Happy Saturday morning all! It's that time of year where, as the days turn colder and darker, many of us turn our thoughts to travelling to find sun, or booking a honeymoon somewhere warm. With this in mind I thought today would be a good today to inspire you if you're considering going somewhere warm and exotic. Have you considered Mauritius? It's a place I've longed to visit for most of my adult life, and one of those places I'm determined to tick off my bucket list over the next few years.
We hooked up with the team over at Emirates to explore this beautiful island a little more and share with you some of what we found out. Like, imagine yourself, right now, lying on the dazzling white sand, taking a dip in the azure ocean, being adventurous and hiking in the lush national park or pottering about the fascinating, bustling local markets. It would appear that Mauritius has a whole lot more to offer than the average desert island getaway.
After the build-up, excitement and stress of your special day, you deserve to take the ultimate honeymoon. It must not only hold its own against the best day of your life, but also allow you a chance to wind down and relax after the pressure of organising such a special life event.
Clear lagoons fringed with powdery sand, comfortable sun beds to lounge on as you sip cocktails and cool pools to dive into when it all gets a bit much – Mauritius is a relaxation destination. But that’s not all it has to offer. Mauritius has history, culture, water sports, tasty French-Creole cuisine and spectacular scenery to make your honeymoon the most memorable experience of your lifetime.
Begin your first journey as a married couple by taking an award winning Emirates flight to the exotic island of Mauritius in the middle of the Indian Ocean, then book into your luxurious accommodation where your every need will be accommodated. For exceptional and attentive service you could choose Baystone Hotel, The Oberoi or Four Seasons Resort at Anahita. Paradise Cove Boutique Hotel prides itself on offering special moments for couples looking for a romantic getaway, or there is the elegant – yet understated – Le Prince Maurice. The island has many outstanding resorts to choose from, so you’re sure to find your ultimate retreat.
Things to do on your honeymoon to Mautirius
You’ve found a luxurious resort that will take your breath away, but what romantic experiences can you have in Mauritius that will turn your stay into the holiday of a lifetime?
Indulge yourself
One of the best ways to begin your honeymoon is to spend a day together in one of the island’s top spas. What better way to release the pent up stress left over from the exhausting wedding preparations than to indulge in some pampering time together? This will set you up to enjoy the rest of your honeymoon. The Clarins Spa in the Dinarobin Hotel Golf and Spa is possibly one of the most beautiful spas on the island. The sanctuary is tucked away at the foot of the Morne Mountain.
Centred around a large pool, the palm fringed haven has different zones to suit your relaxation needs. Treatments from around the world are available in the air conditioned cabins to sooth tense muscles and buff skin until it glows. Whether you want to try out yoga on the deck or enjoy a beachside massage, there’s something to tempt you.
Night to remember
Indulge in a candlelit dinner for two on the beach. Feel the sand between your toes and listen to the water lapping the shore as you enjoy freshly caught seafood and drink champagne. If you dine at La Ravanne Restaurant, your evening begins with a short boat ride from the beach in front of the Blue Marlin restaurant to La Ravanne’s private jetty, where you will be greeted by the sounds of a traditional sega band. Here you will dine in thatched booths set on sand covered decks, enjoy fine local ingredients and traditional dishes then stay on for a nightcap to sample the Mauritian rum from the well-stocked bar.
Get in the water
The water provides one of the best activities in Mauritius. With so many beaches, clear lagoons and inlets to choose from there are many opportunities for swimming and snorkelling together. If you’ve never dived before, this is the ultimate location to give it a try with a trial dive or a helmet dive off the beach.
Seeing the coral teeming with life is a humbling experience and you can give it a try even in shallow water. If you’re feeling energetic, try your hand at windsurfing, kite surfing or kayaking. Trying out new activities together is a great bonding experience.
Tee off together
If golf is your thing – or even if you’ve never tried it before – your honeymoon is a great time to give it a try together. There are plenty of courses on the island, including the 18-hole Le Touessrok course which is accessible only by boat and is considered to be one of the most beautiful golf courses in the world. There’s also the Four Seasons Golf Club Mauritius at Anahita which is nestled between the island’s green hills and the turquoise ocean. For a stimulating pitch and putt session try the course at the Shandrani Resort that lies between the lagoon and tropical garden – it offers a great course for beginners.
Take a hike
The volcanic island offers some spectacular hiking opportunities. There’s nothing quite like getting out in the fresh air together to take in the stunning scenery. Montagne du Lion at Grand Port is a medium level trek that offers a spectacular view over the south coast, or you could hike up Le Pouce – the third highest mountain in Mauritius – for stunning 360 degree views of the island, including views over Port Louis. Another memorable hike is to see the Tamarind Falls. The falls are almost 300 metres high and you can trek down the impressive canyon to enjoy a memorable swim in the water.
There are plenty of mountains and trails offering manageable hikes for all ages and abilities. One of the best things about an island hike is seeing the unique wildlife and capturing photographs of the picture postcard scenery to help you remember the beauty of the island.
Get cultural
After exploring the island’s incredible natural sites, you can take a trip to the capital, Port Louis, for a spot of shopping or to explore the island’s history. See the fine colonial architecture such as Government House, visit the Natural History Museum to see an ancient skeleton of a dodo and learn about the different faiths of the island’s inhabitants through the churches, mosques and temples.
The Caudan Waterfront is a great spot to pick up some souvenirs to treasure or visit the vast bazaar to buy spices and tasty street food.
Romantic gardens
Wander around Pamplemousses Gardens, the third oldest botanical gardens in the world. Its collection of plants includes giant water lilies, spices, palms and flowers from around the world. Talipot Palm trees are an attraction to look out for – they only bloom once after 30 – 80 years of growing, so if you can see one in flower it’s very special.
If you’re looking for a unique destination that can offer you a desert island retreat while still having plenty of attractions to keep you entertained, then we encourage you to take a look at the very beautiful Mauritius. To find out more, click here.
Annabel
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Founder of Love My Dress. Passionate Podcaster and Editor. Annabel lives in rural North Yorkshire with her husband and business partner Philip, their two daughters and menagerie of furry hounds. She loves photography, meditation, walking, being outdoors and star gazing. She is fierce when it comes to championing talent within the wedding industry and when she's not working on Love My Dress, she supports her husband Philip in the running of the family's sustainable flower farm and floral design business, Moonwind Flowers. In 2013, she became a published author.
