Honeymoon Edition

Your honeymoon is most likely the one event – other than your wedding day of course – that is planned to perfection; usually by your soon to be husband. However, I am sure every bride-to-be wants her own stamp of approval on those plane tickets. So…where to begin?

Firstly, I suggest you decide whether you would like to travel overseas or keep it local and explore what our beautiful country has to offer? Once that’s done, you need to decide on a specific location, or shall we call it a theme for what you want from your honeymoon. Do you plan on scuba-diving with your hubby and sipping margaritas on the beach, all the while working on that gorgeous tan or, would you prefer retreating to a cozy fireplace with hot cocoa after a day spent skiing on the slopes? Perhaps you want to visit a game reserve somewhere in South Africa; go on day long safaris and head back to relax at your 5 star accommodation. There are so many options out there so be sure to get your suitcases ready, after you have finished reading this I know you’ll be eager to get going!

In this Honeymoon Edition newsletter, we will be exploring the different settings available for your honeymoon and provide you with some amazing options. We will also be looking at what to do when visiting these extraordinary places, whether it’s on a cruise ship in the middle of the ocean or in a 4X4 on a Game Reserve!

Let’s look at the settings:

Skiing:

Ski Honeymoon more information
Are you looking for an alternative to the “classic” honeymoon… then look no further than a romantic skiing getaway with your new life-partner to a winter wonderland.

It’s no longer the playground of the rich and royal, skiing has become a great option for the more adventurous at heart looking to spend a week or more with their loved one in a setting that’s close to nature, without sacrificing the creature comforts of an up market hotel.

Most resorts cater to newlyweds with sumptuous meals and cozy log cabins on offer. Many resorts also offer comprehensive spa facilities to relax and soothe both body and mind after an adventurous morning on the slopes.

Although Austria and France boasts some of the best piste in Europe, resorts in America and Canada have become equally popular with the South African market. Honeymoon skiing packages can be tailor made by your Club Travel consultant to suit even the most inexperienced skier. And let’s face it, coming from our sunny climate, a short introductory lesson or two probably wouldn’t be such a bad idea. With friendly, experienced and patient tutors on hand to show you the ropes, you’ll be whizzing down the slopes in no time.

With international airlines offering convenient direct services into most of the major cities in Europe and America, getting there is easy and affordable.

Be sure to have your friendly Club Travel consultant include the necessities like your ski-pass and ski-hire when quoting you. Some tour operators also offer snowboarding packages for you to consider, which includes all the necessary gear.

An important factor to keep in mind when booking your trip, is to ensure that your travel insurance covers you for activities like skiing and snowboarding, as some insurance providers might have exclusions on these types of activities. Your Club Travel consultant will be able to advise you on the best insurance options, along with great rates on foreign exchange, car hire and visas.

Visit www.clubtravel.co.za today to see for yourself the many options of a skiing honeymoon on offer, or tailor build the dream trip, right from the fondue up to the ski-lift with your Club Travel consultant.

Exotic Honeymoon:

Thailand more information
Your BIG DAY has come and gone. Months of planning, rushing around and stressing finally behind you. The only thing that lies ahead for you and your partner now, are the azure waters of the east.

The exotic shores of Thailand have long been a popular honeymoon destination, due to the fact that it’s not only affordable, but also allows South African citizens to enter the country without the usual hassle of obtaining a tourist visa pre-departure for a stay of 30 days or less.

All inclusive travel packages from Club Travel cover the basics like flights, accommodation and transfers, with a myriad of options on fabulous additional excursions. Popular activities include elephant safaris and mountain biking and sea kayaking for the adventurous, outdoorsy couple. Another popular stop is the famous tiger sanctuary, where you get to mingle with serene Thai monks in their bright orange robes and pet a tiger!

For those who like to keep things more laidback, there are sunset dinner cruises and seafood platters, served on the beach by candlelight. Could you think of a more romantic way to spend your honeymoon than watching the sun set over the ocean, with your loved one by your side?

Just image the iconic scenes from the movie, The Beach to get an idea of the kinds of scenery that awaits you and your life partner.

