WINTER HONEYMOONS MADE IN HEAVEN
For many couples a honeymoon is regarded as the most important holiday they will ever book, and where to go is way up high on the priority list. Classic honeymoon destinations such as luxury all-inclusive in the Maldives or Kenyan safaris will continue to have unfaltering appeal but being that little bit more adventurous can open up a whole new world of options. As more couples are getting married during the winter months, more seasonal destination choices can be discovered. If you are short of time substitute a stay in Venice or Paris with a short ski break to Arosa, swap a Kenyan safari with a Swedish Arctic adventure and if you need sunshine as well as snow opt for one of the ultimate combinations such as Aspen and Barbados or Whistler and Hawaii. Take a look further at some of the options offered by tailor-made ski specialist Ski Safari:
ALPINE BLISS IN AROSA
Blessed with stunning panoramic views, the Swiss resort of Arosa makes a perfect honeymoon getaway for those short of time. Home to one of the most superb spas, the 5*+ Tschuggen Grand provides all the ingredients needed to help you truly relax after your wedding, with a comprehensive spa menu, an outdoor relaxation pool, a meditation room, a chill-out lounge with fireplace and its own private gondola up the mountain. The big news in Arosa this season is the new gondola link connecting the resorts of Arosa and Lenzerheide, giving an overall new combined skiing area of 225km and in doing so making it one of the largest ski areas in Switzerland.
How much?
This exclusive offer for Ski Safari customers offers a stay of 4 nights and you only pay for 3 nights. 4 nights B&B at the 5* Tschuggen Grand in Arosa starts from £895 per person, based on 2 sharing and including SWISS flights and 2nd class rail/bus transfers. Valid on selected dates through to April 2014, excluding 22nd Dec 2013 – 9th Jan 2014.
SWEDISH ARCTIC SAFARI
If you want to push the boundaries further, then a 10 night Åre and the Arctic adventure will satiate most appetites hungry for adventure and offers one of the most magical Northern Lights experiences. This trip of a lifetime begins in Åre, Scandinavia’s premier mountain resort, where passionate winter sports enthusiasts can ease their way in gently with a few days skiing. After a couple of days take the overnight sleeper train 200km north of the Arctic circle to Riksgränsen, the world’s northernmost ski destination and one of the best places to see the Northern Lights. Inspiring scenery and incredible snow coupled with immense heli-skiing terrain, the size of Holland, pushes Riksgränsen to the top of the must-ski list. After heli-skiing, the next overnight adventure stop is at the original Swedish ICEHOTEL, where you can try a few new experiences such as ice sculpting, snowmobiling, ice carving or reindeer sledding.
How much?
A 10 night holiday starts from £1699 per person, including B&B accommodation in 3* and 4* properties, flights and transfers. To upgrade and stay at the 5*Copper Mountain Lodge in Åre and the 4* Meteorologen Lodge in Riksgränsen starts from £2198 per person, including flights and transfers.
SKI & SUN – WHISTLER AND HAWAII
If you can’t decide between a winter honeymoon on the slopes or relaxing in the sunshine by the beach then a Ski & Sun honeymoon offers the best of both worlds. Ski Safari’s most popular combination is Whistler and Hawaii. Undeniably a must-ski resort thanks to its awesome skiing terrain, Whistler also boasts superior accommodation and an energetic village vibe. As honeymoons tend to be booked as soon as the wedding date is set couples can benefit from some fantastic early booking offers available until August and further discounts until mid-November, with up to 70% off in luxury hotels such as the Four Seasons. Swap the crisp mountain air and white snow for the white sandy beaches and tropical sunshine of Hawaii. The second largest of the Hawaiian Islands, Maui is known to locals as ‘no ka oi’ (the best) and it is easy to understand why. There can be few better places to soak up the sunshine and relax but equally more energetic honeymooners can discover a host of activities, including surfing, windsurfing, kitesurfing, diving, snorkelling, hiking, whale watching and more.
