18 metrolifeextra Tuesday, October 13, 2009 D metro extralife OutofOfficeToadvertise call(01)6375979 lastminute.comsleep around for less Honeymoon heaven W hen planning a honeymoon, almost every couple dreams of beautiful sandy beaches, turquoise seas and romantic locations. The Caribbean remains hugely popular as a destination for many other reasons including ease of getting there, value for money and standard of accommodation. Sandals resorts combine all these elements and it is no surprise that they are fast making a name for themselves as a sought-after honeymoon option. Every Sandals resort sits directly on a stunning beach, on four of the most gorgeous islands in a region famous for its white sands, exquisite turquoise waters and romantic sunsets. From Jamaicas warm reggae pulse to the Bahamas sophisticated beat and from St Lucias volcanic majesty to Antiguas exotic allure, each Sandals resort wraps up the very best of the Caribbean and offers it to you in a glorious all-inclusive package. Jamaica The beaches in Jamaica are truly spectacular, from secluded private coves to Negrils world-renowned 11km stretch of powdery white sand, all looking out on to the clear waters of the Caribbean. A couple could be forgiven for spending their entire honeymoon basking in the seductive warmth of the ever-present sunshine, while sipping exotic tropical drinks and gazing out at the endless expanse of aquamarine sea. St Lucia Boasting a drive-through volcano, as well as its own National Rain Forest Reserve with over 19,000 colour- splashed acres of natural wonders, St Lucias exotic beauty truly captures the luxuriant allure of the Caribbean. From the distinctive twin peaks of Les Pitons to the cascading majesty of Diamond Falls and the translucent turquoise sea that frames it all, St Lucia dazzles the eye as it seduces the body and spirit. Antigua Three-hundred-and- sixty-five beaches Orla Hogan, wedding co-ordinator at Tropical Places, answers our questions If you are looking to book your honeymoon for 2010 or 2011, you may well be wondering how safe your booking will be. With so many travel companies offering great deals on honeymoons, it is vital that you know your money is safe and secure, and your chosen tour operator is well established, bonded and licenced. As Irelands leading honeymoon specialist, Tropical Places, based in Dublin and Belfast, can provide an expert service while bringing you great value holidays. They have over seven years of experience in providing great value, luxury honeymoons, from a barefoot paradise in the Maldives to the glamour and glitz of Dubai, and will help you plan a superb honeymoon itinerary wherever you decide to go. They offer worldwide holidays to hundreds of resorts in the Caribbean, Far East, Africa, Indian Ocean, Arabian Gulf and Australia & New Zealand. What makes Tropical Places stand out is their specialist knowledge, high levels of service and complete choice that ensures they can provide a honeymoon experience to suit every taste. So whether youre looking for an adventurous honeymoon in Africa or a sun-drenched all- inclusive honeymoon in the Caribbean, they can guide you on every step of the booking process. Tropical Places have been in business in Ireland since 2002, and are now owned by TUI Travel Plc, the worlds largest travel group. This will reassure you that as a company your booking and money is secure. If you are considering getting married abroad, Tropical Places can also arrange ceremonies in a number of romantic locations! For a copy of their new 2010 brochure just call (01) 433 1021, or e-mail brochures@ Tropicalplaces.ie To speak with one of their specialist staff, call their central reservations on (01) 433 1080. There are some great deals on long haul travel this and next year, so it is worth checking out www.tropical places.ie. TROPICAL PLACES (one for each day of the year, with sand so pure it casts a pinkish hue and the clearest, aqua-blue waters imaginable), make Antigua one of the most priceless gems in the Caribbean. Here, natural splendour forms the perfect setting for cosmopolitan pursuits. Try your luck at the tables in Antiguas world-class Kings Casino or revel in the rich European culture that underlies the warm island beats. Jamaica From 1,579pp. Sandals Grande, The Riviera Ocho Rios Beach and Villa Golf Resort, Riviera Deluxe Room. Ref: 34699 St Lucia From 1,792pp. Sandals Halcyon Beach St Lucia, Paradise Pool Deluxe Room. Ref:34703 Antigua From 1,865pp. Sandals Grande Antigua Resort and Spa-Caribbean village, Garden of Eden Deluxe Room. Ref: 34697 Sandals are offering up to 35 per cent off their room rates until October 31, 2009. Deposit of only 50 (valid until October 16). Prices are package prices and include flights and airport taxes. Offer includes flight with Virgin Atlantic to St Lucia, Jamaica or Antigua. Prices per person based on two sharing. www.tropicalplaces.ie or call (01) 433 1020. Why do people go abroad now to get married? A wedding in Ireland costs on average 30,000 and a couple can get a civil wedding abroad with a 14-night stay in a hotel on an all-inclusive basis, flights and transfers for under 4,000. Location is key, with sunshine and superb surroundings for the wedding album. Do couples go on their own or do family and friends go with them? We have both. Family and friends tend to love the idea of making this their annual holiday. Where are the biggest destinations to get married? The top destinations for couples to get married abroad for 2009 and 2010 are Jamaica, Mexico, Mauritius, St Lucia and Antigua. What documents are required for clients wishing to get married abroad? You will need an original birth certificate, valid ten-year passport, and a letter of freedom obtained from the Department of Foreign Affairs four months prior to departure. (Phone 01 478 0822 for details). If you are adopted, divorced, widowed or have had your name changed by deed poll, proof is required. Finally, you need a statement of personal details, all with a stamp of authentication. Do people add on another destination for their honeymoon or do they stay in the same resort? We find that if a couple travel on their own they will stay in the one hotel for their wedding and honeymoon. When a couple travel with family/friends they tend to stay longer and combine their stay with a trip somewhere else. If a couple travel to the Caribbean, they could combine it with Miami. If they travel to Mauritius they could combine it with South Africa or Dubai. What happens when the couple arrives into the resort? The couple are met by the hotels wedding co-ordinator within 24 hours of arrival, and he or she will take them through the civil wedding ceremony. If the clients want to add on extras to the wedding package, this can be done at this stage. How do clients book their wedding with Tropical Places? A client can ring reservations on (01) 433 1020 and we will run through the destination the couple have decided on. After the booking is made we will request a date that the clients want their wedding on. Once confirmed, the clients will receive a confirmation invoice and hotel wedding package details. Clients will then receive updates on what documentation is needed and when. 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