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Honeymoon offers, ideas, insider tips and comment by 101 Honeymoons editor, Jane Anderson.

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Half price accommodation at Soneva Kiri

By Jane Anderson, Editor, 101 Honeymoons

For some honeymoon magic, how about staying in a luxury resort with just 29 pool villas, a jaw-dropping setting on a tropical Asian island and fabulous food? You can even dine in the new Treepod, suspended high in the forest canopy with meals served by a waiter on a zip-wire.

Soneva Kiri by Six Senses in Thailand is the place I’m thinking of – and this intimate gem located on the island of Koh Kood just got better. Scott Dunn is offering 50% off the cost of a stay, saving £1,800 pp.

A week now costs from £2,800 pp including all meals, drinks, a host of activities and all flights (not least private plane transfers within Thailand).

The offer is valid for stays between 1 February and 31 August 2012, excluding 1-15 April.

Find out more from Scott Dunn.

Zankyou solves wedding list dilemmas

By Jane Anderson, Editor, 101 Honeymoons

Setting up gift lists has become an important – and tricky – part of wedding planning. Most couples choose a single retailer that they feel best matches their needs, such as John Lewis or Selfridges.

But I’ve recently stumbled on an interesting alternative called Zankyou. It offers a virtual gift catalogue so you can list gifts from a wide range of suppliers and retailers, and your guests can purchase through their website using a secure payment system.

Once you’ve set up your own page on Zankyou, you list their gifts, and personalise the page with videos, music, pictures and maps. You can even use it to organise table settings and send invitations online.

When it comes to your honeymoon, you can publish your plans and keep your guests updated during your trip. A nice touch if your weddings gifts include honeymoon treats such as romantic dinners or balloon rides.

Find out more about Zankyou.

Free honeymoon nights

By Jane Anderson, Editor, 101 Honeymoons

There may be no such thing as a free honeymoon but Marriott Hotels are offering something pretty close.

Book your wedding reception at one of their 50 UK hotels before 31 December 2012 and receive one free night in a Marriott Hotel anywhere in the world for every £1000 spent on your reception.

The offer applies to receptions held on a Friday or Monday with up to seven free nights available – spend £7,000 on your Marriott wedding and enjoy seven nights free at a choice of 2,800 hotels from Dubai to Thailand, the Caribbean to Hawaii.

Marriott is holding a series of free Wedding Open Days for one-to-one consultations with their in-house Certified Wedding Planners. Banqueting rooms will be set-up with a range of colour schemes and the Head Chef will be offering wedding menu and wine tastings.

Check out the Wedding Open Days or contact your local Marriott Hotel directly and quote WED12.

New adventure honeymoon in Oman

By Jane Anderson, Editor, 101 Honeymoons

There’s something incredibly romantic about the idea of gazing up at the stars in the desert night together, with a sumptuous tent awaiting.

This new adventure honeymoon in Oman from Scott Dunn has me positively swooning – combine the Wahiba Sands with the Hajar Mountains and Muscat’s coastline.

Your honeymoon begins with a night at the stunning Chedi in Muscat followed by a desert adventure, spending a night at each of two new luxury tented camps in Wahiba Sands and in the Hajar mountains. Top that with a night on a private yacht and a luxury beach hotel.

Swim in Wadi Bani Khalid, explore ancient mosques, chill out under the stars on hand woven rugs (complete with binoculars and sky maps), trek in the Hajar Mountains and sail through the islands of Sawadi, the Marina Bandar Al Rowdha, turtle-shaped Fahal Island and the picture-perfect Damaniyat Islands.

Snorkel amongst turtles and tropical fish before you head for a final three nights of beachfront luxury at the Shangri-La Barr al Jissah Resort and Spa.

This seven-night honeymoon costs from £2,245 per person including flights and transfers. There’s also an option to add on a stay in the Maldives – or extend your honeymoon in fascinating Oman.

Find out more from Scott Dunn.

Pavlina wins £100 beachwear prize

From 101 Honeymoons newsdesk

Congratulations to Pavlina Parashkevova who triumphed in our recent competition to win a £100 voucher to spend on fabulous swimwear from Simply Beach.

Entrants had to submit their most romantic beach moment in 50 words or less; the judges, Lorraine Simpson of Simply Beach and our own editor, Jane Anderson, were unanimous in selecting Pavlina’s entry as the clear winner.

Pavlina wrote: “My most romantic beach moment was when walking hand in hand with my fiance, watching and taking photos of the beautiful seals living in the Norfolk Broads. Despite the moody, wet weather we completely immersed ourselves in the moment. I’d like to do that wearing a bikini next time!”

Pavlina is engaged to Paul Sharp and, on hearing she had won, told us: “We’ve been together for over 6 years and engaged for a couple. We haven’t got married yet as we’re still deciding where to get married – we’d like to get married in England and abroad too!

“Our ideal honeymoon will be somewhere beautiful, non-pretentious and warm, where we could just walk around in our beachwear and mingle with the locals, learning about their culture, enjoying the scenery and sampling the amazing dishes on offer. My lifelong dream has been to visit Brazil – a beautiful destination which ticks all boxes, not least tireless hours of samba!”

If Pavlina – and any of our other visitors – would like expert advice on their honeymoon, try our online quiz for ideas and inspiration or email our editor, Jane Anderson (jane@101honeymoons.co.uk).

