Emma's answers to Honeymoon ideas

Question

Me and my fiance are having real problems finding a honeymoon destination. We had our heart set on Mauritius for its lovely climate, fantastic national park and the pampering and privacy the hotels and spas offer. The only problem is we're getting married on July 19th 2008 - with a view to leaving on July 21st - which is the first day of the school holidays so we're getting charged a fortune for the flights and can't afford it. We have a budget of around £3,000 - is there anywhere within Europe or even the UK which will offer the same privacy and 5* standards of Mauritius and SE Asia? We'd really like somewhere where we can relax but also have lots of activities on hand - please help!

Answer

In Europe, I have found a beautiful spa in Sicily which I think is perfect for your honeymoon. It is called the Kempinski Giardino di Costanza. Six nights in a deluxe room, including buffet breakfast, spa treatments including special skin care for two, classic body massage, and energy facial per person as well as use of pools, sauna and gym, costs approximately £1,055 (rates may fluctuate due to exchange rate). This rate is for a deluxe room comprising a king-size bed, overlooking the picturesque landscape with olive groves and vineyards, internet access, large sitting area, walk-in shower, separate bath, CD clock, Plasma TV, and working desk. I measures 48 sqm including a 3 sqm balcony.

The Hotel Kempinski Giardino di Costanza is recommended by The Times Good Spa Guide. The spa is located in a secluded valley surrounded by olive groves, and even has use of a private beach. There are many excursions available, as well as fine dining facilities. Visit their website at http://www.kempinski-sicily.com/en/home/index.htm for more information and to book your stay.

In the UK, I recommend the Alexander House Hotel. A week long stay in a Deluxe Room costs £2,135. There is a wide range of therapies and treatments available in the Utopia Spa. It is set in 170 acres of private parkland in the heart or West Sussex. The hotel has been awarded many accolades for service and standards of luxury. Facilities include Treatment and Therapy Rooms / Indoor Swimming Pool / Hydra Therapy Pool and Spa Bath / Heat Treatment Suite / Aerobics & Yoga Studio / Fitness Suite & Gymnasium / Cafe Utopia / Hairdressing Salon / Manicure & Pedicure Station and Spa Boutique. Visit http://www.alexanderhotels.co.uk/alexander_house/index.shtml for more information and to book.

And, just in case your budget is slightly flexible, I have found a special offer at the Mauritian resort of Le Touessrok which includes free return flights from London Heathrow. Prices are from £1,899 per person for a week long visit. The resort is spread over 2 isolated islands offering perfect privacy in the coral waters of the Indian Ocean. Fine dining and spa facilities are available. Visit http://www.letouessrokresort.com/ for more information and to book your stay