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5 Honeymoon destinations that will make you fall in love with Africa

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If you’re looking for a dreamy honeymoon destination, try taking a peek in your own backyard.

The glittering sands of the South of France, or the azure-blue waters of Mexico may hold a certain kind of magic for newlyweds, but the continent of Africa offers its own bit of adventurous magic just waiting to be explored.

Here are five unbelievable honeymoon destinations, right here in Africa, that will leave you mesmerised by the abundance of natural beauty:

Morocco

Relax on the white sandy beaches of Casablanca or meander through the bustling streets of Marrakech, the North African country of Morocco is bursting with incredible destinations to suit every honeymooner’s palette.

Picture: The Blonde Abroad

Kenya

Adventure awaits when choosing Kenya as your honeymoon destination. This African country has a little something for everyone, including the skyscrapers of Nairobi, the famous Masai Mara for a safari, and the dazzling beach of Mombasa. What’s better than enjoying a safari in the AM and a swim in the ocean in the PM.

Picture: Pinterest

Tanzania

Tanzania is another versatile honeymoon destination that newlyweds can’t seem to get enough of. Get your hearts pumping with a hike to the edge of the vast Ngorongoro Crater or explore the historic Stone Town.

Picture: Africa Freak

Zimbabwe

Zimbabwe often gets a bad rep, but there’s endless beauty to be explored when visiting our neighbour. It’s considered a wildly romantic wilderness adventure for all, with bungee jumping at Victoria Falls, discovering the Big 5 at one of its many game reserves, and cruising the Zambezi River – magical!

Picture: Elephant in Hwange National Park

Mauritius 

You can’t really spell tropical island without honeymoon… well, you can, but the two go together like peanut butter and jam. Mauritius is a favourite for bridal couples looking to soak up the sun, spend the day snorkelling in warm waters, explore the island’s rugged terrain, and enjoy its unique culture. Make sure you take a peek at the 33-metre Mangal Mahadev statue on the island!

Picture: The Blonde Abroad

Feature Image: The Blonde Abroad

 

 

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In Advice

Weddings in the time of coronavirus

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The coronavirus pandemic has swept the world, affecting more than just our health. From travel to the economy, the outbreak has affected almost every industry around the world. Even the wedding industry cannot remain unscathed. Here’s what you need to consider in our new reality.

Destination weddings:

If you’ve planned a destination wedding, you might have to rethink it. The disease has reached over 100 countries, with the worst affected being in Europe and Asia. Wuhan, China, the centre of the outbreak, as well as the entire country of Italy have been quarantined.

If you’ve planned a destination wedding in any of the coronavirus-affected countries listed by the World Health Organisation, you’ll have to research any government advice, travel bans or restrictions to determine whether you’ll even be able to make it to your wedding. Stay in contact with your vendors to discuss your options. Importantly, make sure you have wedding insurance to cover any last minute changes. Instead of cancelling, postponing your wedding for a year might be a good plan.

Wedding dresses:

Some brides might be without their dream dress come wedding day. James Marcum, CEO of the largest seller of wedding gowns in the United States, David’s Bridal, told CNN that the situation in China will most likely cause a great disruption to the production of wedding dresses as well as bridesmaid dresses. With the coronavirus outbreak, many factories have temporarily closed their doors to help curb the spread of the disease. Some factories are slowly reopening, but the loss in work has created a production delay which will slow-down the already intricate, time-consuming process of making a wedding dress.

To ensure your dress is done on time, consider having your dress made local and don’t have any fabrics imported. Make use of the fabrics already available.

International guests:

If you have friends and family living abroad in areas that have confirmed coronavirus cases, you could put your own guests at risk. Remember: a wedding gathers a large amount of people in one confined location, and there’s a lot of hugging and kissing happening.

Make sure to stipulate that if your guests have been experiencing flu-like symptoms or have come in contact with anyone who has recently travelled to China or Italy then its advisable that they do not attend the wedding.

Honeymoon:

Your international honeymoon might have to wait a bit longer. With the travel bans / restrictions being put in place in various countries, many newlyweds are ringing in their honeymoon in quarantine. Mauritius, a popular honeymoon destinations, has placed travel bans for anyone coming from South Korea or the three northern Italian provinces most affected by the COVID-19 outbreak. 34 South Korean newly-weds were recently placed in isolation by authorities due to fears over the coronavirus, according to Seoul officials.

If you’ve planned an international honeymoon, do your research into their travel restrictions. However, many governments have advised against non-essential travel, so realistically you might have to postpone your honeymoon.