Congratulations to Pavlina and good luck to you and Paul as you plan your future lives together – complete with some gorgeous new swimwear!

Thank you to everyone who entered our competition.

Cosy up in Pembrokeshire

By Jane Anderson, Editor, 101 Honeymoons

Cosy but stylish cottages for two aren’t easy to find but Sheepskin always comes up trumps.

Their latest addition is Nantwen, a luxurious converted barn for two in the wilds of Pembrokeshire National Park.

The restoration, using natural materials, is meticulous with lots of natural light, spacious living areas, a log-burning stove for chilly evenings and a roll-top bath in the bedroom (as well as a state-of-the-art bathroom). Pack your favourite bath oil as well as your wellies!

Nantwen is only a five-minute drive from the beach and is only three miles from two renowned restaurants - Llys Meddyg and Cnapan in the village of Newport.

A week’s stay for two at Nantwen costs £710 for two throughout 2012. Find out more from Sheepskin.

Heading to Marrakech? Tag on a night at Kasbah Tamadot

By Jane Anderson, Editor, 101 Honeymoons

Morocco is one of my favourite winter sun destinations; it’s easy to get to, sunshine is pretty much guaranteed and the country offers an intoxicating mix of beach, cities and mountains with a heavy dose of cultural interest and romance thrown in.

If you’re heading to Marrakech for Christmas, add on a night at the fabulous Kasbah Tamadot. One of Virgin Limited Edition’s gems, it’s set in the foothills of the Atlas Mountains and simply oozes style and romance.

In a one-off special offer, Kasbah Tamadot will pick you up from Marrakech (city centre or the airport) and whisk you away for 24 hours of festive bliss on any night between 26 – 31 December 2011.

Breakfast, lunch and dinner plus cocktails, wines and beers are included in the price; from €410 pp for one night, based on two people sharing a double room (also including return transfers).

If you fancy a longer stay, head to Kasbah Tamadot before 31 March 2012 and enjoy 4 nights for the price of 3. Rates start from €415 per room per night based on two adults sharing and include breakfast.

Find out more from Virgin Limited Edition.

Antigua, Croatia and Malta added to weddings venues

Well known for its weddings expertise in Greece and Cyprus, Planet Holidays has published a new wedding brochure introducing Antigua, Croatia and Malta in one of the widest choices for couples wishing to tie the knot overseas.

Mathilde Robert, managing director of Planet Holidays said: “Despite the recession, marriage seems very much on the agenda with many people being prompted by two Royal Weddings earlier this year. Both 2012 and 2013 are looking like they will be record years for us with good forward bookings and we even have bookings for 2014.

“Getting married abroad is often a third cheaper than getting married in the UK and adding on a honeymoon in the same destination, or doing a two-centre such as a wedding in Cyprus with a honeymoon on a cruise or in another destination easily accessed by air or sea from Cyprus, can save costs as well.”

The operator has also introduced the Greek Islands of Amorgos, the easternmost of the Cyclades, and Thassos, known as the ‘Green Island’ and the northern most island in Greece. Couples choosing Amorgos can have an authentic Greek experience of arriving at their venue by donkey and in Thassos get married facing the sea at the idyllic Ilio Mare Resort.

Planet Holidays offers a ‘Go-See’ option giving couples the chance to check out their chosen venue and meet with the wedding co-ordinator.

Civil ceremonies have also been introduced in Portugal so that same-sex couples can now enjoy full civil partnership ceremonies at some wonderful venues in the Algarve, including a superb cliff top location at The Lady of the Rock, 18 km from Albufeira. Check out the new dedicated website.

60% off Mauritius in June 2012

By Jane Anderson, Editor, 101 Honeymoons

As Beachcomber prepare to celebrate their 60th anniversary in 2012, they have slashed 60% off half-board accommodation at their flagship Royal Palm for one of two people sharing in June 2012.

Royal Palm is situated on an picture-postcard stretch of beach, just a short walk from lively Grand Baie. There’s a choice of excellent restaurants within this luxury hotel as well as a Spa by Clarins and spacious all-suite accommodation, all with ocean views.

Beachcomber Tours is now offering 7 nights from £2,390 per person (a saving of £1,500 per couple) based on 2 sharing a Junior Suite on a half-board basis, departing June 2012. Flights and private transfers are also included.

Since opening their first hotel back in 1952, Beachcomber Hotels has grown to a group of 8 hotels in Mauritius and the Sainte Anne Resort & Spa in the Seychelles.

Turkish delight – new pool suite for 2012

By Jane Anderson, Editor, 101 Honeymoons

Deniz Feneri Lighthouse, on the Kas peninsula, is one of my favourite boltholes in Turkey – in fact, it’s fair to say it’s one of my favourite boutique hotels, full stop.

Honeymooners looking for the ultimate in privacy should check out the new Pool House, available from Exclusive Escapes from May to October 2012.

This spacious two-bedroom split-level suite has a private pool, Jacuzzi, a huge terrace and staggering views.

Tear yourselves away if you can for the hotel’s stunning Turkish-with-a-twist cuisine on the waterfront or some pampering in the Guinot spa.

Nearby Kas is charming with some boutique shops, atmospheric cafes and restaurants and a traditional tea garden.

Exclusive Escapes is offering 7 nights’ B&B in the Pool House from £1,350pp sharing, including flights from Heathrow, Gatwick or Manchester to Dalaman, transfers, a day’s luxury gulet cruise and a traditional Turkish Bath.

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