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**CONSERVATION**

ONE OF THE MOST SPECTACULAR PRIVATE VILLAS IN AFRICA LOCATED IN A 350,000-ACRE PRIVATE CONCESSION IN TANZANIA LEADING THE WAY WITH WILDLIFE CONSERVATION- THE NEW-LOOK SINGITA SERENGETI HOUSE

Those serious about conservation and philanthropy will feel right at home with Singita. One of Africa’s leading conservation company, Singita is not only trailblazing anti-poaching tactics but also brings new meaning to privacy, with over 350,000-acres of private concession in Tanzania for couples to enjoy. Located in the Singita Grumeti reserve, considered one of the greatest conservation success stories in Africa, Singita Serengeti House is designed for exclusive use and is ideal for those seeking a relaxed freedom far from prying eyes. Following its re-launch in August 2017, the design transformation includes brand new living spaces (with an eat-in kitchen and media room), a full gym adjacent to the extended outdoor Sala, and a brand new tented spa suite for couples to choose from an array of Bush Spa treatments. A 25-metre lap pool, outdoor dining decks and fire pits provide intimate interactions with a busy water hole. Private staff, including a full-time guide and dedicated vehicle, ensures an easy, flexible rhythm to each itinerary with tailor-made activities and meals. Throughout the house, a calming neutral palette of sun- bleached blonde, beige and grey bring the grassy plains indoors. Natural fibres, such as grass jute matting, pale beige polished cement floors, local stone and raw timber, add extreme textures to the boldly African look, together with authentic, handcrafted artefacts and artist John Banovich’s fine-art wildlife paintings. Honeymoon highlights include private dinners in the bush, fine wine-tastings from in-house sommeliers (Singita’s cellars encompass approximately 222 labels and 20,000 bottles), hot air ballooning over the Serengeti and treatments at the signature Singita Bush Spa.

HOW: Rates at Singita Serengeti House start from $6,250 per night on an exclusive-use basis. Includes all meals and beverages, twice daily open Land Rover safaris and return road transfers between the Sasakwa airstrip and the lodge. https://singita.com

A TROPICAL COCKTAIL OF SECLUSION, PHILANTHROPY & TRIBAL CULTURE  AT NIHI SUMBA ISLAND, INDONESIA

On a remote island in South-Eastern Indonesia—the size of the state of Massachusetts and only a 50-minute flight from Bali— Nihi Sumba Island offers a culturally immersive cocktail of adventure, barefoot luxury and charitable giving. On a sweeping bay facing the Indian Ocean, Nihi Sumba Island is home to just 21 villas amid hundreds of acres of lush gardens, ensuring total seclusion. Guests enjoy immense privacy and many activities, ranging from world class surfing, hiking through dramatic waterfalls, ancient villages and butterfly trails, stand-up paddling down the Wanukaka River to the unique ‘Spa Safari’ by the sea. Philanthropy is also at the core of the hotel’s business model, with a portion of profits channelled into The Sumba Foundation. As part of their stay, honeymooners are encouraged to volunteer with The Sumba Foundation, which aims to lessen the consequences of poverty across the island. The foundation has had an incredible impact since its creation in 2001, reducing malaria infection rates by more than 93 per cent, with 360 students now trained in WHO Malaria Training. Water is also scarce, and The Sumba Foundation has helped build 60 water wells and a network of 250 water stations, providing water to 25,000 people daily. Visiting the foundation is a complimentary experience offered to all guests of Nihi Sumba Island. As part of the trip, guests can choose to visit a local water project, a health clinic that helps combat malaria or offer to volunteer for a morning at a local school, where they can prepare nutritious school lunches for local school children. Throughout their stay, guests can also feel reassured their stay is supporting the local community, with the resort proudly employing over 90% local Sumbanese people.