Feature image: Unsplash

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In Honeymoons

Honeymoon turns sour following coronavirus

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Honeymooners around the world are having a rough start to their newlywed lives. Various reports are coming in of couples being placed in isolation following the coronavirus outbreak.

As the global infection rate of coronavirus rises, more and more countries are taking preventative measures to help quell the spread. Travel bans and restrictions have been placed in a number of areas, including the United States and Mauritius.

Mauritius, one of the most popular honeymoon destinations, has also placed travel bans for anyone coming from South Korea or the three northern Italian provinces most affected by the COVID-19 outbreak. 34 South Korean newly-weds were recently placed in isolation by authorities due to fears over the coronavirus, according to Seoul officials. One honeymooner, Park Min-kyu, wrote on social media, ” “They took our passports and put us on standby, and then said we should be isolated for 14 days without any explanation of the situation.”

The COVID-19 outbreak has already affected the wedding industry as production delays in wedding dresses mean that some brides might be without their perfect dress on their big day.

Also read: Coronavirus could cause wedding dress shortage

Feature image: Unsplash

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In Advice

Wedding gift guide for travel-lovers

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Experiencing the world with your loved-one is always a special way to spend your time. If you know a fun-loving couple who are constantly hearing the call of the wild, why not spoil them with gifts for their passion?

Today, modern couples are putting experiences over material possessions, and seeing the world is on the top of their to-do list. However, there are some items they’ll need when on their travels. Your travel-loving newlyweds will most likely be planning an epic honeymoon, and these gifts will definitely come in handy.

Packing cube set of 3 – navy – R299 from Superbalist

Fjällräven Kånken mini – R1 699 from Fjällräven

Volkano Rhapsody Series Active Noise Cancelling Bluetooth Headphones – R628 on Takealot

Canvas Barrel Bag – R399.99 from Typo

Marble Base Monochrome Globe – R399 from Woolworths

Lifestraw Water Purifier – R399.00 from Outdoor Warehouse

Matching personalised Heart Photo Fleece Gown – R599.95 each via Netflorist

Lucky Johnny Bahama Hammock – R499 from Sportsmans Warehouse

Canon Zoemini Photo Printer – R 1,499 from Takealot

Vegan leather travel pouch (18c21cm) – R 449.00 each from @Home

Iconix Inflatable Travel Pillow with Head & Arm Rests – R269 each from Takealot

Tuff-Luv Electronics Accessories Travel Organize Bag – R278 on Loot

Bonus: A place-based photoshoot for wherever they plan to travel – price upon request

 

Feature image: Unsplash

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Top 10 things for couples to do in Mauritius

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For a romantic honeymoon destination, look no further than Mauritius. The Indian Ocean island has been a mainstay with South African couples for decades and it’s easy to see why. With stunning beach views and romantic activities, there is no end to the fun and flirty things to do with your significant other. Here are some must-do activities for your next island escape.

1: Sundowners on Belle Mare Beach

A beautiful view and your favourite person is sometimes all you need. Enjoy delicious beverages while taking in one of the island’s most picturesque beaches. With long stretches of pristine white sand, the turquoise sea and crystal clear water surrounded by large casuarina trees, you’ll round out your day on a high note.

https://www.instagram.com/p/Bu8vN_FlBbZ/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

2: Stroll hand-in-hand through Pamplemousses Botanical Garden

This corner of paradise is the oldest botanical garden in the southern hemisphere, which makes it a definite must-see. Marvel at the amazing collection of 85 types of palm trees, the spice garden and of course, the giant waterlillies on show at this noteworthy natural location.

https://www.instagram.com/p/BRqIFa8BrZl/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

3: Horse ride on Riemdael Beach

Romance and horse riding go hand-in-hand. Add the beach to the equation and you’re golden. When in Mauritius, make sure to go on a scenic horseback ride with your love to make you feel like you’re the main characters in your very own romance novel.

https://www.instagram.com/p/Bznx5B9F4-M/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

4: Explore Chamarel Waterfall

The country’s tallest waterfall makes for a perfect daytime activity. Wade through the chilly waters with your partner while relishing in the green foliage and dense forest that surround you.

https://www.instagram.com/p/B39ziMdl06c/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

5: Sunset Catamaran Cruise

Live a life of luxury – at least for a little while – aboard a catamaran cruise. Mauritius is best seen from the water, so you simply cannot miss this opportunity. While catamaran cruises generally run all day, going at sunset guarantees stunningly soft skies and cooler weather. It’s the perfect time to cuddle up and enjoy the best of what nature has to offer.