How much?
A 14 night package starts from £2150 per person, including accommodation in 4* hotels, flights and transfers. To upgrade to luxury hotels starts from £2595 per person staying at the 5* Four Seasons in Whistler and the 5* Hyatt Regency in Maui.
UTAH AND LAS VEGAS SAFARI
For couples with a sense of fun and a spirit of adventure, the Utah and Las Vegas Safari offers one of the best value honeymoon packages. The diversity offered on this trip is what makes it such a unique and memorable choice, combining some of the best skiing and boarding in Utah with a sensational road trip through the US national parks, before rounding off with a couple of nights in Las Vegas. Spend your first few days of married life exploring the vast terrain and amazing snow conditions of Park City, Deer Valley and Canyons, all available on one ski pass. Next embark on a road trip spending a few nights split between Bryce Canyon and Zion National Park and witness the vast geological difference between the two. Travelling in winter time makes the scenery even more dramatic with snow contrasting with the red of the hoodoo rock and the green of the pine trees. The weather gets warmer as you head south to Las Vegas and there are added adventures to try such as a drive through Monument Valley, mountain biking in Moab or a helicopter flight over the Grand Canyon.
How much?
A 14 night package starts from £1325 per person, including accommodation in 3* hotels, flights and transfers. To upgrade to luxury hotels starts from £2750 per person staying at the 5* Hotel Park City in a Cottage Suite with private hot-tub and 5* The Aria in Las Vegas, and the 3* Best Western in Bryce Canyon and 4* Cable Mountain Lodge in Zion.
COLORADO AND THE CARIBBEAN – Aspen and Barbados
The Caribbean is up there as one of the most popular honeymoon destinations and combining it with a ski break in Colorado creates an added twist. For the ultimate in big name resorts, start in Aspen, where all superlatives combine together to create a superpower that few resorts can match. This world-famous resort is one of the most attractive in Colorado, offering some of America’s most luxurious accommodation in Aspen town. After living it up in Aspen add a bit of contrast to your honeymoon and spend some time on one of the Caribbean’s most popular islands, laid-back Barbados. With winter temperatures averaging 25°C there will be plenty of time to relax in the crystal clear waters and on the beautiful sandy beaches.
How much?
A 14 night package starts from £2150 per person, including accommodation in 4* hotels, flights and transfers. To upgrade to luxury hotels starts from £3150 per person staying at the 5* Hotel Jerome in Aspen and the 5* Hilton Barbados Resort in Barbados.
POWDER HIGHWAY
If you love powder skiing as much as you love each other then a honeymoon down the Powder Highway is a sure way to guarantee a marriage made in heaven. This Safari takes in the resorts of Kicking Horse, Revelstoke, Lake Louise and Banff. As one of British Columbia’s most unique ski resorts, Kicking Horse has some incredible terrain that will test even the most committed skiers and boarders to their limits. Meanwhile Revelstoke is one of the only resorts in the world where you can lift-ski, cat-ski and heli-ski from the same base area and boasts some of the best tree skiing and awesome steeps. With its spectacular scenery, perfectly groomed pistes and variety of terrain, complete your honeymoon with a classic town stay in Banff or Lake Louise.
How much?
A 14 night Ski Safari starts from £1449 per person based on 2 adults, including accommodation, direct flights and hire of an SUV. To upgrade to – luxury hotels, starts from £2169 per person staying at the 4+ Copper Horse Lodge in Kicking Horse, the 4+ Sutton Place in Revelstoke and the 5* Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise.
HONEYFUND
If you’ve lived together for some time and have all the pots and pans you need then why not consider setting up a Honeyfund as an alternative wedding gift list so your guests can kindly contribute to your honeymoon? Simply click on the link to wedding website, Honeyfund, and follow the steps to publish your very own Ski Safari honeymoon gift list website: skisafari.honeyfund.co.uk