Not many places on earth evoke luxury and romance quite like Mauritius. The glistening and lush teardrop island ringed by coral reefs – and famed for its clear waters, rugged cliffs, ancient jungles and beautiful beach resorts – exceeds expectations and the most vivid of imaginations.
On its east coast is Belle Mare Beach, home to The Residence Mauritius. Voted the best hotel on the island in 2009 by UK Conde Nast Traveller Readers’ Travel Awards, the resort evokes the tropical glamour and formal service reminiscent of its colonial past.
Warm smiles and gentle hospitality make for an unforgettable honeymoon experience.
Every suite and room is assigned a butler, who will help pack or unpack your luggage, and ensure that your stay is nothing but perfect. The rooms themselves have an elegant and romantic ambience that soothes the nerves and calms the mind. Decked out in creamy hues with touches of burnished browns and gilt accents, the luxe furnishings and fittings herald back to a nostalgic era of grand plantation manors and houses by the beach.
The spacious lobby with views of the surrounding landscape.
Old World Elegance
Upon arrival, one is entranced by the spectacular lobby with its soaring ceilings and wide views of the sea and expansive grounds. The secluded beachfront resort exudes Old World elegance and serene calm, along with the lingering charm of a Mauritian colonial plantation from the past. Airy and spacious, The Residence Mauritius offers 135 guest rooms and 28 suites – all of which come with its own private balcony or verandah overseeing the shimmering Indian Ocean or elegant landscaped gardens filled with flowering tropical plants.
The resort is perfect for wedding portraits.
It also promises an unforgettable experience for couples planning an intimate wedding affair or a lavish ceremony and reception with family and friends. With the help of its experienced event planners, The Residence Mauritius’s wedding packages can be customised to your preferences. These include the Exquisite or Classic Wedding packages that include perks like musicians for your solemnisation, a candlelit dinner for two, wedding photography services, couple spa massages and even a manicure and pedicure before the ceremony.
The Plantation restaurant has its own private beach and lovely views of the sea.
Delectable Dining
The diversified culture of the island means that your dining options for guests are also varied. French Indian, Chinese and Creole cuisines meet in an explosion of flavours that are unique to Mauritius.
In fact, there are three beautiful restaurants within the resort that are perfect for different celebrations.
The Dining Room offers an airy, sun-lit experience in a colonial-style pavilion, while The Verandah by the pool is ideal for alfresco gatherings. The Plantation, located on its own private beach area, is an elegant and rustic venue with unparalleled views of the clear blue waters and white sandy beaches. When lit with the warm golden glow from hanging lamps in the evenings, the venue is an oasis of Old World Romance.
Romantic and private dinners by the beach can be arranged.
And to beat the stress before your big day, or for a truly soothing experience during your honeymoon, The Sanctuary Spa, a private haven of peace and serenity, offers soothing treatments for the mind, body and soul. One of its nine treatment rooms is even set in the middle of the tropical garden and overlooks the lagoon for an indulgent outdoor experience. Rejuvenate and re-energise with bespoke massages and beauty treatments by the spa’s skilled therapists to look your best on your big day.
The Sanctuary Spa offers rejuvenating treatments amid luxurious surroundings.
Luxe rooms in creamy hues with elegant furnishings.
Complete with its impeccable services and warm staff, no wonder the resort has been declared perfect for overseas wedding celebrations and pre-wedding shoots – as well as a romantic escapade like no other for honeymooners.
Her World Brides flew to Mauritius courtesy of Air Mauritius (www.airmauritius.com). The team stayed at The Residences Mauritius (www.theresidences.com). Thanks to Mauritours Ltd. for the guided tour of the island.
This article was originally published in Her World Brides Sept – Nov 2014 and Female Brides Lookbook 9.
