Starry honeymoons: in the footsteps of TomKat

After a high-profile wedding that caught the world’s attention in Italy, Tom Cruise and Katie Holmes have jetted off to the remote beaches of the Maldives for their honeymoon. For those tying the knot, try one of these exotic wedding and honeymoon ideas that combine luxury with adventure.

Honeymoon on a horse – from £615 pp with The Best of Morocco
Astride an Arab horse, picking your way through trickling streams and carpets of wild flowers, the world could not seem a more peaceful and romantic place. In the heart of Berber countryside in Morocco, just 90 minutes from Marrakech, forests, fruit trees, villages and hamlets are dwarfed beneath the snow-capped Atlas Mountains. The Best of Morocco arranges individual horse treks of any duration in the region, accompanied by a local guide, staying overnight in the homes of Berber families whose hospitality will humble you. The price of a four-night trip in May 2007 is from £615 pp (based on two sharing). This includes return flights from Gatwick, a two-night (three-day) horse trek with all meals, a night either side at La Roseraie (set in 50 acres of rose gardens, park and farmland) with half board, and private transfers. Call The Best of Morocco on 0845 026 4588 (www.realmorocco.com).

Scintillating Seagrape Cottage with Caribbean Islands Club from £2,999 pp
This romantic retreat on the privately owned island of Little Thatch provides the ultimate in escapism. One of only two properties on the island, it is perched right on the beach, fringed with palm and seagrape trees. Four evening boat transfers to nearby Tortola are included should you wish to dine there. Otherwise enjoy complete seclusion on this open-plan property, which comes with a four-poster bed. The managers are even happy to do your food shopping for you. A week at the Seagrape Cottage in the British Virgin Islands costs from £2,999 pp including self-catering accommodation, return flights (Gatwick) and transfers. Call AITO* member Caribbean Islands Club on 020 8232 9781 (www.carib-club.com).

Tropical Islands and Jungle – two weeks in Thailand with Explore, from £1,249 pp
Spend your honeymoon on some of the world’s most beautiful beaches in western Thailand. Begin with a city tour taking in the temples and markets of vibrant Bangkok, and then journey south for nine days of island hopping around the Andaman Sea.  Enjoy the turquoise waters, white sandy beaches and dramatic limestone scenery of this stunning coastline, which boasts 130 separate isles. Other highlights include sea kayaking and snorkelling around the coral. With six departures in July and August 2007, prices are from £1,249 pp including flights (Heathrow), all transportation, 12 nights’ accommodation with breakfast, one night on a sleeper train and the services of a tour leader. Call AITO* member Explore on 0870 333 4001 (www.explore.co.uk).

Dune devotion for £1,046 pp with Wild About Africa
Whisk the one you love away to Namibia on the romantic Teak Safari. Share the sight of one of the world’s largest canyons, and the wondrous vision of the Earth’s only desert horses roving the Namib Desert. What better way to celebrate your new partnership than by watching the sunrise over the world’s largest dunes? The price is from £1,046 pp (two sharing) in May 2007 and includes direct flights from Gatwick with Air Namibia. Call AITO* member Wild About Africa on 020 8758 4717 (www.wildaboutafrica.com).

Wholly heavenly honeymoon in Guatemala – Sunvil Latin America from £2,099 pp
The Hotel Casa Santo Domingo in the colonial town of Antigua is incredibly special. It’s as much a shrine as a hotel and the culmination of the owners’ dream to rescue the Dominican convent and church – jewels of 17th century Guatemalan architecture. At night, the hotel, its antique furnishings and walled gardens are lit by hundreds of candles – the perfect setting for romance. Two weeks’ accommodation and breakfast at the Casa Santo Domingo’s honeymoon suite (separate lounge area and bedroom with jacuzzi) costs from £2,099 pp, including return flights via Miami (Heathrow) and transfers. Call AITO* member Sunvil Latin America on 020 8758 4774 (www.sunvil.co.uk).

Magical Masseria: shack up in Puglia for a week with Real Holidays, £357 pp
Masserias are a serene type of manor house, specialising in gorgeous stone walls and plant-covered courtyards. Set in Puglia’s charming Itria Valley, Masseria Marzalossa is a particularly romantic example, with a beautiful pool, cooling palm trees and dozens of couple-friendly day-trip opportunities on offer. Meander around beautiful hill top towns, picnic in quiet countryside or visit Lecce, home of the Baroque style. Beat the crowds with a week in May, which costs from £357 pp (two sharing) including seven nights’ accommodation with breakfast. Flights and car hire can be arranged. Call Real Holidays on 020 7359 3938 (www.realholidays.co.uk).

