Honeymoon and travel ideas for Essex couples

Familymoon venue at Koh Samui Beach Resort in Thailand

Nestled on the shores of Lamai Beach, OUTRIGGER Koh Samui Beach Resort has opened an indoor laser tag venue, perfect for family-moons. Armed with cutting-edge technology such as infrared emitting light guns and infrared-sensitive signalling vests, players will engage in thrilling battles that test their agility, strategy and marksmanship skills against the backdrop of the resort's glorious natural surroundings. Complementing the excitement of laser tag are the venue's luxury amenities. From the Coral Kids' Club to the Edgewater Family Beach Club, four pristine beachfront pools, an exhilarating water slide and spacious connecting family rooms, the resort caters to every aspect of a beachfront family holiday. Young guests can also indulge in an activities programme featuring arts and crafts sessions, dance activities and a well-equipped games room with pool tables, air hockey and movies in a state-of-the-art insulated cinema room. Find out more at www.outrigger.com

Save up to 30% off Coco Collections Splendid Honeymoon Package

Coco Collection – a group of family-owned luxury resorts in the dreamy tropical Maldives, are offering guests up to 30% to spend on their Splendid Honeymoon Package with Luxury Holidays Direct at their idyllic Coco Bodu Hithi resort.

This luxury five-star island resort – Coco Body Hithi – has enhanced its Splendid Honeymoon package so that any newlyweds that visit the resort within six months of their wedding date can receive the Honeymoon package.

Coco Collection prides itself on being one of the most generous packages in the Maldives for newlyweds, so get your swimwear at the ready!

Make your dream honeymoon a reality with these top saving tips from real couples

With 39 per cent of couples spending £5,000 - £8,000 on a honeymoon and the average cost of a wedding being £24,710.00 in 2024, there is a lot of saving to do. A honeymoon is more than just another holiday; it marks the beginning of an exciting new chapter, so it's definitely worth spending a little extra on.

Rather than compromising on your dream honeymoon holiday, Viva Holidays, an award-winning online travel company known for specialising in tailor-made multi-centre holidays, has given some top tips on how to save and also asked real couples what they're doing to save for their dream honeymoon.

Jasmine, who is getting married in November, and Lidia, who was married last year, knew they wanted a once-in-a-lifetime honeymoon. They have both saved in different ways and shared their examples with us.

Klarna unveils the preferences of British travellers and anticipates the holiday trends

As the summer holiday season approaches, Klarna, the AI-powered payments network and shopping assistant, reveals new insights from its 2024 travel report. Despite cost of living affecting two-thirds (66%) of Britons travel plans, a significant 96% are gearing up for summer vacations with 81% planning trips abroad and 35% planning to travel somewhere in the UK. This underscores an unwavering commitment to maintaining travel as a priority, but finding ways to keep budgets in check will be top of mind for many. As Klarna continues to expand into the travel sector, offering its interest-free payment solutions at the checkout of leading travel companies, such as Airbnb, Hotels.com and Booking.com, Klarna looks into the key trends shaping British holiday plans this year.

Top romantic European destinations for a magical honeymoon

With its sunshine and warm breeze, summer provides the perfect backdrop for love and adventure, making it the ideal season for unforgettable mini-moons and honeymoons. There's a number of stunning yet lesser-known destinations across Europe that provide excellent adventure and romantic spots to create lasting memories:

Lithuania: Hot Air Balloon Flight Over Trakai. Float above the picturesque Trakai Castle and the tranquil lakes surrounding it, setting a magical scene for a romantic trip away. As couples fly in the sky, they are treated to stunning panoramic views of the ancient Lithuanian city of Trakai, nestled on an island in the middle of Lake Galv.

Poland: Tatra Mountains. The magnificent peaks and serene valleys of the Tatra Mountains create a truly breathtaking and adventurous setting for quality time together. Imagine standing at the top of the mountain, surrounded by breathtaking natural beauty, and celebrating the love you both share.

Visitors to Sweden can enjoy the meditative benefits of a new sauna ritual

Visitors to Sweden can enjoy the health and meditative benefits of a new sauna ritual. Bathe in crystal-clear natural spring water 80 metres below ground as part of the new Savouring Swedish Serenity itinerary created by Scandinavian travel specialists Off the Map Travel.

Couples can access this out-of-the-ordinary experience via a series of spacious tunnels and steps, which gradually descend to the experience below. Guided by sauna master Elin Hietanen, couples will receive local drinks and delicacies, including local cheese from a nearby farm.

