Saying yes to Mauritius
With its tropical warmth, beaming locals, and impeccable hospitality, Mauritius has few rivals when it comes to brightening up a winter break. In a dedicated brochure, Beachcomber hotels add a touch of romance featuring flowers and declarations of love by offering the chance to tie the knot with your toes in the lagoon or, more simply, to renew your lifelong vows. We say "I do"!
It is 4 p.m. on the lawns shaded by coconut palms or perhaps on the beach, amidst the seashells. The Mauritian brand Beachcomber has eight properties on the island: Royal Palm, Trou aux Biches, Dinarobin, Paradis, Shandrani, Mauricia, Canonnier, and Victoria. Each offers to arrange the ceremony that will delight couples: a wedding, an anniversary, or a reaffirmation of vows renewed day after day. Simply magnificent.
Unforgettable thrill
A couple of French nationals can, of course, hold a fully official wedding, provided they comply with the requirements of Mauritian law such as the mandatory length of stay, the publication of banns, the presence of a civil registrar, and so on. Yet, the process is complex, time-consuming to validate back in France, and inevitably rather formal. Many vacationers prefer the more joyful option of marking their holiday with a ceremony that is as symbolic as it is unforgettable whether to celebrate an anniversary, commemorate a past trip, showcase the enduring nature of their union on social media, or simply for the thrill of an experience that is both chic and memorable.
Dress, music, and flowers
In any case, the hotel takes care of everything: a village tailor is summoned on the spot to craft a dress and suit within 24 hours alterations included; a hairstylist and makeup artist are mobilized for the big day; witnesses are selected from the staff; and there is music (live or a playlist the couple’s choice or the hotel’s, complete with sound system), a folk band, a photographer, a videographer, floral bouquets, a fitting speech, hors d’oeuvres, champagne… These are all à la carte services available for the asking.
No need to panic, though; very simple options work just as well background music provided by the hotel, a few whispered words between the lovebirds, and witnesses applauding and raising a glass with the cocktail of the day. Simple, brief, yet no less intense.
Fireworks to wrap things up
The various Beachcomber hotels claim they can make almost any dream come true even the wildest ones. Does the groom want to arrive by helicopter? It’s possible! Does the bride look to the heavens and wish for a religious blessing? Possible! A shower of petals over the newlyweds? Possible! A diamond ring? Possible! Inviting local schoolchildren or the neighboring church choir? Possible! A romantic, barefoot dinner for two on the sand featuring lobster, romantic guitar music, and a tiered wedding cake? Possible! Fireworks to top it all off? Naturally, that’s possible too!
No traps to fear
It all comes down to budget. Even the simplest ceremony costs just a few hundred euros. Each additional service drives up the price, and the most extravagant requests can result in a bill running into the thousands. Some people, sparing no expense on this joyous day, have even been known to treat every guest in the hotel. In any case, there are no hidden traps; at every venue, the wedding coordinator provides a comprehensive guide to services and their prices.
Treasures from a life together
Ultimately, it matters little that this heartfelt ceremony holds no legal standing. The event will remain one of the cherished treasures of a life shared together. As for the renewal of vows a widely popular practice for marriages celebrated five, ten, or twenty years prior it finds its most beautiful validation beneath the royal palms: the legitimacy of an unwavering love. It radiates a shared “forever.” That is certainly worth a kiss.
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