HOW: Ampersand Travel offer 7 nights at Nihi Sumba Island from £3,310 per person including international and domestic flights, private transfers and all meals, accommodation, non-alcoholic drinks, local excursions, wi-fi and many sea activities available at the hotel. www.ampersandtravel.com / 0207 819 9770

A NATURE LOVER’S DREAM IN THE SEYCHELLES BECOME A CONSERVATIONIST AT FREGATE ISLAND PRIVATE – THE ‘SUPER RESORT’ FOR WILDLIFE LOVERS

Fregate Island Private is the perfect place to receive an introduction to conservation, and a once-in-a-lifetime experience getting up close and personal with rare wildlife.  Upon arrival, it feels like walking into Jurassic Park with the luscious green landscape, thousands of birds circulating in the sky and charismatic Giant Aldabra Tortoises.  These once near-extinct creatures were bred from a population of 150 tortoises some 25 years ago to their current number of over 2,000, which roam freely across the wilds of the island.  Honeymooners can discover the island walking with resident conservationist, Tanya Leibrick, including a visit to the nursery for the young tortoises which are protected and monitored to ensure safe development and growth.  Fregate Island Private’s conservation staff safeguard the several hundred nests and see to it that the young turtles hatch successfully and safely.  Guests also have the chance to witness first-hand one of nature’s true miracles, the sight of a mother turtle laying her eggs on the shore.  Fregate Island was also the only remaining habitat of the Seychelles Magpie Robin.   Almost extinct with a headcount of only 14, it was the second rarest bird in the world some 30 years ago.  These charming birds have since been restored to a healthy population by the permanent on-island conservation staff.  Thanks to a programme started in collaboration with Birdlife International, they now number more than 100.  Guests can also join the islands ecology team for sea turtle patrol, searching the beach for baby turtles.  The sandy beaches of Fregate Island Private also provide a vital nesting habitat for two more species of sea turtle: the critically endangered Hawksbill Turtle and the endangered Green Turtle.  The Seychelles remain one of the few places in the world where sea turtles naturally come ashore to nest during the daytime.  Exotic fish spotting, rock fishing and night adventures to view snakes, Fregate beetles and millipedes provide more opportunity for guests to learn about the unusual creatures that call Fregate Island Private home.  The luxury retreat occupies an entire private island the size of Monaco in the middle of the turquoise waters of the Indian Ocean.  Beautifully crafted and nestled into the coastline, its 16 Private Pool Residences are naturally secluded – each has their own luxurious terrace, large private infinity pool and jacuzzi. On the island, couples can also enjoy seven stunning beaches (one for each day of the week), with the option to really blow the budget and exclusively hire their own, including the beach acclaimed amongst the 10 best beaches in the world.

HOW: Private Pool Residence from €3,250 per residence per night, including all meals anywhere on the island, soft beverages, house wines, local beers as well as personal laundry, island buggy, non-motorised watersports and guided nature walks.  Kids Club programmes available for children ages four and up.  www.oetkercollection.com

GO PACKAGED: Scott Dunn offers seven nights at Fregate Island Private from £13,700 per person based on two people sharing a one bedroom villa on a full board basis including flights from the UK and heli transfers.  For more information, please visit scottdunn.com or call 020 8682 5020

**ACTIVE**

A UNIQUE PROPERTY FOR THRILLSEEKING HONEYMOONERS – DEPLAR FARM IS A REMOTE ICELANDIC LODGE LOCATED NEAR THE ARCTIC CIRCLE

