The glossy magazine image of a honeymoon in Asia often focuses on a pristine beach looking towards a turquoise horizon, with only you and your newly-wed leaving footprints in the sand. While that has plenty of appeal – we daydream of those beaches too! - it’s not the only possibility out there. The increasing number of hotels combining distinctive experiences with an ecological, community-focused ethos make interesting, ‘outside-the-box’ honeymoon options. From falling asleep to the sounds of the Sri Lankan wilderness to having breakfast with elephants, we’ve picked a few of our favourite alternative honeymoon hotels that have sustainability at heart.
Muang La Resort, Laos
The handful of traditional wooden villas at Muang La Resort have become secluded havens where you can cosy up and enjoy time together. There’s no TV, phone or internet in the guest rooms, so you are fully immersed in the natural tranquillity of northern Laos. Building materials, fabrics and produce for the restaurant are sourced from the local area, and there’s a strong sense of community with the nearby villages. Honeymooners can enjoy private dinners in the sala, romantic scented saunas, and blissful soaks in the thermal springs. You can socialise with the locals, who still access the thermal pools thanks to the resort’ determination to safeguard the ancient rights of way, and learn about the hotel’s inspiring projects focused on supporting and preserving the customs and community of this remote region.
Mahoora Luxury Safari Camps, Sri Lanka
Camping might not immediately spring to mind as a luxury honeymoon option, but the lodgings at the Mahoora Safari Camps around Sri Lanka’s National Parks are no ordinary tents. Full-sized beds, hot showers and comfy living areas are all included in these deceptively spacious canvas suites where you can fall asleep together under the stars. A trained guide is on hand to lead you on wildlife treks through the wilderness, and the exceptional quality of the meals prepared upon your return keeps clients coming back here again and again. Your tent is pitched in preparation for your arrival and packed down as soon as your stay is over, minimising the project’s environmental impact in keeping with their carbon neutral ideals. All that remains is for you to decide which National Park you want to head to first!
Heritance Kandalama, Sri Lanka
Staying in Sri Lanka, the stylish Heritance Kandalama approaches the idea of eco-luxury from a different direction. Designed by the renowned architect Geoffrey Bawa, the sleek, modern lines of this hotel blend seamlessly with the hillside vegetation, ensuring there is nothing to detract from the area’s natural beauty. Climbing plants have been encouraged to grow up the supporting walls of the hotel, creating an unobtrusive fusion of natural and man-made structures that sits lightly in the landscape. Once inside, you find yourself in the ultimate showcase of elegant contemporary style – quite a contrast to the overgrown exterior! Indulge yourselves with a few blissful spa treatments, or relax in the lakeside infinity pool, before hand-picking your dinner from the organic garden to be eaten on the terrace or even by flickering candlelight in the resort’s atmospheric cave.
...[ Continue to next page ]
Comments