Honeymoon July 2012 -- need help with ideas
Dec 7th, 2011, 01:52 PM
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Honeymoon July 2012 -- need help with ideas
I posted this in the general tips forum and someone suggested I re-post here and some other places.
My fiance are trying to plan our honeymoon for July 2012. We need help! We can go for 3-4 weeks. Ideas we have had so far are Australia and New Zealand, Greece, Africa (he is more into that one than I am), Ireland and Great Britain. We haven't been able to settle on anything and need advice from experienced travelers.
In terms of Australia and New Zealand, we understand July will be winter and in some spots it can be quite cold.
In terms of things we like to do, we are very into wine and if we go to a country that produces wine, we want to include winery tours. We also like spas and cities (we live in Manhattan and are city people). We aren't particularly into beaches although we would consider including 1-2 beach days wherever we go. However, we certainly would not want to pick a spot that is all about beaches. We would probably be considered foodies -- when we travel, we like to enjoy some fantastic dinners on some nights while on other nights we go to local markets and grab a nice bottle of wine to enjoy at the hotel.
We have both been to China. While there is more to see we want to go somewhere new.
We spent two weeks in France this past summer and while we love France, we want to do something new and something that warrants a really long trip. I have been to Tuscany and we want to go somewhere new to both of us.
We want to put together a truly special trip, knowing that it will be a long time before we can go away for this long again. We do not have a budget for the trip. While sky is not the limit, we think that wherever we choose to do, we will be able to fit it into the budget we decide to spend.
Any ideas are welcome!
My fiance are trying to plan our honeymoon for July 2012. We need help! We can go for 3-4 weeks. Ideas we have had so far are Australia and New Zealand, Greece, Africa (he is more into that one than I am), Ireland and Great Britain. We haven't been able to settle on anything and need advice from experienced travelers.
In terms of Australia and New Zealand, we understand July will be winter and in some spots it can be quite cold.
In terms of things we like to do, we are very into wine and if we go to a country that produces wine, we want to include winery tours. We also like spas and cities (we live in Manhattan and are city people). We aren't particularly into beaches although we would consider including 1-2 beach days wherever we go. However, we certainly would not want to pick a spot that is all about beaches. We would probably be considered foodies -- when we travel, we like to enjoy some fantastic dinners on some nights while on other nights we go to local markets and grab a nice bottle of wine to enjoy at the hotel.
We have both been to China. While there is more to see we want to go somewhere new.
We spent two weeks in France this past summer and while we love France, we want to do something new and something that warrants a really long trip. I have been to Tuscany and we want to go somewhere new to both of us.
We want to put together a truly special trip, knowing that it will be a long time before we can go away for this long again. We do not have a budget for the trip. While sky is not the limit, we think that wherever we choose to do, we will be able to fit it into the budget we decide to spend.
Any ideas are welcome!
Dec 7th, 2011, 02:16 PM
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If you really like food and wine you can’t go wrong with an extended stay in the Western Cape followed by a safari at a more luxurious lodge in the Kruger National Park area. There really are some world class wine estates in the areas surrounding Cape Town and three days in the wine country is not too little. Cape Town can be at least a 4-5 day stop and you will only work your way through a fraction of the restaurants. Consider another two days in Hermanus (90 min from Cape Town) to see the whales. Stay at www.birkenheadhouse.com for ultra lux or www.grootbos.com for unique.
For over the top luxury I would suggest http://www.laresidence.co.za/ in the wine country but their rates are all inclusive so you can’t “dine around”. If you want to dine out, perhaps stay at www.lequartier.co.za and eat a meal at http://www.lqf.co.za/cuisine/the-tasting-room.htm and Ryan’s Kitchen in the http://www.rusthof.com/ hotel and at http://reubens.co.za/. During the day, you can eat lunch at wineries such as Le Petit Ferme and La Motte.
Move to Cape Town and stay at Ellerman House or the Cape Grace. Eat dinner at some of these places below. Perhaps also consider staying at Steenberg Estate instead of Cape Town for a night or two (not to walk away from any stay4pay3 specials on the winter rates).
http://baiarestaurant.co.za/
http://thetestkitchen.co.za/index.html
http://www.steenberghotel.com/dine/catharina
http://www.constantia-uitsig.com/pages/restaurants.php
After time in the Western Cape, take the Rovos Rail for two days to Pretoria. Hop off three hours early at JNB and head out to the Sabi Sands for three or four days on safari at Lion Sands or Singita or Londolozi Private Granite. Singita Boulders has over 10,000 bottles in their cellar and it is stunning. Singita Ebony just lowered the rates on suite 1 and 2 and renamed them Lewis Suites. They are selling for about 9,500 rand per person per night (approx 1,200 USD) all inclusive on a first come first serve basis. The other rooms remain at a higher price.
I have been to all these places and you really can’t go wrong. Lion Sands was the location of the Bachelor on ABC last February. They have reasonable (in my opinion) winter rates next July and stay4pay3 at Ivory Lodge which I have used for many honeymooners.