For honeymooners looking for an adventurous and remote honeymoon location, Eleven’s most unique property, Deplar Farm, offers guests unrivalled access to over 1,500 square miles of untouched mountain terrain in the Troll Peninsula, Northern Iceland. Away from the crowds of Southern Iceland Deplar Farm is the ideal location for couples who seek privacy and adventure, and offers honeymooners a unique holiday with Eleven Experience’s world-class in-house guides on hand to create the ultimate customized itinerary. Depending on the season, thrill-seeking honeymooners can try out heli-skiing before enjoying a deserted mountain champagne picnic on the summit, snowshoeing, ski-touring, hiking, mountain biking and horseback riding as well as fly fishing, whale watching, sea kayaking, surfing and trips to the geo thermal hot springs. At select times of the year, Deplar Farm is also the ideal place to see the spectacularly romantic and magical Northern Lights from the lodge’s geothermally heated outdoor / indoor swimming pool. After an action-packed day outdoors couples can retreat to the luxurious Deplar Farm which has 13 King Rooms and a range of world-class facilities; including an extensive wellness area (with treatments rooms, a sauna and jazuzzi). The Nordic inspired interiors are cosy and chic, with breathtaking views of the remote mountain landscapes from the floor to ceiling windows. Throughout their stay honeymooners will feast on local Icelandic delicacies cooked by the private chef and sample a delectable range of cocktails from the resident mixologist. There is also a library, pizza oven, entertainment room and two helicopter pads.

HOW: Rates at Deplar Farm start from $2,530 (£1,915) per room per night (based on 2 people sharing) this price includes full guide service, all gear necessary for activities, pre-arrival planning, daily housekeeping, all meals, minibar, house alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages and round-trip transfers to Akureyri Airport. www.elevenexperience.com 

THE ULTIMATE MULTI-CENTRE HONEYMOON ITINERARY FOR ALPHA EXPLORERS CANADA – ALASKA – HAWAII


Alaska launched as part of Scott Dunn’s portfolio in 2017 and has had big interest as an uber-adventure destination, offering exhilarating, romantic and out of this world experiences, including heli-skiiing and tours of the Arctic Circle on float planes. Canada remains a hot destination for 2018 so for newly-weds looking for an extraordinary multi-centre itinerary they can now combine Canada, Alaska and Hawaii. Perfect for nature lovers and adventurers, guests will explore the very best of all three destinations with a combination of inland, wildlife and ocean adventures. Guests will begin their journey in Vancouver staying at L’Hermitage – ideally located in the downtown area within easy reach of the city’s fantastic shopping and entertainment district and famed Granville Market – before heading to Anchorage in Alaska to discover the spectacular wildlife of the Denali National Park. Couples can spend a week on the lookout for bears, moose and caribou amongst the snow-capped peaks of America’s last frontier, staying at the charming Denali Backcountry Lodge. With no internet or phone signal at the lodge, honeymooners can completely disconnect from daily life and enjoy each other’s company whilst focusing on the breath-taking surrounding wildlife. After a day of exploring, couples can cosy up by the fire or enjoy some pampering in the The Nest Spa & Wellness Center. After a week of wilderness adventures in Alaska it’s onto Kona in Hawaii for five days of water based activities, staying at the Four Seasons Hualalai. Couples can learn how to paddle traditional outrigger canoes, go snorkelling, paddle-boarding, kayaking and deep-sea fishing as well as completely relax at this tropical paradise beach resort.

HOW: Scott Dunn offers a 13-night itinerary to Canada, Alaska and Hawaii from £13,500 per person based on a two sharing and includes international flights, transfers and a selection of excursions.

**SECLUSION**

TWIN BELIZE & GUATEMALA FOR A BEACH & JUNGLE HONEYMOON ESCAPE STAY ON FRANCIS FORD COPPOLA’S BRAND NEW PRIVATE ISLAND IN BELIZE & TAKE PART IN A REFORESTATION PROJECT IN GUATEMALA

