ABSOLUTE Maldives Magazine 2018 Edition by Absolute Magazine Group

Maldives 2018 / 19 INTERNATIONAL EDITION

ABSOLUTE

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HOLIDAYING IN MALDIVES FASHION ISLAND LOOKS HISTORY OF MALDIVES CULTURE WAKATOBI WEDDINGS KURUMBA KURAMATHI AYADA FAARUFUSHI KANDOLHU VELASSARU THE WESTIN AARAHVELI DHIGALI ASTRONOMY & PHOTOGRAPHY

Editor - Victoria Marie Emerson Guest Editor - Judith Heede Guest writer - Alexandria Faure Designer - Pete Hayward - www.petehayward.design Owners - Publishers

Simon Darcy Abbott - simon@absolutemagazine.co.uk David Camici - dcamici@absolutemagazine.co.uk

Cover Shot Photography - Darren Black Location - Kurmathi Island Model - Layla Harris | First Management, London Clothing - kankan Seychelles. Glasses, Beyond The Sea Seychelles.

ABSOLUTE is owned and produced by Make a Difference Media Ltd Absolute offices 1 Preston Road, Brighton, BN1 4QU

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W E LC O M E TO

The Maldives

elcome to our latest international magazine release; Absolute Maldives. Having been lucky enough to have visited this stunning

island nation in the Indian Ocean, we felt we needed to look in more detail

at these islands and the many varied options available to you, the traveller.

There are so many different hotels and island resorts that lay waiting for you, ranging from super high-end luxury, to secluded havens of peace and

quiet, family-friendly resorts and superb examples of the booming ecotourism trade, driven by the protection of nature.

The Maldives has so much to offer from its 100+ hotel islands, aside from being a place to sun worship and relax. Discover the stunning beauty of the oceans and coral reefs teeming with marine life, with diving available

at all levels from novice to expert, take a boat and go fishing or try your hand at the many water sports offered.

In Absolute Maldives we also delve into the nation’s rich history and culture, starting right back at the humble beginnings and then taking a

journey through time to the global number one luxury destination it is today.

Enjoy.

ABSOLUTE

Holidaying IN MALDIVES The main reason to take a seaplane ride is for the aerial views – it’s a thrilling excursion and a practical mode of travel in one.

A 12

visit to the unique islands of Maldives is unforgettable; not only because 99 percent of this tiny nation is ocean, but simply because of its outstanding beauty. The explorer and archaeologist Thor Heyerdahl, famous for his Kon-Tiki expedition and historical discoveries in Maldives sums it up perfectly in his book “The Maldive Mystery”: “That afternoon we passed the most beautiful palm islands I have ever seen. With the sun low on our starboard side it threw a glowing sidelight on the tiny islets, which seemed to float by like flower baskets ... Under the spell of this picture of an earthy paradise I made an entry in my notebook that the Maldives are even more beautiful than any of the coral atolls in Polynesia.” Heyerdahl was not the last one to fall in love with the islands. Prince William and his wife Kate enjoyed the islands in 2014 and Celebrities like the Beckham family, Kate Moss and countless Hollywood actors like Leonardo DiCaprio, Tom Cruise and Milla Jovovich can be seen regularly in one of the many exclusive resorts.

LUXURY RESORTS The St. Regis Starwood Group’s St. Regis Vommuli resort has added another sparkling star to Maldives’ hotel heaven. In November 2016 the 77 villa resort opened its doors in Dhaalu atoll, about 45 minutes flight from Male. The very spacious and bright villas are surrounded by lush tropical vegetation, beaches of fine white sand and a beautiful turquoise lagoon. Clear lines and a contemporary design work in perfect symbiosis with this idyllic landscape. The luxury villas all have a private swimming pool with pool deck and provide beautiful views of the sea or the tropical gardens. The house reef with its schools of fish swimming in crystal clear water above colourful corals are an invitation for guests to go snorkelling. Five specialty restaurants offer delicious culinary creations, all of which can also be taken privately in any beautiful corner of the resort. The spacious spa area with its warm seawater pool and its incomparable views make a stay at the St. Regis Vommuli Resort unforgettable as it can be.

Hurawalhi Island Resort Opened in December 2016, the lush Hurawalhi Island Resort, in the Lhaviyani Atoll, is well abreast of environmental issues, but that doesn’t mean it has skimped on lavishness. The adult-only resort (guests must be a minimum of 15 years old) features an undersea restaurant, a tropical champagne pavilion, spa, and a collection of 90 generously proportioned design-led villas strung across the glittering lagoon. The accommodation is perfectly positioned, to make the most of those jaw-dropping sunset panoramas. With a strong environmental focus, Hurawalhi uses solar panels, its own water-bottling plant, energy saving solutions, hot water recovery and even has an in-house marine biologist. Importantly, it is also collaborating with Manta Trust, the marine conservation and education specialists, to provide educational guided dives and snorkelling excursions to spectacular nearby reefs and shipwrecks. The island is a nesting site for green turtles and a breeding ground for manta rays which Manta Trust helps preserve as well as educating visitors on these endangered creatures. Carrying on the focus on nature, the Duniye Spa offers treatments based around the healing traditions of Asia and Africa, including the use of locally sourced ingredients. The ‘5.8’ Undersea Restaurant is an adventure in itself, so called because it is submerged almost six metres underwater. Surrounded by impressive marine views, the minimalist-designed restaurant focuses on romance – and every table is set just for two.

Villingili Resort & Spa by Shangri-La 17,000 coconut palms, huge Banyan trees, 45 plant species and three freshwater lagoons enrich the extensive grounds of the Shangri-La BB´s Villingili Resort Spa. The still little-developed Addu Atoll enchants with untouched nature, an unspoiled underwater world and palm-fringed white beaches. In addition to its beauty and its luxurious equipment the luxury hotel stretches over six kilometres (a rare size for the usually smaller islands) and every guest receives a bike to use around the island. This is the only Maldives island with its own a 9-hole golf course. The villas of the Shangri-La BB´s Villingili Resort Spa are spread over the whole island and guests can choose between romantic beachfront cottages, glamorous over water bungalows or even tree houses. Adventurers can dive around the beautiful house reef or explore the ship wreck not far away or take a trip on a 20 metre sailing yacht. The Shangri-La sets new culinary standards, with dishes from the Indian Ocean, the South China Sea or the Arabian Gulf to entice the palate and there are two bars at which you can enjoy exotic cocktails with great views over the lagoon.

Holidaying IN MALDIVES

BUDGET TRAVEL These glorious islands are no longer reserved for the rich and famous and Maldives can now also be enjoyed on a budget. In 2009, the Maldivian government allowed local residents to open their own guesthouses and restaurants to tourists. Previously travelers were limited to the resort islands, but now they can visit and stay on any local island. Home stays, hotels and guesthouses have started popping up everywhere. The facilities come in a full range, from basic to luxurious, including private beaches, swimming pools, diving schools and spas. Despite the influx of tourists, you can still experience the island dream that the Maldives is known for – you just need to know where to go.

Aveyla Manta Village Baa Atoll is known for superb marine life with regular sightings of magnificent manta rays and gentle whale sharks . This region is designated as a UNESCO marine bioreserve. Accessed via domestic flight, Dharavandhoo Island lets you truly get away from it all. Aveyla Manta Village is one of the guesthouses that strives to achieve resort quality, whilst maintaining an authentic local feel unlike many guesthouses, the beachfront property offers an inhouse spa and a dive centre. Arena Beach Hotel Close to Male, Maafushi is one of the islands that has rapidly adopted the guesthouse habit and offers a wide choice. This gives it a lively night time atmosphere compared to some of the other isolated islands.

Arena Beach Hotel has 19 rooms with either sea or garden views. While at the more expensive end of the “budget” range, the hotel is located only steps from its own private beach where leisure activities like snorkelling and diving will allow you to explore its beauty. Maafushi Island is just a local ferry ride away from Male, so getting there is fairly easy and quite cheap. Maafushi has the most guesthouse beds of any local island, and therefore, offers the lowest room rates.

Despite the influx of tourists, you can still experience the island dream that the Maldives is known for – you just need to know where to go.

Holidaying IN MALDIVES The Amazing Noovilu Accessed easily via speedboat from the capital, Mahibadoo is in one of the very best atolls for marine life spotting and beautiful beach enjoyment. It is not the metropolis that Male is and at a mere fraction of resort prices could be the perfect way to experience the real Maldives. The small boutique guesthouse The Amazing Noovilu is only 3 minutes away from a beach with a beautiful reef and the five spacious rooms all have air conditioning and daily cleaning service. The garden leading into the guesthouse is shaded by small palms and banana trees, and there are lawn chairs and a small outdoor kitchenette. The island itself can be walked around in an afternoon. There are ATMs, small conveniences stores and plenty of coffee houses. Activities are the real treat, because the owner Mazin acts as your tour guide. He offers manta watching and whale shark snorkelling tours in his speedboat, offering a relaxed but essentially private-tour atmosphere.

Thundi Guest House Thundi Guest House is located in the beautiful island of Fulidhoo in the Vaavu Atoll, 57 kilometres from Male. The island is just 675 metres long and 200 metres wide with a population of around four hundred. Despite its small size, Fulidhoo has a mosque, school, health centre, community centre, council offices and a number of general stores selling snacks and basic supplies. The sandy main street running down the centre of the island also has a number of souvenir shops selling colourful sarongs and dresses, but they only open twice a week when guests from a nearby resort come to visit. It’s entirely uncommercial with no restaurants or bars, but the guest house offers authentic local food. Vaavu Atoll can be reached by public ferry in about 3.5 hours and costs only a few Maledivian Rufiyaa. Thoddoo Island Thoddoo island in the Ari Atoll is known throughout Maldives for its thriving plantation. One-third of the total area is agricultural and it is one of the largest exporters of fruits and vegetables in the Maldives. The island is larger than many (about 2 km in length and 1 km in width), so hiring a bike to explore it makes sense. Thick bushes grow along the coast and numerous pathways take you to the ocean. naturally, most people visit this part of Maldives for underwater adventures: there are several coral reefs located near the island, some only a short swimming distance away. Enthusiastic snorkelers will be in heaven here. Budget accommodation like the Serene Sky Guest House or the Thoddoo Retreat make the ideal base for discovering the area. Serene Guest house offers packages for all types of travellers; honeymooners, solo backpackers, families and divers can all find a deal perfectly adjusted to their needs. You can get to Thoddoo directly from Male in one hour by speed boat; the public ferry takes four hours.

TRANSPORTATION Hotel transfers don’t usually excite most of us, but in the Maldives things are different. Forget long minibus rides from the airport or endless hours stuck in a taxi. The unique formation of this island nation means that to reach your exclusive resort you’ll need to cruise or fly. Some islands can only be reached by boat while some require a seaplane ride. But for others you’ll have the choice between the two.

Speedboat Speedboats are the most cost-effective option and are usually included in your package costs. The process is effortless. Once you arrive at Male airport, your speedboat will arrive at the jetty just across the road from the terminal. Hop aboard, feel the wind in your hair and enjoy the anticipation of spotting your hotel coming into view. Speedboats are operated by individual resorts and come in various forms, but all offer a comfortable start to your holiday. Depending on the location of your resort, you’ll pass other islands en route – both resort islands and tiny uninhabited ‘picnic islands’ and be sure to keep your eyes peeled for dolphins.

These glorious islands are no longer reserved for the rich and famous and Maldives can now also be enjoyed on a budget.

Seaplane A seaplane is far quicker at transporting you from A to B where 3 hour boat journeys are easily reduced to a 30-minute flight. The main reason to take a seaplane ride, however, is for the aerial views – it’s a thrilling excursion and a practical mode of travel in one. The seaplane terminal is just a short bus ride from the main airport, and seaplane charter flights depart at scheduled times during daytime. Seaplanes in the Maldives are small, and you’ll be enjoying this experience with a few other passengers travelling to/from several resorts in the same area. Needless to say, your focus should be outside the window as you soar over picture-perfect islands of all shapes and sizes and, as you climb higher, see the reefs, lagoons and atoll formations.

WEATHER

As a tropical monsoon climate, the Maldives have plenty of sunshine with temperatures around 30°C throughout the year. The dry season is associated with dry northeast winter monsoons, has little rain and lower humidity and lasts from December to April. The rainy season (associated with humid southwest monsoons and strong winds and storms) from May to November is wetter, characterised by stronger winds and rain.