Hôtel du Couvent is a former 17th-century convent set to open in France

Perched on a hill in the heart of Nice's Old Town, the Hôtel du Couvent is a former 17th-century convent that has been immaculately restored and transformed into a luxurious 88-room hotel. Set to open in June 2024, the property promises a serene sanctuary away from bustling city life. Highlights include an indoor pool, Roman-inspired thermal baths, a 20-metre outdoor pool, a resident herbalist, an outdoor cinema, a colourful farmer's market every Saturday, as well as delicious farm-to-fork cuisine courtesy of the convent's own farm.

To find out more information, visit www.fandptravel.com

Salamander Voyages has announced its new History Voyage

Salamander Voyages, a small luxury gulet and yacht charter company, has announced its new History Voyage. Launching in June 2024, this new seven-night itinerary will begin at Bodrum Castle. Home to the Museum of Underwater Archaeology, it displays shipwrecks and their contents from as far back as 3,500 years ago. From Bodrum, couples will sail onto Gumusluk (ancient Myndos), where they will explore the settlement and walk across the ancient sunken walls to Rabbit Island. From here, it is on to Ancient Knidos, a largely unrestored ancient city dating back 3,000 years. The final port of call before sailing back to Bodrum is the magical Sedir Adasi, which sits at the top of the unspoiled Gulf of Gokova.

Gundari is a new luxury hotel in Folegandros

Set high on rugged hills overlooking the Aegean Sea and surrounded by 80 acres of wilderness on the secluded island of Folegandros, Gundari is a new luxury hotel set to open in May 2024. The hotel has just 27 suites and villas, each with its own private heated pool and ocean views. Highlights include gastronomy, with renowned Michelin-starred chef Lefteris Lazarou and a clifftop spa offering traditional Cycladic treatments. It will also have a conservation and bird monitoring programme.

As a member of EarthCheck Certified, sustainability is at the heart of the resort, with its use of bioclimatic materials, commitment to renewable energy and target for zero waste.

The Château La Coste estate in France has launched an exciting new addition

Auberge la Coste is an exciting new addition to the stunning 600-acre Château La Coste estate, situated between Aix en Provence and Luberon Nature Park. Set to open in April 2024 with 76 rooms, the hotel promises intimate and simple provençal living with stunning views across vineyards.

Couples can explore everything the estate offers, from its art and architecture dotted across the estate to learning about winemaking, which dates back to Roman times.

Don Totu Dimora Storica in Italy is celebrating its 10th anniversary

A haven for couples since it first opened its doors 10 years ago, the luxurious Don Totu Dimora Storica continues to raise the bar for boutique B&Bs. The historic mansion is a great example of 18th-century architecture and every effort has been made to retain the soul of the building while continuing to add luxury facilities in keeping with the style and generous layout.

The palazzo has been elegantly restyled to offer six graceful bedroom suites (including a two-bedroom family suite), stunning parlours, a handsome library and a modern wine cellar. The internal courtyard, complete with centuries-old olive trees and sweet-smelling botanicals, is complemented by verandas, rooftop terraces, pergolas and an orchard with aromatic herbs and fruit trees leading to a lush garden and swimming pool area.

Atzaro Okavango is a new property in Botswana

Wildly luxurious and sustainably powered, Atzaro Okavango is a new property that has been carefully designed to offer comfort in the breathtaking wilderness.

Ten luxury suites, including two double family suites, each with a private plunge pool, indoor and outdoor showers and a decked dining area under a grass-topped roof, offer spacious privacy for its visitors.

Further highlights of the 60-acre riverside site include a luxurious spa, a 20-metre infinity pool overlooking a wildlife-rich waterhole, a yoga deck, a gym, a chic wine bar and an ancestral boma for dining and gatherings.

Silversands Beach House is a new boutique hotel in Grenada

Silversands Beach House is a new boutique hotel in Grenada boasting 28 rooms, each with distinct architectural canopies and minimalistic, sleek interiors. Situated behind a cliff face on Portici Beach, Silversands Beach House feels exclusively secluded and an intimate island hideaway.

Highlights include a 330-foot infinity pool, the longest in the Caribbean; beachfront dining, where couples will taste Caribbean flavours mixed with classic Mediterranean cuisine; and treatment rooms for some post-wedding R&R. Guests will also be able to take full advantage of all of the amenities at its nearby mother hotel, Silversands.

Embark on an alpine adventure with Oliver’s Travels

For those of you looking for a honeymoon beyond the beach, Oliver's Travels stunning collection of summer chalets has something to suit. Experience the seasonal changes of breathtaking alpine landscapes on a trip that promises a sublime combination of relaxation and adventure.

Located on the picturesque shores of Lake Bohinj and surrounded by the natural beauty of Triglav National Park, Bohinj Lodge presents an idyllic getaway. The charming lodge allows couples to truly feel at one with nature, with an outdoor terrace, herb garden, firepit and hot tub, as well as offering ultimate relaxation with a wellness area that boasts a Finnish sauna and gym. The interiors are chic and modern, complete with two exquisite bedrooms, a comfortable lounge area, a sophisticated dining room, and a fully furnished kitchen. If you're looking for a Slovenian mountain retreat that oozes tranquillity, look no further than Bohinj Lodge.

