Thailand

It was a marriage proposal guaranteed to stick in Emma Morgan's memory - since it was delivered by a six-ton Asian elephant.
Her boyfriend Oliver Thompson persuaded zoo bosses to let him use one of their animals to help him pop the question.
Fortunately, the 23-year-old didn't hesitate to say Yes when the chosen pachyderm, named Marcella, extended its trunk and handed her a ribbon with a ring attached.
Miss Morgan, an optical assistant, said yesterday that she was surprised but delighted when the elephant walked towards her during a day trip to Blackpool Zoo.
"Elephants are my favourite animals so when Oli told me that I was going to be spending the day in the elephant enclosure I was really chuffed.
"Then, this one elephant came up to me and handed me a ribbon. I didn't see the ring at first, but then I smiled at Oli and he opened a box he was holding and handed me my gorgeous engagement ring."
The couple, from Blackpool, met eight years ago while working at the same shop in the resort.
Mr Thompson, 25, an IT worker, had been planning the proposal for several weeks and told Miss Morgan that he had organised a trip to the zoo as a treat for her birthday last month.
He had already bought a white gold and diamond engagement ring but gave the elephant a cheaper ring just in case it was accidentally swallowed.
Zoo marketing manager Jude Rothwell said they had given the couple, who plan to marry next October, a picture painted by Marcella to remind them of their betrothal.
"Oliver is a member of the zoo and he and Emma love elephants, so when he came and asked me if he could propose in this way I couldn't say no.
"I had a word with the elephant keeper and he said that Marcella is very good at picking things up if you drop them - so we arranged for him to drop the ribbon with the ring on it and Marcella picked it up and took it to Emma.
"We used a ring from our gift shop - just in case. If she had eaten the real ring then we would have had to wait 24 hours for the rest of the proposal

Santa Barbara FILM FESTIVAL

FILM FESTIVAL At the deluxe end of the vacation scene, movie fans can enjoy the 23rd annual Santa Barbara International Film Festival at Four Seasons Resort/The Biltmore Santa Barbara in California. From Jan. 24-Feb. 3, film buffs can stay three nights at the resort, receive helicopter transfers to and from Los Angeles, two platinum passes to the festival, a daily spa treatment for two and a private chef's table for two. Guests are also treated to hair, nails and makeup care at Kevin Charles Salon and an exclusive, after-hours shopping trip to Saks Fifth Avenue, complete with on-the-spot alterations, a personal shopper and Champagne and hors d'oeuvres. Prices start at $19,960. (805) 565-8299

KIWI ADVENTURE

KIWI ADVENTURE Travel to New Zealand's South Island with the Down Under Endeavors Romantic Honeymoon Adventure. The company is hosting a 10-night excursion that begins with four nights in Queenstown. Activities can include a heli-picnic and cruising Doubtful Sound to find seals, dolphins and penguins. Adventure seekers then head to the West Coast's Lake Moeraki for fishing, canoeing and a heli-hike at Fox Glacier. Travelers are then transported to the Southern Alps of Christchurch on TranzAlpine rail for a gondola ride and a mountain bike trip from the peak's summit to base. The package includes 10 nights' accommodations, adventures and a three-day car rental. Prices start at $2,850 per person

Honeymoon Ideas

Negril, Jamaica
Located in the Caribbean, newlyweds have the opportunity to enjoy seven miles of a white sand beach. The atmosphere is casual and laid-back with the bars and clubs right on the beach. While you'll be vacationing in an exotic country, the official language is English, which makes touring a delight.
St. Lucia
Another Caribbean paradise, couples can enjoy scuba diving or snorkeling in the Atlantic Ocean. With more than 41 listings of resorts online, St. Lucia is a versatile vacation spot in terms of price. Guests enjoy local steel band music and tropical cuisine.
Cancun, mexico
This destination is perfect for a fun-filled getaway with all the excitement of clubs, shopping and beautiful beaches. The versatile location is also perfect for a relaxing trip for newlyweds in terms of pampering and the laid-back atmosphere.
Christina Hunter, 25, of Holt, spent her honeymoon in Cancun in 2005. Her husband chose Cancun after speaking with travel agents. She was pleasantly surprised with an all-inclusive honeymoon getaway.
Hunter and her husband stayed at the Moon Palace and were able to go snorkeling and swimming with dolphins.
Hawaii
It's the most traditional honeymoon destination for American couples. The people are friendly, the beaches are beautiful, the food is amazing and the water is warm, Lindow says. Countless national parks and volcanoes are sure to attract any visitor for days of fun.

Honeymoon Cyprus

Girls who want top class pampering in preparation for their wedding are invited to visit the Columbia Beach Resort in Cyprus in 2008. The Resort’s highly regarded Columbia Spa is a haven for hens groups or Mum and daughter short breaks.
Now the Resort suggests selecting a designer bridal gown, handmade wedding shoes and exclusive jewellery from some of Limassol’s specialist boutiques, just a short drive away from the hotel, to create the ultimate pre-wedding trip.
At the heart of the Columbia Beach Resort is the Columbia Spa. The hotel’s 80m lagoon pool flows into this oasis of calm. Here the future bride and her friends can relax and enjoy the spa’s welcoming environment - cosy, quiet and private - an intimate and highly professional spa where therapists have time to care about client’s needs.
Exclusively featuring Molton Brown treatments and products in Cyprus, the Molton Brown spa experience aims to take clients on four “journeys” to renew, regenerate, replenish or radiance, each created to boost personal wellbeing. Or the figure conscious can select body sculpting and contouring treatments on offer using the marine-based Phytomer range.
This is ideal preparation for the wedding day or to unwind after a shopping trip in nearby Limassol, Cyprus’s second city.
Future brides should not miss visiting Sabrina for superb handmade shoes in Limassol’s St Andrew’s Street. This exclusive cobbler makes exquisite wedding shoes in every style and all colours and fabrics in the workshop on site, delivered in one week or shipped back to the UK, at enviable prices. Then stroll a few doors up the street to Mitsu Mitsu, where owner designer Pantelis Mitsu creates some outstanding wedding dresses and evening gowns.
“Timeless, elegant, an exceptional level of couture” are some of the words used to describe these clothes. It’s a chance to pick-up a unique bespoke designer dress at a much lower cost than the UK. This designer dresses the famous and fabulous across the Eastern Mediterranean. Not to be missed!
Then if you go nowhere else, visit Theodorou Jewellery in Anexartisias Street, still in the same district of Limassol, for fabulous pieces and the opportunity to have your design ideas made to order. This is the ideal place to select gifts for bridesmaids or even for an unusual wedding ring.
The Columbia Beach Resort is set on a stunning 2km Blue Flag beach surrounded by rugged cliffs and acres of vineyards in the valley behind, described as a luxury hideaway. Its beautiful little chapel in the grounds is perfect for picturesque weddings in the sunshine. And a hen’s short break provides the best opportunity to plan a very special wedding away from home.
Cyprus is the home of Aphrodite, ancient mythological goddess of love, who, legend tells us, emerged from the foam of the azure sea just a short distance westwards from the Resort. Against this romantic background the dedicated wedding professionals at the Columbia Beach Resort offer invaluable advice to couples deciding to marry abroad. This hotel excels in its creative presentation, impeccable service and gourmet food, from its renowned Apollo Taverna serving the Cyprus meze, specialising in fresh local fish, to elegant fine dining in the Dionysos restaurant.