For divers, both the dry and wet seasons have their advantages: during the dry season, visibility is superb, due to currents beginning to flow from the northeast in November. The currents start to weaken in February. During the wet season, the water temperatures are a couple of degrees lower. This seems to inspire and entice larger numbers of hammerhead sharks and reef sharks to congregate, and to do so in shallower waters than in the dry season. Visibility isn’t as good, however, as there are less currents. It is believed that the tourist season in Maldives lasts from November to April. At that time there are more sunny days and less overcast ones. But because of the El Nino influence and global warming the seasons have shifted. Nowadays it is sunniest in May-June. The best time to go to Maldives is from January to March. The catch is the price - at this time the prices are the highest and there are practically no discounts. The so-called “low season” lasts from May till the end of October. During these months it is more likely to rain, but everything is relative because the weather is different on various atolls.

6:10 PM Praslin “There are times you share − and there are times you don’t share with anyone, except each other.”

www.raffles.com/seychelles

ISLAND LOOKS

Model Layla Harris Image Darren Black Photography Locations Kurumba and Kuramathi islands With thanks to Qatar Airways Clothing by Kankan Seychelles / Beyond the Sea Seychelles / Pursuit the Label Swimwear

Like no other place on earth, the Maldives are today’s epitome of a tropical island paradise. With their famously crystal clear waters, this Indian Ocean archipelago is a dream destination for travellers from all around the world. It’s not just honeymooners who choose the islands for a romantic getaway; the islands are top of the bucket list for families, nature lovers and anyone seeking peace and quiet. Divers and snorkelers find their mecca underwater: colourful coral reefs, schools of fish or even the gigantic manta rays are a common sight on any adventure in the ocean.

The History of

M A LDI V ES L

ong before the first tourists set foot on the islands, sailors from Egypt, Greece and China found their way there. It was in 2000 B.C. when they used the equatorial channel for a safe passage from Africa to India and Arabia. Sri Lankan Buddhists followed in 500 B.C. and until 1153 A.D. with Buddhism being the dominant religion before islam. Even today, one can find the remains of the first settlers within the many mosques in Maldives that face the sun and not Mecca.

Islamism came into the country with the Arab travellers who traded with the islands and in 1153 A.D. the last Buddhist King Dovemi Kalaminja officially converted, taking the name Sultan Muhammad al Adil. Many Maldivians consider this the cornerstone of their country’s history. A series of six dynasties consisting of eightyfour sultans and sultanas followed, and Islam remains the state religion until today.

The country has been an independent state throughout its known history, except for a brief period of Portuguese occupation in the 16th century. The Portuguese, who were already well established in Goa in western India, decided they wanted a greater share of the profitable trade routes of the Indian Ocean. In 1558, after a few unsuccessful raids, Captain Andreas Andre led an invasion army and killed Sultan Ali VI. He ruled Male

and much of the country for the next 15 years. There was ongoing resistance, especially from Mohammed Thakurufaanu, the son of an influential family from the northern atoll of Haa Alif. Thakurufaanu started a series of guerrilla raids, culminating in an attack on Male, in which all the Portuguese were slaughtered. This victory is commemorated annually as National Day on the first day of the third month of the year. There is a memorial centre on the island of Utheemu today to the Maldives’ greatest hero.

In 1968 the sultanate was abolished and the Maldives was declared a republic and has been a stable democrcy since the introduction of multiparty elections in 2008.

In the 17th century, the Maldives accepted the protection of the Dutch, who ruled Ceylon at the time. They also had a shortlived defence treaty with the French and maintained good relations with the British, especially after the British took possession of Ceylon in 1796 and then included Maldives as a British protectorate. This was officially recorded in an 1887 agreement, in which the sultan accepted British influence over Maldivian external relations and defense. The British had no presence, however, on the leading island community of Male. They left the islanders alone and Maldives continued to be ruled under a succession of sultans. After a public referendum in 1968 the sultanate was abolished and the Maldives was declared a republic and has been a stable democracy since the introduction of multiparty elections in 2008.

TOURISM & ECONOMY THEN AND NOW It is not only thanks to the recent politics that the Maldives are growing steadily into a modern society. Before the 1980s the country lived from fisheries - with its abundance of aquatic life and species of fish Maldives has shipped about 90 percent of fishing catch in dried form to Sri Lanka. But the real economic boost came with tourism in the 1980s. George Corbin, an Italian travel enthusiast and explorer, who arrived on a cargo ship from Sri Lanka in 1971 arguably set the ball rolling by bringing some Italian journalists and photographers down to the islands after falling in love with their beauty. A year later he managed to bring a total of 266 international tourists to Maldives and soon afterwards the first resort - Kurumaba Village - was built, Air Ceylon started to operate a schedule air service between Sri Lanka and the islands. From then on the number of visitors increased rapidly and today more than 1.3 million tourists a year visit the island state. Today Male International is at its limits with capacity and the government is looking to make significant infrastructure improvements.

Plans to relocate local inhabitants to bigger islands so that the newly deserted coral islands could be handed to developers is high on some of the politicians agenda.

A lacking infrastructure is not the only issue the state faces these days: fears of immediate sea level rise, fresh water and sanitation problems, waste and coastal protection are also challenges the government is trying to solve. A lot of small islands face erosion and ground water contamination and need sewerage networks and new harbours. Plans to relocate local inhabitants to bigger islands so that the newly deserted coral islands could be handed to developers is high on some of the politicians agenda. An increase in tourism will hopefully bring in the money that’s needed to follow through with these plans, but while some support the idea of mass tourism and mega-developments others favour a more low-impact, more sustainable approach to development. They would rather explore green initiatives, high tech zones, tax-free offerings and suchlike, in an attempt to woo the global elite and injections of fresh capital.

The History of

M ALDIVES THE CAPITAL Male has been the seat of the Maldives’ ruling dynasties since before the 12th century. Some trading houses appeared in the 17th century, along with a ring of defensive bastions, but Male’ did not acquire the trappings of a city and had a very limited range of economic and cultural activities. Visitors in the 1920s estimated the population at just 5000.

Serious growth really only began in the 1930s with the first banks, hospitals, high schools and government offices appearing. Only when tourism brought with it an expanding economy, the city really burgeoned and later-on growth emerged as a problem. The smallest capital in the world holds about a third of its national population and the island which covers just six square kilometres is intensively built-up: narrow streets host a mix of shops, new and old apartment blocks, office buildings and the President’s home, the Mulee Male, which was built in 1913 as a center for political activity. This neat and rather modest colonial-style bungalow is not open to visitors. The National Museum with its handwritten Qur’an engraved on the walls, and old artifacts from the buddhist era are worth a visit! The golden-domed Grand Friday Mosque dominates the skyline of Male and has become the symbol of the city. The plain building was built in white marble and can be visited outside prayer times. The main market is an adumbral, absolutely authentic hangar-full of Indian Ocean aromas; betel nut, freshly caught fish, fruit, vegetables and fabrics and for those looking for small souvenirs this is the place to go to!

THE ATOLLS Visitors arrive at Hulhule Island international airport and most of them head straight to one of the many resort islands spread over an area of more than 820 square kilometres. Only about 100 of the 1200 small coral islands and sandbanks are used for touristic purposes with 220 inhabited by Maldivians. Most of them are not longer than one kilometre and can be explored easily on foot. At first sight they may seem alike: shallow sandbanks rising just a metre or two above the sea, they are covered with coconut trees, tropical flowers and the odd dramatic Banyan tree. A belt of white sand embraces these little slivers of heaven in the

Only about 100 of the 1200 small coral islands and sandbanks are used for touristic purposes with 220 inhabited by Maldivians. Most of them are not longer than one kilometre and can be explored easily on foot.

This unique beauty is the reason guests chose the Maldives for their holidays; to relax in the shadow of the trees, to forget about the hassles of urban life and to feel the sand between their toes

middle of turquoise shimmering lagoons. This unique beauty is the reason guests choose the Maldives for their holidays; to relax in the shadow of the trees, to forget about the hassles of urban life and to feel the sand between their toes. They come to surf and sail, to snorkel and to dive or to simply read a book on the beach. But anyone’s who’s looked through a travel brochure or browsed the internet for hours knows how difficult it is to choose just one beautiful island over another... NORTH & SOUTH MALE ATOLL From a bird’s eye view the 26 atolls of Maldives look like pearls on a string surrounding shallow blue lagoons - a breathtaking sight that provides a unique memory for visitors flying over the atolls to land in the geographical centre: the North Male Atoll. Together with South Male Atoll it is home to many of the country’s most famous and best-established resorts and all

the islands here are within easy reach of the capital city and the Maldives’ international airport. Famous luxury hotel chains like One & Only, Banyan Tree, Sheraton and Four Seasons are located here and offer everything the seasoned traveller could wish for: gourmet restaurants, spas, top notch service, fairy-tale beaches and last but not least, a lot of privacy. But not only the luxury island resorts of the atoll attract visitors - since the Male Atolls were discovered by shipwrecked surfers in the 1970s, they have emerged as a leading attraction on the international surf scene. Today, spots like Jailbreak with its pristine right-handed barrels for hundreds of meters, close to the island of Himmafushi are known among surfers around the world. Surf camps and guesthouses in the North Male Atoll, like on the island of Thuludhoo in the Kaafu Atoll offer budget accommodation and plenty of boat charters in the area take their wave riding guests to the surrounding main breaks.

The History of

M AL DIV ES

Most of the islands have a dense and natural vegetation with the typical “Bacardifeeling” travellers long for.

ARI & NORTH ARI ATOLL Ari Atoll is located west of the Male Atoll and at 80 kilometres from north to south and a width of 30 kilometres it’s the second biggest atoll in the Maldives. Like Male Atoll it is separated into a southern and northern part, and it’s well known for diving. One site, Ukulhas Thila is a heaven for underwater adventurers with its long and narrow pinnacle, a flat top and reef slope down to 30 metres. At the end of the reef top divers discover underwater treasure: a cleaning station for mantas. From December to April mantas go there to get their skin, gills and teeth cleaned by parasites and bright blue striped cleaner wrasse. The mantas will hang around, sometimes for hours, patiently waiting their turn at the cleaner station – ideally for the watching divers. Mahibadhoo is the capital of South Ari with around 2000 people. There are now several guesthouses and it’s a good place to experience life in a large Maldivian town. Other inhabited islands are dotted around the edges of the atoll and a few have ruins or artifacts

of ancient Buddhist and Hindu settlements. Well known hotels in this area are the Conrad Rangali and two resorts of the Mauritian Constance group. ADDU ATOLL The southernmost atoll of the Maldives is close to the equator, and about 450 kilometres away from Malé. During the Second World War it was used as a base for the Royal Navy. Today all that is left is an old wreck of the oil tanker British which is a must-see for divers in this area as well as the many underwater caves where one can often spot turtles and little sharks. Addu Atoll also has the highest point in the Maldives: the island Villingili is 2.4 metres above sea level.

RAA & BAA ATOLL These two atolls opened to tourism only a few years ago, and offer a variety of dream islands and interesting dive sites. The Raa and the Baa Atoll are separated by the Moresby

One site, Ukulhas Thila is a heaven for underwater adventurers with its long and narrow pinnacle, a flat top and reef slope down to 30 metres.

channel and belong to the northern atolls of the Maldives archipelago. Most of the islands have a dense and natural vegetation with the typical “Bacardi feeling” travellers long for. In Raa atoll only one island hosts a hotel, while the ‘local’ islands in Baa Atoll are known for their arts and crafts and the art of weaving. DHAALU & FAAFU ATOLL The islands of Dhaalu and Faafu lie south of Ari Atoll and like Raa and Baa Atoll, they were only developed for tourism recently. The famous Norwegian archaeologist Thor Heyerdahl dug out several important sites from the pre-Islamic Buddhist era on the

island of Kumundhoo in the Dhaalu Atoll. Known locally as Us-Kunna the remains form a stone circle - 156 feet in circumference and 10 feet in height - likely remains of an ancient Buddhist stupa (the oldest Buddhist religious monument). The ruins of a hawaitta (archeological mounds) known as the Jaadi Valhulithan stand on the western periphery of the island of Vaikaradhoo. The apparent remains of a mosque with a cemetery and a large well were found on the nearby uninhabited island of Vaikaramuraidhoo and evidence suggest it was built between the 15th and 17th centuries.

The History of

M AL DIV ES This relatively little populated quiet atoll includes the Vattaru Atoll and is inhabited mainly by local fishing communities. But it has one of the world-renowned diving reefs on its eastern edge: FELIDHU ATOLL This relatively little populated quiet atoll includes the Vattaru Atoll and is inhabited mainly by local fishing communities. But it has one of the world-renowned diving reefs on its eastern edge: Fotteyo Kadu. With its colourful corals and lively schools of jacks, sergeant fish, whitetip reef sharks, turtles and sometimes eagle rays it should be on every diver’s wish list when visiting the atoll.

