Your North East Wedding - Mar/Apr 2020 (Issue 37)

Travel editor Hannah Faulder reveals her top honeymoon destination picks and travel essentials News PICTURE-PERFECT PARADISE The private Maldivian-owned boutique island resort of Baros has won the title of World’s Most Romantic Resort for the seventh consecutive time at the annual World Travel Awards. Voted for by industry professionals and travellers from across the globe, it certifies its places as one of the top honeymoon destinations. General manager Ibrahim Shijah says, “This award maintains Baros’ status as a Maldivian legend and furthers the significant impact of the resort within the international luxury market around the world.” To highlight its romantic offerings, the resort has launched its Romantic Moments package. Including a private candlelit beach dinner, a couple’s massage and a spectacular sunset cruise, it makes the ultimate honeymoon retreat. Visit baros.com A WILD MINI-MOON You can journey across South America, Asia and Africa at Kent’s authentic safari park Port Lympne Hotel & Reserve. We love that guests can now enjoy some peace and tranquility under the stars in The Bubble, a 180-degree panoramic lodge with stunning views across the 600-acre reserve. Couples can also take their romance to new heights with a once-in-a-lifetime hot-air balloon ride over Port Lympne and the surrounding countryside. After a day exploring the reserve, why not enjoy a romantic dinner at its Moroccan Courtyard or Bear Lodge Restaurant before heading back to your quirky accommodation. For more information, head to aspinallfoundation.org HONEYMOON HOT HOTEL OPENING FOR 2020 I love a short-haul flight, so MarBella Collection’s MarBella Elix on mainland Greece is a 2020 hotel opening I’m very excited about. The third hotel to join the portfolio and the first outside of Corfu, it will be perched above the beautiful Karavostasi Beach in the Parga region, looking west towards Corfu and Paxos. Couples arriving after the June 2020 launch will be able to marvel at the outstanding natural beauty, the inviting golden coastline and crystal- clear waters. Within an hour’s drive of Preveza Airport, the hotel can also arrange boat transfers from Corfu, which is ideal for those looking to twin with the MarBella Collection’s two properties on the Ionian island. Book your honeymoon here, and you can expect luxurious accommodation, incredible scenery, exhilarating activities and delicious dining. Check out marbellacollection.gr A classic case Anyone else loving the 2020 Pantone Colour of the Year Classic Blue? It’s evocative of vast skies and deep blue waters so it’s ideal for travelling, and Away have hit the nail on the head with its limited edition Colour of the Year Collection. See the range at awaytravel.com 88