A Luxe Kenyan Safari and Seychelles Honeymoon

Set between the Ngong Hills and Jamhuri Park, the Hemingways Nairobi is a boutique hotel far removed from the bustle of the capital. Expect excellent service and delicious food in this all-inclusive establishment. Choose from one of 45 lofty rooms furnished in a classic style; vaulted ceilings and balconies are complemented by exposed timber, cotton drapes and neutral tones. The two, 240 square metre themed-suites improve upon this with well-appointed living rooms, study and dining areas, opening to large terraces. All rooms have views either of the rolling hotel lawns or the Ngong hills in the distance. Dining at The Brasserie, you can enjoy a contemporary European menu boasting some of the best steak in Kenya and a relaxed ambiance. Head to The Dining Room for a more formal atmosphere and modern cuisine of local providence.

The Emakoko occupies an enviable position on the edge of Nairobi National Park on the Kitengela plains, being a 30-minute drive from both of Nairobi’s airports yet in a wild environment. There are 10 open plan cottages all with elevated views over the national park, and all with their own private outside deck, fireplace and ensuite bathrooms. A communal lounge, bar and dining area is where guests come together to eat, relax and talk about the days game drives or excursions into the city. Along with the lodge’s good service and high standard, the added allure is the lodge’s convenience to both airports which you get to and from by driving through the national park, and is a game drive in itself.

One of our favourite camps in Africa. Alex Walker’s Serian in the North Mara Conservancy is beautifully perched on the Mara River. Ngare Camp is made up of just four traditional style but luxurious tents set on wooden decks. What makes Serian stand out is that you will have a private guide and vehicle for the duration of your stay, this coupled with the quality of the local Masaai guides means that you are set for a truly exclusive experience in the Mara North Conservancy. Guests are able to take bush walks and night drives in the private area near the camp, allowing for a more ‘involved’ and exciting trip to the Mara. Alex has been guiding and organising expert safaris throughout East Africa for over 25 years and his keen enthusiasm for this wonderful land is reflected in his camps. Serian Mara’s tents have a comforting colonial feel to them, with furniture that depict that historical time. Spacious and airy with verandas to enjoy the passing wildlife drawn to the river, you have a really lovely area to simply relax in a stunning setting. Ideally situated in a high density game area, this camp is a luxurious way to spend your time in the Mara. With over 450 bird species that flock here year round, it will be difficult for you to ever be without some sort of wildlife in your immediate sights. Lion, leopard and cheetah are resident even when the migration have moved on, and provide some awesome photographic opportunities. Guests at Serian will receive exclusive use of a private safari vehicle and guide at no extra cost.

This is one of Kenya’s ultimate safari experiences for authentic tented luxury. Positioned on the banks of the Njageteck River in the Olare Orok Conservancy for extra seclusion, the nearby Ngoyanai springs provide permanent water, drawing in large numbers of animals to the area around camp. This camp is also particularly known for its resident lion pride. In the arena of the Maasai Mara, a stay here provides the equivalent of VIP seats and service for one of the best wildlife spectacles in the African bush. Five incredibly inviting tents sit open to the bushveld scenery and wildlife sights of the nearby hippo pool. Appointed with warm high-quality linens and antique furnishings the tents also include modern comforts and en suite (outside) bathrooms with 24-hour hot running water.

Towering high on the Rift Valley’s Oloololo Escarpment with direct and private access to the Mara Triangle, this lodge's name was inspired by the Swahili word for ‘suspended in mid-air’. It's not only its location that makes it stand out, but also its commitment to education, health and conservation in the region.

Set between the Ngong Hills and Jamhuri Park, the Hemingways Nairobi is a boutique hotel far removed from the bustle of the capital. Expect excellent service and delicious food in this all-inclusive establishment. Choose from one of 45 lofty rooms furnished in a classic style; vaulted ceilings and balconies are complemented by exposed timber, cotton drapes and neutral tones. The two, 240 square metre themed-suites improve upon this with well-appointed living rooms, study and dining areas, opening to large terraces. All rooms have views either of the rolling hotel lawns or the Ngong hills in the distance. Dining at The Brasserie, you can enjoy a contemporary European menu boasting some of the best steak in Kenya and a relaxed ambiance. Head to The Dining Room for a more formal atmosphere and modern cuisine of local providence.

The Emakoko occupies an enviable position on the edge of Nairobi National Park on the Kitengela plains, being a 30-minute drive from both of Nairobi’s airports yet in a wild environment. There are 10 open plan cottages all with elevated views over the national park, and all with their own private outside deck, fireplace and ensuite bathrooms. A communal lounge, bar and dining area is where guests come together to eat, relax and talk about the days game drives or excursions into the city. Along with the lodge’s good service and high standard, the added allure is the lodge’s convenience to both airports which you get to and from by driving through the national park, and is a game drive in itself.

Suspended in the hillside above Takamaka Bay with views over the Indian Ocean to the Curieuse reserve islands, Raffles is easily the most luxurious place to stay on Praslin. Its 86 villas give you lavish modern comfort, a private plunge pool and a 24-hour concierge service. What’s more the hotel is but a stone’s throw from one of the world’s most beautiful beaches; Anse Takamaka. Each modern villa has an open-air balcony overlooking the gardens and sea. As well as your private plunge pool there are two infinity pools for afternoon lounging. The resort is well known for its sumptuous spa, with treatment rooms overlooking the tropical bush and crystal blue ocean. In the evenings there are six restaurants to choose from, a shisha lounge or private dinners can be arranged on the beach. A fifteen-minute ferry will take you to Curieuse Island, a diving and snorkelling paradise that is home to 500 giant tortoises.

This is the only luxurious resort on the island and is widely considered one of the most unique and beautiful island hotels in the world. There are a collection 71 accommodations, ranging from suites and bungalows up to the seven-bedroom presidential villa, all with direct beach access, inviting you to live barefoot and feel the sand between your toes, and their own pools Feel like a true castaway as you explore this pristine tropical sanctuary edged by 14 kilometres (9 miles) of soft white beaches, filling your days with your own blend of excitement and relaxation – from world-class diving and fishing to luxurious indulgence at the spa.

The feel on Fregate, thanks in part to the total privacy the hotel gives guests that stay here, is wonderfully informal with a very natural, low key Creole vibe blended with superb luxury. Sixteen private thatch residences sit spaced out amongst the palms that crowd the island’s shorelines each complete with private infinity pool, Jacuzzi, daybed, dining pavilion, personal island buggy, and immediate views of the Indian Ocean waves. There are several categories of residences to suit couples or families, and some come with direct beach access. Or you can hire your very own private hill estate (Banyan) of three villas (sleeping six) which comes with private chef, butler, and maid. Mind you, you can go one step further and hire out the entire island to yourself… A long list of activities and services are totally dedicated to every guest during their stay. From almost every sort of water sport to PADI diving courses, star gazing, mountain biking and yoga classes. Despite it being an island, the dining is by no means a small affair. There are three different restaurants, but Fregate prides itself on being able to offering dining experiences almost anywhere on the island. Lunch in a treehouse, take high tea on a look out point, sink some sundowners on a sunset cruise, to private dining in your residence and sashimi picnics on the beach. Take your pick.