The only drawback of all these plans is the winter. Cape Town could be downright chilly but the weather can also be in the 70s. I was there for ten days this August and we had a rainy day of 50 and seven days of clear skies and 65-70F. If you head to the beach I suggest going to Northern Mozambique to guarantee warmth. Perhaps consider Vamizi Island or the new http://www.azura-retreats.com/quilalea.asp. Both are in the North much closer to equator than the Vilanculos lodges which could be subject to a cold spell in July.
None of this stuff is cheap but it will be the trip of a lifetime.
Craig Beal – owner – Travel Beyond
2011 Travel & Leisure A-List agent for Zimbabwe and Botswana
For over the top luxury I would suggest http://www.laresidence.co.za/ in the wine country but their rates are all inclusive so you can’t “dine around”. If you want to dine out, perhaps stay at www.lequartier.co.za and eat a meal at http://www.lqf.co.za/cuisine/the-tasting-room.htm and Ryan’s Kitchen in the http://www.rusthof.com/ hotel and at http://reubens.co.za/. During the day, you can eat lunch at wineries such as Le Petit Ferme and La Motte.
Move to Cape Town and stay at Ellerman House or the Cape Grace. Eat dinner at some of these places below. Perhaps also consider staying at Steenberg Estate instead of Cape Town for a night or two (not to walk away from any stay4pay3 specials on the winter rates).
http://baiarestaurant.co.za/
http://thetestkitchen.co.za/index.html
http://www.steenberghotel.com/dine/catharina
http://www.constantia-uitsig.com/pages/restaurants.php
After time in the Western Cape, take the Rovos Rail for two days to Pretoria. Hop off three hours early at JNB and head out to the Sabi Sands for three or four days on safari at Lion Sands or Singita or Londolozi Private Granite. Singita Boulders has over 10,000 bottles in their cellar and it is stunning. Singita Ebony just lowered the rates on suite 1 and 2 and renamed them Lewis Suites. They are selling for about 9,500 rand per person per night (approx 1,200 USD) all inclusive on a first come first serve basis. The other rooms remain at a higher price.
I have been to all these places and you really can’t go wrong. Lion Sands was the location of the Bachelor on ABC last February. They have reasonable (in my opinion) winter rates next July and stay4pay3 at Ivory Lodge which I have used for many honeymooners.
The only drawback of all these plans is the winter. Cape Town could be downright chilly but the weather can also be in the 70s. I was there for ten days this August and we had a rainy day of 50 and seven days of clear skies and 65-70F. If you head to the beach I suggest going to Northern Mozambique to guarantee warmth. Perhaps consider Vamizi Island or the new http://www.azura-retreats.com/quilalea.asp. Both are in the North much closer to equator than the Vilanculos lodges which could be subject to a cold spell in July.
None of this stuff is cheap but it will be the trip of a lifetime.
Craig Beal – owner – Travel Beyond
2011 Travel & Leisure A-List agent for Zimbabwe and Botswana
Dec 7th, 2011, 06:34 PM
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I think that this is Morocco Forums, and if you are planning a honeymoon to Morocco, im sure that Morocco has diversity, and suitable for multi-seasons travels, so you have no problem with so.
so for this situation Morocco has large resorts, and amazing shores to enjoy the honeymoon, and do some Mountains treks and camping as it will be chilly during July in the mountains, except the desert because it will be a big problem with the incredible heat.
so Assilah, Essaouira and Agadir are good Places to enjoy it, moreover i would suggest Capetown as well, for please check out the following links about Honeymoon in Morocco then we will help you out with south Africa as well.: http://www.tripadvisor.com/ShowTopic...Marrakech.html
for Cape town, i would suggest the following place to enjoy your honeymoon: http://www.tripadvisor.co.uk/Hotel_R...tern_Cape.html
http://www.tripadvisor.co.uk/SearchF...eturnTo=__2F__
so have a good time and enjoy your honeyMoon, as i would recommend Thailand and Turkey as well.
so for this situation Morocco has large resorts, and amazing shores to enjoy the honeymoon, and do some Mountains treks and camping as it will be chilly during July in the mountains, except the desert because it will be a big problem with the incredible heat.
so Assilah, Essaouira and Agadir are good Places to enjoy it, moreover i would suggest Capetown as well, for please check out the following links about Honeymoon in Morocco then we will help you out with south Africa as well.: http://www.tripadvisor.com/ShowTopic...Marrakech.html
for Cape town, i would suggest the following place to enjoy your honeymoon: http://www.tripadvisor.co.uk/Hotel_R...tern_Cape.html
http://www.tripadvisor.co.uk/SearchF...eturnTo=__2F__
so have a good time and enjoy your honeyMoon, as i would recommend Thailand and Turkey as well.
