Top 5 Honeymoon Escapes For Next Year

WEDDING bells are ringing across Australia, flowers are blooming for spring and savvy couples are stretching their dollars further with dreamy honeymoon deals.

Planning a wedding can be hectic and a common mishap among couples is to leave honeymoon preparation to the last minute, which means they run the risk of resorts being fully booked and international flights prices at levels beyond their budget.

Escape Travel brand leader Sally Wiseman said the today's generation of lovebirds was hunting for bargains and saving money by locking in their honeymoon in advance.

“Young couples are travel savvy when it comes to getting the best deal and are stretching their budgets further by booking their honeymoon up to two years in advance because the price is right,” said Sally.

“The perfect honeymoon will be different for everyone, so it is important for couples to know what they want early to secure the best price and availability at the destination of their choice.

“The recent strength of the Australian dollar against the US greenback and the Euro has contributed to affordability across the globe, seeing some couples switch their choice of destination from the Queensland Islands to Hawaii.”

Sally said there was still strong interest for traditional beach honeymoons in Fiji, Thailand and Bali, although new destinations such as the Philippines, Cook Islands, Kota Kinabalu and Honolulu were on the love radar for 2011.

See below for Escape Travel’s top 5 honeymoon beach breaks, offering newly weds excellent value for next year.

1.FIJI from $379* per person twin share. Price includes a 35% discount on four nights’ at the 5-star Sheraton Fiji Resort in an Ocean Breeze room, breakfast daily, use of kayaks and windsurfers, and daily activities such as aqua aerobics, volleyball and cultural demonstrations. Honeymooners receive a bottle of sparkling wine on arrival. Valid for travel from January 10 to March 31, 2011 and for sale until December 31, 2010.

2.PHUKET from $599* per person twin share. Package includes eight nights for the price of four at the 5-star Moevenpick Resort & Spa Karon Beach, return private car airport transfers and breakfast daily. Bonuses include a room upgrade, welcome drink, a flower lei, decorated bed and complimentary sparkling wine on arrival. Valid for travel between April 1 and October 31, 2011, and for sale until March 31, 2011.

3.HONOLULU from $799* per person twin share. Package includes eight nights at the 4.5-star Waikiki Beach Marriott Resort & Spa in a City View Room and return airport transfers. Honeymoon bonuses include a complimentary room upgrade, a meet and greet service and flower lei upon arrival. Valid for travel between January 4 and June 30, 2011 and for sale until June 30, 2011.

4.BALI from $955* per person twin share. Package includes six nights at the 5-star Conrad Bali Resort in a Deluxe Garden room, breakfast daily, return airport transfers and a free US$500 resort credit per room. Honeymoon bonuses included a complimentary a welcome drink, chilled towel, souvenir and daily water, coffee and herbal teas in room daily. Valid for travel from February 7 to March 31, 2011 and on sale until November 30, 2010 unless sold out

5.MAURITIUS from $1799* per person twin share. Package includes five nights at the 5-star Shandrani Resort & Spa, return airport transfers, breakfast, lunch and dinner daily, all snacks and pastries served at the bar, a mini bar, premium alcoholic drinks, unlimited access to the nine-hole and putting golf course, nightly entertainment and more. Honeymoon bonuses include a bonus 45-minute massage, French champagne and tropical fruits in room on arrival, a gift voucher for use at the Beachcomber Boutique, and a treatment for the couple in the Spa by Clarins. Valid for travel from May 1 to September 30, 2011 and for sale until September 30, 2011.

Phone Escape Travel on 1300 799 783 or see www.escapetravel.com.au for more details.
*Price is subject to change and availability at the time of booking.