Want sandy beaches, golden sunshine and starlit nights for your honeymoon destination? Look no further than Mauritius, a timeless, romantic place with a touch of luxury…
Where to stay
We stayed at the luxury Grand Mauritian Resort & Spa; an hour’s drive from the airport past sugar cane fields, tropical forests and extinct volcanoes. The stunning reception area boasts panoramic views of the Indian Ocean and scented breezes waft through floor-to-ceiling windows. The resort is bordered by a coral reef and dolphins regularly swim in the ocean outside. Not a bad location for a honeymoon destination!
The path to our Luxury Terrace Suite wandered through the hotel’s blossom-filled gardens. We sank into the large sofa on our over-sized private balcony, overlooking the clear-blue sea, sky and secluded beach. With blissful views from your room like these, it’s no wonder Mauritius is so popular with newlyweds!
The rooms have all the mod cons you’d need, equipped with a 42-inch flat screen TV, an iPod dock and more. The open-plan bathroom has a huge oval bath with plenty of room for two. Each of the 15 villas at this honeymoon destination are designed to make the most of the stunning beach-front setting, and the other 193 rooms and suites have a classic feel. Every room includes internet access, too, so you can show friends and family what a good time you’re having in an instant!
What is there to do?
If topping up your tan by the pool or on the beach isn’t your thing, then there’s a whole list of activities on offer. We took a memorable catamaran cruise to the Ile aux Cerfs. Or you could spend the afternoon in luxury in a private box at the horse races, having fun while sipping Champagne. For those who like the tourist attractions, take a glimpse into the colonial past and visit Eureka House, built in 1830.
If you’re feeling adventurous, try a subscooter dive to the coral reef – it’s a real adrenaline rush! The Turtle Bay Marine Park, bordered by a reef running the length of the hotel’s coastline, is full of fish and coral, which is well worth exploring. There’s even sky diving available with mesmeric aerial views of the island. The hotel itself offers tennis, cycling, snorkelling, water skiing, dinghy sailing and a fully equipped diving centre. There’s also the Mandara Spa; where we had one of the best massages ever. In short, it’s a honeymoon destination with more than a touch of luxury!
What’s the food like?
Fantastic! The focus is on fresh and local produce. The fabulous choice of restaurants are overseen by an award-winning French chef. Located centrally in the resort, Bar 68 is the perfect spot for pre-dinner drinks or post-dinner cocktails. The Brezza restaurant specialises in contemporary Italian cuisine, while Season by Stephane is the signature restaurant from the hotel’s award-winning French chef himself, where you can see him cooking in the open kitchen! It’s a definite hot spot for newlyweds starting their new life together after the real wedding.
Can you get married there?
Absolutely, and why wouldn’t you?! You could get married in the luxury of the hotel or on the beautiful beach. The hotel will take care of all the legalities and arrangements, right down to the chef creating your wedding cake. A dedicated wedding co-ordinator is assigned to you for your real wedding, who will organise accommodation for you and your guests, flowers, photography, excursions – everything! You’ll be in control, but have someone in the know do the legwork for you. They’ll even take care of pre-wedding massages and pressing the groom’s suit! A stress-free wedding and honeymoon paradise, in a nutshell.
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Have a relaxing couple’s massage together for the first time as husband and wife.