Dec 7th, 2011, 07:23 PM
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If you have enough funds to get away from the large resorts, two of the absolutely most unique and fantastic hotels I have EVER seen are in Morocco. The first was Dar Ahlam near Ouarzazate. I got to stay here for two nights in 2010. http://www.relaischateaux.com/en/sea...rant/darahlam/
The other property is La Mamounia in Marakkech. The Riad Suites are unlike anything I have ever seen. The place is so private the staff travel around the property in underground tunnels. I did not get to stay here but I did visit for about two hours and had lunch last month. I was staying at La Sultana for five nights instead. La Sulatana was awesome and I would take my own wife here for a romantic getaway but it is in a different stratosphere from La Mamounia.
http://www.mamounia.com/uk/index.php
http://www.lasultanamarrakech.com/index2.php
Craig Beal – owner – Travel Beyond
The other property is La Mamounia in Marakkech. The Riad Suites are unlike anything I have ever seen. The place is so private the staff travel around the property in underground tunnels. I did not get to stay here but I did visit for about two hours and had lunch last month. I was staying at La Sultana for five nights instead. La Sulatana was awesome and I would take my own wife here for a romantic getaway but it is in a different stratosphere from La Mamounia.
http://www.mamounia.com/uk/index.php
http://www.lasultanamarrakech.com/index2.php
Craig Beal – owner – Travel Beyond
Dec 8th, 2011, 01:17 AM
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Lots of tout/troll poo on your thread caveat emptor.
weather2travel.com Climate guides
SA too cold Maroc too hot in July
www.slowtrav.com France/Italy in July for me beauty wine/food
Truly the best in the world very safe fornewbies.
www.zicasso.com reputable agents can put together
a quality package for you.
Careful with all the for profit commercial trolls here
never wire money always insuremytrip.com
Comgrats!
weather2travel.com Climate guides
SA too cold Maroc too hot in July
www.slowtrav.com France/Italy in July for me beauty wine/food
Truly the best in the world very safe fornewbies.
www.zicasso.com reputable agents can put together
a quality package for you.
Careful with all the for profit commercial trolls here
never wire money always insuremytrip.com
Comgrats!
Dec 12th, 2011, 02:42 AM
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I would say South Africa, you would have a wonderful time, as already mentioned Cape Town & the winelands is well known for good food & wines & there's just to many to fit in! July is not normally to bad for rain, August is the worst month. As you move up country the climate improves, lots of activities & sights/scenery to see in SA, plenty of beaches & at that time of year the whales should be arriving.
Namibia is a different country, in July during the day it is hot but as soon as night falls it gets quite cold, quickly. Much of the coast is inaccessible due to diamonds being washed up, the sea is cold & the coast is not a beach holiday, foodie & wine destination. It's about vast desert areas, mountains, desert elephants, wildlife, rock art & geology.
In both countries you will get good value for your dollars.
Here in the UK it's expensive, July is usually quite disappointing cloudy & rain, I live in Kent we have a few vineyards including the one Kate & Will's choose to serve at lunch on their big day ! The UK is about quaintness, countryside, pubs, castles, historic sights, London, it's sights, museums, restaurants & entertainment.
Namibia is a different country, in July during the day it is hot but as soon as night falls it gets quite cold, quickly. Much of the coast is inaccessible due to diamonds being washed up, the sea is cold & the coast is not a beach holiday, foodie & wine destination. It's about vast desert areas, mountains, desert elephants, wildlife, rock art & geology.
In both countries you will get good value for your dollars.
Here in the UK it's expensive, July is usually quite disappointing cloudy & rain, I live in Kent we have a few vineyards including the one Kate & Will's choose to serve at lunch on their big day ! The UK is about quaintness, countryside, pubs, castles, historic sights, London, it's sights, museums, restaurants & entertainment.
Jan 5th, 2012, 09:59 AM
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Safari_Craig...taking your advice on a stay in Hermanus in early August. Both the Birkenhead House and Grootbos look great, but we are having a tough time deciding between the two. Any tips to help us make a choice (although we probably can't go wrong either way)? Thanks
Jan 5th, 2012, 06:06 PM
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I saw your comment... Grootbos is unique: It is not located in the village as is Birkenhead, it is out of town and a self contained nature reserve. I adore G/bos, so maybe I am the wrong one to comment and my opinion is subjective. Those guys just do amazing things for the environment, community and country. They deserve all the support they can get. Check out their website and you'll appreciate all that they do and what the B'head doesn't do.
Aug 5th, 2012, 11:21 AM
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Just wanted to thank mkhonzo and safari craig for the suggestion of Grootbos. What an amazing place...unlike any resort we have ever visited. The food, rooms, views and grounds are unparalleled and the integration with the natural world is unique. We went whale watching and even planted a milkwood tree on the property. Just a fabulous place. Thanks again.
Dec 13th, 2012, 12:53 PM
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A couple of places I would consider are Croatia (so many people swear about its beauty and it would be warm), Turkey....beautiful coast, could spend time on a gulet or visit the caves of Cappadocia and all of Turkey is very cosmopolitan. Morocco also a good choice for weather and uniqueness. Although it would be their winter, any thoughts to visit Argentina -- Buenos Aries is beautiful and Mendoza wine country worth a number of days to explore. My favorite trip was the African Safari (Botswana, South Africa, etc) which we finished by spending a few days in wine country. My husband's favorite was New Zealand for adventure, whale watching, and wine touring. Too many great options to choose from!
