Coming in at number one for its pioneering ecotourism ethos and breathtaking portfolio of lodges scattered across some of the most remote parts of Africa, Wilderness Safaris is the creator of the most ambitious multistop safaris we’ve ever seen. he team are pals with the most knowledgeable guides, and are deeply passionate about what they do. With private access to more than three million hectares of wildlife reserves across Africa, and gatekeepers of the most stylish and sustainable camps on the planet – found in Botswana, Congo, Kenya, Namibia and Zambia – they also hold the keys to North Island, our favourite eco-retreat in the Seychelles (where Prince William and Kate honeymooned).
KUONI
More than 2,000 of you voted and this front runner came as no surprise to the team at Brides. Offering inspirational itineraries to a multitude of destinations (it was important to couples that a company offer a global choice), our readers felt that they make planning a honeymoon an enjoyable, stress-free experience’ with its user-friendly website’ and welcoming UK high street stores. Add to this the fact that their experts really know their destinations like the back of their hands’, it’s clear that you think these guys are 100% trustworthy. RUNNER-UP TURQUOISE HOLIDAYS SPECIAL MENTIONS THOMAS COOK; VIRGIN HOLIDAYS; MR & MRS SMITH
ANDAZ PENINSULA PAPAGAYO, COSTA RICA
Chosen for its remarkable architecture, far-flung tropical location and designer good looks, Andaz Papagayo has taken luxury in Costa Rica to a whole new level. We love the way this resort marries an achingly hip vibe (in its smouldering Chao Pescao cocktail bar) with a super-laid-back attitude (nothing but flip-flops down at the beach). Costa Rica is known for its nature, and there’s wildlife in abundance here – we spotted indigenous monkeys on the premises. But above all, it’s the staff that make Andaz Papagayo really special – you can sense that everyone from the gardeners to the general manager really loves working here, and despite the fact that there are 153 rooms, everybody treats you like a favourite regular.
TURQUOISE TOP TIP
A traditional affair
It’s impossible to visit this magical country and not get involved in a traditional kava ceremony. The roots of the local kava plant are used to ma drink – you will be offered ption of high-tide’ or low->on’t get confused: this is si either a full cup or a half c
It s time to live out those Robinson Crusoe-esque fantasies. Like an emerald rising out of the azure blue of Beqa (pronounced Bengga) Lagoon, Royal Davui is an exclusive 10-acre island paradise for adults only. Snuggled in splendid isolation just south of Fiji’s main island, Viti Levu, this romantic hideaway promises the ultimate desert island experience; with just 16 privileged couples staying at any one time. he beautifully appointed villas, or vales’ are designed with complete privacy in mind, each tucked away into the lush vegetation with far-reaching views of the lagoon, coral reef and nearby islands. It’s got pinch-me-it’s-not-real written all over it.
