• As a bride, your wedding dress is your choice. Many of today’s brides follow the ‘bigger is better’ motto. Gowns are glamorously adorned with beads, feathers, tulle and lace to create a dramatic and dynamic finish. But many others are more attracted to the simple side of life.

    If you’re not one for flounces and fancies, a minimalist dress might just be the one for you. Clean lines and simplistic designs allow focus to be on the bride rather than the outfit.

    Take inspiration from these understated yet bold gowns.

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    Image: Unsplash

    An island getaway is possibly the perfect choice for a honeymoon. Some time by the beach is exactly what you need after months of wedding planning and organisation. Zanzibar provides you with exactly that. But, it also offers much more than just beaches to relax at. The island has rich history, amazing natural beauty, and comes with various attractions. Here are some of the top honeymoon activities in Zanzibar.

    Enjoy a Rooftop Restaurant Dinner

    At the rooftop restaurant, Emerson on Hurumzi, you can enjoy one of the best views of the sun setting over the sea as you have your dinner. The rooftop is one of the highest in Stone Town and thus provides a nearly unmatchable view. You’ll also be treated with live entertainment in the form of Taraab music which is a genre that is popular in Tanzania and Kenya. It is best to book in advance, because this restaurant really draws in the crowds. However, if you don’t get a spot here, they also have a sister restaurant called the Tea House Restaurant, which is very similar.

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    Explore Stone Town 

    A tour through Stone Town will expose you to the culture of Zanzibar. You’ll walk through the market where everything from spices to paintings and jewellery are on sale. On the tour you’ll also visit the house that Freddie Mercury grew up in the Old Fort, St Josephs Cathedral and more. If history interests you, this is the perfect way to spend a day.

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    Be with the butterflies 

    At the Zanzibar Butterfly Centre, one of the largest of its kind in Africa, you’ll see beautiful tropical gardens filled with thousands of native butterflies. Not only is this a unique experience, but it is also educational and interactive. The butterfly centre is also a great place to take some honeymoon photographs.

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    Take a dhow cruise

    The cruise shows you the sunset in a way you’ve never seen before. Before that, however, most of the cruises available will take you to view (from the dhow) the Menai Bay Conservation Area and various other islands.  You’ll also be treated to lunch.

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    Go to Prison Island

    It may sound unpleasant by it’s name, but it is totally the opposite. At Prison Island you can learn more about the history of Zanzibar, you can interact with and feed the giant tortoises, and you can go swimming or snorkelling. Only a short boat trip from the main island, Prison Island is a great adventure to take with your partner.

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    Take a cooking class 

    Food in Zanzibar is tremendously unique. On top of that, the island is very well known for its spices. Taking a cooking class together would not only leave you with some tricks to take to the kitchen at home, but it will be a romantic experience you’ll never forget. As we all know, food is the easiest way to win (or keep) someones heart.

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    Visit the restaurant on a Rock 

    One of the most distinctive restaurants you’ll ever see, The Rock Restaurant, is a top attraction for anybody visiting Zanzibar. While their food, including jumbo prawns and crab spaghetti, is great – it is the venue itself which sparks the interest in visitors. Located on a rock in the ocean, the dining experience is sure to be unforgettable.

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    Bounce from beach to beach 

    Zanzibar is home to a wide variety of beaches including, Kendwa Beach, Jambiani Beach, Paje Beach, Nungwi Beach, Kiwengwa Beach and more! You’ll have so many to choose from, you won’t know where to start. Each one is stunning with crystal blue waters. Try to visit as many as you can before your island honeymoon ends, it will be worth it!

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    In recent years, South Africans have flocked to Bali to bask in its beauty. Bali has become a go-to destination for honeymoons and it’s not difficult to see why. With picturesque landscapes, stunning beaches for swimming, surfing and a one-of-a-kind culture, Bali holds endless opportunities for fun and romantic honeymoon activities. Here are some that are not to be missed.

    Watch the sunset at Uluwatu Temple 

    There is nothing that says romance better than a sunset. Standing at the temple, with a drink in hand, staring out at the vast sea and setting sun will surely be a fond memory.

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    Have a candle-lit dinner at Swept Away Restaurant (The Samaya Ubud)

    Like a scene from a movie, Swept Away Restaurant offers you a candle-lit dinner by the river. A six course menu and your pick of wine tops off the experience.

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    Visit The Gates of Heaven at Lempuyang Temple

    If you want to get some amazing snapshots for your honeymoon photo album, this is where you’ll get them. The temple is located in the East of Bali, just over 2 hours away from Ubud. There are also other temples inside, which makes for a day of sightseeing and exploring.

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    Stroll through Balai Gili 

    The ‘water palace’ garden is sure to leave you in awe. You can have a romantic picnic and watch the fish in the water, then take a walk through the garden and admire the scenery.

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    Take a dip at one of the many waterfalls 

    Bali is home to a multitude of waterfalls, there are so many to choose from; there is the Tegenungan waterfall, the Git Git Waterfall, and the Sekumpul Waterfall, to name a few. Swimming seems so much more romantic and adventurous when there is a waterfall involved.

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    Explore the Rice Terraces 

    It may not sound like much, but when you finally catch a glimpse of the rice fields you will be in awe of its beauty. You can walk through the steep rice fields and build up an appetite, then have some lunch and continue staring in admiration.

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    Get on top of the world at the Kamandalu Swing

    Unforgettable views and a sense of adventure and excitement is what you’ll get from visiting the Kamandalu Swing. While the most of the other famous swings in Bali only take one person at a time, this tandem swing accommodates two people which makes it the perfect one for a honeymoon activity. It has also become one of the top Instagram spots in Bali, if you’re looking to add some amazing shots to your feed.

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    Go horseback riding on the beach 

    You can have a 2 hour long horseback ride on the beach with The Bali Equestrian Centre. Along the way you’ll see not only the beach, but also various temples and villages and you may even cross a creek or two. You’ll be escorted by an expert.

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    Go scuba diving or snorkeling 

    There are quite a few locations where you could go snorkeling or scuba diving, but at Tulamben you can see a US liberty Ship Wreck and catch a glimpse of the coral fish at the same time. History and adventure all in go.

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    Visit the Marigold Fields

    The marigold is a significant part of culture in Bali. Its striking colour is commonly associated with the Supreme Balinese God. You can pay a visit to the marigold fields and enjoy the view.  This is yet another destination in Bali that makes for a great photo opportunity too.

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    Glamorous and sensual, the one-shoulder gown is perfect for the bride wanting to make a statement. Go understated with a simplistic silhouette or bold with a beaded beauty.

    Take inspiration from these gorgeous gowns:

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