Honeymoons - Long Vs Short Haul
Long haul Vs short haul honeymoons
The modern honeymoon serves up a world of choice. Is it going to be an exotic beach escape or a multi-stop extravaganza?
The modern honeymoon serves up a world of choice. Is it going to be an
exotic beach escape or a multi-stop extravaganza? Wed investigates that
most delicious of decisions.
Long gone are the days of kidnapping and hiding that some say comprise
the chequered history of the honeymoon. According to certain Northern
European folklore, the word derives from the easily enunciated Norse,
'hjunottsmanathr', which describes the practice of men stealing women
for wives from neighbouring villages and the subsequent interim in
which they concealed them.
Dating back to the time of Atilla the Hun, when a month's worth of
daily honeyed wine or mead drinking was incorporated into the stunt, it
is the latter part of the tradition that carried over the centuries
whilst poets and the alike debated love's moonlike waxing and waning
qualities...
H�tel Regina Paris
On a more romantic note, the immediate aftermath of a wedding has
culturally become referred to as the honeymoon period. And the point is
that the practice, just like the meaning, has evolved over time.
Many coupes never had the liberty of waltzing off into the sunset of
foreign shores to commemorate the beginning of married life. But
nowadays it's one of the primary concerns involved in the planning and
execution of the perfect wedded fixture.
Whereas a weekend in Blackpool may have been regarded as a luxury to
behold in the last century, recent times have demanded customised
luxury in some of the most exclusive spots of unspoilt beauty the world
has to offer.
Today, there seems to be something of a divide. Hectic work schedules
lead to time constraints and many couples are unwilling to reserve an
entire year's worth of holiday leave and budget on a single trip away.
Recent trends have seen the rise of the 'mini-moon' or multi stop
option, where either a few days of amorous action at a short haul
destination, or a longer stint flying between two or three places, is Ã
la mode.
However, if you still dream of jetting off to somewhere exotic and
relatively unscathed for some post-nuptial frolics, then the one-stop,
one-off honeymoon is an absolute must.
The Multi-Stop
With such a bounty of diverse destinations close by, we're literally
spoilt for choice in the Northern hemisphere. Big on culture and short
on travel time, European cities can satisfy practically any travel
agenda. With mountains, snow and a Mediterranean coastline and
archipelago of islands strewn from the Atlantic through to Greece and
Italy, a mixed bag of quick-stop honeymooning can fulfil your fancies'
flight.
The order and duration of your multi stops can be self-dictated, but
does require some pre-planned consideration, especially concerning
flights and activities to be undertaken. Many couples are opting for a
few days of city touring followed by several days of adventurous
activities, such as skiing, rounded off by some beach or country
lounging.
You're always wise to net an escape to Paris. It is still synonymous
with romance and there are a number of valid reasons why: the epicurean
food, the quality wine, the lulling language, couples gazing in
adoration at each other everywhere...
Historically and architecturally, of course, it's packed with some of
the world's most recognisable buildings, including the ubiquitous La
Tour Eiffel, Le Musee du Louvre, L'Arc De Triomphe, Ch�teaux Versailles
and Notre Dame, amongst others. It is a stumbling city that you can
easily discover whilst drifting on the Parisian boats or on foot as you
meander the bright light-lined streets that afford especially stunning
views at night.
From personal recommendation, there are some glorious restaurants and
shows that ooze romantic appeal. In particular, it's worth locating
Moulin Rouge, Lido and Pau Brasil along the Champs-Elysees. When you've
wandered the city and enjoyed the numerous parks (seek out the Jardin
du Luxembourg), there's a tally of honeymooner's hotels to flock to,
including the gorgeous H�tel des Grands Hommes Paris and H�tel Regina
Paris.
H�tel Regina Paris
City slicking over, a less tourist-populated isle my well be a more
striking proposition for musing poetic with your sweetheart as opposed
to flashing your glowsticks in Ibiza or lager louting with Brits abroad
elsewhere.
Madeira makes for a classy island reprieve, generally attracting a more
mature clientele. Often referred to as the 'floating garden of the
Atlantic', it's not just horticulturalists that will appreciate the
world-class gardens and natural landscapes of the island. Quinta
Magn�lia is a revered example that also features an open-air pool,
tennis, squash courts and running path alongside the river valley.
