Vacation LOCATED_IN_mauritius

The main attraction of Mauritius is its beaches. A large part of the island is surrounded by a coral reef, which protects the island from larger ocean waves and creates a lagoon with crystal clear blue, calm water. However, the island's beaches differ in individual parts both in the color of the sand and the size of the lagoon. They are not overcrowded, but we recommend visiting public beaches earlier in the week.

Some of the most beautiful beaches in Mauritius are, for example, the Grand Baie beaches, which is also one of the most visited and offers many opportunities for water sports and cultural activities, or Flic en Flac, the longest beach on the island, where you will find the typical picture of white sandy beaches and crystal clear sea. The Grand Bay area is also worth visiting, where there are several beaches at once. The most famous is La Cuvette, which will please almost every lover of sandy pleasures.

Mauritius offers countless places suitable for snorkeling, because almost the entire island is surrounded by a coral barrier that protects it from waves and sharks. If you have fallen in love with exploring the world under the sea surface, you won't want to fly away from Mauritius after your first dive. Due to the favorable influences of western currents from Australia, coral growth thrives particularly in the area around the island. That's why the area is among the most preserved, and thus also the most beautiful in the world.

There are many diving centers around the island, which of course offer complete equipment, as well as quality training under the guidance of qualified instructors. You have many options to choose from, such as evening or thematic diving, for the braver even diving with sharks. We recommend heading to areas such as Blue Bay, Le Morne, Flic en Flac or Whale. You can also look at the neighboring island of Rodrigues or Pointe Aux Corners. If you are afraid to dive, you can use a glass-bottomed submarine or just walk on the ocean floor with an oxygen-filled helmet.

Mauritius is not just about beautiful beaches. You can definitely engage in many sports activities here, especially water ones. Many of them are available for free directly in hotels, the more demanding ones (motorized) are usually for a fee.

Kitesurfing
Frequent windy weather and lagoons created by the coral reef create excellent conditions for this popular action water sport. Not only for this reason is Mauritius nicknamed the Mecca of kitesurfing. It is possible to kitesurf in many places on the island, but the most popular is the area in the southwest of the island - Le Morne. The best period for kitesurfing is the local winter (May-October), when weather conditions for this sport are best. If you are a beginner, there are several kitesurfing schools on the island that will be happy to initiate you into this sport. Some hotels even have their own kitesurfing schools that can be used for a fee. And when you don't feel personally up to this sport, definitely go to see the kitesurfers in Le Morne at least. Seeing them in action is really worth it.

Windsurfing
Beginner or advanced, anyone can try windsurfing in Mauritius. The lagoons are also an ideal place for this sport. In most hotels it is even possible to rent a windsurf for free and if this is your first encounter with this sport, instructors will gladly advise you on how to do it.

Kayaks and water bikes
If you don't need to raise your adrenaline level, you can set out for a walk around the lagoon on a kayak or water bike. Both means are undemanding to operate and at the same time you are still doing something for your fitness.

Stand up paddle board
The hit of the last period - stand up paddle board, i.e. riding on a board with a paddle in hand, is a very popular water sport in Mauritius. The main prerequisite for it is the calm waters of the island's lagoons, which are also suitable for beginners.

Fishing
If sport fishing is your passion, this adrenaline sport will be an unforgettable experience for you in Mauritius. The Indian Ocean here is rich in many species of sharks, marlins, tunas or barracudas. Fishing in Mauritius is definitely worth it and is guaranteed, among other things, by the significant depth of the Indian Ocean in the relative vicinity of the southwestern part of the island and the associated marine current, which brings with it a large number of fish from the smallest to the largest. For example, the blue marlin, which can reach a weight of up to 600 kilograms, or the even rarer black marlin, occurs here. International fishing championships - the so-called Blue Marlin World Cup - are also held here annually.

Catamaran cruises
There are many smaller islands and islets near the island of Mauritius that are worth visiting. You will discover a real tropical paradise on them. And boat cruises are the only way to explore this surrounding paradise.
A unique experience from a sea cruise, treat yourself to it on a catamaran. The most popular full-day trips are to the northern islands of Flat and Gabriel. On the west coast, you can also observe dolphins from the catamaran. And in the east, visit the popular Ile aux Cerfs island. Evening romantic cruises with a view of the setting sun are also possible. Weddings on this type of boat are not an exception either.

Rum is the most famous alcoholic drink on the island of Mauritius. It comes from a long tradition of growing sugar cane, which was brought to the island by the Dutch from Indonesian Java. Taste Mauritian rum directly in one of its distilleries.

