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In Celebs

PICTURES: Joe Jonas and Sophie Turner’s romantic honeymoon

July 16, 2019 No Comments

Joe Jonas and Sophie Turner are luxuriating in the Maldives for their honeymoon after their second wedding. The couple were first wed in an impromptu Vegas-style ceremony on May 1 2019, the same day as the Billboard Music Awards. They made a little elopement to a chapel, and the ceremony was officiated by an Elvis Presley impersonator.

On June 29, the two had another wedding – this time planned and a little more conventional – and tied the knot again, in front of family and friends. The romantic ceremony was held in a picturesque chateau in the south of France. Sophie wore a beautiful Nicholas Ghesquière wedding gown from Louis Vuitton. The beautiful silk and lace dress included an open back, traditional veil, plunge line neck and lace sleeves. Joe opted for a Berluti, black tuxedo designed by Kris Van Assche.

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Mr and Mrs Jonas ? @corbingurkin

A post shared by J O E J O N A S (@joejonas) on Jul 3, 2019 at 8:34pm PDT

The details are kept to a minimum though, as Sophie stated that she wanted to keep things private.

After a wedding for the books, of course, comes the intimate honeymoon. The (kind-of) newlyweds are enjoying their honeymoon at one of the Soneva Fushi beachfront villas on Kunfunadhoo Island.

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I found happiness. ??♥️#discoversoneva

A post shared by J O E J O N A S (@joejonas) on Jul 14, 2019 at 5:15am PDT

The lovebirds seem to be relaxed and having fun as they eat sushi and have a game of chess with the ocean 10 steps away, floating above the sea in a floor hammock. Sounds like heaven.

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Paradise ☀️?✨ such a magical place #discoversoneva

A post shared by Sophie Turner (@sophiet) on Jul 14, 2019 at 5:07am PDT

The scenic and charming villas cost anything between R19 000 – R386 900. A small price to pay for happiness, we suppose?

Picture: Unsplash

In Advice

Affordable honeymoon destinations

May 6, 2019 No Comments

Planning an international honeymoon on a budget? Don’t fret. There are so many incredible travel destinations rich in culture and experiences that won’t break the bank either.

As a newlywed, you definitely don’t want to start off your life together in debt. But, if you are still determined to go overseas for a romantic getaway, these destinations will have you feeling the love without clutching your wallet tight.

Another plus: all of these destinations are visa-free for South Africans, saving you quite a few bucks on paperwork!

Bali, Indonesia

Bali has been trending for years, and it is clear to see why. With beautiful beaches, bustling nightlife and culture around every corner, there is something for everyone.

Because Bali is such a popular tourist destination, there are always travel packages being offered. Many travel businesses offer week long packages for between R10 000-R20 000 per person sharing. The packages are generally all inclusive, making it an excellent deal. The best part? After nearly two years of being shut to tourists, the Island of the Gods is officially open to everyone.

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Phuket, Thailand

Enrich yourself culturally in this beautiful Asian country. Whether you’re looking for big city life or a relaxed island-hopping getaway, Thailand is your one stop shop. Phuket is the country’s largest island, offering tropical views and lively entertainment.

You can easily find amazing package deals from R9 000- R18 ooo per person sharing at 2, 3 and 4 star hotels.

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Mombasa, Kenya

Combine beach and safari in this beautiful African country. Kenya’s largest port and second most populous city is steeped in history. History fans will love exploring the UNESCO World Heritage site Fort Jesus, and the more activity-based couples will revel in water sports in the Mombasa Marine National Park. Of course, you can also just relax at one of their beautiful beaches.

You can find great 4-night stays ranging from R14 000 – R20 000 per person sharing.

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Zanzibar, Tanzania

The island of Zanzibar is renowned for its laid-back luxury and picture-perfect views. This beachy destination also offers activities to suit every style and budget. An excellent plan of action is to visit one of Tanzania’s popular game reserves before settling down in Zanzibar for surf and sun.

A week-long honeymoon can often run between R10 000-R15 000 per person sharing, including flights and accommodation.

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Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

The largest South American country offers rugged landscapes, dense jungles and pristine beaches. Rio de Janeiro is the more cosmopolitan Brazilian city, making it perfect for honeymooners wanting modern culture.

3-5 day package deals to this festive destination usually range between R14 000 – R25 000 including flights and 3-star accommodation.

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Cairo, Egypt

Okay, hear us out. While the bustling streets of Cairo don’t exactly scream honeymoon destination, it’s a great affordable destination for history buffs looking to brush up on their knowledge of ancient Egypt. Explore the pyramids and meander through alleyways as negotiated with street vendors, Egypt is a beautiful destination if you’re looking to get to know North African culture.

8 Day packages often range between R22 000 – R24 000.

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Image: Unsplash

In Advice

Spend your honeymoon relaxing in the luxury of Rhino Ridge Safari Lodge

April 12, 2019 No Comments

Take a trip into the wild with Rhino Ridge Safari Lodge for a glamorous honeymoon stay. With endless activities and luxurious amenities, this spot is the perfect destination for keen adventurers and those looking for an intimate escape.

THE VENUE

A mere 1.5 hours from Richards Bay lies Africa’s oldest game reserve, Hluhluwe iMfolozi Park, with its singular game lodge, Rhino Ridge Safari Lodge. This 4-star accommodation sits privately in the expansive reserve and in the middle of Big 5 territory, making it the ideal getaway for couples. Besides taking pride in their excellent service, Rhino Ridge fulfils its duty as part of the Isibindi Africa Lodge group to protect and preserve the natural surrounds and species present in the game reserve, as well as uplift the local community of Mpembeni.