Nip over to Porto Santo, the former home of explorer extraordinaire,
Christopher Columbus. With nine kilometres of soft sands flanked by a
modest collection of hotels and restaurants, this relatively
undiscovered Atlantic gem is a guaranteed escapist's reverie. Allow the
volcanic lands to restore your body or indulge in some activity on the
international golf course; go diving in the ocean or head horseback
into the rugged island's interior. Try the five-star Pestana Porto
Santo Hotel for everything you could possibly want from a flawless
beach retreat.
Madeira
The One Stop
You may not necessarily want to travel days to get there. Though the
Caribbean and Indian Ocean are still classed, quite rightly, as amongst
the cream of honeymoon hotspots, there are a bevy of A-star
alternatives that are closer to home in time but worlds apart in place.
Africa. A continent as diverse in landscape and atmosphere as its
people. Forgo thoughts of the northern countries' mass-market appeal
and consider an intrepid trip west to the stunning cocoa haven and
heady hospitality of Ghana. Fly in to the country's vibrant capital,
Accra and you are instantly transferred into a world of welcome or
"akwaaba" everywhere you go.
There are a number of activities and sights that are absolute
must-sees. Find the country's historical narrative by visiting the
tranquil Mausoleum of the nation's founder, Kwame Nkrumah and the soul
shattering slave castle of Elmina (Africa's oldest existing European
building of any kind) through to the country's modern grandeur via the
Ohene Djan Stadium and monumental Independence Square.
The Cape Coast offers a rich variety of experience. Take an excursion
to Africa's sole rainforest canopy walk in Kakum National Park where
the treetops linger at over 100ft above the ground. Follow up with an
oceanic interlude of palm-fringed exotica at Coconut Grove or Ampenyi
or any of the stunningly wild beaches along the coastal road.
Ghana
If you're seeking some five-star beachside luxury, then this more
intrepid and undisturbed destination is a sure fire box ticker. Both
Labadi Beach Hotel and nearby La Palm Royal Beach Hotel possess the
coveted highest grading, overlooking a popular and naturally pretty
stretch of unspoilt sand. Labadi boasts a trio of excellent
restaurants, a health club and sauna amidst the architecturally
impressive grounds and paradisical gardens that home swimming and
lounging facilities aplenty. Alternatively, three-star Nogahill Hotel,
near the airport, will satisfy a smaller budget; as one local assured
me, its acclaimed international restaurant serves "the tastiest meat
pies in the world".
Other delights on the local restaurant or 'chop bar' menus include
starchy staples jollof rice, plantain and yam (including a deliciously
seasoned form, kalawole), kenkey, fufu, banku and tuo zafi (or TZ) that
can be ordered and served alongside a mixture of mostly peppery soups
and stews. Featured meats include goat, beef, guinea fowl, chicken and
fish.
For shopping and souvenirs, prepare to haggle at the National Cultural
and Arts Centre and Makola and Kaneshie markets, which offer a wide
range of curios, from beads and cloth to carvings, food and clothes. Be
en vogue savvy and ride the current wave of African fashion by
purchasing some Ankara African print fabric or traditional kente cloth
and have some custom made clothes such as a traditional boubou dress
created as a classy gift or memento. Another superb yet lesser-known
outlet is Wild Gecko, which guarantees a quality, high finish to all of
its Ghanaian and West African sourced products. Osu, the suburb south
of Danquah Circle, is another commercial hotspot for all sorts of
shopping, especially around the Cantonments or Oxford Street, area.
For more information -Hotel des Grands Hommes Paris
www.hoteldesgrandshommes.com
Hotel Regina Paris
www.regina-hotel.com
Labadi Beach Hotel
www.legacyhotels.co.za
La Palm Royal Beach Hotel
www.southtravels.com/africa/ghana/lapalmroyalbeach
Lido www.lido.fr
Moulin Rouge
www.moulinrouge.fr
Pestana Porto Santo Hotel
www.pestana-porto-santo.comWords
Hannah MayCopyright WED Magazine 2010