Thailand had been a traveller's hot spot for four decades

Koh Chang is Thailand's second biggest island By the time Leonardo DiCaprio's character in the blockbuster hit The Beach had famously swam to his own little piece of Thai heaven, putting Koh Phi Phi Leh on the well-used tourist map, Thailand had been a traveller's hot spot for four decades. Once popular mainly as a backpacker's paradise, Thailand now caters to spa junkies, families, health tourists, luxe-lovers, beach bunnies, partygoers and, of course, newlyweds.

Editor and author Jane Anderson is known in the UK as a bit of a honeymoon expert. A career in travel writing led to ten years as travel editor at the British wedding magazine, You and Your Wedding, and eventually penning her own destination wedding book, A Place to Wed (Conran Octopus), and now editorship of 101Honeymoons.co.uk.

She says, "Thailand remains a great honeymoon option as it still has that exotic feel that means you're taking time out of everyday life to experience a new culture. There's a strong tradition of great service and, when Thai people know you're on honeymoon, there will be an extra warm welcome and an effort to spoil you. A big consideration for most honeymooners these days is budget, and Thailand still represents great value for money for couples looking to do something special."

Tourism growth doesn't seem to be abating; the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) has predicted a total of 15 million visitors this year alone, a whopping 20 per cent up from last year. Director of TAT's Middle-East office, Pramoth Supyen, says, "Our statistics show a 20 per cent increase in total visitors to Thailand from the Middle East for 2010 compared with 2009. Of that, many visitors travel as couples."

While Thai tourism professionals may be rubbing their hands in glee, this may sound like too many sunburnt holidaymakers for prospective honeymooners. However, if you're lucky enough to be planning nuptials and a subsequent first holiday as husband and wife, don't be put off. There are pockets of the country offering a fabulously romantic, yet culturally engaging honeymoon, which you can discover with a little advice from the people in the know.

The beach

First stop on the newlyweds' tour of Thailand has got to be a chill-out session at the perfect beach. If you asked everyone you know for their recommendation of the best Thai beach, guaranteed they would all have a different answer. As honeymooners, you're probably after privacy, and some serious sunsets.

According to the manager of Luxury Hotels by Dnata, Lisa Balsom, the Trisara resort and spa on the west side of Phuket island has one of the best beaches. "Trisara is intimate and luxurious. The hotel is situated within its own private bay... the stunning views and amazing sunsets make it a perfect romantic setting."

Eco-inspired Trisara offers seclusion and space with high-end luxe facilities. Their 39 independent villas, ranging in size from one bedroom up to the palatial five bedrooms, all come with their own private infinity pools, which are completely hidden from view and look out over the ocean. The one-bedroomed villas are ideal for honeymooners. One peek at the over-sized bed, which could sleep a basketball player horizontally, the ornately decorated bathroom with its luxurious bathtub, the outdoor shower, and window-doors that open right up, so that when you are sitting up in bed all you can see is your pool and then the ocean, and you probably won't even want to see the rest of the resort.

If you do find the willpower to venture out of your villa, you'll find a fully equipped spa and fitness area and, down on the beach, the main heart of the resort, with its lobby, restaurant, bar area, library with books, CDs and games, huge infinity pool and 2km-strip of white sand. If your man is not sold on the idea of lounging on the beach, sign yourselves up for a Thai cooking course in the hotel kitchen; a spa treatment together; a snorkelling trip to a nearby island; an outdoor yoga or meditation session; Thai boxing classes; tennis coaching, kayaking; sailing; windsurfing; paddleboarding or diving. If you need more, elephant rides, rainforest walks, helicopter rides, golf, shopping trips and more can easily be arranged elsewhere on the island.

Every comfort and luxury is carefully provided for - from the jar of scrummy home-made cookies in your room to the Bose sound system which lets you plug in your own iPod. No matter how long you stay, you won't want to leave.

Trisara romance slam dunks

1. A private BBQ on your personal terrace.

2. A sunset boat trip with your own playlist playing on an iPod docking station.

3. An outdoor couple massage at the secluded yoga and massage pagoda at the far end of the beach.

Details

Prices for one-bedroom villas start at Dh2,300 in the summer, Dh3,000 from November to April. Visit www.trisara.com.
 

The city

Visiting Thailand without even a little exploration of Bangkok would be like loving strawberry yoghurt, but never trying a strawberry. Iconic landmarks of Thai history and the hustling industry and tourist culture lie juxtaposed - the spiritual against the hedonism,the serene against the neon craziness. The city suffers from a serious case of split-personality disorder, and it is exactly this contradiction that makes it such an enchanting destination.

Jay Jhingran is general manager of the Lebua at State Tower - a five-star luxury hotel in Bangkok - and Tower Club at Lebua; the suites which occupy floors 51 to 59 of the hotel. In Jhingran's experience, Bangkok is high on the list of popular honeymoon destinations, and for good reason. He says, "In the January 2011 issue of Recommend magazine, Thailand was named by the travel agent community as the ‘Sexiest Romance Honeymoon Destination in Asia'.

Known as the ‘City of Angels', Bangkok features both old-world charm and modern conveniences. For honeymooners looking for that city setting, they will be immediately overwhelmed by its sheer size, gleaming exotic temples and palaces, which epitomise Thailand's history, traditional street markets and modern shopping malls."