MEEMU, LAAMU & THAA ATOLL The atolls south of Male are little pieces of heaven, floating on the surface of the dark blue sea. With their secluded beaches and untouched nature the resorts in this area are ideal for lazy holidays; tourist are still relatively rare in this area of Maldives. Meemu Atoll has eight inhabited islands and only three of them have resorts. The islands here are known not only for their superb dive sites - experts come here to dive Eagle trail, Jumping Jack tunnel and the two brothers. Meemu also has some excellent surf breaks on its eastern edge like Veyvah Point, Boahuraa Point and Mulee Point, which are gradually being explored by more adventurous surfers. The diving sites around Laamu and Thaa can get quite challenging with strong currents in the canals. Inexperienced divers might be better staying above the surface and visiting some of the archaeological sites. At the northeastern tip of the atoll, on Isdhoo, a giant black dome rises above the palms, belonging to the 300 year old Friday Mosque. It was probably built on the site of an earlier temple, because it faces directly west, rather than towards Mecca.

The islands here are known not only for their superb dive sites - experts come here to dive Eagle trail, Jumping Jack tunnel and the two brothers.

HAA ALIFU ATOLL Lying about 280 km away from Male is the northernmost atoll of the Maldives, and possibly the most historically interesting island in the Northern Atolls. It is the birthplace of Sultan Mohammed Thakurufaanu, who overthrew the Portuguese rule in the 16th century, and the island is centered around a memorial to this Maldivian hero, complete with a small museum and library. Elsewhere in the atoll is the capital island Dhiggaru: here you’ll find the only tea room run by women in the country. At the very top of Haa Alifu, Uligamu is the ‘clear-in’ port for private yachts arriving in Maldivian waters. It has health and immigration officers, so yachts are able to complete all entry formalities there. The remaining islands of the northern atolls are known for their remote appeal. The Barefoot Eco-Hotel on Hanimadhoo island made the headlines around three years ago as the Maldives’ first resort to open on an already inhabited island. For 40 years the government had wanted to avoid having a traditional Islamic community living side by side with tourists practising their more liberal - bikini-wearing, alcohol-consuming lifestyles. But on Hanimadhoo the local community is part of the hotel: many of the staff are local people and if they are not from the island, then a many are young students working for the summer to earn money while studying. Unusual touches include the resort’s relaxing zen-music provided by a renowned Maldivian DJ - Ngie - who happens to be a woman.

From the eco-designed beach villas, blending into the natural habitat of the trees and tropical bushes that line the shore, to the pieces of art created entirely from reclaimed coral – this is the perfect oasis of calm to unwind and regenerate body and soul. But it is not only the design that is pure: the management follows the ecotourism principles of uniting sustainability and conservation. Renewable energy, ecologically grown wood, fairtrade construction standards and a solid waste management programme were put in place so as to have minimal impact on the local environment and reduce the resort’s carbon footprint.

Culture Maldivian culture reflects many influences gathered from around the Indian Ocean basin; India, Sri Lanka, Arabia, Persia, Indonesia, Malaysia and Africa. All kinds of customs and traditions from this lively melting pot have helped form a unique culture over the centuries.

aldivian culture reflects many influences gathered from around the Indian Ocean basin; India, Sri Lanka, Arabia, Persia, Indonesia, Malaysia and Africa. All kinds of customs and traditions from this lively melting pot have helped form a unique culture over the centuries. Maldivian dance and music show African influences, with rhythmic beating of drums and songs in a language resembling that of East African countries. The so called “Bodu Beru”, meaning “ Big Drums” in Dhivehi, is the most popular traditional music here and almost every inhabited island has its own troupe to play at special functions, festivals or simply to entertain hotel guests. The bands, wearing traditional sarongs and white sleeved shirts, usually use up to four drums made from hollowed coconut wood and covered on both ends with manta ray skin or goat hide and are beaten with a variety of percussion instruments. The performance begins on a slow and mellow tempo and increases to a very fast pace, while the dancers move all around an improvised stage, in a very vigorous demonstration that sometimes looks almost as if they have gone into a trance. In local cuisine, it is South Asia that has had the greatest influence with highly spiced curries combining coconut milk and fish served with traditional flatbreads known as ‘roshi’. It’s no surprise that the main staple is locally caught fish, and no-one forgets the taste and flavour of that Indian Ocean catch!

There are a few ways to prepare fish in a traditional way: the “Garudihiya” is a soup with the whole fish thrown inside. Don’t be scared of the strong smell, the taste is all the better! Another strong tradition, fortunately abandoned today, is using turtle meat, though this is now illegal and happily has now been replaced by chicken in the modern Maldivian kitchen. The most common side dish is no surprise - rice, just as in most South Asian countries. One local invention of note is “Masbaiy” a special kind of paella where rice and tuna are spiced up with coconut milk, curry, chilly and a lot of onion - a challenge for European tastes at times, but a must for fans of spicy food. Vegetarians have great options to chose from, especially the half-moon shaped dumplings filled with potatoes known as “Peteez”, or “Biskimiya” (fried pastry) with an egg and soybean filling. If you have a sweet tooth you must try “Kirukeyo”, a special kind of rice pudding made with coconut milk, bananas and cinnamon. Besides a wide range of international dishes most of the hotels offer also traditional dishes. However, the preparation is usually tourist-friendly with less chilly, and adapted to an international taste. The islands also adapted to tourism when it comes to alcoholic beverages. Forbidden in the Islamic culture, hotels do offer cocktails, wine, beer and the local brew, “Raa”, which is a sweet toddy made from the crown of the coconut palm.

“ It’s no surprise

that the main staple is locally caught fish, and no-one forgets the taste and flavour of that Indian Ocean catch!”

Culture

Maldivians are known for being skilled craftsmen; the intricate stone carvings found in the Friday Mosque in Male are a living example. Traditions are passed from one generation to another and the arts and crafts made today are a testament to these ancient skills. Lacquer ware is probably the most popular form of art in Maldives along with Kunaa mats. Lacquer ware is a very important part of the country’s history and collectors from all around the world travel to the islands to acquire antique pieces. Lacquer work includes different carved wooden objects such as vases, jewellery boxes, bowls, baskets. The craftsman shapes the wood and then coats it layer after layer with different colours. Black, red and yellow are traditionally the most used colours and were made from the juices from trees and insects in the early days. Green can also be seen sometimes, while gold and silver are used to add appeal to special pieces. When the coating is finished and dry the items are polished with dry coconut leaves. Wooden lacquer artwork can be found all over the islands with the most famous region being Thulhaadhoo in Baa Atoll. Thulhaadoo craftsmen used to supply the royal Maldivian families and acquired a very strong reputation in and outside of the country.

Traditions are passed from one generation to another and the arts and crafts made today are a testament to these ancient skills.

While the lacquer work is mostly done by men, the weaving of Kunaa mats is a tradition that was passed from mothers to daughters. The most beautiful pieces were used as royal gifts from the sultan of Maldives to the Dutch and British governors of Sri Lanka. Nowadays these mats are still offered to visiting diplomats, foreign dignitaries and other VIPs visiting the islands. Traditionally used for sleeping, seating or praying, the size of the mats vary accordingly. The reeds used to create these mats are cultivated and gathered on the local islands, dried under the sun and then dyed in a natural colour, or sometimes in yellow, brown or black. Another old craft that reflects Maldivian heritage and is still carried out by few Maldivian artisans is jewellery manufacturing. The people from Rinbudhoo on the northern rim of Dhaalu Atoll have the reputation of being the finest jewellery makers in the Maldives. According to Maldivian legend, the chief jeweller of the Sultan taught the islanders after getting exiled to Rinbudhoo island for stealing the king’s gold which was in his care. They have passed the art on from generation to generation. Today the manufacturing of such jewellery has become very expensive and therefore

Feyli is an important piece of costume for both men and women and records show that it has been a part of the Maldivian culture since as far back as the 14th century.

many craftsmen have moved into other professions. However a new generation of Maldivian artisans are little by little rediscovering this ancient art, and are sometimes commissioned to create such objects for special occasions.

From the most ancient times Maldivians used the wood of different trees to create vases, kitchen utensils, cutlery, jewellery boxes and various containers. More recent times have seen a concentration on miniature models representing the old Maldivian culture and way of life. One the most famous example of these miniatures is the new art known as Dhoni crafting. Dhonis are the original traditional Maldivian wooden sailing boats and are still used as transportation or fishing vessels. Wood carvings are sometimes painted or lacquered and make wonderful souvenirs.

The oldest Maldivian dress, the Dhivehi libaas, is a perfect demonstration of Maldives’ most exceptional embroidery techniques. This traditional dress is adorned by a very unique cloth piece called Kasabu viyun. Kasabu viyun entails silver and gold laces hand stitched into the neckline of the Dhivehi libaas. Unfortunately, very few people sill practice this traditional work and it is not only very difficult but also expensive to obtain a high quality piece. Even though people use sewing machines these days, the most complicated part of the work is still done by hand. The libaas have evolved over time, but you can still see many women wearing the traditional dress in the streets of Male or on the local islands. The traditional libaas is worn with an underskirt tissue piece called feyli . Feyli is an important piece of costume for both men and women and records show that it has been a part of the Maldivian culture since as far back as the 14th century.

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WA K ATO B I The Dive Island of the Maldives Wakatobi, located at the world’s epicenter of coral reef biodiversity, is a designated UNESCO Marine Biosphere Reserve that attracts discerning divers from across the globe.

he world-class destination combines an upscale diving operation delivering exceptional service to its guests with a reef conservation program which, in guaranteeing the pristine quality of the reefs for those guests, delivers sustainable income and development support to the local communities. As you arrive on the island of Wakatobi, you cannot help but feel a million miles away from the daily grind. In the secluded location of this island there is no traffic noise, no pollution and no other divers for at least 100 miles. However, despite the remote location, Wakatobi Dive Resort offers a very civilised existence. Accommodation comes in the form of hand-crafted villas and bungalows, each spacious, quiet, comfortable and just a few steps from the ocean. All are air-conditioned with wi-fi satellite internet access, along with comprehensive amenities. All your meals and snacks (chef-prepared in the beachside restaurant) are included throughout your stay, and so divers are well and truly looked after and fueled ready for their next adventure. Whether you are diving or snorkeling amongst the vibrant protected coral reefs bristling with marine life, enjoying a rejuvenating spa at the resort, taking in a glorious sunset with your favourite cocktails at the jetty bar, or perhaps indulging in a romantic beach dinner, Wakatobi Dive Resort provides a unique and enriching experience. Whilst diving at Wakatobi, you can see the greatest variety and diversity of marine life. You’ll not only see beautiful vistas or pristine coral reefs, but also abundant colourful reef fish and rare and unusual cryptic ‘critters’. New and undocumented species continue to be discovered at Wakatobi. There are, of course, other locations where you can see larger schools of fish, bigger animals and experience more adrenaline-filled underwater ‘rides’, but for sheer reef scenery and marine life variety, Wakatobi simply has to be experienced to be believed. The Wakatobi region is considered to be the epicenter of coral reef biodiversity. 85% of the world’s coral reefs are located in the Indo-Pacific region, and as you travel either east or west from the epicenter of biodiversity, the number of species decreases. At the Western edge of the Indian Ocean, or the Eastern edge of the Pacific, you will only find about 25% of the number of species that are present at Wakatobi.

The Atlantic/Caribbean region has even less diversity, less than one tenth the number of species found in the Indo-Pacific. For instance, the Atlantic/Caribbean region has fewer than 70 species of corals while the Indo-Pacific has over 700 species. The environment influences biodiversity. Coral reef ecosystems need warm, clear waters to thrive. If there’s too much runoff from large rivers or urban growth nearby, the reefs can be choked by siltation or pollution. The waters must be warm, but not too warm. Below 25 C, coral growth is retarded. Above 29 C, the symbiotic algae living in the corals begins to die off and stress the corals. Depth is important too. Very shallow waters have too much temperature fluctuation and disruptive wave and surge action. Too deep, and light is diminished, which decreases diversity. At about 20 M depth, there is plenty of light, and not much wave action, even during large storms, so more species can survive. Wakatobi itself is blessed with more than 50 mapped and named dive sites all within a short distance of the main resort, all accessible by the resort’s day boats. Boat rides range from 10 minutes up to a maximum of an hour for a few of the furthest sites. The reefs around Wakatobi are actually continuous, so to call a dive site a ‘site’ is a little misleading. Most of the dives sites are identified at locations on the continuous reef where dives are started and the team have generally selected these starting points because of some unique underwater typography or marine life that is common to this spot. Nowhere else do you have such ease of access to miles of pristine reefs with diverse topography, life and highlights. In other locations you collect the good dive sites together over large areas with perhaps long and arduous boat journeys in between and might not even get close to what Wakatobi offers out there right at the doorstep. In Wakatobi you can enjoy diving 365 days a year. There is no period or season unsuitable for diving, with only 4 dives being skipped in the last 10 years. The climate is drier than in other parts of Indonesia, and the location is nicely protected by the surrounding reefs and islands. Generally speaking there are two seasons: Easterly winds from June to October, and Westerly winds between December and April. November and May are usually transitional months. July and August see a slight increase in wind, and the sea ripples somewhat; visibility is still fine.

