For couples planning a once-in-a-lifetime honeymoon or destination wedding escape, award-winning luxury can make all the difference. Global hospitality group The Lux Collective has once again reaffirmed its reputation for exceptional travel experiences, with four of its flagship LUX* properties receiving coveted Five-Star ratings from Forbes Travel Guide in the 2026 awards.
The prestigious honours were awarded to LUX Grand Baie*, LUX Belle Mare*, and LUX South Ari Atoll*, with LUX* Grand Baie and its spa also earning multiple recognitions for wellness excellence and responsible hospitality. For honeymooners and newlyweds seeking beachfront settings paired with sustainability practices, the awards highlight destinations that combine romance, world-class service and forward-thinking travel values.
Adding to its achievements, LUX* Grand Baie received the 2026 VERIFIED™ Responsible Hospitality Badge for the second time, recognising the resort’s commitment to rigorous environmental, community and employee well-being standards aligned with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.
“The Lux Collective continues to exemplify hospitality excellence across its portfolio of award-winning resorts and spas,” said Amanda Frasier, President of Standards & Ratings at Forbes Travel Guide, congratulating the teams for delivering world-class culinary, wellness and service experiences while maintaining exceptional luxury standards.
From a honeymoon perspective, each property offers a distinctive romantic appeal. LUX* Grand Baie in Mauritius delivers ultra-luxury all-suite and villa accommodation, rooftop dining, panoramic ocean views and cutting-edge wellness facilities ideal for couples seeking sophisticated island glamour. Along Mauritius’ tranquil east coast, LUX* Belle Mare is celebrated for its serene beachfront setting, light-filled design and immersive spa experiences designed around the natural elements, perfect for relaxed newlywed retreats. Meanwhile, LUX* South Ari Atoll in the Maldives blends barefoot luxury with vibrant island experiences, including overwater villas, marine encounters such as whale shark sightings, and curated dining across multiple venues, creating unforgettable honeymoon memories.
According to Olivier Chavy, Chief Executive Officer of The Lux Collective, the awards reflect the Group’s commitment to creating “places that feel deeply human, meaningfully responsible, and luxurious,” while continuing to expand its global portfolio of extraordinary travel destinations.
For couples planning weddings abroad, mini-moons or extended honeymoons, the 2026 Five-Star recognitions position LUX* resorts among the world’s most celebrated romantic luxury escapes.
Feature image: Supplied by Big Ambitions
The mother of the bride role comes with clear and concise instructions. So do the roles of father of the bride and maid of honour – but one…
It’s the bride’s all-important big send-off into married life. Been tasked with throwing the party? We have you covered…
Like any event, a bachelorette party requires proper planning, and while it is a big responsibility (this is the bride’s last hurrah as a single woman), it doesn’t have to be a chore. Schedule fun planning evenings with the bridesmaids where you can thrash out ideas over a few glasses of wine or dinner.
THE BASICS
Avoid any unnecessary stress and start planning at least three months ahead of time. A good place to start is determining what kind of event your bride would love. Is she a party animal? Does she prefer smaller, more intimate dinner parties over crowded bars? Once you’ve come to a decision about what kind of bachelorette your bride is, turn your attention to the budget. A memorable hen party really doesn’t have to break the bank. The goal is for the bride to celebrate with her good friends, so make sure you don’t choose an experience that excludes those on a tighter budget.
For a hen night on a shoestring, consider hosting the party at a friend’s house so that there’s no need to worry about venue hire fees. Once you have the location, ask guests to each bring a platter of food and a bottle of wine or bubbly. As for entertainment, there are plenty of fun, free games you can play at the house before venturing out to a club or bar – and consider an after-party venue that offers special deals like half-price cocktail evenings.
If your friends have a little more to spend, you can still celebrate at home, but instead of guests bringing food, hire a caterer. To add some interest, book entertainment, whether it’s a karaoke machine or a pole-dancing class. For those who want to go all out, a weekend away is a great bonding experience – but remember, you’ll have to pay for the bride!
THE CHECKLIST
Whatever event and budget you decide on, you need to plan the hen night like a military operation – so delegate tasks among the bridesmaids to make sure everything on the list gets done. Here are a few things to remember:
Invitations
Give guests enough notice and hold the bachelorette party at least two weeks before the big day. Choose just one person to whom RSVPs should be sent.
Venue hire
If you do decide to host the party at a hired venue or take a trip out of town, book well in advance and make sure you do your research – a safe bet is to choose places that have come recommended by friends.