And where else to stay but at one of the Lebua hotels, where they have a director of romance, who oversees weddings and honeymoons in the hotels? For the ultimate experience, opt for a suite in Tower Club at Lebua - huge king-sized beds, a fully kitted spa room in your suite, Bulgari bathroom products, kitchen, sitting room, dining area and pretty balustrade balconies with impressive views of the river and sprawling city below. Guests enjoy complimentary soft drinks in the mini-bar, free internet and Wi-Fi access, flat screens with complimentary videos on demand and access to The Tower Club, where refreshments are offered on the house, 24 hours a day.  

Bangkok romance slam dunks

1. "For honeymooners," says Jhingran, "I would recommend a sunrise breakfast with bubbly on a longboat down the Chao Phraya river, which courses through Bangkok, taking in Bangkok's historical and cultural sights."

2. A sunset trip to Wat Arun, the Temple of Dawn, which is one of the oldest temples in Bangkok.

3. An evening at the Lebua - start with aperitifs at the Sky Bar on the 63rd floor, one of the world's highest open-air bars; followed by an intimate dinner at Mezzaluna, which offers a six-course tasting menu perfect for special occasions; and finish off with a nightcap at open-air restaurant and bar, Breeze, which you have to walk to across a suspended, illuminated bridge. This is an evening you'll never forget.

Details

A one-bedroom suite in Tower Club at Lebua starts at Dh715 in low season, and Dh920 from October to March. Visit www.lebua.com.  

Adventure

For the adrenaline-loving couple who want to keep the trip true to their style, Thailand's varied terrain holds potential for countless adventure activities and experiences. TAT regional director Pramoth Supyen says that he sees increasing numbers of couples visiting Thailand from the Middle East for weddings, Valentine's Day, honeymoons, and even second and third honeymoons - and that many are looking for experiential holiday options. He says, "For those couples who are moved by nature and would like to make their special time together even more memorable, there is a wealth of activities and soft-adventure, romantic experiences, to occupy their days.

Adventure romance slam dunks

1. Thailand's second biggest island, Koh Chang, meaning Elephant Island, sits in the south-east of the country close to the Cambodian border. The Koh Chang Marine National Park is made up of approximately 50 islands - most of which are protected and remain unspoilt. Not only does it offer some of the prettiest beaches, jungles and waterfalls, it's like the Willie Wonka of adventure sports - abseiling, diving, mountain biking, white water rafting and even flying school, to name but a few. But for a romantic experience, book an outing to see the fireflies. Supyen says, "For people on honeymoon, I would recommend canoeing through mangrove-lined lagoons at dusk when the fireflies emerge."

2. 101Honeymoons' Jane Anderson says, "If you want adventure and romance, head north to the Golden Triangle for memorable elephant experiences including learning to be a mahout. The Four Seasons Tented Camp is utterly romantic. Honeymooners can not only have indulgent massages, but be taught how to massage their partner. There are also cookery and meditation lessons." Visit www.fourseasons.com.

3. Take off for an early morning breakfast 2,000 feet above the countryside of the northern city of Chiang Mai in a hot air balloon. Dh1,060 per person for a 75-minute flight, including refreshments on board and a celebratory glass of bubbles when you land. Visit www.balloonadventurethailand.com.  

Festivals

If you can coordinate your honeymoon to tie in with a Thai festival, you'll be in for a treat. And Thai people love festivals, so there are plenty to choose from, including religious and spiritual occasions as well events celebrating martial arts, flowers, umbrellas, art and culture, and many more. The celebrations differ from place to place. Colour, history, costume, dance, music - festival time brings the party to your door. For details of the different festivals, visit www.tourismthailand.org.

Festival romance slam dunks

1. TAT's Pramoth Supyen says, "The Loi Krathong festival is the festival of romance and the perfect time to coincide your honeymoon visit to Thailand. The festival's name originates from the Thai word ‘Loi', meaning ‘to float' and ‘Krathong', which is the name of a small raft about a hand-span in diameter, which is traditionally made from banana tree trunk and decorated with elaborately folded banana leaves, flowers, candles and incense sticks. During this festival, thousands of people, especially couples, converge at rivers, lakes and ponds, under the moonlight to float the small lotus-shaped offerings symbolising the drifting away of ill fortune. The festival has become extremely popular with foreign visitors over the years, especially among honeymooners and couples, due to the romantic ambience and as a private symbol of the commitment that no ill fortune will come between them. Different regions each observe the festivities in their own unique ways... in Chiang Mai in the north of Thailand, the candle-lit offerings are actually launched and float up into the night sky."

2. 101Honeymoons' Jane Anderson, says, "If you're honeymooning in April, experience the Songkran festival to celebrate Thai New Year. Colourful and exhilarating, just be prepared to get sprayed with water - a lot!" This year, Songkran runs from April 13 to 15.

3. Pai in the north of the country, near Chiang Mai, is known as a romantic destination and has been popular with honeymooners and couples for years. Their Season of Love @ Pai festival, which ties in with Valentine's Day, sees group weddings with couples coming from all over the world to get married in this isolated, picturesque village. Even if you are already married, and on your honeymoon, head to Pai for February 14 and bask in the glow of love.

Travel info

Planning your trip
Dnata is your one-stop-shop for organising the perfect honeymoon in Thailand. Visit its website for details of flights, hotels and holiday packages:www.dnata.com. Also, check out Luxury Hotels by Dnata for a luxury upgrade.