THE ROOMS

With only four room types to choose from and 36 beds in total, Rhino Ridge provides an exclusive and intimate stay. The honeymoon villas at Rhino Ridge Safari Lodge are what dreams are made of. Nestled in indigenous bush and secluded from the rest of the reserve so you have your privacy, each villa overlooks the expansive wilderness and boasts a private plunge pool for you to take a dip at your leisure. There are also eight luxury bush villas, four safari rooms and two safari family suites to stay in.

THE FOOD

Meals are enjoyed in the main lounge, which showcases breathtaking views of the bush, sunsets and starry skies. Indulge in an array of cocktails and local dishes on the terrace, or sip on one of your favourite South African wines by the fire pit. All the meals are freshly made from local produce and cater to all dietary requirements.

THE ACTIVITIES

Apart from the main lodge, Rhino Ridge has its own private spa with organic treatments designed to promote health, wellness and, of course, relaxation. While you unwind for a massage, you can look out at some incredible views of the reserve. When it comes to adventurous activities, the lodge offers game drives twice a day and guided bush walks on request. You can also enjoy a Zulu cultural experience with visits to the local Mpembeni community, or browse the fascinating items in the Centenary Capture Centre and Museum.

For more information, head to rhinoridge.co.za.

Images: Rhino Ridge / rhinoridge.co.za

In Destination

Experience Island Bliss On A Mozambique Honeymoon

April 7, 2015 No Comments

I bet we all daydream about a honeymoon suite with all the trimmings you see in the movies: petals strewn across a four-poster bed, Champagne chilling on ice, romantic dinners on a rooftop terrace…

Well, imagine no more. There’s no need to travel to the other end of the planet to experience the shmanciness of a luxury honeymoon, especially when our friendly neighbour Mozambique pulls out all the stops just as well.

Stress-proof paradise

Ibo Island Lodge, in particular, has it all under control when it comes to pulling together your seamless honeymoon experience. They’ll take care of everything from your travel arrangements to and from the resort, to your daily boat excursions and historical tours.

Wedding Album | Mozambique honeymoon — Dhow cruising

Smooth cruising

Honeymooners can enjoy a seven-night package at the lodge, which includes all meals daily as well as a traditional Ibo massage for the blushing bride.

Just to make it that much more special, the tailored extras include a three-course romantic dinner for the two of you in the lodge’s garden; and, if you’re feeling up to a bit of sailing on the clear waters around the Quirimbas Archipelago, the resort offers both traditional dhow safaris as well as kayak safaris for the more adventurous.

Immerse the senses

The archipelago is home to a rich array of historical sites, which means hours of taking in the sights, flavours and sounds of the area for you and your hubby.

Colonial architecture tells a story of years gone by, allowing couples to get lost in another era. Of course, exploring such a vibrant culture is a great learning experience that both of you will enjoy as you interact with locals and dig in to the delicious cuisine.

Down to the details

Ibo Island Lodge’s honeymoon package also comes in a five-night version, but taking the seven-night package gives your groom a free night at the lodge. The cherry on top, whichever option you choose, is that the bride stays at half price!

Fore more information, visit iboisland.com or Mozambique’s tourism hub, mozambiquetourism.co.za.

Photography Courtesy

In Accessories

Honeymoon roadtripping

July 15, 2014 No Comments

There’s nothing quite like the feeling of freedom from the open road – and there’s no one better to do it with than your new spouse. Just married, bound to adventure with great tunes and blissful conversation, we can’t think of anything better. If you’re choosing to take a roadtrip for your honeymoon, keep these few things in mind.

Avoid break downs and break outs

Before you embark, make sure your car is serviced – especially filters, fluid levels, and belts, and of course the oil and water. Check your tire pressure and the condition of your wiper blades, turn signals, brake lights, and high and low beams. Examine your tire treads and make sure your car is prepared for any kind of weather. Importantly, recharge the air conditioner – you don’t want the African sun to get the better of your trip.

Clean up, stock up

There’s no better way to start the journey than in a fresh, newly cleaned car. Have a fun car wash together before you leave. Stock up on padkos and lots of water, bearing in mind that it’ll be cheaper to buy from a grocery store than at convenience stops. Pile in blankets and pillows in case one of you needs to get some shut eye. Finally, pack an emergency kit, including a battery-powered radio and extra batteries, flashlight, jumper cables, first aid kit, spare tire, tire repair kit and pump, and flares. TIA after all.

If you’re renting

If you are renting, agencies like Hertz, Avis, Budget and Thrifty have lots of locations. Look out for rental deals (often in conjunction with booking a hotel and flight).

If you need to rent a car abroad, you’ll need to get an international driving permit (IDP) at your local AA. Click here to apply for your IDP. If you’re renting a car overseas, keep in mind that most models come with a manual transmission. If you’re used to automatic, call and book an automatic well in advance and be prepared to pay more. If you book online, print out a copy of your confirmation number and all the particulars.

Are We There Yet?

Planning for the time spent in the car together can be just as important as packing your essentials. The last thing you want is to ruin your romantic adventure with road trip boredom, so prepare some on-road entertainment. Include games and music, or even a few audio books. If you find yourself in a lull during your journey, here are some highway hints to keep the long drive interesting.

Car games They’re not just for kids! No road trip is complete without a round of ‘I spy’ or ‘the license plate game.’
Story time Instead of curling up in a corner and reading to yourself, share the story and read aloud.
Create an on-the-road scrapbook Take pictures of the funny sites you see from the car window.
Tunes for the trail If you’re addicted to your iPod, buy an FM transmitter to play your collection through your car radio. The Griffins iTrip will ensure you won’t be without your favorite tunes.

Adapted from The Knot