https://www.instagram.com/p/BzZ4tdelCvM/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

6: Helicopter tour of the ‘Underwater Waterfall’

For a truly mesmerising view, you have to go high. This curious natural phenomenon is actually an optical illusion. Mauritius sits on an ocean shelf raised above seabed level, with a gradual slope that abruptly ends in a 4000-meter-deep abyssal drop. The movement of sand and silt on this slope causes the water to appear different colours, thus creating the effect of an underwater waterfall. What a memorable marvel to witness.

https://www.instagram.com/p/BwaGoYwHJ7I/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

7: Spend the day at Ile aux Cerfs

Popularly known as the Treasure Island, Ile aux Cerfs is a privately-owned island home to some of the world’s best beaches. Spend the day engaging in the various water sports and beach activities offered on the island. From getting around in glass-bottom boats to snorkeling in the crystal-clear water, you and your partner will absolutely fall in love with this island.

https://www.instagram.com/p/Bwt-8f0FxOx/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

8: Sleep under the stars

For a romantic night, Ile Aux Cerf Golf Club is a must-stay. The resort offers their bubble lodge, an outdoor residence fitted with a lounge area, a cozy bedroom, a washroom and an open sky shower. Each unit has been tastefully decorated combining earthy tones and natural fabrics.

https://www.instagram.com/p/BzC_zbWldn9/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

9: Hike up Le Morne mountain

A hike might not sound that romantic, but we promise it will be worth it. Once you reach the summit of Le Morne, the view of Mauritius spreading out in front of you will take your breath away.

https://www.instagram.com/p/Bz-JCkQh61m/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

10: Witness the Coloured Earth of Chamarel

They say that red is the colour of love, so why not go where the hue surrounds you? Seven Coloured Earths are a truly exquisite natural geological formation where rainbow-hued sand dunes undulate and settle in separate layers.

https://www.instagram.com/p/B49itBNisOI/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

Image: Unsplash

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In Destination

6 Things to know when planning a cruise ship wedding

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You’re planning your big day and you’re deciding on venues. A beach, forest and traditional chapel have all crossed your mind, however, those options aren’t engrossing you. So why not think outside the box and set sail by having your wedding on a cruise ship? Here’s how to plan one:


There are many things to consider when planning a wedding on a cruise ship:

  • Will you get married in port or destination – If you choose port, your guests can come for the ceremony and leave before you sail away with your newlywed partner. Be sure to consult your wedding planner about this.
  • Decide if you and your partner will be taking the cruise by yourselves or with family and friends.
  • Consider your options if your guests are coming along.
  • How much can your guests afford and how long can they stay away.
  • Look for cruises that offer wedding packages or options.


1. Pick your destination

Maybe you’ve had your heart set on a specific place and if not, have a look at the options that fall within your budget. Consider when you’d like to go as it’s not always perfect weather year round, unfortunately. Remember, things get pricier in high season as well.


2. License to wed

Consult your wedding planner about this. Your romantic nautical nuptials will require a marriage license before the ceremony.


3. Take your pick

Once you’ve decided on a destination that fits your budget, have a look at various packages. See what each place has to offer and what their bundle entails. Do they have group rates? Do they include free things with the wedding package? Don’t be afraid to ask.


4. Communicate

Be sure to inform your guests well in advance. They may need to plan their leave and save up some money. Keep them updated on all the details and expenses that might come up.


5. Dress the part

If you’re going to be staying on the ship, it’s important to factor in your comfortability. It may not be easy to wear a constricting wedding dress on board. If that’s what you want, however, then go for it! But a cruise ship wedding is also the chance to make things more casual.


6. One-stop shop

You’ll be getting your ceremony, reception and honeymoon all in one go! If your loved ones come along it’s a great getaway for them too. Smiles all around.

Picture: Pexels

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Pros and cons of a destination wedding

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Destination weddings are quickly becoming a popular option, but as with any wedding choice, they come with their own pros and cons.

Guests

The biggest appeal of having a destination wedding is being able to get married in a beautiful setting and potentially having a much smaller guest list as not everyone will have the time or money to make the trip. However, this also means that some people that you would have wanted to be there might not be able to make it.

Before settling on the idea of a destination wedding, chat to the people that you absolutely have to have at your wedding and see if they are able to make it. You can also consider covering a portion of their costs if your budget allows. For example, you could pay for their accommodation and then they are just responsible for their flights.

