| June is traditionally the number one month for | | | | islands, located in the Indian Ocean, and many of them |
| weddings. As a wedding ceremony is probably the | | | | offer unique wedding packages. For example, the |
| most romantic occasion in a woman's life, more and | | | | Banyan Tree resort offers underwater weddings for |
| more brides to be are choosing to maximize the | | | | diving enthusiasts. |
| romance factor by holding their wedding in a location | | | | But it would be a big challenge to find any tropical |
| that scores high on the romance index -- a sunset | | | | beach wedding ceremony more romantic than the one |
| wedding on a tropical beach at sunset. | | | | offered by the Coco Palm Dhuni Kolhu resort in the |
| Recent statistics show that romantic travel is on the | | | | Maldives. Their traditional Maldavian wedding ceremony |
| increase. More than 30% of all adults (not just brides | | | | takes place at sunset under a canopy built from |
| and grooms) will go on a romantic trip this year. | | | | coconut trees and leaves, on the beach of a desert |
| Weddings, honeymoons and wedding vow renewal | | | | island. |
| ceremonies make up a significant number of those | | | | The bride arrives in a traditional Maldavian sailboat |
| excursions. | | | | called a dhoni, and is carried to the beach, where the |
| Although many couples choose big cities such as | | | | groom is waiting with the minister (in traditional dress), |
| London and Paris, or adventure travel destinations like | | | | family and friends. After the exchange of rings and |
| Egypt and Australia, by far the highest number -- 54% | | | | vows, the local fishermen strike up a rhythmic beat on |
| to be precise -- pick relaxing destinations such as | | | | "bodu beru" drums, to accompany the bride and groom |
| tropical beaches for their romantic travels. | | | | back to their villa. |
| This reporter has recently been researching various | | | | The wedding reception includes more drumming, |
| travel destinations and in the process uncovered what | | | | ceremonial dancing and a barbecue dinner, and the |
| could very well be the place to have the world's most | | | | happiness of the newlyweds is toasted with glasses |
| romantic wedding. | | | | of kurumba (coconut juice). The next morning, a |
| A lot of beach resorts around the world offer unique | | | | coconut tree is ceremonially planted in honor of the |
| wedding packages. Some of the most popular | | | | newly married couple. |
| destinations for romantic, beach weddings are Fiji, | | | | No wonder so many couples decide on the Maldives |
| Hawaii and the Bahamas. | | | | for a romantic wedding or honeymoon. |
| There are numerous luxury resorts in the Maldives | | | | |