Divine honeymoon destinations

The Langkawi archipelago is a cluster of 99 islands off the north-west coast of Malaysia, just south of Thailand. This is your typical island paradise, with scenic, tranquil landscapes, wonderful beaches and abundant marine life. The islands also have a heritage of intriguing myths about ogres, gigantic birds, warriors, fairy princesses, battles and romance.

The region's geological history dates back about 500-million years, and the islands feature unique rock formations and numerous caves with breathtaking stalactites and stalagmites.

If you want to do some touring, check out Kuah, the main town on Pulau Langkawi, the main island, which is a duty-free shopping haven. Other sights around the island include an Underwater World at Pantai Cenang, a scenic park called Taman Lagenda, which features vivid local plants, and traditional Malaysian handicraft and cultural objects. Langkawi's latest attraction is also at Pantai Cenang, and showcases the history, heritage and development of the nation's rice-growing industry.

If you're less energetic, however, you can simply soak up the sun on one of Langkawi's idyllic beaches, taking a short break for snorkelling or other watersports!

Mallorca, Spain

Tourism in Mallorca started developing as far back as the 1920s but, until the Spanish Civil War, mainly intellectuals and artists were attracted to this island. Mallorca's wonderful climate, beautiful landscapes and cosmopolitan ambience make it a wonderful holiday destination.

Mallorca also offers culture comparable with many other European capitals. The Auditiorio de Palma, for instance, ranks among Europe's top concert halls. La Ciutat, Mallorca's capital, will impress you from the moment you dock at its port with its array of yachts, swaying palms and magnificent cathedral.

History and modernity meld together seamlessly against the deep blue backdrop of the Mediterranean. Mallorca is home to approximately 320 000 people, about half the island's total population.

The vibrant Spanish culture, with its music, great food, passion and poetry, makes this a place where lovers can lose themselves with no regrets!

Mauritius

South Africans have been visiting Mauritius for decades with good reason. It's a tropical garden arising from the azure skies and emerald-green waters of the Lagoon. The island offers unforgettably beautiful scenery and people with fascinating ancestral traditions.

Mauritius is custodian to the legacies of those who, for the past 400 years, have settled on its shores. Here Europe meets India, China and Africa in a frenzy of colours, scents and flavours. Festivals and religious ceremonies in Mauritius remain untouched by time and are still celebrated with fervour and devotion, attesting to the inhabitants' strong ties to their origins.

On the other hand, through the years this mixture of people has brought about a unique Mauritian culture. Strolling through the streets, it's not unusual to find yourself in a "little India" of alleys filled with the aromas of saffron and cinnamon. Alongside, churches with medieval architecture are remembrances of the island's European heritage.

As a result, shopping can become a really enticing experience, with a variety of products reminiscent of different cultures. There are also numerous activities to complement what's sure to be a memorable holiday.

The warm, crystal-clear waters of the lagoons and white, sandy beaches offer ideal, year-round watersports such as sailing, diving, snorkelling and water-skiing.

Blue and black marlins, sailfish and tuna thrive in the tropical waters surrounding the island. With many record catches, the island has a worldwide reputation for great deep-sea fishing.

Last, but not least, nightlife is catered for by numerous restaurants, bars, cinemas and nightclubs. Gamblers might prefer the thrill of the island's several casinos, located in the towns and beach resorts.

January-April are the best times to visit, although May can be pleasant too. Watch out for the cyclones from December-March, though.

Phantom Forest Eco Reserve, Knysna

The Phantom Forest Eco Reserve is privately owned and offers 137ha of indigenous forest, Cape coastal fynbos, estuarine wetland, 120 bird species, bushbuck, the rare blue duiker, grysbok, bush pig and many smaller game species. In addition, it boasts stunning accommodation, constructed from sustainable building materials and drawing inspiration directly from nature.

The elevated "tree-suites" are an African celebration of natural textures, hand-crafted furnishings, ethnic artefacts, an en suite forest bathroom and a deck integrated with the trees in the area. The newly-introduced Moroccan tree-suites are a riot of bright, bold mosaics, finely embroidered cloths and sensuous four-poster beds draped with mosquito nets.

Guests at the reserve have access to the private jetty and canoes, ideal for a picnic lunch along the banks of the lagoon. There are also mountain bikes, a swimming pool and a romantic forest walk.

The cherry on top is the Body Boma, an exciting stress release centre where you can book relaxing, healing treatments and massages.