81 woman this month | May 2012 | The low-down: If your honeymoon dream is one of an authentic safari in exclusive, luxurious accommodation, then Botswana is your country. From extraordinary colonial hotels with palatial suites to tiny, five-bed luxury tented camps, there is something for every taste. This country has numerous remote and pristine wilderness locations, where romantic lodges are tucked away in private reserves away from the crowds. The best of these take great care of honeymooners, with spectacular surprises and treats. Between May and October, when many couples choose to get married, Botswana is hot, dry, low in humidity and fantastic for game. X-factor: The two names that you will be confronted with when you plan this trip are the Okavango Delta and Chobe National Park. That’s probably because they are the best. Here, you can enjoy customised honeymoons. Bring out your four-poster bed onto the deck and sleep under the stars. What’s more, a romantic “star bath” can be set up on your private viewing deck; soak in the candlelight under the vast star-filled African sky. You cannot leave Africa without their exclusive “walking with elephants” experience. Best for: Wildlife lovers. Botswana is land-locked and for the beach section many honeymooners fly down to Johannesburg to connect with a flight to elsewhere in Southern Africa, like Mauritius in southern Mozambique, or up to East Africa to Zanzibar. Alternatively, if relaxing without being at the beach is in order, then some of the lovely lodges around Victoria Falls provide a wonderful environment in which to unwind. Botswana, Africa The low-down: Manali literally means the “home of Manu”, the mythological character who survived when the world was drowned in a flood. Spectacular views of snow-capped peaks and wooded slopes, grassy meadows carpeted with wild flowers make Manali the perfect retreat. Stay in the villages of Vashisht, where you will find hot springs, or Old Manali for a more peaceful mood. X-factor: Hadimba or Dhungiri temple in Manali is one of the most important temples in the region. This four story wooden structure is located in the middle of a forest. Carvings of animals, plants and folk deities adorn the temple, while hunting trophies hang over its entrance. If you’re here, you ought to have Rohtang Pass on your itinerary. It is the highest point, which provides a wide panoramic view of mountains rising far above the clouds — a truly breath-taking sight. For high mountain thrills, perhaps nothing can surpass the magic of heli-skiing. The sport is available in the area by the Hanuman Tibba, Rohtang Pass, Deo Tibba and Chanderkhani Pass. Best for: Adventure junkies. The surrounding mountain scenery lures tourists to Manali year-round. Domestic tourists come here for honeymoons and mountain views, while foreigners come for adventure sports or, more commonly, to hang out in the hippie villages around the main town. Manali, India
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