Costs

While your guest list may be smaller, meaning your ceremony and reception will cost less, you will have to spend more money on events surrounding the wedding to thank your guests for attending and making their trip worthwhile, and again, if you decide to cover their accommodation or some other costs, you will be spending even more.

Gifts

The biggest gift you will receive from your guests is their presence; if you are having a destination wedding, that should be enough. Since most of your guests’ budgets will go towards flights and possibly accommodation, you need to be okay with receiving smaller or fewer gifts.

Planning

Some resorts at popular destination wedding locations offer all-inclusive packages which means that most of the planning and execution will be done for you, which takes a lot of the stress off. But leaving the fate of your wedding day in the hands of others, especially when you are not able to be there to oversee planning and preparations, can also be very stressful. One way to combat this is to be flexible and to find reputable vendors.

Legality

Do your research on marriage laws in the location of your wedding and find out if the marriage licence you obtain is also legal in your home country. A way to get around this potential hassle is to get legally married in your home country and use your destination wedding as your celebration. You can decide whether or not to tell your guests about your legal marriage before the wedding, but since your destination wedding will be the main event and look exactly like any other wedding it might not be necessary.

Honeymoon

A big pro that comes with having a destination wedding is that you will save on your honeymoon as you will already be in the setting of your dreams. Although, this also means that your wedding guests will potentially be on your honeymoon with you as they have already travelled quite a way. You can consider travelling a short distance from your wedding location for a more private honeymoon. For example, if you decide to host your wedding in Santorini, you and your partner can travel to one of the other Greek islands for your honeymoon.

Things to consider:

– Whether the location of your destination wedding is easily accessible
– Sending out save the dates way before the recommended time to give your guests enough time to look at flights and book at cheaper rates
– Whether you are able to contribute towards any of the costs that come with a destination wedding like flights, accommodation or food
– The fact that not everyone will be able to make it… and that some people you were hoping wouldn’t come will think this is a great excuse to take a little vacation.

At the end of the day, it is your wedding and you decide where you get married, so you just need to see if the pros outweigh the cons based on your personal preferences.

Image: Unsplash

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In Honeymoons

Enjoy an out of the ordinary honeymoon at Lanzerac Hotel & Spa

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One really needs a week at Lanzerac Hotel & Spa to reset and refresh body and mind. There’s really too much to do for a one- or two-night stay. To start, exploring the estate – the gardens, pool, spa and various restaurants – takes an entire day, and who wants to rush that?

As a honeymoon cove of luxury, the pool, surrounded by loungers and gazebos with its own bar, is a priority on a hot sunny day. Head over there straight after breakfast to have it all to yourselves for a little while, sipping white wine-wine spritzer or a sneaky cocktail – just you and beau.

Speaking of breakfast, it’s honestly a pity you have to wait until the day after checking in until you get to experience the spread that is the breakfast buffet. Everything you could possibly want is on the table (pun intended) from oysters to cold-pressed juice to fresh pastries, and always completed with a cappuccino. The eggs Benedict that should follow any continental spread is stacked with so much salmon and perfectly prepared hollandaise sauce, you might struggle to find space to finish it all.

After a morning swim, and if you haven’t gone back to your room and finished the contents of your complimentary mini-bar, you need to head to the spa for a relax in the hot tub overlooking the vineyards,; unless you’re staying in an exclusive suite, that is. Then your personal steam room takes preference. Lounging on the deck on a hot day, laps in the (very) heated indoor pool, a workout or mist completely relaxes you when you’re unwinding from the whirlwind that was planning and executing the perfect wedding. 

This is even before you’ve ventured upstairs, where a world-class spa with an endless list of treatments and massages awaits. (Side-note – if you’re even slightly decor obsessed – feast your eyes on the embroidered upholstery that covers the walls.)

The reason that Lanzerac feels so much like home is the unique decor. Nothing is the same in each room – in one, a lucky find of lime floral headboards inspired the greens and pinks throughout the suite. In another, bold wallpaper panels are installed behind the Californian king-sized bed, inspiring the colouring for the rest of the suite.

It’s the combination of old and new furniture and finishes that makes it special and anything but standard hotel decorating.

The Craven Lounge is another must-see where one antique find provided inspiration for the rest of the space. Paintings of 19th-century hunters on the wall with their red jackets inspired the red tapestry rugs covering the floor. This lounge is where one ends a tranquil day, sipping on whisky or Champagne before heading to your room to get some rest for the adventures that await you tomorrow.