Romance and Reefs in the Red Sea with Regaldive from £449 pp
Escape the crowds and head to Dahab, where the sands of the awesome Sinai desert meet the clear blue waters of the Gulf of Aqaba. Meaning ‘gold’ in Arabic, Dahab is a world-class dive destination that is famous for its shore dives and more adventurous dive sites including the legendary Blue Hole which drops to below 130m. Dahab is the ideal resort for honeymooners looking to enjoy the abundant marine life as well as the many activates on land.  So whether you want to soak up the sun on the sandy beaches, wander through the traditional markets or explore the region’s colourful coral reefs, there is something to suit everyone. Stay at the traditional Hilton Dahab Resort, and enjoy the spectacular sea views together from the resort’s large saltwater lagoon. Prices start from £449 pp (two sharing) includes seven nights’ B&B accommodation at the Hilton Dahab Resort, flights from Gatwick (Manchester £20 supplement) and transfers. A three-day dive pack costs from £80 pp for qualified divers. Call AITO* member Regaldive on 0870 2201 777 (www.regaldive.co.uk).

Not so brief encounter  – 16-day Alpine rail tour with Ffestiniog Travel, £1,400 pp
You have the perfect excuse to hold your new partner’s hand while you enjoy the thrilling Swiss rail network. During hairpins and spiral loops at 7,000 ft, look out of the windows and admire the surrounding glaciers and snowy peaks. Enjoy escorted tours along classic Alpine lines including the Bernina Pass, the Golden Panoramic and the Gotthard Tunnel. Use your unlimited rail pass to ride vintage electric and steam trains, hopping on and off as the mood takes you – the best way to get to know this most scenic of countries. In between train rides, explore Geneva, delve into northern Italy or travel across Lake Lucerne by paddle steamer. With weekly availability throughout summer, the price of £1,400 pp includes an unlimited first-class Swiss Transport Pass, return transport (Eurostar) and 15 nights’ hotel accommodation with breakfast. Call AITO* member Ffestiniog Travel on 01766 512 400 (www.festtravel.co.uk).

His and Hers honeymoon in Portugal with Sunvil for £718 pp
The Estalagem Senhora da Guia is an ideal option for newlyweds with differing ideas on how to relax: a spa offering massages and facials, sauna, jacuzzi, Turkish bath and small gym for her; an 18-hole golf course and tennis nearby for him. Surrounded by beautiful gardens and pinewoods, yet located only 3km from the elegant beach resort of Cascais on the Lisbon Coast, this 5-star Estalagem – converted from a Manor House – has 43 very comfortable rooms. The price of a week’s stay is from £718 pp (two sharing) and includes return flights to Lisbon with TAP Portugal from Heathrow or Gatwick, seven nights’ B&B accommodation, and car hire for the duration. Call AITO* member Sunvil Discovery on 020 8758 4722 (www.sunvil.co.uk).

Three nights of Parisian passion in a romantic hotel, with VFB from £270 pp
You can’t get much more romantic than Paris – especially if you stay at the luxurious Hotel Lutétia. This exquisite 1920s building – with a domed reception, Lalique chandeliers and art deco furniture – simply exudes style and sophistication from its fantastic Left Bank location. Previous guests include Cocteau, Picasso, Matisse and Général de Gaulle, who spent his own honeymoon here. It features a Michelin-quoted restaurant and two stylish bars, which often play host to pianists and jazz musicians. VFB Holidays is offering three night breaks from just £270 pp (two sharing), including breakfast and return travel by Eurostar. Call AITO* member VFB Holidays on 01452 716 831 (www.vfbholidays.co.uk).

The narrow and winding road with Classic Cottages, just £140 pp
The perfect haven for newlyweds seeking peace and relaxation, delightful Clippity-Clop (sleeps two) was originally a stallion house and is located on the narrow winding road from Pendeen to St Ives. It’s now tastefully converted with exposed beams, a warming wood-burner and a bedroom nestled under the eaves of the house adding charm and character to this stylish retreat. This area of Cornwall is wild, unspoilt and is now protected by the National Trust. From the front garden there are fabulous far-reaching views to the sea and the beautiful sunsets, which are renowned in this area. The price of a week’s stay is from £140 pp  (£279 total). Call Classic Cottages on 01326 555 555 (www.classic.co.uk).

 Report by Chitra Mogul