Fall in Love in and with Mauritius

Snorkel in crystal clear waters or swim in blue lagoons, feed the colourful lorikeets or walk with lions, have a rum-tasting experience or go skydiving, or even better, simply loll in the shallows on talcum-white sand beaches – this paradise island can curate the typically lazy or even the most unconventional honeymoon for the newly hitched love birds.

- Pallavi Goel

Mauritius has undoubtedly captured the romantic imagination of Indians who have associated this island in the Indian Ocean with honeymoon and all the beautiful memories it creates. The credit goes to Bollywood that has captured a number of the island’s pristine waters and soothing scenic views to shoot its emblematic and the indispensable love songs. Cue in Aishwarya Rai singing “Hai Mera Dil” and Chandrachur Singh rowing the raft with the Crystal Rock in background. And so, Indian honeymooners always have and continue to choose Mauritius for their maiden voyage together.

And for all the right reasons! Spoilt for choices, couples will often find themselves in a quandary while planning their itinerary. While the North is the touristic hub with the most number of beaches and with Mauritius’ best nightlife, the South hides the country’s most beautiful scenery, sandy coves and hidden falls. The quiet East is a haven for those in search of peace and the West is an adventure land with a zillion recreational activities. Each corner has its distinctive allure. The advice is to rent a car that suits your style and budget, and drive off to locations as you please.

Tranquil retreats

After months of shopping through the boisterous bazaars, stressing through the arrangements, and then the final week-long celebrations soaked in high ‘spirits’, music and dance, filled with endless rites and ceremonies amidst half a thousand ‘near and dear’ ones, the tired bride and groom deserve their moments of respite. “After the exhausting rush of the wedding, we just wished to relax and have our personal space. We knew Mauritius would be the perfect escapade,” shares Silky Goel, who chose this idyllic island after her wedding in November last year.