The water temperature range is ideal for coral growth and there is no coral bleaching in Wakatobi.

In Wakatobi you can enjoy diving 365 days a year. There is no period or season unsuitable for diving. The weather in these months is a little cooler than the months on either side, making it a great time to visit for those who prefer to sleep without using an air-conditioner at night. The temperature in Wakatobi generally ranges between 26 - 30 degrees Celsius, making the resort a yearround holidaying spot and perfect winter sun escape! When it comes to water temperature, the warmest water in Wakatobi is found in the upper water layer around late October, when temperatures may reach 30 degrees Celsius (86 degrees Fahrenheit). The coolest time falls in the latter half of August with a minimum temperature of 26 degrees Celsius (78 degrees Fahrenheit). From March until May the temperature averages 28 degrees Celsius (82.4 degrees Fahrenheit), June averages 27 C (80.6 F), July 26 C (78.8 F), September is between 26 - 27 C (78 - 81 F), October 28 to 30 C (82 - 86 F). From November until March the temperature averages 28 - 29 C (82.4 F- 85 F). The water temperature range is ideal for coral growth and there is no coral bleaching in Wakatobi.

WA K ATO B I The Dive Island of the Maldives

Underwater visibility is phenomenal, being mostly between 20 m and 50 m, with an average of 35 m or 100 feet. There are no rivers or lakes bringing sediments, therefore visibility is not affected by rain. Known as the ‘house reef,’ shore diving at the Wakatobi Resort is world-famous. Some guests never even go on a boat dive because the reef and wall right in front of the resort provides enough territory and diversity to keep them exploring for several days. There is no need to swim long distances as divers are offered ‘taxi-boat’ services to transport you them up current to extended parts of the House Reef to explore or enjoy a beautiful drift back to the jetty. Wakatobi’s House Reef is a cornucopia of marine life and snorkelers can wade in directly from the beach or enter from the jetty ladder. The seagrass shallows are refuge to species such as filefish, coconut octopus and halimeda ghost pipefish, while areas surrounding the various coral heads host numerous colourful juveniles, cuttlefish, crocodilefish, moral eels, juvenile green and hawksbill turtles and more. Additionally, at least seven species of anemonefish have been counted in the area surrounding the jetty and Jetty Bar! The dramatic drop off where the House Reef wall begins offers glimpses out into the blue and down the wall - turtles, bumphead parrotfish, rays, mild-mannered triggerfish, boxfish, pufferfish and midnight snapper can be seen among many other species. Snorkelers (and freedivers) at Wakatobi receive the same level of support as scuba divers. All of the dive sites are rated for suitability for snorkelling based on the reef topography. Snorkelers who join the morning and afternoon boat excursions are accompanied by a professional snorkel guide who is versed in the marine life found on our reefs. Snorkeling equipment as well as camera and video systems are handled by the team and will already be on the boat when you step aboard. Towels, snacks and camera assistance are also provided and the boat crew constantly monitors snorkelers while they are in the water. The House Reef is monitored by shored-based staff, who also have access to a taxi boat if needed. Additionally, if you are a less-experienced snorkeled, you can engage a Private Snorkel Guide to assist with your snorkeling skills, marine life encounters and anything else to help you get the most from your snorkeling experience. Guests can even night dive any night on the house reef in front of the resort. Simply gear up in the diver preparation area and walk-in off the beach!

Wakatobi’s House Reef is a cornucopia of marine life and snorkelers can wade in directly from the beach or enter from the jetty ladder.

The team behind the Wakatobi Dive Resort pride themselves with staying at the very forefront of innovation, offering exclusive and pioneering dive experiences to their visitors. Fluo Diving is an example of this, allowing visitors to experience a new dimension in diving so exclusive that more people have seen Earth from space than have seen corals in this totally new light! Not to be confused with phosphorescence, or bio-luminescence, fluorescence is the absorption of one wavelength of light (or colour) and the re-emission of another, totally different wavelength of light (or colour). A fluorescent object under white light reveals its true colour. But under near UV light, it absorbs the blue and re-emits a fluorescent colour, transforming the blue into a brightly glowing, totally different colour. Thus, underwater, marine animals that fluoresce have the ability to convert one colour into an entirely different colour! Beneath the glistening surface of the Wakatobi waters lies a photographer’s paradise, with unbounded opportunities for underwater photography and videography, ranging from dramatic drop offs, breathtaking coral gardens and pinnacles for wide angle shots down to the most minute and exotic marine creatures for macro fanatics. The exuberant vitality of the reef systems means that whether pro

or leisure photographer, every dive will deliver an awesome array of images in your viewfinder. With many of the guests being underwater photographers, the resort provides state-of-the-art facilities for working on your camera. The camera room is climate-controlled and has large work tables and storage shelving for all your camera gear and the workbenches have cushion pads to protect your equipment. The team provide voltage-regulated power to charge all your batteries and there is plenty of light to allow you to work on your camera. Perhaps one the most appealing factors that keep divers returning year after year to Wakatobi is the fact that their stay at the resort supports the protected conservation zone. The entire Wakatobi region has been turned into a sustainable protected marine park. The local village and surrounding communities have enthusiastically adopted the conservation plan and as a result, illegal fishing, reef walking and other activities detrimental to the coral reef have been halted. Part of visitor’s payment for staying and diving at Wakatobi goes back to the community to sustain and support this new way of living; living in harmony with and in respect of the coral reef ecosystem. www.wakatobi.com

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Saying ‘I do’ in the Maldives It doesn’t get much more romantic than this. Imagine taking your wedding vows on a picture-perfect tropical beach at sunset, or perhaps on a sandbank in the middle of the ocean, or even a deserted Robinson Crusoe island.

or all the lovers in the world, the Maldives brings to life that romantic fantasy wedding, offering a whole variety of options to suit every couple. In fact, you needn’t even take your vows on terra firma at all. How about diving below the sun-kissed ocean and tie the knot in the Maldives whilst wearing scuba gear, surrounded by tropical fish! Although bursting with romance, an important factor to be aware of is that weddings are not legally-binding in the Maldives unless they are Islamic. That therefore means that your marriage ceremony can be carried out in the same kind of style it would at home, with you filling in the legal paperwork to make the marriage official. However, this doesn’t stop the Maldives from being one of the most popular places in the world to get hitched! And couples can make their wedding vows in all kinds of exciting locations… The most popular type of wedding ceremony in the Maldives is a beach wedding. These usually take place at sunset, because it’s less hot then, and also because the sunset makes an incredible backdrop. And let’s face it, no bride wants to be dripping sweat all over their dress, with makeup smeared across their face! With the pleasant temperature and amazing early-evening light, your wedding is guaranteed to be picture-perfect. Wherever the wedding takes place, be it a hotel, a beach, a restaurant or on a remote island the resort can provide a celebrant to lead the ceremony. Resorts in the Maldives generally all offer celebrants as part of the package, together with flowers, a cake, champagne, entertainment and photography, all laid on for the Big Day. All of the

details are taken care of by the resort’s experienced wedding co-ordinator, so you don’t need to worry about the planning – just choose a wedding package, then relax and enjoy yourselves!

After the all-important ceremony, your big day event usually concludes with the bride and groom celebrating with a candle-lit dinner, a sunset cruise or a commemorative tree-planting ceremony. Special extras such as commemorative photo albums, massages, floral baths and champagne breakfasts are often also included in the wedding packages, or can be requested at an extra fee. If you’d like to give your wedding a Maldivian flavour, most resorts offer the opportunity for the couple to wear traditional Maldivian wedding clothes, and to have the ceremony read in Dhivehi (the local language). Together with the Maldivian flair, the ceremony is accompanied by traditional Maldivian ‘Bodu Beru’ drumming.

The sky’s the limit when it comes to making your wedding ceremony special, so most resorts are ready to go the extra mile to ensure you have everything you want for your special day. It’s well worth taking advantage of their local knowledge and host of trusted suppliers, purely for piece of mind and ensuring their quality.

The precise contents of the wedding packages vary slightly from resort to resort, so it’s best to check with your resort to find out more. If you’d like to plan something very unique, just make sure you give them adequate notice before you arrive, so they can help to work out the logistics for you, in order to make sure everything runs like clockwork!

The sky’s the limit when it comes to making your wedding ceremony special, so most resorts are ready to go the extra mile to ensure you have everything you want for your special day.

***** K U R U M B A www.kurumba.com

K U R U M B A T H E A

M A L D I V E S N U T S H E L L Flying the Sussex Nest…

ussex-by-the-sea has its many charms; the sea, the rolling countryside, quaint little villages and action-packed towns and cities. It’s easy to have the perfect staycation in Sussex with so many adventures to be had right on your doorstep. However, if you want to escape to sunnier climes, then allow us to point you in the direction of a completely different sanctuary of enchanting colours and adventure; ‘Kurumba Maldives’, The Maldives’ very first private island resort. A whole new world to inhabit and explore, this 5 star resort’s peerless blend of luxury and tranquillity tempts many a visitor to its sandy shores time and time again. Flights from Gatwick are 13.5 hours to Malé International Airport and so weary travellers will welcome Kurumba’s convenient location just 10 minutes from the airport. Upon reaching the resort and having received welcome refreshments from the staff, the journey will soon become a distant memory as you sink your feet into the powder soft sands and feast your eyes on the azure waters of the Indian Ocean, lush gardens ablaze with frangipani, hibiscus and bougainvillea stretch across the island and shady coconut groves loom over 180 luxury bungalows and villas.

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Feast your eyes on the azure waters of the Indian Ocean, lush gardens ablaze with frangipani, hibiscus and bougainvillea stretch across the island and shady coconut groves loom over 180 luxury bungalows and villas.

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Visitors certainly have their every need catered for with no less than nine categories of accommodation. What they all have in common is a fresh and modern design, plus plush state-of-the-art facilities. Whilst the introductory Superior and Deluxe rooms have a graceful contemporary Maldivian style with open air showers and sunny oceanside balconies, the resort’s signature Deluxe Bungalows and Deluxe Beachfront Bungalows each feature their very own private garden containing an outside shower and spacious decking veranda for sunset tipples. The bungalows themselves are hidden amongst the lush fragrant tropic flora just yards from the pure white beaches corralling the island. Each boasts a giant free-standing bathtub, a luxurious dual-basin bathroom, a glass-walled shower and a king-sized bed to collapse into after a hard days sunbathing If that isn’t enough to send you to seventh heaven, guests wanting even more luxury and privacy can opt for Kurumba villa rooms, starting with the Private Villa with Jacuzzi, and the Garden Pool Villas that offer plunge pools within your private open-plan courtyard with rain shower to cool off. Kurumba’s Deluxe Pool Villas are even more sumptuous with the additional luxuries of a large private pool with a waterfall, day bed and wooden terrace. For those who want a taste of the ultimate A-list lifestyle, the largest and most extravagant villa on the island is the Royal Kurumba Residence. Measuring a whopping 768 square metres in diameter and housing two bedrooms, two private pools, a huge living area and veranda, this opulent suite has played host to celebrities, local dignitaries and even heads of state. Well if you can’t beat them, join them!

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Our discerning Sussex foodies will be well-catered for with a total of 8 restaurants based within the resort, serving an eclectic selection of the world’s finest cuisines. Deciding whether to visit the main restaurant for unhurried all-day dining, savour far-eastern sushi and teppenyaki at the over-water Hamakaze or to feast within the palatial Lebanese décor of Al Qasr is not an easy decision. Making a choice between the delicious Indian, Chinese and Italian menus of Mahal, East and Duo, respectively, is equally difficult. For guests who want to season their meals with a pinch of Maldives romance, Thila offers a unique beachfront setting in which to dine; relish the finest grilled seafood by candlelight surrounded by a panoramic vista of the ocean. Finally, those wishing to make the most of their private garden, balcony or hired yacht can request an intimate dining experience for two. For those social butterflies that are looking for more of party atmosphere, the resort features three bars: Kalhu, for karaoke kings, Athiri, set on the beaches for the best sunsets and the lively Beach Bar, where guests can share a cocktail and convo in the company of live bands and local dance acts. No resort is complete without a spa and Kurumba certainly delivers on that front. Surrounded by soothing reflection ponds, the Veli Spa is an oasis of serenity in the heart of the island. Here, guests can enjoy a dedicated yoga session, unwinding in the relaxation lounge, de-stressing in the single or couples treatment rooms or indulging in reflexology and exotic body wraps and polishes. For a more romantic experience “The Spa Under the Stars” offers couples a chance to watch the sunset whilst enjoying a unique cowrie shell massage using local hand-pressed Coconut oil.

