GO TWO BY TWO TO KENYA AND HONEYMOON ON THE HIGH PLAINS

NAIROBI, Kenya (09/2013) Once the wedding is over, the adventures never have to stop: newlyweds can enjoy romance, adventure, and luxury through Marasa’s honeymoon package at the Aberdare Country Club (ACC) and The Ark. Enjoy four nights at the ACC, followed by one at the Ark.

Set on a stunning 1,300 acre wildlife preserve outside of Nairobi, the Aberdare Country Club (booking automatically enrolls one in the club) is located in the Aberdare Highlands, part of the Great Rift Valley. It has retained the charm of a private home with the simple comforts of a country inn as highlighted in Monty Brown's book, Haven Under the Hill: "Today, despite the fast-changing tempo of the outside world, the old home still retains that comfortable, solid feeling based on traditions from a time when life proceeded at a far more leisurely and gentle pace."

Newlyweds can indulge in that gentle pace during a day that is luxurious and relaxing from start to finish; beginning with a champagne breakfast in bed, followed by an afternoon at the spa with a steam and a couples massage. Then, lovebirds can soak in their beautiful surroundings with a sundowner on the Kamatongu hill, capped off with a private dinner for two either on their balcony overlooking the preserve, or in the bushveld.

Days at the ACC can be filled with a variety of activities like horseback riding, nature walks in the sanctuary that culminate in picnic lunches at the top of the hill, or trips to the Solio Ranch to view the white rhino in its natural habitat. Honeymooners share the club’s well-appointed amenities, such as a 9-hole golf course, tennis courts, and a pool, with the animal kingdom. 

Imagine tee-ing off as a pack of wild dogs chase an impala across the course!

After four sybaritic nights at the ACC, newlyweds will be taken on a game drive en route to The Ark. The Ark is situated in the Aberdare National Park, near Mt. Kenya, which is the highest in the eponymous nation. The lodge is whimsically modeled after Noah’s Ark, and its multitude of windows and four levels of decks allow for unparalleled views of the elephants, rhinos, buffalos, impalas, leopards, giraffes, and other animals that flock to the nearby watering hole and salt lick. Couples can also enjoy game drives through the park, guided walks, and hikes to the stunning Gura Falls waterfalls.

Rates start at and include full use of the Club’s facilities, one champagne breakfast, one sundowner, one private dinner, one couples massage, and a welcome drink.

 For more information or reservations, contact Corne Schalkwyk: corne@marasa.net or visit Aberdare Country Club or The Ark

BATH IN THE BUSH: ROMANTIC RETREAT WITH KENYA CANVAS BATH

An outdoor bath that overlooks the Masai Mara and Serengeti plains while in a canvas bathtub is just one of scintillating activities couples can choose from at Cottar’s 1920s Safari Camp. Renowned for reaching back to its American roots (the Cottar Safari business is in its fifth generation), the camp utilizes authentic safari pastimes and decoration with luxurious modern twists.

Honeymooners can request the canvas bathtubs to be set up by the canopied verandah of a private tent, or in the middle of the open savannah – a true safari experience. Hear the sounds of the bush, watch a giraffe or dyk dyk pass by and sip on sparkling wine or champagne. Insider’s tip: a bath at sunset is ideal for anyone wishing for a swoon-worthy mood. The bath is lit by hurricane lamps as the sky changes color over the Mara and a sense of nature and wellbeing becomes the ambiance.

Without question, the honeymoon tent is the most romantic of all accommodations at the camp. An added perk is the fire pit just outside, a nighttime setting for a private dinner for two. With the tent not too far from the new swimming pool (one of the only small luxury properties in the Masai Mara with a pool), everything is at your fingertips. Game viewing is superb at all times of the year, especially during the Great Migration (July through November). A game drive with millions of wildebeest and zebra, as well as dramatic river crossings, is something everyone must have on the bucket list.

There are 10 tents and the option to stay in Cottar’s Private House which can accommodate 10 guests in five large en suite bedrooms. The house is given for exclusive use with its own living areas, staff and vehicles – completely separate from the rest of the camp.

Rates start at $490 per person sharing, depending on the season, and include guided bush walks, candlelit bush dinners, sundowners, day and night game drives, ½ hour complimentary massage per tent, transfers to cultural visits, a range of drinks and laundry. Game drives can be taken in either state of the art Land Cruisers or in an authentic vintage wooden car (for fun and atmosphere).

Cottar’s 1920s Safari Camp is one of the prestigious eco-tourism lodges in The C&P Portfolio. For more information, visit www.cottars.com or www.thecpportfolio.com.

A BEACH ESCAPE FOR TWO AT KINONDO KWETU

KENYA – Kinondo Kwetu is nestled on the secluded shores of the Indian Ocean in southern Kenya. The small, all-inclusive luxury resort is the only hotel on all of Galu Beach, located at the end of a dirt road and distanced from neighbors by rocky cliffs and endless beach. For honeymooners looking for some relaxation and romance after the wedding, Kinondo Kwetu is a beach haven of style and serenity. 

The various forms of accommodation at Kinondo Kwetu were all designed with discretion in mind - surrounded by shady, green gardens and with selected parts available for exclusive use.

The Mama Taa Villa is comprised of seven suites, all of which are dramatically decorated with rich African antiques and a subtle Swedish flare (thanks to the Swedish couple who runs the place!). The gorgeous Honeymoon Suite is located within the Mama Taa Villa Suites and features an exquisitely large bed and multiple balconies.

There are five cottages, three of which are doubles featuring king sized beds swathed in filmy nets , one with a double bedroom and one dubbed the Ubani “beachhouse” that features two stories and can be sold together or separately.

There are plenty of quiet and romantic spots outside for couples to retreat to. The water towers offer spectacular views of the mountains and are the ideal place for a romantic sunset.  Private moonlit dinners for two may also be arranged upon request.  

In addition to enjoying the sun and swimming in the warm waters of the Indian Ocean, there’s also an impressive selection of activities offered at Kinondo Kwetu.  Couples can get active with water sports like kite surfing and scuba diving or land activities such as game driving through the nearby Shimba Hills, horseback riding, yoga, tennis or golf – to name a few.

Kninondo Kwetu is only a one and a half hour drive from Mombasa and a fifteen-minute drive from the Ukunda airstrip. Mid season rates start at $460 per person sharing, including all drinks, yoga and gym equipment, tennis, excursions to Kinondo Kwetu community projects in Kinondo village, wood fired sauna, canoeing, snorkeling equipment, one PADI diving lesson in the pool, airstrip transfers, WIFI and limited laundry.

For more information visit www.thecpportfolio.com or

 www.kinondo-kwetu.com.