Belize and Guatemala are hot destinations for 2018 with an array of new openings and improved flight links so travellers no longer need to overnight in Miami when travelling from the UK. In Placencia, the stunningly romantic beach destination on the southernmost tip of Belize, there are some fabulous new openings including Itz’ana, the sister property to Ka’ana in the jungle. Both of these high-end properties offer luxurious tailormade experiences for honeymooners, such as romantic island picnics, helicopter rides and sunset cruises. Another new opening is Coral Caye island, a beautiful, remote private island off the coast of Belize, part of the renowned Turtle Inn and owned by director turned hotelier Francis Ford Coppola. Couples can opt for a private butler during their stay who will dim the lights, cue the music and serve fine wines whilst couples dine on fresh seafood under the stars. In Guatemala, eco-minded couples can work alongside local charity, Global Visionaries, and help with reforestation projects near Antigua, whilst staying at the charming colonial mansion Posada del Angel. Perfect for couples seeking more than your average white sand beach, twinning Belize and Guatemala offers newly-weds a combination of Mayan culture, countless historic ancient ruins, wildlife rich jungles, stunning coral islands and the second largest barrier reef in the world.

HOW: Scott Dunn offers a 14-night itinerary to Guatemela and Belize from £5,500 per person. Includes private transfers, domestic and international flights, accommodation on a B&B basis with all meals and activities included at Coral Caye.

COMBINE THE INDIAN JUNGLE & A CASTAWAY ISLAND EXPERIENCE  WITH TAJ SAFARIS AND TAJ EXOTICA RESORT & SPA, ANDAMANS

With Meghan being a United Nations Women Ambassador and involved in the Myna Mahila Foundation, it is only fitting that the couple visit Taj Safaris and be guided by Ratna Singh – India’s first trained female naturalist and wildlife guide. Ideal for couples seeking seclusion, Taj’s safari lodges are hidden deep in Madhya Pradesh, where the untouched national parks offer a rural and peaceful atmosphere. Taj Safaris offer a journey through India’s first and only wildlife circuit, with decades of safari expertise, coupled with legendary Taj service – an unrivalled fusion of warm Indian hospitality, world-class service and modern luxury.  The collection’s four lodges throughout India’s lesser known reserves allow guests to experience the unparalleled beauty of the jungle – imbued with a uniquely Indian flavour – and spot rare wildlife including Star Birds, Sloth Bears and the Bengal Tiger. A standout lodge is Banjaar Tola, stretched across a 90-acre private estate overlooking Kanha National Park and aimed at protecting tigers and their ecosystems. This all-suite camp offers a lavish retreat in the heart of prime cat country, with indulgent tents and floating verandas perched on the banks of a tranquil river teaming with life. Honeymooners will feel a world away in the presence of such wildlife, with twice-daily jungle drives, walking safaris and sleep-outs on each suite’s unique ‘machan’ or private jungle rooftop.

Honeymooners can then combine this with a unique Andaman Islands escape, hidden between India and Myanmar and among some of the most stunning and secluded islands in the world.  Early next year, Taj will open up the destination’s first luxury resort on Havelock Island. The 75 villas will have state-of-the-art facilities, a private beach off which lies world-class snorkelling and scuba diving, fine dining, superior spa therapies and the world-famous hot- and cold-running Taj butlers to ensure there’s absolutely no trouble in paradise.

HOW: Ampersand Travel (www.ampersandtravel.com / 0207 819 9770) offers a 7-night Indian safari itinerary from £11,720 for a family of four. This includes three nights at Banjaar Tola and four nights at Baghvan on a full board basis, safari drives (subject to availability), international flights, transfers and ground handling. The Mowgli Trails are available for a £12 per night supplement. www.tajhotels.com