No resort is complete without a spa and Kurumba certainly delivers on that front. Surrounded by soothing reflection ponds, the Veli Spa is an oasis of serenity in the heart of the island.

Life at the Kurumba Resort isn’t just for the sun and spa-seekers – the sporting and adventurous amongst us have a whole smorgasbord of activities to entertain. The Sports Centre offers a fully-equipped gym, pool, and three floodlit tennis courts and if water sports are your passion the Dive School offers a full range of PADI diving courses. Explore the spectacular dive sites of The Maldives as dazzling shoals of iridescent tropical fish, (friendly!) reef sharks, manta ray and turtles wait to greet you. Once you’ve met the fishy locals, try your hand at Kayaking, water-skiing, windsurfing and parasailing at the spectacular Water Sports Centre and keep the littl’uns entertained with the Fun Tubes and Banana Rodeos. This is all in addition to a wide-range of fascinating local excursions including a Sand Bank Picnic, the ever popular sunset cruises and even night-fishing under the stars. They say that everywhere is nice, but home is best. But if you fancy an escapade and swapping your cup of tea for a tantalising cocktail, your cosy armchair for a luxury sunbed next to a warm glistening shore and your bathtub for an alfresco shower amongst tropical foliage, then the Kurumba Resort is the perfect heavenly retreat to get that extra slice of luxury.

FACT BOX

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Included in Conde Nast Traveller’s list of best hotels in the Maldives, voted the ‘Indian Ocean's Leading Luxury Resort’ and the ‘Indian Ocean's Leading Villa Resort & Spa’ at the 2014 World Travel Awards, Ayada Maldives is a private island resort offering a truly luxurious retreat with a genuine Maldivian style. Set in the relatively unexplored Gaafu Dhaalu Atoll in the south of the country – just a few kilometres above the equator.

Ayada Maldives - Gaafu Dhaalu Atoll, Maguhdhuvaa Island, Maldivesinfo@ayadamaldives.com http://www.ayadamaldives.com

the luxury resort offers 122 spacious villas and suites, with private pools, butler service and thoughtful five-star detailing.Traditional thatched-roof water-villas stand on stilts over the resort’s peaceful lagoon, while beach villas offer absolute privacy amid tropical greenery alongside powder-soft palm-lined white beaches. Food lovers can explore the six restaurants, while those seeking complete relaxation will find their haven in the large spa which boasts a Turkish Hammam and eight private treatment villas. ayadamaldivesresort

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***** K U R A M A T H I I S L A N D R E S O R T S www.kuramathi.com

K U R A M A T H I I S L A N D R E S O R T A

cross the sky-blue waters of the Indian Ocean lies an island renowned for its natural beauty; Kuramathi Island Resort. From the 1 km long sandbank that extends from the tip of the resort to the stunning house reef with promising encounters and its wide sweeping beaches offering panoramic views of the ocean, this is a majestic paradise. Upon arrival you will feel like you are on a remote island. However, this resort is easily accessible as transfers from Male International Airport take just 20 minutes by seaplane and 90 minutes via speedboat. How you choose to spend your time on this magical island is up to you. Whether you want peace and quiet whiling away hours in the spa and lazing in the tropical sun, adventure exploring the natural majesty of the Indian Ocean, glamour socialising with fine food and good company, sipping a cocktail by the ocean’s edge, Kuramathi Island Resort will undoubtedly be an unforgettable memory.

Villa accommodation on the island blends contemporary design and nature. Choose from Garden Villas and Beach Villas nestled in lush vegetation, Deluxe Beach Jacuzzi Villas that face the lagoon and new Sunset Pool Villas. The new two-bedroom Beach Houses are expansive duplex-style villas with separate living spaces, located just a stone’s throw away from the water’s edge and able to accommodate up to six adults; ideal for a getaway with friends or a family holiday. Alternatively, couples can find complete bliss in Deluxe Water Villas and Water Villas with a pool, both featuring spacious bathrooms with glass-paned doors leading out on to the expansive sundeck over turquoise waters. Mirrored on the west side of the island, the Sunset Water Villas, with a pool, are just steps away from the resort’s iconic sandbank, perfect for a romantic stroll. Sunset Pool Villas inhabit the beachfront, each boasting endless views direct from the bedroom to the azure sea, a luxurious bathroom with freestanding bath and outdoor rain shower, and a sundeck inset with 18sqm private infinity pool. For added pleasure, all of the new villas also include expanded mini bars with a winechiller housing over 30 hand-selected, international wines, perfect for total indulgence or a festive toast.

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Dining options are diverse and All Inclusive guests are allocated a buffet restaurant determined by the location of their villa. If you book the Select All Inclusive package, you’ll have the option to eat at other restaurants offering a great choice of cuisine. The resort boasts an impressive nine à la carte restaurants all offering diverse culinary experiences. A firm favourite with visitors is the classic Reef restaurant, known for its seafood dishes and the fresh catch of the day concept showcasing reef fish such as grouper, mahi mahi, rainbow runner, red snapper and trevallies. It is located on the lagoon side of the island, set in splendid grandeur over water. The middle of the restaurant is truly unique with teppanyaki grills on the left and right-hand side; a new dining experience named Kobe offering authentic Japanese cuisine and finery of cooking meats and vegetables on an iron grill. The al-fresco terraced restaurant Inguru offers stunning views over the ocean and enticing light dining options during the day and Asian fusion cuisine at night. Perhaps the most exciting and majestic new addition to the resort is the Champagne Loft, overlooking the splendid Indian Ocean. Adding to the many bars located throughout Kuramathi Island, Champagne Loft is a special place for couples to drink a glass of Champagne from an eclectic selection of over 45 varieties. Furnished with an elegant ambience and interior; local architecture is inspired and infused with a contemporary touch. Chic furnishings are splayed around the lounge from comfortable loungers to wooden tables that can seat small groups.

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There are activities a-plenty available at the resort. If the adventurer in you is keen to explore, exciting times lie ahead as you travel to the mysterious aquatic realm of the Maldives without even dipping a toe in the water! A brand new red semi-submarine seating 12 offers the chance to sight the beauty of the famed prime dive/snorkelling spot of Madivaru twice a week. A variety of water sports, diving and excursions are also available. The house reef offers hours of adventurous snorkelling and when you have had enough of being active, try some of the innovative therapies available at the spa for ultimate relaxation. The staff at the resort are truly customer satisfaction focused and experts in their respective fields. They offer a welcoming and friendly service and are there to cater to your every need. Add to all these luxurious faciites, amenities such as the Bageecha kids club, a sports centre, gym, swimming pools, medical centre with hyperbaric chamber, Eco Centre, boutiques, laundry, library, wi-fi internet and you have the perfect blend to create a retreat that offers unique experiences for everyone in a natural setting.

The staff at the resort are truly customer satisfaction focused and experts in their respective fields.

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Kuoni (01306 747008 or www.kuoni.co.uk) offers 7 nights on full board at the luxury Kuramathi Island Resort, Maldives in a Beach Villa, including flights with Emirates Airlines from Gatwick and group transfers in resort. Lead-in prices for September 2016 are from £1,699 per person, based on two sharing. To book please quote: MV175

Voted 2015 World Luxury Spa Awards as Best Luxury Resort Spa - country winner and surrounded by soothing reflection ponds, the resort’s Veli Spa is an oasis of serenity in the heart of the island.

With a total of eight restaurants based within the resort, each offering an eclectic selection of the world’s finest cuisines, thoroughly spoilt guests are well catered for. Deciding whether to visit the main restaurant for unhurried all-day dining, to savour far- Eastern sushi and teppenyaki at the over-water Hamakaze or to feast within the palatial Lebanese décor of Al Qasr is not an easy decision to make. Making a choice between the delicious Indian, Chinese and Italian menus of Mahal, East and Duo, respectively, is equally as difficult. For guests who want to season their meals with a pinch of Maldives romance, Thila offers a unique beachfront setting in which to dine; relish the finest grilled seafood by candlelight surrounded by a panoramic vista of the ocean. Finally, those wishing to make the most of their private garden, balcony or hired yacht can request an intimate dining experience for two. The resort features three bars: Kalhu, for karaoke kings, Athiri, set on the beaches for the best sunsets and the lively Beach Bar, where guests can share a cocktail and convo in the company of live bands and local dance acts. Voted 2015 World Luxury Spa Awards as Best Luxury Resort Spa – country winner and surrounded by soothing reflection ponds, the resort’s Veli Spa is an oasis of serenity in the heart of the island. Here, guests can enjoy a dedicated yoga session, unwinding in the relaxation lounge, destressing in the single or couples treatment rooms or indulging in reflexology and exotic body wraps and polishes. For a more romantic experience ‘The Spa Under the Stars’ offers couples a chance to watch the sunset whilst enjoying a unique cowrie shell massage using local handpressed Coconut oil.

Kuramathi: Kuoni (01306 747008 or www.kuoni.co.uk) offers 7 nights on full board at the luxury Kuramathi Island Resort, Maldives in a Beach Villa, including flights with Emirates Airlines from Gatwick and group transfers in resort. Lead-in prices for September 2016 are from £1,699 per person, based on two sharing. To book please quote: MV175 For more information visit: www.kuramathi.com/

Kuramathi Maldives is 1.8 km in length and tapers to a pristine stretch of whitesandbank, lending a dramatic quality to the idyllic surroundings of turquoise lagoons, tropical jungle and flora. Catering to all budgets, the choice of villas,dining experiences and recreational activities are plentiful with 12 villa types, 12 restaurants, 7 bars, and numerous fun adventures on offer where there is simply something for everyone.

***** A Y A D A I S L A N D www.ayadmaldives.com

A Y A D A S

et in the relatively unexplored Gaafu Dhaalu Atoll in the south of the country, and just a few kilometres above the equator, Ayada Maldives is a private island resort offering a truly luxurious retreat with a genuine Maldivian style.

Voted the‘Indian Ocean’s Leading Luxury Resort’ and the ‘Indian Ocean’s Leading Villa Resort & Spa’ at the 2014 World Travel Awards and recently the number one spot on Tripadvisor out of 205 resort islands, this uber-luxury resort is noted for its gardens and tropical greenery and is ringed by a pristine coral reef where dolphins are frequent visitors.

The stilted water villas have each been carefully placed on the uniquely shaped jetty to capture magnificent views of the endless horizon whilst the beach villas offer an enclave of absolute privacy and serenity less than 30 steps from the Indian Ocean.

Scattered throughout the resort are 122 spacious villas and suites, with private pools, butler service and impeccable five-star detailing. Showcasing the majesty of the natural surroundings, Ayada Maldives offers nine different luxury accommodation types, all of which bring together contemporary with traditional Maldivian and Turkish design elements. The stilted water villas have each been carefully placed on the uniquely shaped jetty to capture magnificent views of the endless horizon whilst the beach villas offer an enclave of absolute privacy and serenity less than 30 steps from the Indian Ocean. No matter which villa you choose, all have been designed, planned and constructed exclusively keeping in mind the need to provide a luxurious yet simple, modern yet authentic experience for guests. All exterior and interior elements have been especially commissioned to use the most durable natural elements and as such there is an abundance of teak, marble and terrazzo finishing’s on display. The resort pays special tribute to its Turkish influence by introducing subtle Ottoman style decorative elements in both the guest villas and the many dining venues. It is perhaps the dining and unparalleled culinary experiences at Ayada Maldives that adds the jewel to the resort’s crown. Each of the eight outlets strive to offer authenticity and variety, with its own unique influence, ranging from exotic Asian flavours to tantalising Mediterranean specialities, as well as a vibrant Ottoman Lounge complete with specialty coffees, teas, and shisha. Your dining experience is complete with impeccable service and breathtaking views of the ocean and the horizon.

A Y A D A A particular highlight has to be the over water restaurant and bar, ‘Ocean Breeze’. Named after its beautiful over-water location where the warmth of the sun is tempered by a refreshing breeze, this stylish restaurant is open for lunch and dinner and offers gourmets a tempting menu of modern European dishes. With regular seasonal changes to the menu, items such as grilled seafood, home-made pasta and fine steaks are perennial favourites.

