With intimate villas, luxurious spas and romantic backdrops, Mauritius has some of the world’s best accommodation for couples.
If romance is on the agenda, try selling one of these superb resorts.
Taj Exotica Resort and Spa
Five-star pampering is guaranteed at the Taj. The resort is spread over 27 acres on Wolmar Beach in the west and has an infinity pool and Mediterranean-style restaurant.
There are 57 garden or ocean-view luxury villas, with 24-hour butler service, six suites and two presidential suites. Villas have a plunge pool, outside lounge and giant beds. Bathrooms have huge tubs and al fresco showers.
Couples receive a treatment at the Taj Grande Spa, a candlelit dinner with wine, champagne breakfast on the beach and a rose petal bath.
Website:tajhotels.com
Sample product:ITC Classics offers seven nights for the price of five until December 19 starting at £2,549 per person (a saving of up to £549 each), including flights, private transfers and breakfast.
Oberoi Mauritius
Made of indigenous thatch, wood and stone, this award-winning hotel lies in a 20-acre setting along Turtle Bay in the northwest. It has an infinity pool and a highly regarded spa.
Honeymooners can stay in one of 23 luxury villas, 51 luxury pavilions or two royal villas. Luxury villas, some with pools, have private gardens, thatched pavilions for al fresco dining and sunken marble baths. Luxury pavilions have an additional private terrace.
Those staying seven nights or more receive a candlelit dinner and massage.
Website:oberoihotels.com
Sample product:Abercrombie and Kent offers seven nights in a Luxury Pavilion from £3,954 per couple including flights, transfers, breakfast and one candlelit dinner for two with wine and a spa treatment between May 1 and September 30 2008.
Dinarobin Hotel Golf and Spa
This thatched resort has the Le Morne Mountain as a backdrop and a five-mile beach in front. Remote and peaceful, the hotel has bikes for hire, an infinity pool and a Clarins Spa.
The 172 junior and senior suites have spacious bedrooms decorated in cream. Bathrooms have a large oval tub and rooms feature balconies or terraces.
Newlyweds receive complimentary two-course lunches, champagne on arrival, one massage and a branded bathrobe.
Website:beachcombertours.co.uk
Sample product:Beachcomber Tours offers a seven-night honeymoon from £3,082 per couple half-board, including flights and transfers.
Paradise Cove Hotel and Spa
This adults-only four-star plus hotel is in a sheltered spot on the north coast. It has 67 rooms in terraced bungalows around a private cove. Romantic diversions include a private Catamaran cruise, a spa and dining in a hut on stilts over the lagoon.
Indian-style rooms are decorated in wood, with stencilled wall patterns and fine silks, and have an ocean-facing balcony or terrace. Choose from 22 Pondichery rooms with king-size beds, five luxurious ‘1,001 nights’ rooms with ocean views, 18 junior suites or two senior suites.
Couples will receive a dinner for two, sparkling wine on arrival and discounts on the bride’s accommodation.
Website:paradisecovehotel.com
Sample product:Rainbow Tours offers 12 nights’ half-board in a deluxe room starting at £3,352 per couple with flights, sparkling wine, fruit platter, special candlelit dinner and a full-day catamaran cruise.
Getting married in Mauritius
Red tape
Basic documents needed include a valid 10-year passport, birth certificate, parental consent if under 18, and proof of any name change by deed poll.
A decree absolute is needed for divorcees. If the bride has been divorced less than 10 months before the wedding a doctor’s note of non-pregnancy is required. If widowed, the previous marriage certificate and death certificates are needed.
For civil ceremonies, couples must be resident on the island for 24 hours, but for a religious ceremony, 15 days’ residence is required.
Options
Hotel co-ordinators tailor-make weddings and hotels have one ceremony per day. Upsells include helicopter arrivals or getting married underwater with Blue Safari Submarine.
- More information:Honeymoons and weddings page on mauritius.net