There are several distilleries on the island that produce either traditional rum (its basis is molasses - a by-product created during sugar production) or agricultural rum (produced by fermenting sugar cane wash). There are only three distilleries in Mauritius that have permission to produce agricultural rum: Rhumerie de Chamarel (the most famous agricultural rum distillery on the island with a long history is located in the southwestern, very fertile part of the island and is surrounded by sugar cane plantations), Rhumerie de Mascareignes and St. Aubin.

Rum prices vary according to quantity and type of production. Ordinary local rum can be bought in a supermarket from 300 rupees. You can find better quality products for 600 rupees and more. Buying rums at the Rhumerie de Chamarel distillery will cost you, for example, 1,000 rupees for a pack of two bottles, and that in a very nice gift package.

A whole range of souvenirs and other goods can be purchased in Mauritius. Many historical ship models, various clothing ornaments, shoes and accessories, jewelry and costume jewelry or wicker and pottery products are sold. You will definitely choose from a whole range of clothing stores.

If you collect stamps, your heart will rejoice. Mauritius boasts beautifully colored original stamps. After all, the famous Blue Mauritius comes from here. Also look for typical Mauritian products such as vanilla tea, spices, rum or colorful scarves. Don't miss a visit to the market and taste fresh fruits and vegetables.

Mauritius is generally considered a quieter destination. Most tourists prefer to spend evenings in the hotel complex (some have their own evening clubs). However, there are a few places on the island where it really comes alive after sunset. However, the island's residents only go out for night entertainment exclusively on Friday and Saturday, or during holidays. Unlike us, nightlife here doesn't start until around midnight.

If you crave evening entertainment outside the hotel resort, the northern center of Grand Baie is the right part of the island for you, where you will find several bars full especially on weekends, when temperamental locals also go out into the night streets. Slightly quieter compared to Grand Baie is the town of Flic-en-Flac, which also hides a few bars. Again lively especially on weekends.

Mauritius itself is a very safe destination but basic caution is always in place. The local people are very kind and welcoming. However, it is not common on the island for a woman to move around the streets or beaches alone after dark.

For nature and animal lovers, Mauritius also offers diverse entertainment. Rich fauna can be found both in the ocean and in various parks inland, or on surrounding smaller islands. So in the morning you can start by observing dolphins or whales in the ocean and in the afternoon spend time walking with a lion or a century-old turtle.

Casela amusement park with African safari
Casela spreads over 14 hectares, which are full of nature and possible activities in the west of Mauritius. You can easily spend the whole day here. The park is divided into three distinct parts - a section for the youngest, another with the possibility of sightseeing rides on zipline and canyoning and a safari section, where you will meet various African animals. The most famous attraction of the park is the so-called Walk with lions, i.e. a walk with the lion king of the jungle.

Pamplemousses Botanical Garden
The botanical garden known for extensive collections of palms, water lilies and other exotic plants, covers an area of 37 hectares and is a place of rest and relaxation for both tourists and local residents. You will find palm alleys, flower beds with local flora, but also plants imported from all corners of the world. A unique feature is the Talipot palm, which blooms only once during its life and then dies, or the giant water lilies of Victoria amazonica.

Mark Twain, a writer at the end of the 19th century, visited the volcanic island in the Indian Ocean and wrote: "You will be convinced that God first created Mauritius. And the heavens were created later, according to his model." If your vision of paradise includes exotic gardens, turquoise sea and strong alcoholic cocktails, you will definitely agree with him. More on this in the wedding section.

Mauritius is a never-ending mix of different cultures, which are reflected in traditions, languages, food, or architecture. Stop by at traditional religious shrines, or try local original dance - sega. People are very friendly, cheerful, hospitable and helpful. Don't be afraid to talk to them :)

Dance
A very important part of the island's culture is traditional dance called Sega, which evolved from the music of Madagascar and Africa and is a musical expression of the Mauritian lifestyle, full of joy and happiness. Sega tells about the joys and sorrows of local farmers and fishermen. It is a nostalgic inheritance of the slaves and the inhabitants of the island, and its music has become an inseparable part of the Mauritian entertainment and daily life.

Kitchen
The island's cuisine is cosmopolitan and as wide as the people. You will definitely choose from a wide range of dishes. During the day, you can taste a selection of French, Indian, Chinese, African and Creole dishes. You must try the local seafood - conch, freshwater prawns or mud crab. It is of course delicious tropical fruit. Fresh juices, coconut milk from the kernels, or juices from sweet fruits of tamarind are also available.