Delve into the world of astrology at Four Seasons Megève in the French Alps

This summer, Four Seasons Hotel Megève is inviting guests to delve into the world of astronomy with three new cosmic-inspired experiences.

Excitingly, Four Seasons Hotel Megève has also just received three Michelin keys, the highest rating, in the Michelin Guide's Michelin Keys for France. Only 24 establishments in France have been awarded Three Michelin Keys, positioning Four Seasons Hotel Megève amongst some of the world's very best hotels.

Why Astronomy? This year is big, from mind-boggling eclipses to spectacular meteor showers – plus, scientists are predicting the best displays of the northern lights in 20 years as we approach the next solar maximum (the sun's peak of its 11-year activity cycle). Megève's alpine setting provides the ideal conditions to admire the stars and cosmic marvels that light up the night sky.

Discover Perowne International's finest hotels in Spain and the Balearic Islands

With Spain and the Balearic Islands already one of the hottest booking destinations for 2024, according to Simon Lynch, global director of sales at Scott Dunn, we've rounded up some of Perowne International's finest hotels in the area.

Located on the fringe of the sandy Cala Gracio Bay, OKU Ibiza is a minimalist haven oozing style and soulful relaxation - the perfect spot to soak up the atmosphere of the famed White Isle. With a focus on slower living and enriching experiences for the curious traveller, the hotel comprises 185 boho-chic guest rooms and suites, a standalone four-bedroom villa with a private pool, two hotel pools, two restaurants and an intimate spa.

Wild Camper Trucks offers a night under the stars

Wild Camper Trucks offer easy-to-drive, plush 4x4 vehicles fitted with cosy camping pods and an outdoor cinema screen, so you can experience film night off-grid.

Andrew Clark founded Wild Camper Trucks in 2023 and says: "My love of the great outdoors began with Scouting and Duke of Edinburgh Awards and has now evolved into creating the ultimate wild camper truck experience. This business began as my side hustle but is quickly becoming my main hustle. The addition of the outdoor cinema to the already luxurious camper trucks just brings that extra wow factor. Whether it is nighttime Netflix or a romantic movie, this experience will make memories for life."

The rooftop camping pods have solar panels, heating, a king-sized double bed, a cooker and fridge, a hot shower, a toilet and many other features. The additional trailer option allows up to five people to sleep in comfort, and dogs are welcome too.

Enjoy a night of luxury in Edinburgh

This spring, experience the ultimate evening in Edinburgh with a blend of culinary excellence and theatrical magic. Either before or after the curtain falls at the iconic Edinburgh Playhouse, guests can choose between James Thomson's two outstanding establishments, The Witchery and Prestonfield House, for a dining experience fit for royalty.

James Thomson's The Witchery is now in its fifth decade. The décor, antiques, food, and award-winning wine list have ensured The Witchery has become a much-loved, renowned Edinburgh institution. It invites guests to indulge in the rich baroque surroundings of the original oak-panelled dining room or amongst the elegant candle-lit charms of the Secret Garden dining room, both adorned with antiques and originals. Its features include a hand-painted ceiling and a secluded terrace, enabling guests to dine in the utmost luxury.

CROSSROADS is the the archipelago’s first multi-island leisure destination

CROSSROADS Maldives is a new multi-island leisure destination, home to three beautiful resorts, a 30-berth quay, a Hard Rock Cafe, endless retail and dining options, excursions, kids activities and blissful spa offerings.

This ambitious nine-island project is set among the breathtakingly exotic South Malé Atoll and Emboodhoo Lagoon, just a 15-minute speedboat ride from Malé International Airport. Embracing a fresh and innovative approach, every aspect of CROSSROADS Maldives, from resorts and dining to leisure, fashion and entertainment, is seamlessly blended into one destination where there is truly something for everyone. The concept is inspired by the Maldives' maritime history as a waypoint at the centre of the world and designed in the spirit of an island village where travellers can rest, recharge and reconnect.

One of Venice's five-star lagoon hotels has opened its doors

One of Venice's renowned five-star lagoon hotels, Hotel Excelsior, opens its Renaissance palace doors for another season of bygone charm and 1950s-style Italian glamour.

Located on the Lido, a 15-minute boat ride from St. Mark's Square, the private golden sand beach with colourful cabanas is the obvious jewel in the crown. This season also promises new offerings, such as:

SUP Board Yoga: Taking place upon the Adriatic Sea, SUP Yoga promotes muscle toning, improves posture and enhances mental and physical coordination.

Capoeira Classes: An Afro-Brazilian martial art that combines music, dancing, fight and defence.