FEATURE INDIAN OCEAN WEDDINGS AND HONEYMOONS
three years. It ticks every box and is seen as more sophisticated than the Caribbean. Mauritius offers high hotel standards, impeccable service and world-class cuisine, combined with beautiful beaches.”
ZOE BETCHLEY Indian Ocean manager, Hayes and Jarvis “Mauritius appeals for its
tropical island exclusive getaway and fantastic service and the hotels often provide brides with great discounts of up to 25 per cent off the cost. Gifts, spa treatments and room upgrades are often included and are the hotel’s way of celebrating with them.”
MARK DUGUID Head of market management, Kuoni “The royal effect on the
Seychelles is clearly noticeable. Immediately after the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge honeymooned there, Seychelles bookings increased by double-digit growth and have sustained this level since April.”
DONNA WADDINGTON Travel Counsellor, Woodford, Cheshire “Getting married in
Mauritius or the Seychelles is so easy as there is much less paperwork than, for example, Thailand. There is only a three- or four-hour time difference, so the jetlag is minimised too. For more
From left: Vivanta by Taj in the Maldives, the Banyan Tree in Seychelles and 20 Degres Sud in Mauritius
32 January 2012 •
www.sellinglonghaul.com
adventurous clients, I suggest a twin- centre, such as Sri Lanka and the Maldives, Seychelles or Mauritius, or South Africa and Mauritius.”
Where To Book It SEASONS – 01244 202 082
www.seasons.co.uk Features The Maia Luxury Resort and Spa, Mahé, Seychelles, with ocean-front villas, infinity pools, butlers and en-suite dining facilities. Excursions run to the outer islands by boat or helicopter. Seven nights cost from £5,840pp.
RAINBOW TOURS – 020 7666 1250
www.rainbowtours.co.uk The tiny island of Rodrigues is now available as a twin-centre with Mauritius, a 90-minute flight away. Nine nights on Mauritius and three nights on Rodrigues, is priced from £2,995pp.
KUONI – 01306 747008
www.kuoni.co.uk Seven nights B&B at the five-star Sheraton Maldives Full Moon Resort & Spa in an ocean villa including flights with BA from Gatwick and private transfers is from £2,264pp in May/June 9 (includes two bonus nights). If booked by March 18. Quote: IO0106.
EMIRATES TOURS – 020 7590 1450
www.emiratestours.co.uk A honeymoon offer at Kanuhura Resort, Maldives, in May and June 2012, allows the bride to stay for free with complimentary seaplane transfers. Seven nights in a beach villa costs from £1,479pp, including flights. THOMSON - 0871 231 5595
www.thomson.co.uk The Olhuveli Beach & Spa Resort on an all-inclusive basis is from £2,109pp. Valid for departures on February 14, including return flights from Manchester, accommodation, resort transfers, taxes and surcharges.
ELITE VACATIONS - 01707 371000
www.seychelleselite.co.uk Denis Private Island in the Seychelles is offering a 40 per cent discount for the bride as well as extras, such as a private candlelit dinner on the beach. Five nights all-inclusive costs from £2,298pp. •
UP CLOSE & PERSONAL BY MELANIE MARSH
INDIAN OCEAN WEDDINGS AND HONEYMOONS
Top Selling Tips...
• Do some sightseeing… “Suggest clients staying on Mahé, the biggest of the Seychelle islands, hire a car and explore the many secluded coves and beaches and visit the capital, Victoria, for shopping and local markets”
SHEENA PATON Kuoni
• Two for the price of one… “For more adventurous couples, suggest a twin centre, such as a safari in South Africa, with a beach holiday on Mauritus”
DONNA WADDINGTON Travel Counsellor
TRAVEL COUNSELLOR I married Jonathan six years ago in Mauritius at the Royal Palm, a Beachcomber Hotel. For me, it was everything I wanted. We went in October and the weather was just gorgeous. My parents came and stayed at our hotel for two nights, but spent most of the time at Legends Hotel. Getting married over there is so easy. The hotel sorted out all the legalities – we didn’t have to do anything, except go into Port Louis to sign the paperwork. Even then, the hotel provided the transport. Warn your clients to get the paperwork done early as it does take a full day. We did a catamaran tour of the island, stopping off at a nice beach, which I would recommend. A selling point for Beachcomber Hotels is that they do some good repeat offers, so we are looking forward to going back in four years time to celebrate our tenth anniversary.
DEGREES SUD
BANYAN TREE SEYCHELLES BEACHCOMBER HOTELS
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