With the Travel Gift Registry service now on offer at Club Travel branches countrywide, you and your partner can sit down with a consultant and build your dream exotic honeymoon. Simply notify your guests of the registry, and have them contribute towards the best trip of your life!

You can track the progress of your registry online at www.clubtravel.co.za/giftregistry and watch your registry grow on the “honeymoon barometer”.

Call 0860 555 777 to find a branch near you.

There’s no better way for you and your partner to get away from all the rush and escape on that dream honeymoon you’ve been looking forward to for so long.

Game farms – Safari – lodge:
Thanda Royal Zulu more information

Thanda Private Game Reserve, named ‘The World’s Leading Luxury Lodge’ at the 2009 World Travel Awards, is situated 23-kilometres north of Hluhluwe on a 14000-hectare Big Five private game reserve. The five-star facilities include a main lodge, The Royal Private Villa, a tented camp and award-winning wellness centre, and Thanda is the only game reserve in the world to hold membership with the prestigious Leading Hotels of the World.

The nine luxury bush villas at the main lodge each have private infinity pools, viewing deck, sala, boma, lounge, fireplace and full bathroom with both inside and outside showers. The tented camp offers a ‘rugged but refined’ safari experience, offering four standard tents, a deluxe tent and the opulent Honeymoon Tent. The Royal Private Villa offers the epitome of luxury and exclusivity in a 1000m² stand-alone villa with private facilities and service.

Thanda’s award-winning wellness centre has a reflexology pool, outdoor sala, steam room and hydrotherapy bath, all with a unique Zulu feel, and offers the Africology range of products, which are locally sourced and produced. Thanda, also known as ‘Africa’s most romantic safari destination’, means ‘love’ in Zulu, and is the ideal spot to rekindle and celebrate romance.

Buffelsdrift more information

Buffelsdrift is perfect for your South African Bush Honeymoon…
The Lodge offers understated elegance, with mountains as a backdrop and a magnificent waterhole on your doorstep.
An ideal honeymoon destination offering many activities to be enjoyed by the new couple such as:

• Bush safaris
• Horseback safaris
• Elephant walks
• Elephant feedings
• Nature walks

If quiet, tranquil and romantic is what you’re after, Buffelsdrift is ideal.

Jock: more information

Jock Safari Lodge was the first private concession in the Kruger National Park and was developed along the original camping sites used by trekkers on the route to Delagoa Bay. The Lodge is themed around one of the country’s most popular children’s classics, Jock of the Bushveld, true tales of a nineteenth century adventurer’s travel through South Africa with his faithful dog, Jock. It’s a famous tale of courage and loyalty and it has stirred adventurous souls for more than a hundred years.

Carefully screened by lush trees and reed walls, the 12 luxurious suites at Jock Safari Lodge impart a sense of aloneness and oneness with the landscape. Each suite boasts a private plunge pool with “Sala” (outdoor lounge) overlooking the river. Suite interiors reflect the distinctive mix of regional cultures, while meters of gossamer white netting envelope the beds, decadent en-suite bathrooms feature romantic Victorian ball and claw baths, “his & her” vanities, and personalized toiletries. Set on the banks of the Biyamiti River, Little Jock offers sweeping views over the unspoiled Kruger Park bushveld.

Three luxurious suites afford the finest 5-star comforts and while not viewing game, guests can soak up the sun next to the scenic pool, relax in the comfort of the central sitting room areas or enjoy the al fresco or indoor dining facilities. Little Jock can be booked as a private safari camp for small groups, families or individuals.

Sanbona: more information

Dreaming of an out-of-town wedding, capturing romantic, tranquil and typical moments of the little Karoo surrounds; offerings semi-desert landscapes, towering mountains, open plains, breathtaking rock formations, clear skies and the sheer expanse and stark beauty of the wilderness, relive Sanbona Wildlife Reserve, only a two and half hour drive from Cape Town, between the towns of Barrydale and Montagu.

All three Retreats – inspired by the surrounding elements that guide us – offer signature relaxation & wellness treatments where you can gaze at the semi-desert and then consider plunge pools which flow into a jumble of rocks, simulating their surroundings. As far as the palette is concerned, the cuisine at all three lodges is in typical Karoo style, infusing modern, traditional and local influenced dishes with fresh produce.

