18 metrolifeextra Tuesday, October 20, 2009 metro extralife OutofOfficeToadvertise call(01)6375979 Where union begins R emember those salad days of the Celtic Tiger? When the banks would throw a few credit cards at you to cover the cost of your wedding? And when you ordered another contingency card at zero interest to pay for the perfect honeymoon? Now that the economy is in a slump, prospective newlyweds are being forced to cut back and re- examine every cost aspect of their special day. Guest numbers, venues and, most significantly, that once-in- a-lifetime honeymoon are bound by strict budgets as couples try to make their euro stretch further. But luckily for them, it is possible to beat the recession and embark on an independent romantic getaway without obliterating their overdrafts. Love on a Budget It might sound clichd but if its more amore youre after, nowhere in Europe quite compares to Italy. Naples, approximately three hours flying time from Dublin (www. aerlingus.com) is the gateway to the countrys stunning Amalfi Coast. Ravello, one of the areas small, quiet, hillside towns, has coastal views described as the most beautiful in the world by writer Gore Vidal who lived there for 33 years. And although you might think a town popular with celebrities such as Brad Pitt is unlikely to be cheap, accommodation rates are refreshingly inexpensive at the Hotel Graal (hotelgraal.eu). For couples looking for somewhere with a bit more life, several other attractive towns also dot the coastline. To soak up a different atmosphere, take the 20-minute winding bus trip to Amalfi where close to its centre stands the landmark bell-tower of Sant Andrea, the towns magnificent 11th-century cathedral. Modestly priced eateries are plentiful in Amalfi while hotels here range from the recession- busting Hotel Amalfi (www.hamalfi. it) to various luxurious five-star hostelries. A few miles along the coast is the upmarket resort of Positano, with winding streets of stylish boutiques and shops selling local produce. Meanwhile, the island of Capri, once a honeymoon favourite and which now heaves with tourists, remains a worthwhile place to visit if only to catch the chairlift up Monte Solaro. It glides above terraced vineyards and pine trees to the rocky upper slopes, taking in the magnificent spectacle of the Gulfs of Naples and Salerno. From the ruins of a 19th-century fortification built by the English, love- struck couples can gaze down through green, flower-drenched hillsides to a craggy coastline of hidden coves. Elsewhere, Sorrento, the largest and liveliest resort on the Neapolitan Riviera, is the perfect base for visiting Pompeii, Vesuvius, Monte Cassino and Caserta Palace by bus. Perfect for those on a tight budget, the region has good transport that will save newlyweds a fortune on expensive taxis or car-hire. Breaking the Bank Not every couple wants a DIY honeymoon. Some, preferring to holiday Cabinet Minister-style, might prefer to live it up in the St Regis Resort, Bora Bora, French Polynesia, where a one- bedroom over-water villa costs a mere 1,013 per night. Situated on a tranquil lagoon, the resort contains 100 exquisitely designed guest rooms and over-water and beach villas, many with terrace whirlpools or private swimming pools. Three restaurants await recently married couples, including an over-water dining room, featuring Mediterranean and Pacific fusion cuisine. For dreamy romantic relaxation, theres a main pool with swim-up bar and a romantic adult pool with private daybeds. But if sand and sea leave you cold and exercising your joint platinum card is more your idea of heaven, then a trip to New York is a must. The city that never sleeps has romantic scenery by the truckload as well as fantastic entertainment, great restaurants and amazing shopping. And if you have a wad of cash to spare, the Plaza Hotel Presidential Suite is the place to stay. At 10,150 per night, the suite is a two-level, 7,800 sq ft space that occupies an entire floor of the hotel. Six bedrooms, seven bathrooms, two living rooms, a parlour, a library, and a private wine cellar round out the accommodation. You have a private staff of maids, butlers and a chauffeur with a Rolls Royce to cater to your every whim. Roman holiday: The view towards Positano on Italys Amalfi coast is ideal for honeymooners Ski trip Destination: January 10. Staying at the Manzano Apartments, Pas De La Casa, Andorra on a self-catering basis for seven nights. Price: 289 per person based on six people sharing. Contact: Panorama Holidays. Tel: 0818 211 211. www.panoramaholidays.ie Europe Destination: European Cities with lastminute.com Price: Buy one, get one free hotel sale from 96 in four and five-star hotels across Europe. Details: This Thursday, lastminute.com will host a 24- hour hotel sale where you can bag two nights in a luxurious city hotel for the price of one. Hotels include the magnificent five-star Hotel Claris in Barcelona from just 96 and the beautiful four- star Hotel Ampere in Paris from just 99. Contact: www.lastminute.com Greece Destination: Greece with Holidayautos.ie Price: Discover all that Greece has to offer from just 22 per day. Details: Walk through the olive groves and ancient sites, move to clusters of sparsely inhabited islands, roam from beaches to rocky mountains and explore breathtaking scenery. Get up to 30 per cent off car hire in selected locations just book and collect before October 31. And a further 25 per cent has been knocked off selected cars. Contact: www.holidayautos.ie America Details: Book now for May or June 2010 and get a great deal for Orlando. Price: Stay in a three-bed private home with pool near Disney from just 489 per person. Based on four adults and two children under 12 sharing, includes flights and seven nights accommodation. Tax included. Contact: Tel: (01) 673 3800. www.americanholidays.com Honeymoon holidays: In our continuing series, we look at the options in Italy, Polynesia and New York BY JOANNE OCONNOR lastminute.comhotels flights holidays citybreaks TRAVEL DEALS OF THE WEEK terraced vineyards and pine trees to the rocky upper slopes, taking in the magnificent spectacle of the Gulfs of Naples and Salerno. From the ruins of a 19th-century fortification built by the English, love- struck couples can gaze down through green, flower-drenched hillsides to a craggy coastline of hidden holiday Cabinet Minister-style, might prefer to live it up in the St Regis Resort, Bora Bora, French Polynesia, where a one- bedroom over-water villa costs a mere 1,013 per night. Situated on a tranquil lagoon, the resort contains 100 exquisitely designed guest rooms and over-water and beach villas, many with terrace whirlpools or index.html2.html3.html4.html5.html6.html7.html8.html9.html10.html11.html12.html13.html14.html15.html16.html17.html18.html19.html20.html21.html22.html23.html