Johannesburg – After months of meticulous planning and a wedding day filled with joyous celebrations, a cherished and timeless tradition takes centre stage for newlyweds – their honeymoon.
This getaway offers a much-needed opportunity to unwind after the flurry of activity leading up to the big day.
It’s a time to connect and bond on a deeper level and celebrate their union in a way that’s special to them.
“More than just a holiday, it’s a meaningful start to married life in a setting designed for romance,” says Shaun Lamont, CEO of First Group.
“Let’s be honest, planning a wedding can be a whirlwind of excitement, but it can also be stressful, with countless lists and endless decisions
“When the big day finally arrives, it often leaves couples exhilarated but drained.
“That’s why honeymoons are so special – they provide a much-needed pause – a chance to just be together, recharge and savour the start of married life in a relaxed, intimate setting.”
The term “honeymoon” originates from the 16th century, combining “hony,” symbolising the sweetness of early marriage, and “moone,” reflecting the fleeting nature of time.
Over the centuries, this tradition evolved into the “bridal tours” of the 19th century, where couples travelled to visit family and celebrate their union.
Today, the honeymoon represents an escape from the dailyness to focus entirely on each other.
To make the most of this special time, Lamont suggests focusing on what matters most to you as a couple, and offers these practical tips for planning your perfect honeymoon:
• Start planning early: This gives you time to save, research destinations and take advantage of special offers. Once you’ve determined the potential savings, set up an automatic monthly transfer to a dedicated honeymoon savings account. This way, a portion of your income will be securely set aside before any temptation to spend it arises.
• Set realistic expectations: Your budget might not stretch to an exotic, luxury island resort but ultimately, what matters most is the time spent together.
• Book Direct for Less: Book directly with your hotel or resort of choice. Gone are the days when OTA’s (Online Travel Agencies) offered the best deals. Worldwide, leading hotel groups like First Group, have sweetened the deal for guests with discounts and specials to improve the overall customer experience, from booking to checkout. You won’t be disappointed.
• Private Browsing for Flight Savings: Unmask the covert side of holiday planning with the power of private browsing. By opening a new private window through the browser’s file menu, you can prevent airlines from inflating prices based on your search history. This smart tactic ensures that flights are secured at the best possible rates.
• Consider timing carefully: You don’t have to leave immediately after the wedding – travelling during off-peak seasons usually means cheaper rates, fewer crowds and no school holiday disruptions.
• Make it personal: Choose experiences that reflect your interests as a couple, whether adventure, relaxation or a bit of both.
South Africa’s diverse landscapes provide countless romantic settings for newlyweds.
First Group’s properties, for instance, perfectly capture this natural beauty: from the magical Club Mykonos in Langebaan or Mount Sierra at the foot of Table Mountain in the Western Cape to the breathtaking lower Southern Berg views at Midlands Saddle and Trout, which also offers intimate wedding facilities.
For stunning ocean views, there’s the La Montagne Hotel in Ballito or Breakers Resort in Umhlanga Rocks.
With many other exceptional local and even international First Group resorts, some offering spa facilities, there’s something to accommodate every newlyweds’ dream honeymoon.
“A honeymoon is more than just a tradition, it should be as unique as your love story in a setting designed for romance,” Lamont concludes.
“Whether you dream of barefoot walks on pristine beaches, mountain adventures, or indulgent luxury, this cherished time will create lasting, magical memories as you begin your next chapter together.”
