There are few destinations that encompass the magic, natural beauty and style that a couple celebrating a special occasion will feel truly inspired by. The Indian Ocean is home to LUX* resort properties in Mauritius and the Maldives and we are taking a look at why their properties and these destinations entice romantic couples from around the world to spend honeymoons and celebrate weddings here.
The Maldives
Indian Ocean islands simply ooze romance, so taking your honeymoon there makes perfect sense. From the moment you take to the air in your seaplane your international plane at Male, you will know you have landed in a paradise setting. You will be whisked off on a direct seaplane straight to the island of LUX* South Ari Atoll Maldives - be amazed at the aerial views of tiny islands surrounded by powder-white sands and surrounded by shallow turquoise lagoons - your honeymoon has already begun!
Maldivian Ceremony
Although you cannot, as a UK citizen, have a legally binding ceremony on the Maldives it is certainly possible to enjoy a full wedding ritual on the island - our guests usually do this following an official low-key legal marriage in the UK. So take your dress, choose your location, exchange your vows and cherish the memories of your heavenly beach wedding. At LUX* South Ari Atoll they have elite weddings down to a fine art, importantly for you is the knowledge that you will be the ONLY wedding on any particular day ensuring you of a dedicated, bespoke experience. Your traditional island ceremony may include being heralded by bodu beru drummers and showered with colourful, fragrant petals. Your lives together will be blessed solemnly by a celebrant as you blend two different types of sand in a vase to symbolise the merging of your lives. Your vows are placed in a coconut cast out into the blue ocean which will keep your promises safe forever. Finally, the planting of a baby palm tree will signify your love as it grows and flourishes - moments and memories to melt your heart.
Romantic Maldivian Moments
There are seemingly endless ways to express your love in this unbelievably romantic setting; sailing into the sunset on a traditional Dhoni as you sip chilled fizz and canapes, sitting in a private beach location with the waves lapping close by as you share a heavenly dinner menu, returning to your room to find colourful, scented flowers placed exquisitely on your bed and in the morning sharing a delicious island breakfast in the privacy of your villa.
LUX* IT UP
An ideal way to enhance a romantic stay at a LUX* resort is to book the enticing LUX* IT UP package which treats you to things like full day excursions, sports lessons, bike trips, signature dinners, massages, yoga sessions, cooking classes, Champagne, breakfast on the beach and oodles more.
Tree of Wishes
At every LUX* resort you will find a symbolic Tree of Wishes. This provides you with a place on which you can write and leave your own particular wish, and although there is no guarantee it will come true, you will be in with a chance of winning a free holiday - ideal for a return anniversary stay?
Mauritius Weddings
Getting married in Mauritius is legally binding for UK citizens and it is not a complex process - you simply have to bring the required documentation and be in the country at least 3 days prior to the ceremony. You'll find all this information, along with every other wedding destination in the world, on our website.
A LUX* Resorts Wedding in Mauritius
Having your wedding ceremony at a LUX* resort in Mauritius not only provides a dreamy beach location but guarantees a day of exclusivity for you and your partner with only one wedding on any given day. The LUX* resorts in Mauritius all offer individual attention from a dedicated coordinator and you can organise anything from the very simple to the extremely elaborate. Use their experience to help you achieve your perfect day, choose from a selection of packages that include ceremony and celebrations; some can even be complementary if you are staying for seven nights or more.
Pre-Wedding Pampering
Your ceremony will not be the start of your paradise island wedding. All the LUX* Resorts have elaborate spas and what better way to start your day than with a pampering massage, facial, manicure, pedicure and make up for the bride, bridesmaids and of course the groom! Relax in the knowledge that everything you will need is within walking distance, hair and make-up professionals are on hand and your guests can stay in the resort too, making this the most tranquil and chilled way of getting married for the whole wedding party, no matter how large or small you want it to be.
Friends and Family
It is unrealistic to think that your whole family and entire circle of friends will be following you to the Indian Ocean but if you wish, your ceremony can be streamed live over the internet giving all your loved ones the chance to share your day with you across the miles.
Location, Location, Location - and Ice Cream!
You will never have seen white sand and ocean waves looking so enchanting. Flowered arches at the water's edge, white voile-draped canopies billowing in the breeze, pretty petal walkways and enchanting local music. And when you're declared man and wife in Mauritius, what better way to celebrate than with an appetising artisan ice cream served from a retro-style parlour - yummy!
Take to the Floor Mr. & Mrs.
LUX* has blown the first waltz out of the water. After taking instruction from resident dance teachers you will be fully equipped to perform a vibrant and sensual Sega spectacular!
Blissful Villas
One of the most important aspects to your honeymoon will be your accommodation and we've found some amazing places to spend your first nights together. Take a look at the impressive 116sqm Beach Villa at LUX* South Ari Atoll which has an outdoor sunken swimming pool as well as a circular bath and outdoor shower, the high beamed ceilings and polished wooden floors complete the picture of luxury. Alternatively, take a look at the new Signature Water Villa which simply oozes romance with its uninterrupted sunrise views, private pool and direct access into the sparkling ocean below. At LUX* Belle Mare we'd recommend a stay in the stunning Beachfront Villa impressively styled by Kelly Hoppen; it sits within lush gardens overlooking the ocean featuring a private pool plus glorious outdoor dining and living space.
Weddings or Honeymoons or both
We hope you have a flavour of what an Indian Ocean wedding or honeymoon could taste like! You may also like to consider renewing your vows or celebrating an anniversary. Whatever the next romantic occasion is in your family calendar take a look at this region, we guarantee you won't be disappointed.
