Let’s start with the Seychelles. There’s so much happening here – Mahé’s Le Méridièn Barbarons Hotel re-opened on August 1 after a multi-million dollar refit, the Northolme Hotel and Spa, overlooking Beau Vallon Bay, was completely renovated this year and a second 124-hectare Constance Hotel Spa Resort is planned for northwest Mahé’s Port Launay in 2007. Get all the latest news at stand AS2800.
From here it’s just a few steps to Mauritius, another wedding and honeymoon favourite. In 2005, getting to the island is easier than ever thanks to the introduction of a sixth-weekly non-stop flight from Heathrow with Air Mauritius, three non-stop flights with British Airways, four flights with Emirates via Dubai and four new hotels. Lap up the luxury at AS2600.
Just around the corner, catch up on what’s hot in the Cook Islands at stand AS1100. After a £1 million refurbishment the Crown Beach has re-opened with a new pool, restaurant, bar, and upgraded villas. In Muri Lagoon, the newly opened Muri Beach Club Hotel is exclusively for adults, while Rumours of Romance, a five-villa property, opened in the summer and is also perfect for weddings and honeymoons.
No luxury wedding or honeymoon route would be complete without catching up with friends at Sandals on CA4080. The Sandals Whitehouse European Village and Spa opened in April this year, its 11th Jamaican property, while representatives can fill you in on the new Red Lane spas and an exclusive butler service for guests staying in high-end rooms and suites.
Next, drop by at the Small Luxury Hotels of the World stand GV8800 to find out about more than 40 new member hotels for the 2006 season, taking their collection of intimate, luxury properties to more than 350. The group will also be promoting its new Spa Book, highlighting the collection of best spas available within its portfolio.
It’s the first time they’ve been to WTM, so give a warm welcome to Anantara Resorts and Spas at stand GV8820. Scheduled to open a resort in the Maldives in March 2006, the Anantara Resort and Spa will be five-star boutique hideaway on the South Male Atoll with 70 beachfront villas, 38 over-water villa suites and two over-water pool suites, and the Anantara Spa, specially constructed with glass floors to enable guests to view the marine life underneath.
You don’t have to go long-haul for the perfect wedding, so don’t forget about stopping by at the Cyprus stand, EM920. Cyprus continues to be a hugely popular wedding location for the UK market. While you’re there, ask to meet the people from the Nissi Beach Holiday Resort in Ayia Napa who run beach weddings.
Last but certainly not least, say hello to the operators of one of the world’s most luxurious hotels, the Burj Al Arab, and other stunning hotels in Dubai, London and New York. Jumeirah International, at GV8850, is now to manage luxury hotels and a waterpark in Saraya Aqaba, Jordan. Get the lowdown and also take note of its new GDS code, JT, also being launched at the show.
