymoons? Virgin Limited Edition reports that ‘multimoons’ are on the rise, as couples seek out a ‘bucket list’ location such as Africa for multiple experiences on one journey. They also believe that digital detoxing will be among the hot tickets, with ‘disconnecting’ listed by Protravel International as among the key trends in luxury travel. This means finding a great escape that also lets you get away from phone, screen and the other background buzz that surrounds us. Kasbah Tamadot is perfect for going unplugged. Located in Morocco’s beautiful Atlas Mountains, it encourages guests to switch off mobile phones in communal areas and bedrooms are TV and computer-free zones. But with a view like this, who needs to tweet? virginlimitededition.com
Star gazers’ retreat
Milaidhoo Island Maldives is one of the ultimate barefoot luxury resorts in this part of the world, with just 50 beachfront and over-water villas and superb coral reef to explore in company with resident marine biologists. Now the team have dreamed up the ultimate night under the stars for honeymooners with Sandbank Glamping. You will be served champagne, cocktails and dinner on the sandbank before your crew sail away, leaving you to contemplate the stars from your muslin-dressed four-poster. While the solitude is complete, your personal butler is just a phone call away should you require more champagne. milaidhoo.com
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