‘Magu’, set on the beach, is the main restaurant, offering a diverse buffet noted for its emphasis on choice and quality: heaps of vegetables, salads and tropical fruits are set alongside steaming dishes, hot and fresh from the kitchen while a team of chefs are ready to conjure up a choice of dishes a la minute in the central show kitchen. Set on the beach, this elegant restaurant has a peaceful central reflecting pool and is surrounded by lush tropical greenery. Diners have the options of sitting outside under the palm trees and wonderful Maldivian sky, or in an air-conditioned pavilion. Leisure time comes easy at the Ayada Maldives. The active can explore the area on a host of excursions (especially recommended are the sunset cruise and fishing trips), while at the resort they can play tennis or badminton, take up water sports, learn yoga, Pilates or Zumba or simply hit the modern gym. Outstanding diving and snorkelling opportunities surround the island on reefs that have barely been visited by humans while some of the Maldives’ best surfing breaks are just a quick speedboat journey away. www.ayadamaldives.com Facebook @ayada Twitter @Maldivesayada Instagram @ayadamaldivesresort

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ABOUT AYADA

Ayada Maldives is owned by the Aydeniz Group, based in Turkey, which was awarded Europe’s leading tourism development company 2010. Founded in 1975 by civil engineer Ahmet Aydeniz, the Aydeniz Group’s primary focus was to be a leading player within Turkey’s construction and contracting sector. With the sheer perseverance and dedication of its valued employees since inception, coupled with the working discipline guided by the company principles set out by Ahmet Aydeniz, the group has consistently progressed through the decades and has expanded its operations immensely. Today, the Aydeniz Group is honored to have become a global organization with over 1500 dedicated individuals and numerous investments in the construction, tourism, food & agriculture and stockbreeding sectors.

***** F A A R U F U S H I I S L A N D www.dhigali.com

F A A R U F U S H I on the Raa Atoll

n a wonderfully remote part of the Raa Atoll in Maldives lies a beautiful, small coral island which, as of December 2018, will see the opening of the Faarufushi Resort, offering the perfect combination of everything you could want from a luxury Maldivian resort. The resort is just a 50 minute journey by seaplane from Velana International Airport, or a short flight via Ifuru Domestic Airport.

The newly opened Faarufushi will welcome guests from 15 December 2018 with 80 spacious villas that offer a striking blend of contemporary design set amidst a naturally stunning seascape. 10 Beach Bungalows and 27 Beach Retreats with Pool are hidden around the island, in addition to the 39 sleek Ocean Retreat with Pool positioned over the island’s sparkling azure lagoon. Three Ocean Suites with Pool provide spacious and luxe accommodation, while the unique Island Residence with Pool offers the ultimate sanctuary, complete with an individual expansive infinity pool overlooking at its very own stretch of the Indian Ocean.

Indulgent dining comes a plenty, with modern and relaxed surrounds, panoramic views of the beautiful island and an emphasis on the highest quality ingredients that spans across each of the three restaurants and two bars.

F A A R U F U S H I

Feel revived and relaxed amongst the lush vegetation of the island at The Nika Spa, which offers six treatment rooms and a garden compound with a hydro pool surrounded by outdoor lounges and relaxation pavilions.

Set in an idyllic location overlooking the infinity pool of the resort, next to the Sangu Bar and presenting unlimited views of the sea, Iru provides guests with all-day dining. The crescent shaped overwater signature restaurant, Eclipse, offers an immersive gourmet experience and a full panoramic view of the Maldivian seascape. At the reef’s edge is Boli, with alfresco seating, ensures a perfect sunset view throughout the year, complemented with the world’s finest wines, hand-crafted cocktails and live music. Athiri is a casual beachside bar bringing several island facilities together, including water sports and gym. Athiri’s center piece is a dazzling collection of dining options serving tapas, teppanyaki & more, all under one roof. Feel revived and relaxed amongst the lush vegetation of the island at The Nika Spa, which offers six treatment rooms and a garden compound with a hydro pool surrounded by outdoor lounges and relaxation pavilions. Diver’s flock from far and wide to visit the depths of the Maldivian waters and The Faarufushi house reef boasts magnificent coral overhangs and swim throughs, allowing guests to discover the abundant marine life that lies beneath the waves. This spectacular reef will be the ideal experience for both divers and snorkelers alike. On shore, at sea and underwater, there is always something to see in the Raa atoll. Activities like discovering dolphins, visiting other islands, and sailing off into the sunset, provide only a taste of the comprehensive excursions available.

The preservation of the natural vegetation and beauty of the resort has been meticulous throughout the design and construction of the resort by the owners and developers, Faarufushi Management Pvt. Ltd, adding to the Maldives’ ecotourism credentials. www.faarufushi.com

An enchanting, unique and friendly resort with a beautiful reef, white sandy beaches surrounded by swaying palms and crystal clear waters. Perfect for couples and families seeking an idyllic tropical paradise escape, with endless possibilities of dining, activities and celebrations. reservations@kurumba.com

www.kurumba.com

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***** K A N D O L H U I S L A N D www.dhigali.com

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K A N D O L H U

ailed as Maldives’ best kept secret, Kandolhu is a small lush island and a sanctuary of tranquillity and beauty. The island is ringed by an intricate, pristine coral garden, renowned amongst snorkelers and divers as one of the best in the Maldives. Intimate and tiny, encircled with white sand and surrounded by pure turquoise ocean, this haven of peacefulness is located in the heart of the Maldives, in North Ari Atoll, just a 20 minute seaplane flight from the airport, which feels a world away.

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Despite the resort’s impressive 5 star rating, the resort puts a great focus on giving its guests an ‘island experience’ instead of a typical hotel stay. Petite and perfectly formed, this island offers a real Maldivian experience where guests are enveloped in luxury.

General Manager Abdul Latheef describes Kandolhu as, “...something very unique for the Maldives, where islands of this size are very rare. We offer guest the chance to experience a Maldives that is not typically seen. Kandolhu is the perfect combination of ‘small island Maldives’ and complete indulgence. It is an island that will make you feel like Robinson Crusoe, but with numerous luxuries at your disposal. Find quietude and peace, and enjoy absolute serenity with your loved one.”

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Exclusive and intimate, the island features just thirty luxury villas across five different categories, each distinct in design and many housing private pools. Villas are scattered around the island, on the beach with sea views or set over the water with direct access down to the sparkling ocean below. Each villa offers Maldivian architecture and distinctive natural elements, combined with modern interiors, and contemporary designer furnishings. Modern-day luxuries enhance the experience further with creature comforts including king-size beds, guest iPad, Go Pro, Wi-Fi, Bose surround sound system and an espresso machine. The flooring, by Parador comes from certified, sustainably managed forests. While outdoor pieces from Rausch Classics invite guests to relax in the alfresco areas of the villas, enjoying stunning panoramic views and complete privacy. Guests at Kandolhu Maldvies are spoilt for choice as the resort offers highest restaurant-to-roomratio in the Maldives, having recently opened its fifth restaurant; Mexican and Peruvian street food offering Ata-Roa. Serving up authentic, simple and light street food with classic and unique takes on ceviche and tacos, the mouth-watering menu was created by Executive Chef Mickaël Farina inspired by his recent trek across South America.

Each villa offers Maldivian architecture and distinctive natural elements, combined with modern interiors, and contemporary designer furnishings. Modernday luxuries enhance the experience further with creature comforts

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Guests at Kandolhu Maldvies are spoilt for choice as the resort offers highest restaurant-to-room-ratio in the Maldives

The Sea Grill opens as the sun sets over the island and invites diners to savour fresh seafood, sizzling cuts and experience the unique taste of the tandoor.

The Sea Grill opens as the sun sets over the island and invites diners to savour fresh seafood, sizzling cuts and experience the unique taste of the tandoor, while for a flavour of the Far East, guests can dine at Banzai and indulge in vibrant sushi and fresh specialties cooked with flair on the teppan, under the starlit sky.

Superb gastronomy from a range of cuisines is housed across a further four gourmet restaurants. The Market serves a selection of a la carte international favourites for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Breakfast includes classic from ‘Breaky Bruschetta’ (tomato and avocado salsa and rocket herb on toasted country loaf) and ‘Garden Bagel’ (rocket, pickle, hot English mustard, grilled zucchini and eggplant) to Eastern Congee, whilst Lunch and Dinner feature mouth-watering essentials such as the re-imagined ‘New Nicoise Salad’ (green bean salsa, cherry tomato, kipfler potato, confit artichoke with olive vinaigrette) and ‘Scarpetta’ (Vegan spaghetti, tomato, basil and black olive). Olive boasts sweeping ocean views complimented by Italian and Mediterranean dishes. Starters include ‘Olive Tartare’ (cantaloupe melon dice and soup, blood orange vinaigrette, rice tuile and gold leaf, followed by ‘Red Paella’ (bomba rice, capsicum to ways, lemon and tarragon salsa) and finished with a delectable range of vegan ice creams and sorbets.

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No Maldivian holiday would be complete without a beach bar and Kandolhu’s provides stunning panoramic views of the lagoon and the azure sea beyond.

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For a flavour of the Far East, guests can dine at Banzai and indulge in vibrant sushi and fresh specialties cooked with flair on the teppan, under the starlit sky. For a lazy day, in-villa dining offers a menu featuring international and local specialties, to be enjoyed in your own private haven. While for pure romance, a Beach Dinner allows guests to feel the sand beneath their toes, while enjoying a bespoke gourmet meal. Kandolhu launched their Vegan offering across their four gourmet restaurants in 2018. Having always offered bespoke Vegan dining choices for guests curated around seasonal produce, the move to design the menus came as a response to veganism as a lifestyle and not just a dietary requirement. With Kandolhu’s team of internationally renowned, and award winning chefs constantly innovating exciting dishes the menu development has happened naturally through fresh flavour combinations that effortlessly complement the existing restaurants’ menus.

Kandolhu offers three meal plans, to suit every need; Bed & Breakfast includes a sumptuous buffet breakfast either in The Market or in-villa, A La Carte Dining includes breakfast, lunch and dinner at any one of our exquisite restaurants. For complete indulgence guests can opt for the Ultimate All-Inclusive, which adds to the extravagance of dining at any of the restaurants, by including a wide range of drinks ranging from, beers, cocktails and fresh juices to a fantastic selection of bottled wines. Also incorporated with the Ultimate AllInclusive plan is a well-stocked in-villa wine cellar with 26 handpicked, globally accredited wines, as well as the option of a private snorkelling tour, or sunset cruise with champagne and canapés. No Maldivian holiday would be complete without a beach bar and Kandolhu’s provides stunning panoramic views of the lagoon and the azure sea beyond. Guests can also enjoy the water sports centre which includes diving and nonmotorised sports (most on a complimentary basis), a gym and an array of excursion options, from snorkelling safaris to big game fishing. Varu Spa at Kandolhu indulges guests in an expansive wellness experience with 4 treatment rooms complete with beautiful wet areas set into private gardens. The spa menu, with a heavy focus on Voya products, brings guests “organic beauty from the sea” – the perfect partnership to the resort’s nature-based approach to the art of relaxation. Choose from a wide range of treatments including massages, body wraps, natural scrubs and much more. Guests can walk around the island barefoot in just minutes and snorkel one of the best house reefs in the Maldives, rich in both coral and fish life and just a stone’s throw from the beach. www.kandolhu.com

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V E L A S S A R U

ophistication and tranquility awaits you upon the South Malé Atoll, as Universal Resorts present you ‘Velassaru,’ a resort that pairs contemporary luxury with the natural beauty of the Maldives. With its pearl-dust beaches, turquoise lagoon and myriad coconut groves the island is a magical setting for this 5-star resort and is quite possibly the finest resort accessible via speedboat.

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Contemporary and unique, the resort’s accommodation is dotted through the island and boasts 26 Deluxe Bungalows, 25 Deluxe Villas and 30 Beach Villas to the north. Located within their own private tropical garden just steps from the beach, the Deluxe Bungalows are subtly integrated into the natural foliage and provide a spacious intimacy; expertly crafted, these buildings are designed across two expansive levels with minimalist interiors and colourful accents. Beach villas are slightly larger and look out onto the beachfront with a sprawling sea-facing terrace, 10 of these villas have recently been upgraded to Beach Villa with Pools, each boasting 20 square metre private swimming pools.

