An Essex Wedding - Nov/Dec 2019 (Issue 89)

HONEYMOON From a floating champagne breakfast in the Maldives to a twin-centre European city break, Demelza Rayner highlights some top honeymoon experiences News FIND HONEYMOON HEAVEN IN MOZAMBIQUE Adventurous newlyweds seeking memories to last a lifetime need look no further than the award-winning luxury island holidays available through Azura Retreats. In addition to upgraded honeymoon experiences, such as a romantic outdoor baobab bath or candlelit beach dinner, couples can now take advantage of half-price accommodation and activities with the reinvented Honeymoon Heaven package. These are available at both Indian Ocean properties, Azura Quilalea Private Island and Azura Benguerra, with its deserted beaches of pure white sand. Find out more at azura-retreats.com SUNNY SIDE UP If you’ve never experienced the decadence of a floating breakfast, then where better to try it for the first time than Dusit Thani Maldives? Offered in the privacy of its pools, with a choice of champagne or soft drinks, it’s the perfect way to toast your honeymoon. Find out more about this luxurious resort on Mudhdhoo Island in Baa Atoll – the Maldives’ first and only UNESCO World Biosphere Reserve – by visiting dusit.com EAT HERE… LOS ANGELES’ ART DECO HOTEL SHANGRI-LA HAS FURTHER ELEVATED ITS CULINARY EXCELLENCE WITH THE LAUNCH OF ITS GLAMOROUS NEW INTIMATE ROOFTOP DINING SPACE – TERRACE AT ONYX – IN CELEBRATION OF ITS 80TH ANNIVERSARY. BOASTING UNDISRUPTED VIEWS OF THE PACIFIC OCEAN AND SANTA MONICA’S CITY SKYLINE, IT IS THE LATEST ADDITION TO THE STRIKING PORTFOLIO OF OFFERINGS AT THE HOTEL. BOOK AT SHANGRILA-HOTEL.COM MAKE A DIFFERENCE Located on the pristine East Coast of Peninsular Malaysia, Tanjong Jara Resort offers honeymooners a genuine turtle conservation experience. Couples have the opportunity to adopt a turtle nest, take part in nest inspections and regular beach cleans, minimising the rubbish entering the ocean. The eco-conscious can enjoy the beauty of Malaysia, as well as giving back to the local environment. Nightly rates start from £270. Find out more at tanjongjararesort.com UNDERWATER LOVE Discover the stunning marine life surrounding Pimalai Resort and Spa with the Thai resort’s new scuba diving programme. From November to December and February to May, whale shark sightings are most frequent. The presence of these gentle giants is declining in many of Thailand’s more established dive spots, however sightings around Koh Haa are a more regular occurrence. The resort boasts breathtaking views over the Andaman Coast and is ideal for newlyweds seeking unrefined luxury. The Scuba Diving in Koh Haa four-day, three-night package includes accommodation, daily breakfasts, one three-course a-la-carte dinner, two dives and all equipment as well as the National Marine Park entry fee. Prices start at £1,088. Find out more at pimalai.com 113 HONEYMOON NEWS 113