Leopard walk: more information

Unwind as body and mind stress ebbs away in your magnificent and absolutely private honeymoon suite with your own exclusive outdoor jacuzzi. You will be welcomed with champagne in your expansive glass walled suite, where you will enjoy views into the rare sand forest in the peaceful and safe wildlife sanctuary at Leopard Walk Lodge.

Relax with delicious meals at the restaurant which overlooks a waterhole where you may view wildlife as they come down to drink - or be served at your own private deck. Experience a variety of activities in and around - including walks in the reserve, canoeing past hippo and crocodile in a World Natural Heritage Site, and visits in open game drive vehicles to Big Five Reserves. Over 350 bird species are to be found and world renowned beaches are within driving distance. Sealing your vows with the call of the fish eagle at sun rise and the romance of the magnificent moonrise will be shared moments that you will never forget!

Tswalu: more information

Honeymoon under the Diamond Skies
Tswalu Kalahari, owned by the Oppenheimer family, is South Africa’s largest private game reserve. This vast and magical malaria-free landscape takes conservation as its first priority, with Nicky Oppenheimer’s vision to “restore the Kalahari to itself”. With over 80 game species (including the Desert Black Rhino, black-maned Kalahari lions, and cheetah), its unique landscape, and unparalleled service delivery, Tswalu creates the perfect place and atmosphere for the most romantic honeymoon: two people, over 100 000 hectares, and thousands of stars.

Indulge in your dream honeymoon: 3 nights in a luxurious Motse suite including all meals & beverages; a private vehicle with dedicated guide and tracker throughout your stay; a romantic horseback ride through the savannah to a romantic sundowner in the dunes; a couples massage treatment; a private deck dinner with champagne & star gazing.

Sani Valley Lodge: more information

Luxury Southern Drakensberg Accommodation is brought to you in this new concept of catering. We leave it up to you, how you would like to be spoilt. We have fully equipped self-catering lodges for you to provide for yourself, with the option to use our highly trained staff to prepare your meals for you. If you would like to be totally indulgent take advantage of our delicious menu and just relax in the privacy of your lodge whilst we bring your meals to you. Sani Valley Lodge offers you total privacy, refinement, tranquility and an extensive range of exciting activities.

We are a private game lodge situated at the base of the Sani Pass in the Southern Drakensberg, overlooking a 260-acre lake. The lake is one of the most well known Fly Fishing spots in the entire Drakensberg region, with a record fish of 12 pounds; we know why people keep coming back.

Beach:
Umngazi: more information

The Wild Coast may be South Africa’s most spectacular & yet least touristy region with its rocky coastline, indigenous forests, secluded coves and many river mouths. And all this is on your doorstep at Umngazi, an award winning family resort & spa. The thatch-roofed bungalows are situated amongst the indigenous gardens which provide the perfect setting for a totally relaxed and unforgettable honeymoon.

Spend idyllic days lounging on secluded beaches with only the waves crashing. Take a guided walk or strike out on your own, explore the mangrove swamps, canoe up the river, to witness the myriad of birds and totally unspoiled natural beauty that this coastline has on offer.

Umngazi orchestrates unforgettable romantic honeymoons and has earned a reputation as one of South Africa’s premier honeymoon destinations. Whether you enjoy your time with us in sensual seclusion or you choose to participate in any of the abundant activities, Umngazi will prove to make your stay a truly memorable one.

Special Honeymoon Bungalows have been designed to provide privacy and added pampering, while our spectacular Spa provides idyllic romantic treatments for two.

There are many surprises in store for you during your stay, please inform us that you’re on Honeymoon at the time of making your reservation, so we can set up some romantic treats for you.

Unwind and reconnect beside the private pool or on the secluded beach, or enjoy picnics and walks in the indigenous forests and mangrove swamps. There is fishing, canoeing, tennis, horse-riding, river cruises, hiking, dune boarding and cycling to mention a few. The dedicated and experienced therapists at Umngazi’s resort spa provide wonderful couple therapies using specific imported and locally made body products to ensure guests leave feeling relaxed, pampered and rejuvenated.