The most famous local drink is of course rum. You will also find it outside of distilleries and specialty shops - it is served as an aperitif.

Language
Although English and French are the official and official languages, many inhabitants do not speak either of these languages. Everyone speaks Mauritian Creole, which is a mix of French and local languages of the people who came from other countries.

Festivals
Due to the fact that the islands come from three different continents, there are many celebrations. If you are planning to visit Mauritius around the turn of the year, don't miss the Chinese New Year and Hindu festival Maha Shivaratri (celebrating the god Shiva), which is celebrated with local people on a pilgrimage to the sacred lake Grand Bassin. You will also have the opportunity to taste local dishes.

All services needed to arrange a legally valid wedding are hidden in your wedding package, which is part of the calculation. Hotels usually have several types of packages that always include all official fees (in Mauritius)  and the basic wedding ceremony. They differ in additional services - cosmetics, makeup, massage, wedding photos and others.

The wedding package usually includes:

• all official and administrative fees in Mauritius (local declaration, high court, registry office)
  
• fees for "APOSTILLE"
  
• guarantee of one wedding per day at the hotel
  
• specialized personal wedding coordinator
  
• transfer from hotel to relevant offices and back
  
• separate room for the bride before the ceremony (depending on availability)
  
• decoration and preparation of the wedding ceremony venue
  
• ceremonial newlywed breakfast in bed
  
• bouquet for the bride
  
• wedding myrtle for the groom
  
• hairdresser and makeup services for the bride including trial
  
• wedding cake (for 10 guests)
  
• reproduced wedding music during the ceremony
  

For an additional fee, we can arrange any additional services for you - from special decoration, through live music to a cameraman and professional photographer.

No later than 40 days before departure to Mauritius, send us the following documents by email. If you are planning a "last minute" wedding in a shorter period than 6 weeks, then it is necessary to ask local authorities for an exception, or they will approve a legally valid wedding in a shorter period for you. You will take the original documents with you to Mauritius, where you will hand them over to your Czech delegate.

1) The couple must obtain a duplicate birth certificate (so-called Extract from the birth register) with a current date NOT older than 3 months to the wedding date. It is issued by your birth registry office in your place of birth for a fee of 10EUR. You can request a duplicate birth certificate from the registry office in person or in writing (send the request by mail to the relevant office), or your parents or a third party can represent you with your power of attorney.

These documents must be court translated into English or French (translation bound with the original and with an interpreter's note). We will recommend a translator at a good price in your area of residence, so you don't have to unnecessarily send documents by mail.

2) Photocopies of the couple's passports, i.e. the page containing the passport number, photograph, date of issue and expiry date. Attention! The validity of your passport must be at least 6 months after returning from Mauritius!

3) The couple will fill out an application for marriage in Mauritius. This is a simple form in English, which includes the date and place of your wedding and your basic personal details. We will send you the form.

4) If you are divorced, you need to attach the relevant document, i.e. a notarized copy of the divorce decree of the previous marriage. The certified copy must have the signature of a notary or a person authorized to issue, whose signature is registered with the Ministry of Justice.

If the Divorce Decree has multiple pages, we recommend requesting only a short divorce confirmation with the most important details (names and dates of both divorced parties, date and place of divorce, stamps and signature of the relevant court) from the relevant District Court. We point out, that there is no regulatory template for this confirmation and its issuance usually depends on the willingness of officials.

This document must also be court translated into English, or French (translation bound with the original and with an interpreter's note).

4) If you are widowed, you need to attach a notarized copy of the death certificate of the deceased spouse.

This document must also be court translated into English, or French (translation bound with the original and with an interpreter's note).

5) Conditions valid for divorced women or widows before marriage in Mauritius:

In the case that the bride is divorced or widowed, then the wedding in Mauritius can take place no earlier than 10 months from the divorce or from the date of issue of the husband's death certificate. If you wish to marry earlier, then the bride must at her own expense undergo a medical examination in Mauritius with confirmation that she is not pregnant (either in a state hospital or with a private doctor with a license and practice in Mauritius).

During the wedding ceremony the officiant addresses the bride by her maiden name. The bride's maiden name will also appear on the marriage certificate (if the bride has already changed her surname by legal act, this current surname will be stated).

6) If the bride or groom changed their name or surname by legal act, the relevant document and its court translation into English, or French, is required.