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Guests are likely to round off their evening in the chic setting of the spectacular beachfront bar of Fen. With cocktails to live music and the Maldivian sunset, Fen is the signature Velassaru experience. For those seeking total relaxation, The Spa at Velassaru is an experience not to be missed. One of the most beautiful over water spas in the Maldives, its ten treatment rooms, pool and yoga pavilion are all set on stilts over the clear blue lagoon allowing uninterrupted ocean views. The Spa offer guests signature treatments and rituals that are created to provide an authentic healing experience in the essence of Maldives. All treatments are done with locally sourced natural ingredients, like Virgin Coconut Oil rich with Vitamin E that complement the beauty of the island. The resort provides many opportunities for those who are a little more active. The beaches themselves vary from the broad and open to the small and secluded and the local waters are perfect for snorkelling or diving. Immersion, the resort dive school offers a full range of PADI courses for divers of all levels. With over 60 reefs teeming with vibrant marine life, guests have ample opportunity to explore the world’s best dive sights. Velassaru also offers windsurfing, catamaran, kayak hire and fishing trips, to compliment the fully-equipped gym and hard tennis court, as well as complimentary morning yoga, morning cruise and snorkelling tours.

The resort provides many opportunities for those who are a little more active.

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A stunning resort with distinctive style and personality combines affordable chic with true Maldivian hospitality.

Excursions to desert islands are available plus the chance to take sea-plane photo flights, providing you with a bird’s eye view of the mysterious atoll formations, or glide across the ocean on a sunset cruise.

A location of exquisite romance and beauty, Velassaru has been designed for couples, families and the young at heart. A stunning resort with distinctive style and personality combines affordable chic with true Maldivian hospitality.

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R E S O R T

www.westin.com

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he opening of The Westin Maldives Miriandhoo Resort has signalled a new wave of well-being on the tropical archipelago oasis.

The highly anticipated opening of Westin Hotels & Resort’s first hotel in the Republic of Maldives was finally announced in October 2018, with the opening of The Westin Maldives Miriandhoo Resort Scheduled for February 2019. Developed by Belluna Co. Ltd, Japan and Asia Capital PLC, Sri Lanka, The Westin Maldives Miriandhoo Resort heralds the Westin brand’s wellness positioning in the Maldivian oasis and us already taking reservations via their website.

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Guests of The Westin Maldives Miriandhoo Resort will experience a tranquil escape with uninterrupted ocean and pristine turquoise lagoon views. Heralded as a leader in wellness and hospitality for over a decade, Westin Hotels & Resorts lives its philosophy “Empowering a Better You™” through the brand’s Six Pillars of Well-Being: Feel Well, Work Well, Move Well, Eat Well, Sleep Well and Play Well. At more than 200 hotels and resorts in nearly 40 countries and territories and now in the Maldives, guests can experience offerings that include the iconic Heavenly® Bed, RunWESTIN™ and Westin Gear Lending with New Balance®, delicious and nutritious SuperFoodsRx™. The brand’s latest opening is positioned in the tropical oasis of a beautiful coral island in the Baa Atoll, a designated UNESCO Biosphere Reserve site, guests of The Westin Maldives Miriandhoo Resort will experience a tranquil escape with uninterrupted ocean and pristine turquoise lagoon views. From the atoll’s most desirable locale, guests are in close proximity to landmarks such as the Hanifaru Bay, which is known for the largest gathering of manta rays globally.

The eco-friendly and pioneering design of the resort has been led by award-winning Milanbased architects PEIA Associati, and takes inspiration from the ocean with a visionary approach towards environmental sustainability. All elements of the resort’s design take inspiration from the environment from the use of natural materials, such as unique shells to the movement and flow of marine life including sea turtles and whale sharks, providing guests with a link to the region’s exceptional enchantment. An aerial view of The Westin Maldives Miriandhoo Resort reveals an outline in the shape of a fish, a distinctive reflection of the beauty of surrounding marine life; while the arrival jetty is structured to resemble clamshells and the oceans’ waves.

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Lovers of fine food from across Asia will be indulged with the Westin Maldives Miriandhoo Resort presenting three unique dining experiences.

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Accomodation-wise , the Westin Maldives Miriandhoo Resort features 70 villas and suites, 41 on island and 29 overwater. Each villa is shaped with an eco-friendly double roofing to create the perfect natural ventilation. Outdoor rainforest showers are a distinctive feature. Poised over the sea on stilts and with an area of almost 200 square meters each, the overwater suites are among the largest a resort has to offer in the Baa Atoll region. Lovers of fine food from across Asia will be indulged with the Westin Maldives Miriandhoo Resort presenting three unique dining experiences. The Pearl is the resort’s specialty restaurant and is ideal for indulging in exquisite Japanese cuisine with exceptional ocean views. The restaurant offers a refined Japanese menu with a focus on seafood and fresh local ingredients. The all-day dining experience at Island Kitchen stays true to the Westin

brand’s Eat Well brand pillar through a balanced menu combining Chinese, Indian and Maldivian fare. At Hawker, guests can sample authentic Asian street food with a live kitchen in a casual bustling atmosphere. Adjacent to the Library and overlooking the azure blue Indian Ocean, Sunset Bar is a relaxed lounge serving tapas and imaginative cocktails. For those seeking a recharge, refresh and an opportunity to feel revitalised, the idyllic resort also features Westin’s signature branded spa concept, the Heavenly Spa by Westin™ with the latest in beauty treatments. The design of the Spa area exudes an intimate and serene ambience that allows guests to reflect on their destination, including a spacious treatment suite for two with a Jacuzzi and panoramic ocean views. Guests can stay active with the 24-hour WestinWORKOUT® Fitness Studio sprawled across two levels that features weight machines, free weights, and cardio equipment that faces personal flat-screen televisions; and outdoor pool and recreation ground with tennis, volleyball, basketball options.

It’s not just star-crossed lovers and spa-seekers that will enjoy this perfect retreat. Adventure lies in store for families as the resort is designed to cater to the way modern families travel. The Westin Family Kids Club® offers reimagined family experiences that are tied back to the brand’s wellness positioning for young guests between the ages of 4–12 years. Some of the activities includes nature walks, family-style runs and water activities. The Westin Maldives Miriandhoo Resort is also well-equipped to play host to distinguished ceremonies or vows renewal with its multifunctional event spaces. Take a dive below the utopian waters directly from the beach and guests can explore the house reef with colourful corals, surrounded by thousands of tropical fish. Miriandhoo is a Turtle sanctuary, and guests can easily and often see turtles nesting along the white beaches. Reef sharks, lionfish, manta rays and often whale sharks all reside in the Baa Atoll. The stunning experience of the underwater world can be explored while snorkelling, diving, fishing and parasailing. Additional on-site facilities of the resort include a PADI dive centre and a boutique store.. www.westin.com

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A t o l l

www.Alimathà.nakairesorts.com

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he Vaavu’s atoll, located not far away from the equator, is a small diamond in the Maldivian archipelagus. Vaavu is 65 km away from the capital Male and it can be reached with a 20 minutes seaplane flight or a 90 minute sea trip.

The atoll’s capital is Felidhoo and with its 1500 residents it is Maldive’s less populated atoll. With its characteristic bootshape, extending for 11 km in length, the Vaavu’s atoll can be considered one of Maldive’s best places to admire the nature in all of its beauty. Amazing scuba diving sites, shores and crystal clear water are the elements that can be found in this little piece of paradise.

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Located in the quietest corner of the island, the rooms are surrounded by an atmosphere of calm and tranquility and are the perfect choice to enjoy the magic of the horizon lying on your own private balcony.

The word Alimathà originally meant “face of a woman”. The island today has a shape that resembles an heart, drawn by its beaches of fine white sand immerse in the waters of the Maldives. It’s also surrounded by a beautiful and colorful coral reef habited by hundreds of fish species.

The Nakai Alimathà’s resort have available for its guests 96 bungalows, 34 over water rooms and 26 garden rooms with a private garden. Nakai Alimathà is the perfect mix between relaxing on a white sand beach and enjoying several activities, from scuba diving to dozens of sports which can be played on the island. The 34 over water rooms of Nakai Alimathà are oriented true north and open in a fanshape that turns to both dawn and sunset. Located in the quietest corner of the island, the rooms are surrounded by an atmosphere of calm and tranquility and are the perfect choice to enjoy the magic of the horizon lying on your own private balcony. The 26 garden bungalows of Nakai Alimathà are surrounded by the greenery of the island, barely covered by the high vegetation shade, in the heart of the resort. These are the ideal setting to enjoy a unique freshness and a patio with a private garden that offers privacy and intimacy.

The 96 beach bungalows overlook the white coral beach of Nakai Alimathà and lie along the entire circumference of the island. From the deck you can observe the horizon through the trunks and leaves of the palm trees and it takes just a few steps to reach the shore of the sea to enjoy the warmth of the sun in a state of complete relaxation.

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This is a place of great charm and intimacy, and the perfect destination to treat yourself to that special dinner.

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At Nakai Alimathà’s restaurants you will experience all the flavours of the island. With the two formulas, “all inclusive” and “a la càrte”, you can taste the full range of the Chef’s menu. In the two restaurants you can experience both Italian and the Maldivian cuisine with exciting and deep flavors to accompany your stay on the island with a constantly changing and fulfilling offer.

Due to its position, which is orientated west, in the evening hours the Beach Bar is a special place to admire the unique colours and sights of the sunset.

At the Nakai Alimathà Beach Restaurant, overlooking the resort’s main beach, the night becomes a place of quiet and privacy. With the possibility to dine indoors or under the starry sky, the Beach Restaurant offers tasting menus that enhance the raw materials of the Maldivian sea according to the canons of Italian cuisine. This is a place of great charm and intimacy, and the perfect destination to treat yourself to that special dinner.

If you look for sun and freshness, Nakai Alimathà’s bar is a perfect place for every hour of the day or night. The large counter spans 360°, providing service to the various areas of the bar. In fact, it’s possible to enjoy the piano bar live music in one area and then take a visit around the bar and let the music be the background to a conversation between friends. In addition to the internal areas, the Bar has two outdoor areas, one inside the island and a large balcony overlooking the sea, perfect for relaxing in the morning or after lunch and enjoying the starry sky at night. The all-inclusive offer is accompanied by an offer made by a great variety top quality products and proposals for every occasion. Right on the most important shore of Nakai Alimathà, you will find the Beach Bar. The Beach Bar is the perfect place to relax under the sun, with cold drinks and salty/sweet snacks. Due to its position, which is orientated west, in the evening hours the Beach Bar is a special place to admire the unique colours and sights of the sunset.

Recently opened, the Nakai Alimathà’s Horizon Bar is perfectly described by its own name. Oriented towards the sunset, its seats on the sea, made with tree trunks, give a direct access to the horizon. The position of the Horizon Bar, located close to the over water rooms, makes the last hours of the day a poem of sounds and colors. This is the perfect place to greet the sun, before having an aperitif and a romantic dinner. Guests can also enjoy the tranquility of the Maadigha spa. A cozy and quiet place where one can abandon themselves and rebalance their senses, the spa offers the best massage techniques from all over the world. To each movement the therapist entrusts the task of regenerating mind and body. To each sound, the ability to awaken the mind and regain its natural inner harmony.

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Relaxing in Nakai Alimathà’s Maadigha Spa is very simple: just enjoy the delicacy of the massages, the perfumes of essential oils and experience the sensorial synergies that they can generate. Ancient and modern techniques lead guests along a true path to lightness and re-balance of body and mind. A visit to the spa is a unique way of re-establishing, recharging and fully enjoying the most beautiful moments of the holiday.

Nakai Alimathà is not only a tropical paradise for the sun, the beautiful beach and the nature that surrounds it. Underneath the water there is wonderful world to discover and guests can do it together with TGI Diving staff. The island of Alimathà is located near a wide selection of unique diving sites. Many of them are sites within protected areas and some are famous for being included on the list of the best diving sites in the world. In the atoll of Felidhoo (Vaavu), there are numerous famous canals. Among them the two most famous are undoubtedly Miyaru Kandu and Fotteyo Kandu. Miyaru Kandu, located only a 25-minute boat ride from the resort, is famous for its wonderful overhang where you can admire a large number of sharks and other pelagic fish.

Fotteyo Kandu is known, instead, for its overhangs, for the multicolored soft coral, and for the possible encounter with the hammerhead sharks. Rakeedhoo is a canal area populated of fish, sharks and sea eagles, while in the inner part of the channel all the walls of the cliffs are covered with soft coral and gorgonians.

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Diving in the water near Nakai Alimathà can delight not only the more experienced divers, but also those who want to try for the first time the recreational diving. Scuba diving in the Maldives is a true pleasure. The spectacle of the marine fauna, the colours of the coral reef and the intense underwater life are the basic ingredients for a story that you will want to tell everyone as soon as you come back home.