Mbotyi River Lodge: more information

On the Eastern Cape Wild Coast, at the mouth of the Mbotyi River, lies the pristine coastal village of Mbotyi. Nestled between large indigenous forests and the warm Indian Ocean, in this peaceful, rural village, is the wonder of Mbotyi River Lodge - the ideal destination for that special holiday. Explore this beautiful and rugged coastline, find a secluded beach with only your own footprints, experience a new adventure and understand why this is known as “The Wild Coast” and why so many of its visitors return again and again. Enjoy a honeymoon that will live in your memory for ever.

Tonga beach logde:

Every now and again something special comes along……
This intimate, luxury lodge is nestled on the pristine coast of Northern KwaZulu-Natal, within the Isimangaliso World Heritage Park. It’s the ideal place to explore unspoilt, wilderness beaches. Thonga Beach Lodge is a magical place of coastal forests, grasslands, shimmering lakes and exquisite sandy beaches. Its crystal clear, warm waters offer superb snorkeling and unspoilt off-shore scuba diving - arguably the best in South Africa. Each air-conditioned suite has been carefully constructed to ensure minimal impact on the environment, with maximum comfort. Enjoy mouth-watering cuisine, romantic candlelight dinners on the beach and relaxing Sea Spa treatments.

For the more active there’s guided forest walks, kayaking on Lake Sibaya, glorious sundowners and cultural tours through the Tsonga community. From November to February, witness the amazing sight of giant Leatherback and Loggerhead turtles struggling up the beach to lay their eggs.
Why are we romantic?
With 60kms of unspoilt, soft white sandy beaches to explore with no other developments in this area, it’s about as far away from civilisation and secluded as you can get. Rest up in our air conditioned rooms with views of the Indian Ocean, pamper yourselves at our Sea Spa or take romantic walks along deserted beach.

Arniston Hotel and Spa: more information

Arniston is a leisurely two-hour drive from Cape Town, on a road that meanders through the beautiful rolling hills of the Overberg region. The Arniston Spa Hotel is set in one of the Cape’s most exquisite locations, next to an old fishing village, surrounded by pristine beaches and nature reserves. The luxurious 4-star Arniston Spa Hotel is internationally known as one of the world’s great getaways. Touched by the spray from the Indian Ocean, we welcome you with panoramic views of the unspoilt ocean and endless beaches.

Blessed with an abundance of sea life, the hotel promises delicious oysters from nearby shores and the freshest fish from the local fishing boats. Our sophisticated menu blends traditional South African cuisine with modern innovations from renowned chefs. Your culinary treat is complemented by an award-winning list of wines, many of which are from the local wine routes. We offer a breakfast buffet that is a delicious spread of traditional and healthy foods. Our large bar area has big-screen televisions and two unique large aquariums inhabited by local sea fish. The bar top is also a living fish tank.

The luxurious 60 en-suite rooms are all elegantly decorated with the comforts of a world-class hotel. Most rooms have fireplaces for those cosy winter evenings. Our deluxe sea-facing rooms have private balconies with panoramic ocean views. The patio-facing rooms open onto a tranquil garden and swimming pool with sun loungers.

Tranquility Lodge: more information

Winner of the 2009 and 2010 BEST HONEYMOON DESITANTION IN SOUTH AFRICA award, as voted for by brides, Tranquillity Lodge is a Honeymooners Paradise. Hidden in the Heart of the Tsitsikamma in Natures Valley on the Garden Route, this location brings out the romantic side in all. Surrounded by the pristine beach and a forest which beckons honeymooners and holiday makers to come for a walk and find all its hidden nooks and crannies.

Dining, an experience not to be missed can be enjoyed either indoors in the spacious and open dining area or on the outdoor verandah looking into the top of the canopy trees. Our garden is host to a swimming pool, as well as a private and unique hot pool, a definite must for after dinner!

