Mauritius Archives | Wedding ETC

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.

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Feature image: Supplied by Big Ambitions

For a romantic honeymoon destination, look no further than Mauritius. The Indian Ocean island has been a mainstay with South African couples for decades and it’s easy to see why. With stunning beach views and romantic activities, there is no end to the fun and flirty things to do with your significant other. Here are some must-do activities for your next island escape.

1: Sundowners on Belle Mare Beach

A beautiful view and your favourite person is sometimes all you need. Enjoy delicious beverages while taking in one of the island’s most picturesque beaches. With long stretches of pristine white sand, the turquoise sea and crystal clear water surrounded by large casuarina trees, you’ll round out your day on a high note.

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2: Stroll hand-in-hand through Pamplemousses Botanical Garden

This corner of paradise is the oldest botanical garden in the southern hemisphere, which makes it a definite must-see. Marvel at the amazing collection of 85 types of palm trees, the spice garden and of course, the giant waterlillies on show at this noteworthy natural location.

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3: Horse ride on Riemdael Beach

Romance and horse riding go hand-in-hand. Add the beach to the equation and you’re golden. When in Mauritius, make sure to go on a scenic horseback ride with your love to make you feel like you’re the main characters in your very own romance novel.

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4: Explore Chamarel Waterfall

The country’s tallest waterfall makes for a perfect daytime activity. Wade through the chilly waters with your partner while relishing in the green foliage and dense forest that surround you.

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5: Sunset Catamaran Cruise

Live a life of luxury – at least for a little while – aboard a catamaran cruise. Mauritius is best seen from the water, so you simply cannot miss this opportunity. While catamaran cruises generally run all day, going at sunset guarantees stunningly soft skies and cooler weather. It’s the perfect time to cuddle up and enjoy the best of what nature has to offer.

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6: Helicopter tour of the ‘Underwater Waterfall’

For a truly mesmerising view, you have to go high. This curious natural phenomenon is actually an optical illusion. Mauritius sits on an ocean shelf raised above seabed level, with a gradual slope that abruptly ends in a 4000-meter-deep abyssal drop. The movement of sand and silt on this slope causes the water to appear different colours, thus creating the effect of an underwater waterfall. What a memorable marvel to witness.

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7: Spend the day at Ile aux Cerfs

Popularly known as the Treasure Island, Ile aux Cerfs is a privately-owned island home to some of the world’s best beaches. Spend the day engaging in the various water sports and beach activities offered on the island. From getting around in glass-bottom boats to snorkeling in the crystal-clear water, you and your partner will absolutely fall in love with this island.

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8: Sleep under the stars

For a romantic night, Ile Aux Cerf Golf Club is a must-stay. The resort offers their bubble lodge, an outdoor residence fitted with a lounge area, a cozy bedroom, a washroom and an open sky shower. Each unit has been tastefully decorated combining earthy tones and natural fabrics.

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9: Hike up Le Morne mountain

A hike might not sound that romantic, but we promise it will be worth it. Once you reach the summit of Le Morne, the view of Mauritius spreading out in front of you will take your breath away.

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10: Witness the Coloured Earth of Chamarel

They say that red is the colour of love, so why not go where the hue surrounds you? Seven Coloured Earths are a truly exquisite natural geological formation where rainbow-hued sand dunes undulate and settle in separate layers.

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Image: Unsplash

Mauritius

An award-winning honeymoon destination portfolio earns prestigious Forbes recognition

Top 10 things for couples to do in Mauritius