Transport
Drinking and driving is a no-no, so book taxis for the night in advance and be sure to confirm the booking the day before the party.
Buy the goodies
What would a bachelorette party be without silly props and crazy games? And of course, let’s not forget the bride’s outfit. Purchase everything at least a month before the event to avoid last-minute hassles.
THE GUEST LIST
Once you have a game plan, create a guest list. Depending on what you have planned, you need to decide whether you are extending invitations to family (yes, parents and grandparents) or just friends. A popular route to go so as not to exclude anyone is to host pre-party drinks where people of all ages can attend and then the youngsters can hit the town afterwards. Alternatively, consider throwing a hen night for just the friends and a more ‘civilised’ kitchen tea another day for all the women in the bride’s life.
ALSO SEE: Should you have a joint bachelor and bachelorette party?
Feature image: Pexels
Words: Clare Syfret
If your wedding falls during Ramadan and you have Muslim guests, you might wonder how to make the experience a respectful one for them during this time. With…
An international survey has shown that over 70 percent of South Africans have faced stress levels that make it difficult to cope with life’s demands and more than half have reported feeling so stressed that they were unable to attend work over the last year.
The Ipsos World Mental Health survey, based on three years of data from more than 23 000 participants across 31 countries, concentrated on the impacts of stress and depression on daily functioning. It revealed that stress is significantly affecting the workforce in South Africa.
Meanwhile, a separate report from UNICEF has revealed that at least 60 percent of young South Africans have required mental health assistance in the past year. Persistent obstacles highlighted include limited family discussions and uncertainty about where to seek aid.
South Africa ranks among the highest globally in mental health disorders due to factors such as poverty, unemployment, social and political unrest, and trauma due to exposure from violence and abuse. Access to mental health professionals and resources are also limited.
Health expert Vanessa Ascencao emphasised the importance of mental health for overall well-being, noting that mental illness has been shown to impact physical health, relationships, livelihoods and quality of life, particularly among young people. She called on both the government and South Africans to prioritise mental health as a crucial component of overall health.
“Make mental health a priority through self-care practices like regular exercise, healthy eating, connecting with loved ones and adopting relaxation techniques such as deep breathing, meditation, and mindfulness. Spend time in nature as it’s a powerful antidote to stress. If you’re managing a mental illness, stick to your treatment plan, identify triggers, and seek help when necessary,” said Ascencao.
“In the midst of life’s many challenges, establishing a support network and adopting strategies to manage obstacles are crucial for emotional balance and resilience. Consider incorporating high-quality, natural stress relief solutions such as Rescue Gummies, which contains five unique Bach flower essences developed by Dr Edward Bach in the 1930s to assist in coping with emotional overwhelm,” Ascencao added.
Dr Edward Bach, a renowned physician and homeopath, advocated for a holistic approach to health, emphasizing the importance of nurturing both the mind and body. He dedicated his life to studying the therapeutic properties of flowers and plants as powerful tools for enhancing emotional well-being.
“Research shows that chewing can result in a significant reduction in anxiety. The Rescue Gummies are non-habit forming, delicious, easy to take on the go, vegan-friendly, gluten-free and contain no artificial flavours, sweeteners or synthetic dyes,” Ascencao said.
Losing a family member is heartbreaking – and when it comes to getting married, their absence is often amplified. Acknowledging these special loved ones can become overwhelming, especially…
Musgrave Pink Gin is crafted for life’s most meaningful moments. Infused with rose water and a blend of 12 signature botanicals, this elegant pink gin is celebrated for its delicate floral notes, smooth finish, and refined character - making it a beautiful choice for modern celebrations, intimate gatherings, and unforgettable weddings.
To celebrate love and the art of thoughtful wedding details, Musgrave Pink Gin is offering couples the opportunity to win a curated Musgrave Pink Gin wedding prize. Designed to elevate your special day, the prize includes Musgrave Pink Gin 50 ml bottles, perfect as stylish guest gifts or as part of a beautifully curated welcome drink experience.
How to enter:
Contact us on Facebook or Instagram (@musgravespirits) by sending your name and contact details, your wedding venue name, and a short version of your love story.
Competition rules:
The competition is open to South African residents aged 18 years and older. No alcohol may be sold or supplied to persons under the age of 18. Couples will be notified via the contact details provided. Prizes are not transferable and may not be exchanged for cash. Limited to 120 guests.
Celebrate beautifully.
Celebrate responsibly.
Musgrave Pink Gin - Explore the Moment.