To enhance your experience in nature, Tranquility Lodge offers free to all their clients, sit upon kayaks for paddling on the Groot River Lagoon. Also, to make sure your adrenalin is still pumping, Tranquility Lodge offers FREE to all their clients a Bungy Walk on the Bloukrans Bridge. Other discounted rates available include attractions such as Monkeyland, Birds Of Eden, Tenikwa, The Elephant Parks, Snake Parks, Game Farms and Whale and Dolphin Watching Trips.

Cruises:
Starlight Cruises: more information
The sounds of the ocean, the light of the stars, cocktails sipped on a moonlit deck. Cruising presents the perfect setting for a romantic honeymoon getaway! Make it an occasion to cherish for a life time. Honeymoon on board the MSC Sinfonia or the MSC Melody! The MSC SINFONIA hosts 778 cabins, of which 135 are suites with private balconies. For a honeymoon to your liking the ship also boasts 2 restaurants, 7 bars, 2 pools, health spa, casino, cigar room, theatre, disco, fitness centre, library, card room. The many facilities and onboard activities allow for travelers to tailor make their own experience!

The MSC MELODY is the smallest ship in MSC Cruises’ fleet, and is designed to meet the highest standards of Italian style and sophistication, whilst offering a relaxed and informal cruise-ship experience. With a capacity of just over 1,500 guests, MSC Melody creates a welcoming, almost intimate feel on board, All meals and entertainment are included in the cruise fare, making it a viable honeymoon option! Honeymooners receive 10% off per person with a one category cabin Upgrade.
Conditions apply.

Farm – Country:
Manley: more information

Experience the warm hospitality of a working wine farm in beautiful Tulbagh, one hour away from Cape Town.


• ensuite accommodation with all amenities
• Restaurant specializing in local produce
• Award-winning estate wines
• Consecrated chapel in the grounds
• Wedding reception and conference hall


Take a break. Come up to Tulbagh and cosy up!

Le Bac: more information

Marriage is about new beginnings, new relationships, and new experiences to serve as a foundation and memory bank to help sustain the union of two lovers.

Exotic vacations in far flung places certainly allure. Experiences, however, tend to remain longer. Privacy of course is paramount, to explore and celebrate each other.

At le Bac there is privacy and walks to secret secluded spots where the outdoors beckons, listening quietly on the banks of the Berg River for the call of the fish eagle. Hear the murmur of the water and see large yellow tail cruising on the bottom.

Depending on the season, pick some grapes directly from the vine, or sun ripe tomatoes from the net house trellis, or fresh carrot from the veggie garden.

Things you have not done before and may never do again. And if you need a breather it is a perfect base to explore the wine lands and Boland with its rich offerings.

La Provence: more information

The old world charm and romantic Cape-Dutch architecture provide the perfect backdrop for couples to spend quality time together, whilst enjoying the unique natural environment of the Vlaeberg Valley.

Couples can be as active or in-active as they want, with leisure spots like the swimming pool and picnic spots offsetting the wine route, hiking trial and other tourist attractions around.

The Royal Hotel: more information

The Royal Hotel is situated in the picturesque Riebeek Valley. 60 Minutes from Cape Town, you enter the serene world of vineyards and beautiful old buildings, an ideal place for your honeymoon.

If you are looking for that warm feeling of luxury of days gone by, the Royal Hotel and the Valley is the place to be. We will pamper you with messages and you can visit all the cellars around, like Allesverloren Estate (famous for its port), art galleries galore, little trinket shops, it’s like being in a different world. We are so central; you can take day trips to ostrich farms, visit Paternoster and in winter take a trip to Ceres, to see the snow. You can take a trip down history and visit the house were General Smuts was born, study the museum and enjoy the view.

We await your arrival…
After having read this, and assuming you haven’t run off to pack your suitcase, please visit www.saweddings.co.za for more options on where to go on your honeymoon – remember to make it as memorable as possible – I assure you it’s the one holiday you will NEVER forget!

If you have any questions regarding YOUR perfect Honeymoon spot, please don’t hesitate to contact me at 021 465 6910 or drop me a mail at jana@saweddings.co.za.

Honeymoon Edition | Wedding Articles