TROPICAL HONEYMOON PARADISE – ISOLATED ISLAND RETREAT AT SIX SENSES FIJI – SET TO OPEN SPRING 2018

The newest addition to Six Senses growing portfolio, Six Senses Fiji is set to open just in time for the Royal Wedding – Spring 2018. For honeymooners looking to experience something truly unique Six Senses Fiji will be located on the idyllic, volcanic island of Malolo amidst crystal waters, pale ivory sand and thick tropical forest. Couples can choose from 24 spacious pool villas and 66 residential villas along 650km of private beach – all offering the privacy, seclusion and luxury essential for a relaxing and romantic honeymoon, and for which Six Senses has become best known. Six Senses Fiji will also offer the pioneering sustainable practices that are so fundamental to the group’s ethos. 100% solar powered, it will be the first hotel of its kind in Fiji to function off Tesla batteries, with LED lighting to minimise energy expenditure and a careful reforestation programme designed to offset the environmental impact of construction. In true Six Senses style, the group’s new Fijian outpost will offer guests bespoke advice, care and treatments according to their hugely successful Integrated Wellness Programme: along with locally inspired cuisine sourced from the hotel’s own vegetable garden, farmers, markets and fishermen from the neighbouring community. The Six Senses team can arrange truly romantic and unique experiences for honeymooning couples, including an incredible sunset cruise on board Six Senses own catamaran. Alternatively, couples can island hop until they find the perfect deserted island to enjoy a picnic on the sand and snorkelling in the crystal blue water. For those who don’t want to leave the comfort of their villa, your GEM (Guest Experience Maker) can arrange a private sunset BBQ or a romantic candlelit dinner with views of the ocean.

HOW: Six Senses Fiji is slated to open in Spring 2018.  Easy access is available from Nadi International Airport, a 30-minute journey by boat from Denaadaru Marina, 30-minute helicopter flight or 20-minute seaplane flight.www.sixsenses.com

DOSE UP ON VITAMIN D AT THE ELEGANT AND UNDERSTATED HOTEL ESENCIA – LOCATED ON MEXICO’S PRISTINE CARIBBEAN COAST – WITH BRAND-NEW SUITES RIGHT ON THE BEACH IT IS THE ULTIMATE SECLUDED GETAWAY ON THE RIVIERA MAYA

Set along the unspoiled ivory sands of the Riviera Maya, Hotel Esencia was originally built as the private hideaway of an Italian duchess on Mexico’s Caribbean coast.  The intimate 40-room-and-suite retreat is located on a private 50-acre estate surrounded by Mayan jungle, offering privacy and seclusion amidst a verdant and tropical beachside setting.  Hotel Esencia’s beach, Xpu-Ha, is considered the finest on this 180km stretch of Caribbean coastline and, protected by the Mesoamerican Reef, the sea is calmer here than the rest of the coast – making for magical snorkels and swims for curious honeymooners.  Under the ownership of American entrepreneur and award-winning TV producer, Kevin Wendle, and still fresh from a major refurbishment, Hotel Esencia is the perfect blend of European and local influences.  The property is steeped in character, charm and heritage and provides a beautiful backdrop for unforgettable honeymoons and momentous trips.  Situated squarely between Tulum and Playa del Carmen, Mayan Pyramids, underground cenotes and some of the Riviera’s best nightlife are all only 20 minutes away.  For an adventure mere steps off the hotel’s beach, there is a reef sanctuary for sea turtles and colorful exotic fish – one of the region’s best kept secrets.  Having acquired 10 acres of beach, the hotel launched 11 new suites just this month – including exclusive six Beach Suites right on the beach – as well as a new tropical Peruvian restaurant from internationally acclaimed Chef Dimitris Katrivesis.  Each room and suite boasts a private terrace and seating area with views of either the luxuriant gardens or the Caribbean Sea.  Two large pools offer guests the perfect opportunity to cool off and unwind on the sun loungers surrounded by lush foliage, and at the end of the gardens is Hotel Esencia’s health club located under a thatched palapa overlooking the cenote, fully equipped with Technogym facilities, a Pilates reformer and the finest private trainers.  Those who wish to sit back and relax can take advantage of sunrise yoga on Hotel Esencia’s secluded beach.  The organic spa creates tailor made restorative programmes using the purest ingredients harvested from the waters of the Caribbean and soil from the Mayan jungle.  Aroma Spa offers a selection of body and healing treatments including massages, skin renewal, reflexology and Reiki.
HOW: Rates at Hotel Esencia start from $615 (approx. £475) per night in a Jungle Suite, based on two people sharing on a room-only basis.  This rate is subject to 19% tax and 10% service. www.hotelesencia.com