Mauritius honeymoon paradise: Love is in the air

Located on the northern tip of Mauritius, the sleepy fishing village is most famous for its red-roofed Roman Catholic Church. The charming building is surrounded by lush green grass and is situated just a few steps from the outrageously turquoise sea. Any tourist undertaking a tour of the north will stop at the church – I'm one of many here today.

In recent years China's overseas honeymoon holiday sector has grown immensely. Mauritius is a popular destination not only because of the setting; it also offers Chinese visitors a free visa on arrival. Between 2012 and 2013, the influx of Chinese tourists doubled, and there was just over 50 per cent growth the following year – a substantial number of these honeymooners. 

The loved-up foursome are not the only ones snapping away. By the church, groups of friends are jumping in unison with a photographer who is endeavouring to snap them mid-flight. A young father attempts to photograph his family using the self-timer, but trips as he runs into the shot. His wife and toddler daughter collapse beside him in a laughing heap. A large group of tourists in a hotel minivan pull into the car park and join in, posing cheerfully in front of the church. 

I mooch about, slyly snapping shots of the photo-takers. It's as if I'm invisible. Everyone is in his or her little bubble and I'm the voyeur, gliding through, observing and chronicling the spectacle that is holiday life.

As I turn back to the water the newlyweds have changed locations and the women are again wearing their glittery high heels. They've changed positions, too, and are now concentrating on couple shots. The husbands look a little underdressed in their casual attire compared to the women in their now-wet wedding dresses, but it doesn't matter. A holiday here is about slowing down and enjoying the moment – and clearly everyone at Cap Malheureux is doing just that.