WEDDINGS & HONEYMOONS: Indian Ocean
Blessing package, which takes
place on a private desert island. Alternatively, there is the option
of a traditional ceremony where Maldivian wedding outfi ts are provided. A sister Beach House property is to open in Pasikudah, Sri Lanka, this month (February). In Sri Lanka, the Avani Kalutara
Resort has introduced a wedding package which includes the attendance of an elephant, Kandyan dancers and drummers, six-course dinner, lagoon cruise, sparkling wine, wedding cake and a wedding album. Selected spa treatments are also discounted for the couple. Operators: Rainbow Tours has launched a 13-night Wildlife and Castaway Island honeymoon in Madagascar, offering wildlife experiences and luxury hotels in stunning locations including a tiny private island, Tsarabanjina, on the unspoilt north-western coast. An expert guides guests through the Andasibe-Mantadia National Park, and introduces its rare species. Travel 2 currently has offers at
hotels in Mauritius, such as a ‘bride stays free’ offer at the fi ve-star Le Touessrok, and two free nights at the fi ve-star LUX Le Morne. Airports: Kooddoo Airport on
Gaafu Alifu opened last year, cutting
journey times to the southern Maldives. National carrier, Maldivian operates twice-daily from Malé.
Tourism talk “The weddings and honeymoon market is incredibly important to the
MPTA and the island, as it draws in a huge number of visitors and revenue year on year. Mauritius has long been considered one of the world’s most romantic destinations due to its stunning scenery, warm tropical climate and the natural hospitality of the people. The MTPA is working hard to protect the uniqueness of the island whilst striving to promote the destination further within this market. We will continue to work closely with a number of wedding and honeymoon trade specialists in 2013.” Melina Collie, UK Sales and Marketing Director, Mauritius Tourism Promotion Authority
Where to book it BEACHCOMBER TOURS -
01483 445 685 Ten nights, half-board, at Le Mauricia, Mauritius, plus a Classic Wedding package, costs from £3,500 per couple. Or, the Luxury Wedding package, which includes use of the Laurence Llewelyn-Bowen designed
wedding gazebo, starts at £1,095.
beachcombertours.co.uk SUNSET FARAWAY HOLIDAYS - 020 8774 7100 A seven-night honeymoon at Velassaru, Maldives, starts from £1,399pp, including breakfast, fl ights, transfers, a candlelit dinner, basket of fruit and bottle of wine on arrival.
sunset.co.uk SEYCHELLES TRAVEL - 01202
877330 Seven nights, all inclusive, in a beach suite at Desroches Island, including fl ights and taxes, starts at £2,840pp.
seychelles-travel.co.uk RAINBOW TOURS - 020 7666 1250
A 13-night Wildlife and Castaway Island honeymoon in Madagascar costs £3,750pp, including fl ights, transfers, breakfast and most other meals. Accommodation includes a lodge in Andasibe-Mantadia National Park and the beachfront Constance Lodge Tsarabanjina.
rainbowtours.co.uk ELEGANT RESORTS - 01244 897517
Seven nights for the price of six at Frégate Private Island, Seychelles, costs from £9,545pp, full board, in a one-bedroom villa, including fl ights and helicopter transfers.
elegantresorts.co.uk
Meet the Operator
Where in the Indian Ocean would you recommend for an overseas wedding and/or honeymoon? Mauritius, Seychelles and Sri Lanka offer intimate or spectacular weddings, legal in the UK while the Maldives are a stunning backdrop to a wedding blessing or renewal of vows.
What’s the unique appeal of the Indian Ocean?
Powder white sand, turquoise lagoons and star-fi lled skies say it all. High standards of service as well as a warm welcome will make any romantic trip unforgettable. And with only one wedding a day any wedding couple will feel very special.
Are you offering any new product for 2013?
Vivanta by Taj in Sri Lanka, which recently reopened after a major refurbishment. If Only... is also a fan of The Residence Mauritius and the style, attention to detail and overall quality has been replicated in the newly opened The Residence Maldives.
Are two-centre Indian Ocean stays realistic?
Two-centre Mauritius is perfect for couples who have a few friends and family in tow and then want to head off to another resort for their honeymoon.
Sample Package Ten nights, all inclusive, in a deluxe room
Clockwise from top: Breezes Beach Zanzibar; Beach scene at The Residence; A beachcomber wedding with sunset hues in Mauritius.
16 February 2013 •
www.sellinglonghaul.com
at the Heritage Awali Golf and Spa Resort, Mauritius, starts at £3,798 per couple, including fl ights and private transfers; the hotel’s Classic Wedding package and extras, such as a one-hour spa treatment, one dinner at Chateau de Bel Ombre and unlimited use of the golf course. 0141 955 4000
www.ifonly.net
Brendan Maguire, Managing Director, If Only...
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