Planning a honeymoon or looking for a romantic destination to take your loved one? Whether it’s tropical bliss you’re after, or a safari lodge looking out to wildlife, we’ve got a handful of cosy escapes for couples in the region and beyond.
South Africa
Planning an African honeymoon? Kwandwe Private Game Reserve, in the heart of the unspoilt Eastern Cape, is running a Special Honeymoon Offer, which treats newlyweds to free extras such as an in-room massage or beauty treatment, and a romantic turndown with a bottle of sparkling wine. You also get a complimentary pamper box, including bath salts made by the local community and other goodies. Kwandwe has unveiled a Gift Registry service, too, featuring a wide variety of essential safari items, homeware gifts and memorable experiences such as a private photography safari or Save the Rhino game drive.
Suites at Kwandwe’s two lodges are well spaced out and private, with a sense of quiet isolation that makes stargazing a dazzling experience. Late afternoon in-room (or on balcony) massage treatments are the perfect way to unwind in the peace and solitude of the African bush.
Full board accommodation starts from approximately HK$4,800 per person and includes the Special Honeymoon Offer. As well as twice-daily game drives, nature walks and a big-game walking safari accompanied by an armed ranger.
Namibia, Botswana & beyond
Wilderness Safaris is a sustainable ecotourism operator that boasts as many as 35 luxury safari lodges across six African countries, each one ideal for celebrating romance. You and your other half can enjoy unmatched wildlife experiences in Botswana, explore the ethereally beautiful expanses of Namibia, or visit the “World Wonder” that is Victoria Falls.
An intimate wedding ceremony at one of the camps is a unique event, as you share your vows under giant African albida trees against the backdrop of pristine wilderness, or on a deck overlooking the Okavango Delta. Honeymooners can look forward to memorable private dinners, romantic turndowns, and outdoor baths complete with petals and bubbly. Or, if you want to ramp the adventure quotient up a little higher, Wilderness Safaris offers a range of unforgettable “sleep-out” experiences: a matchless opportunity to get close to nature and enjoy an extraordinary night under the stars.
Maldives
The romantic allure of the Maldives is hard to top, and a villa sitting on stilts over the turquoise ocean just about takes the cake. Jetabout Holidays is offering a three-night special at Angsana Velavaru Maldives from S$1,485 per adult, which includes return seaplane transfers, choice of overwater or land villa, daily breakfast and dinner, as well as a couples 45-minute Angsana Spa experience and romantic sunset cruise.
Additional free activities for all include snorkelling and all non-motorised water sports. Plus stingray feeding, beach volleyball, table tennis, billiards, beach football, bird feeding and more. If you and your significant other share an eco-conscious bent, try your hand at coral planting, listen to a marine talk, or get involved in a reef clean-up session. The travel period for the offer runs until 31 October 2019.
Indonesia
Much closer to home (a 55-minute ferry followed by a short car ride), The Residence Bintan offers the charm of a traditional village but with ocean views and luxe accommodation, including private decks and pools in some villas.
If you’re visiting for a honeymoon, anniversary or just a special weekend away, the resort’s Celebrations Package includes return shared land transfers between the ferry terminal and the resort, daily buffet breakfast for two, one in-room breakfast service, a bottle of wine and a bed decoration with island flowers upon arrival, a complimentary cake during your stay, a set dinner for two at Rica Rica specialty restaurant, and 10 percent off treatments at the resort spa.
Psst! Quote “EL2019” and receive a complimentary room upgrade (subject to availability). For reservations or more information, contact +62 778 6000 888 or reservation-bintan@theresidence.com.
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This article first appeared in the June/July 2019 issue of Expat Living magazine. Subscribe now so you never miss an issue.
