Your London Wedding - Sep/Oct 2019 (Issue 67)

From the last dance to the honeymoon, our experts are on hand to solve your wedding woes HOT TOPIC Just married LOST IN PARADISE We’re looking at honeymoon options for the spring and, honestly, we can’t decide. Where do you suggest? Kimberley says: Romantic tropical surroundings can be found all over the world but it’s the warmth of the people and tranquil atmosphere of The Bahamas that really sets the islands apart from other destinations. Honeymoon like a rock star and discover that it’s not only the famous pink sand beaches, crystal clear ocean and fabulous water sports, nor getting down with the locals over some great island food, that has even Lenny Kravitz waxing lyrical about this destination, it’s sharing the Bahamian warmth and sense of fun that makes this place really special. A great way to experience the island hospitality is through a People-to-People experience. Local volunteers show you their Bahamas and what makes it special for them. Bahamians love food and meeting new people and their hospitality may involve cooking you dinner at their home, taking you on a tour of some local interest or simply sitting down with you for a chat over a glass of something long and chilled. The Bahamas is a place to make lasting memories, not only for rock stars but for every visitor. Meet the experts: Kimberley Greenslade is senior manager, Europe at the Bahamas Tourist Office, London. Bahamas Tourist Office | bahamas.com 020 7355 0800 THESE ARE THE BEST DAYS OF OUR LIFE We’re considering a trip to the Seychelles for our honeymoon – can you suggest a romantic itinerary for newlyweds? Christine says: When in Seychelles for a honeymoon, the stage is set for some of the most romantic days of your life beneath swaying palms, alongside crystal waters fringed by the silver-soft sands of some of the most beautiful beaches in the world. This is a place to do as little or as much as you like, either kicking back to enjoy some of the finest sun, sea and sand on earth or indulging in some world-class diving, sailing and cruising, sport fishing, trekking, golf, spa treatments, zip-lining and horse riding, along with a host of other activities to share. From Mahé, principal island of the Seychelles, the nation’s islands extend 1,000km in a glittering arc towards the east coast of Africa. Spend your days lazily island hopping between the 115 islands, discovering each one’s individual charm. Quietly stroll the Vallée de Mai on Praslin island where the legendary coco de mer nut grows high on ancient palms. Dine tête-à-tête with your feet in the sand on uncrowded beaches or try your hand at dancing to the sensuous rhythms of the moutia, ancient dance of slaves, danced by beach bonfire beneath a lover’s moon. Visit the island of La Digue where time stands still and bicycles and the ox-cart hold sway on the pathways to the dream beaches of Grand Anse and Source D’Argent. Alternatively, simply lay back and watch the days and nights slip ever so slowly by from within the luxurious cocoon of a dream outer island getaway. Meet the experts: Christine Vel is the director of the Seychelles Tourist Office – UK & Ireland. Seychelles Tourist Office | seychelles.travel 020 7730 0700 116