7) If the couple does not reach the age of 18 by the wedding date, a sworn declaration is required, which grants permission to hold the wedding and its court translation into English, or French.

8) If the groom or bride were adopted, a certificate of adoption and its court translation into English, or French, must be submitted.

In Mauritius, couples always state the matrimonial property regime, see below.

40 days before the wedding is the deadline for submitting documents, then the authorities may no longer accept them. We therefore strongly recommend submitting documents with sufficient advance notice.

PROCEDURE AFTER ARRIVAL IN MAURITIUS

1. Wedding formalities in Port Louis
In Mauritius, it is necessary to personally complete all legal formalities at local offices during one working day. This process of arranging all necessary formalities takes approximately half a day. Your CZECH DELEGATE can accompany you on the journey.
We will arrange transport by vehicle to Port Louis and escort during the arrangement of legal formalities. You must also stop at the Civil Status Office in the area of your accommodation for the publication of the wedding announcement. You will also specify the ceremony time here.

2. Civil ceremony
The civil ceremony requires the presence of your two witnesses - we can arrange these for you.
If you have your own witnesses, or choose them on site (friends from the hotel etc.), don't forget to write down the names, places and dates of birth of these your witnesses, because you must report this information to the authorities in the Slovak Republic after returning from Mauritius.

3. Matrimonial property regime
In Mauritius, you will announce the matrimonial property regime, so-called Matrimonial Regime / System, for which you have decided. You choose from three property regimes:
1) Legal system of community of property (i.e. common property) - The legal system of community of good
2) Legal system of separation of property (i.e. separate ownership) - The legal system of Separations of property
3) Marital settlement embodied in a notarial deed in accordance with the common wish of the future spouses- A marriage settlement embodied in a notarial deed in accordance with the common wish of the future spouses
If you choose point 3 mentioned above, you must already have a document prepared by your notary with you. If you have decided to enter into a so-called Prenuptial agreement, do so before departure.

Explanations of property regime options:
Ad 1) Legal system of community of property
The Civil Code establishes the system of legal community of property - this means that if future spouses do not choose a specific marital system and if they enter into marriage without determining which marital system they would like to follow, it is considered as if they had chosen the legal system of community of property.
The legal system of community of property, as established in the Civil Code, is community reduced to "acquisition" characterized by the following characteristics:
(A) With regard to property ownership between spouses, the main existence is a quantity of property that is common to both partners and which differs from property belonging personally to each of them separately.
Common property belongs in a state of division (in co-ownership) to both spouses during the marriage. In the event of divorce or judicial separation, the common property is divided equally between the spouses. If the marriage is terminated by the death of the husband, or wife, or both, the common ownership is divided between the surviving spouse/wife and the heir of the deceased husband/wife or between the respective heirs of both spouses, depending on the case.
Common property consists of "acquisition", it is all movable and immovable property acquired from the date of marriage by each of the spouses, which is not expressly considered personal property by law. (It consists mainly of property purchased with money obtained from the income and wages of the spouses).
Personal property includes immovable property, which belonged to one of the spouses before entering into marriage or which the husband or wife acquired by inheritance or gift after the wedding day. Such property will remain in the exclusive ownership of the spouse to whom it belonged, or who acquired this property by gift or inherited it.
(B) According to the legal system of community of property, the administration of personal property differs from the administration of common property as follows:
- each of the spouses has the right to use and freely dispose of their personal property
- each of the spouses has the right to manage common property that was acquired by his/her work
For example, the wife freely manages her common property, which is derived from her profit, remuneration, earnings, while the husband manages all other common property.

Ad 2 - Legal system of separation of property and ownership
If spouses want to follow this system, spouses must clearly express their wish in accordance with the conclusion of their marriage. Within this system of separate ownership, the husband or wife retains ownership of property that he or she owned before entering into marriage, and of property that he or she acquires during the marriage. Each of the spouses can manage such property and freely dispose of it without interference from the other spouse, as if he or she were not married. In the event of divorce or separation, each of the spouses takes back their personal property. If the marriage is terminated by death, the property of the deceased spouse/wife will go to his heirs. There is no division of property.

Ad 3 - Marital settlement embodied in a notarial deed
Before the wedding, future spouses can draw up a prenuptial agreement together with a notary, which will determine the given system in marriage, which the future spouses wish to follow (common ownership limited to "acquisition", general co-ownership of property, separation of property, etc.) and which contains all agreements that they consider desirable.