Want to see more or make a booking? Head over to lanzerac.co.za now!

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Destination wedding checklist

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Want to jet off to a tropical island for your ceremony? Or do you have your heart set on the big-city lights? No matter the location, your destination wedding can go as smoothly as checking off this list.

RESEARCH FIRST

The legal side of getting married abroad can be quite lengthy and tedious, with many couples opting to get married legally in South Africa before heading overseas to exchange rings and vows. South Africans who want to get married abroad will need a Certificate of No Impediment from Home Affairs to prove that neither partner is registered as married, a divorce order if one of you was previously married and a Residency Certificate to prove where you currently live. Basically, the government of the country you’re visiting needs to be notified of the marriage in their country before you can get married there. Not all countries will have the same requirements, so it’s best to get in touch with your local Home Affairs branch and contact the foreign country’s South African embassy ahead of the time.

TIMING IS EVERYTHING

Unfortunately, most popular wedding destinations are also popular vacation spots, which means more tourists and higher prices. Read up on the best time to visit your venue without sacrificing on great weather. It will also make the experience less stressful if you’ve already spent time planning and meeting with your vendors. Hire a local coordinator instead of bringing one from home. You will feel much more at ease knowing they are familiar with the environment, and they’ll also be able to recommend suitable suppliers.

A PICTURE (AND REVIEW) IS WORTH A THOUSAND WORDS

If the destination you plan to get married at is a resort or offers accommodation, scour the internet for TripAdvisor reviews. This will give you an overall impression of the establishment and you’ll have the added bonus of being able to see photos that aren’t on their official site.

ACCESS ALL AREAS

Try and keep the venue central. Make sure it’s convenient for your guests and organise transport for them to the venue to ensure they get there safe and sound. You can also use a free website builder to help keep your guests in the loop every step of the way – without the hassle of back-and-forth texts, emails and calls. Create a page where people can find helpful answers for accommodation options, budgets and travel time. If you have a relatively small wedding party, you can also create a WhatsApp group in the days leading up to the wedding.

ULTIMATE ADVENTURE

Add a couple of planned events around the wedding day so your guests can mingle with each other more and explore the destination. This is a great way to show people places they might not have chosen to go and will help them make a holiday from the trip – they are there to celebrate your union but also want to make their trip worthwhile.

DISASTER MANAGEMENT

Ensure your dress, groom’s suit and bridesmaids outfits have been taken care of before you leave home. The last thing you want to do is last-minute sewing! Stay on the safe side and pack your dress and his suit in your carry-on luggage, and ask your bridesmaids and groomsmen to do the same. If your luggage does get lost or arrives late, you can rest assured you have the important bits with you.

PRETTY PREP

Make appointments for any beauty treatments you plan on getting before you get there. To ensure you look amazing for your photographs, skip the make-up while flying and make sure you drink a lot of water during the flight. It’s also a good idea to have all your wedding stationery– menus, seating charts and place settings –printed beforehand. Be prepared to add an extra suitcase of decor items you think you may need, as you won’t always find everything you want in a foreign place.

ALL HANDS ON DECK

Since you are more than likely only going to invite a small crowd of close family and friends to your destination wedding, you’ll know these are the people who you can rely on. They willwant to help where they can, so instead of taking things into your own hands, delegate certain tasks to those who are keen to lend a hand.

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In Honeymoons

How to pack for your honeymoon

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There’s an easy trick to organised packing and once you know it, you’ll never need to wrestle with your luggage again. Four easy words: line, lay, roll, and fold.

Line the bottom of your suitcase with shoes and tech gear in bags. Fill the center with rolled-up jeans and jackets.

Lay dresses and pants lengthwise on top of the first layer, letting the ends hang over the sides of the luggage.

Roll shirts and jerseys. Place them on top of the second layer and cover them with the ends of the dresses and pants from the layer underneath.

Fold delicates. Place toiletries and lingerie into separate bags and set it all on top.

Keep in Mind

1. Liquids should be poured into 100ml containers and stored in resealable bags.

2. Make sure you lock your luggage with a safe and reliable lock (you don’t want luggage going walk-abouts).

3. Going there you may be light on luggage, but upon return your bags will most likely be filled with honeymoon memorabilia. Check your airline’s website to see the size and weight restrictions to avoid paying a hefty penalty fee.

Adapted from Martha Stewart Weddings

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