Nakai Alimathà is not only about diving. During the stay on the island guests can experience dozens of other activities that will constantly keep them in shape, whilst at the same time admiring one of the most beautiful places on earth.

The diving center TGI Maldives has been operating on Alimathà since 2006 and is an SSI. It organises daily snorkeling and diving trips, both in the morning and in the afternoon, with the possibility of staying out half a day or the whole day. Not to mention the unique show of night diving, famous for being among the best and most fascinating ones in all of the Maldives. Nakai Alimathà is not only about diving. During the stay on the island guests can experience dozens of other activities that will constantly keep them in shape, whilst at the same time admiring one of the most beautiful places on earth.

With the resort’s kayaks and catamarans you can have the opportunity to sail across the astonishing Maldivian Sea and take a closer look to the coral reef that surrounds the island. On Nakai Alimathà there ais one tennis court in red clay and and a five-sided football pitch. www.Alimathà.nakairesorts.com

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A A R A H V E L I V a a v u

A t o l l

arahveli is a very young island which measures just a little more than three hectares and is positioned in the southern part of the Vaavu’s atoll, near its capital, Felidhoo. As part of a group of five islands that fan out into the heart of the atoll, Aarah (new) Veli (sand) is the newest resort of the Nakai group and it will be inaugurated between the end of February and the beginning of March 2019.

With a shape that reflects a crescent moon, Nakai Aarahveli overlooks, on one side, the Indian Ocean, whilst the other faces the marvellous blue-water lagoon that allows guests to walk into the sea for about a kilometer. The view of Aarahveli is simply unique, not only because of its privileged view of the horizon, but also because of the location of nearby Hoolidhoo. It is a beachless island whose vegetation, overhanging the ocean, attracts those who want to experience the feeling of the most genuine and natural part of the Maldives. Situated in one of the less travelled atolls (there are only 15 inhabited islands) and therefore most pristine in the entire Maldives (in fact the only other two tourist resorts in Vaavu are Alimathà and Dhiggiri, also belonging to the Nakai group) Aarahveli is close to many scuba diving sites that, more and more, are giving fame to this set of islands. It is an atoll to be discovered and, despite being famous for some of the most exiting scuba diving sites in the world, stands out for its calm, intimacy and for the feeling that only “the Maldives of the past” could give to the adventurers that were first to visit them. Nakai Aarahveli is not just a resort, it is an idea to protect and preserve the soul of the Maldives and give back to the guests the experience of twenty years of true love for these places and for the hospitality world. Once on Aarahveli, guests have the option to stay in one of 12 beach bungalows. They are spacious rooms, that stand out for being positioned a few steps from the ocean, just in

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front of a private deck facing the horizon. Each beach bungalow is characterised by a superior floor, which can become a family option or can be booked as an independent loft beach bungalow room. This type of room is distinguished for the spacious balcony overlooking the ocean. Also on offer are 42 over water villas that are the perfect solution for those who want to “live” by the sea and listen its soul. The over water villas stand out not only for the refinement of the lines, but also for their orientation that, from side to side, can showcase amazing sunrises and sunsets. Rooms are spacious, well designed and are distinguished for the design of the bar and the shower room, all equipped with jacuzzi. Over water villas are characterized by their wide and comfortable balcony where you can relax and enjoy your holiday and are divided into several types, which are linked to different services and can be equipped with an outdoor pool.

Also on offer are 42 over water villas that are the perfect solution for those who want to “live” by the sea and listen its soul. The over water villas stand out not only for the refinement of the lines, but also for their orientation that, from side to side, can showcase amazing sunrises and sunsets.

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A A R A H V E L I V a a v u

A t o l l

The 4 over water lagoon suites are simply breath-taking. They present a spacious room preceded by a cozy living room - characterized by a large and comfortable bed facing the ocean. There are two bathrooms, one of which has a Jacuzzi, for which the comfort and attention to details make all the difference. Nakai Aarahveli suites stand out for the intimate balcony with private swimming pool and outdoor bar. These suites are the flagship of Nakai Aarahveli and are the ultimate way to fully enjoy the resort and the paradise of Maldives.

At Nakai Aarahveli there will be three restaurants available to the guests: a main restaurant overlooking the sea, whose offer will vary daily with dishes from all over the world but always distinguished by a sophisticated Italian style; one restaurant “a la carte”, whose culinary proposal will be characterized by the Chef’s proposal; a restaurant over water with a terrace overlooking the ocean with the intent to lead the guests along a unique, and always new, tasting experience. To compliment the culinary proposal, the beverage service will see a 360° main bar facing the beach and the Infinity pool. This will be the perfect place to drink a cocktail near the sea and enjoy a moment of relaxation by the pool. An over water bar, ideal for gathering at the end of the evening, ready to experience and share unforgettable moments. At Nakai Aarahveli guests will find the art of true Italian “gelato”, thanks to an ice cream shop with an aim to build an invisible bridge of tastes and cultures. In the wellness center, located in the most central part of the over water-zone, guests will be able to treat themselves to the relaxation they have always dreamed of. The Equilibrium Spa will let the guest choose between a large offer of European and Asian massages. To each of them, it will be possible to fuse aesthetic wellness treatments that have been brought to the Maldives from all over the world.

With Aarahveli, the Nakai group offers a new way of living the Maldives. Its accessible-luxury offer is unique and the aim is for the resort to be distinguished not only for its services and the quality-price ratio, but also for its mentality. The Aarahveli resort pays particular attention to its nature and the enviroment. Various projects, from repopulation of the vegetation and the coral reef, to environmental conservation, are the base of its creation. Thanks to the support of the near Hoolidoo, there will be collaborations with naturalistic experts and university researchers which, daily, fight for this battle. The management wants to fight with them for this good cause.

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In the wellness center, located in the most central part of the over water-zone, guests will be able to treat themselves to the relaxation they have always dreamed of.

Nakai Aarahveli is not only a tropical paradise for the sun, the beautiful beach and the nature that surrounds it. Underneath the water there is wonderful world to discover and guests can do it together with TGI Diving staff. The island of Aarahveli is located near a wide selection of unique diving sites.

Many of them are sites within protected areas and some are famous for being included on the list of the best diving sites in the world. In the atoll of Felidhoo (Vaavu), there are numerous famous canals. Among them the two most famous are undoubtedly Miyaru Kandu and Fotteyo Kandu. Miyaru Kandu, located only a 25-minute boat ride from the resort, is famous for its wonderful overhang where you can admire a large number of sharks and other pelagic fish.

Fotteyo Kandu is known, instead, for its overhangs, for the multicoloured soft coral, and for the possible encounter with the hammerhead sharks. Rakeedhoo is a canal area populated of fish, sharks and sea eagles, while in the inner part of the channel all the walls of the cliffs are covered with soft coral and gorgonians.

Diving in the water near NAKAI Aarahveli can delight not only the more experienced divers, but also those who want to try for the first time the recreational diving. Scuba diving in the Maldives is a true pleasure. The spectacle of the marine fauna, the colours of the coral reef and the intense underwater life are the basic ingredients for a story that you will want to tell everyone as soon as you come back home.

www.aarahveli.nakairesorts.com

Scuba diving in the Maldives is a true pleasure. The spectacle of the marine fauna, the colours of the coral reef and the intense underwater life are the basic ingredients for a story that you will want to tell everyone as soon as you come back home.

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***** D H I G A L I I S L A N D www.dhigali.com

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D H I G A L I P

romising unforgettable moments, exquisite romance and true Maldivian beauty, Dhigali is the newest island resort from Universal Resorts and matches contemporary luxury with the pure natural beauty of the Maldives.

Take a 45 minute seaplane journey from Malé Airport and you arrive on the Raa Atoll, where Dhigali brings modern minimalist design to this wonderfully remote part of the Maldives. Domestic flights from Ifuru/Dharavandhoo Airport are also available and including transfer by speedboat, take just 70 minutes. Surrounded by a pristine coral reef and crystal clear lagoon, this 5 star sanctuary invites guests to cast away in unspoilt luxury and rich Maldivain culture.

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Be it amongst lush vegetation or upon the shimmering ocean, the resort’s 8 room categories are all spacious hideaways featuring contemporary décor and natural textures. The island itself is corralled by 20 Beach Bungalows and 33 Deluxe Beach Bungalows to the south, and 63 Beach Villas which line the north and south western beaches. Nestled under a canopy of palms these beach front sanctuaries provide luxurious intimacy, effortlessly marrying the interior and exterior. At 115sqm the Beach Villa’s spacious room layout can sleep 2 adults and 2 children, making it the perfect choice for families. Deluxe Beach Bungalows are slightly larger and include open air bathrooms. Outside, spend your days relaxing in the private deck’s day-bed or opt for the Beach Villa with Pool which includes a private plunge pool overlooking the sparkling Indian Ocean.

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Embracing the island’s perimeter are Dhigali’s impressive overwater bungalows. Extending from the south eastern side of the island is a jetty hosting 24 Water Villas, each one rising out of the lagoon on stilts. These villas offer unfettered views over the stunning Indian Ocean, and Dhigali’s house reef, from floor-to- ceiling glass doors in the expansive bedroom, or via the over-water deck leading down to the crystal clear waters below. Similarly, from the south-east of the island snakes a further jetty housing 16 larger Lagoon Villas with Pools.

Ultimate luxury can be found in Dhigali’s 2 Suite categories, 3 Beach Suites with Pool and the exclusive Dhigali Suite, each representing unparalleled splendour. All have private expansive pools, and at 400sqm the Dhigali Suite is the ultimate sanctuary, with its own courtyard, open-air bathroom and sprawling infinity pool. All of the resort’s accommodation comes equipped with an array of modern amenities as standard. The natural beauty of the island is the heart and soul of this unique resort experience. Guests can unwind on superb golden beaches including Dhigali’s private sandbank, during season extending up to 250 m from the island or explore the island’s house reef, teeming with marine life like lion fish, eagle rays, turtles and mantas. Dhigali offers access to stunning underwater reefs and areas of outstanding beauty, where divers and snorkelers can discover seasonal groupings of manta rays, a variety of stunning corals and huge schools of tropical marine life, as well as the opportunity to spot Whale Sharks, arguably one of nature’s most magical experiences.

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The natural beauty of the island is the heart and soul of this unique resort experience.

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Dhigali’s innovative and authentic cuisine explores the spices of Asia, the classic tastes of Europe and traditional Maldivian flavours in its 5 restaurants whilst their 2 bars, Haali and East are perfect settings to enjoy a cocktail. There’ll be a particular focus on fresh Asian dishes, including the specialist Asian restaurant, Battuta. Guests can choose to stay on bed and breakfast, half board, or full board. Alternatively, indulge in luxury- Dhigali style- by going all-inclusive which includes access to all à la carte restaurants on the island, and an enticing array of indulgent refreshments.

Hidden amongst the island’s idyllic tropical gardens, the Dhigali Spa is a lush sanctuary with 12 treatment rooms, making it one of the largest in the Maldives. Featuring an outdoor plunge pool surrounded by lush natural greenery, the spa offers indigenous therapies and healing traditions.

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Dhigali’s innovative and authentic cuisine explores the spices of Asia, the classic tastes of Europe and traditional Maldivian flavours

Whether it is a catamaran, a wakeboard or a banana boat, those looking for more adventure are offered a comprehensive and diverse programme of activities at Dhigali. PADI courses are available for divers of all ability, as well as water skiing, windsurfing, snorkelling and a fully-equipped fitness centre. Away from the resort itself, a variety of excursions and extraordinary experiences are at the guests’ fingertips, including sunset and dolphin discovery trips, sports fishing and a ‘Maldives Experience’ tour. Take keep the whole family entertained, there is an expansive Children’s Club which includes complimentary outdoor and indoor programmes for children aged 3-12. www.dhigali.com

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Astronomy and Photography in The Maldives by

Stefano Perrone

tefano Perrone was born in 1978 in Italy and is a researcher, now based in The Maldives, specialising in Natural Sciences and Astronomy, or more precisely, Cosmology. Fuelled by a lifelong love of nature, Stefano soon found his second passion in life; photography. Absolute Maldives met with the islands’ infamous star-gazer to learn, in his own words, how his journey began and what is written in the stars...

‘Personally I think that photography is something metaphysical. It is the ability to immortalise a moment in time that makes it magical and one of the most beautiful forms of art and science, fused together. For over twenty years I worked around the world in areas so remote that sometimes they didn’t even appear on the maps. It wasn’t until December 2017, when conducting some personal research and photographic material collection, I arrived on the island of Dhiggiri, one of four islands owned by the same company. I had discovered a real piece of paradise. Tropical palm trees, beautiful plants and flowers surrounded snow-white sand, enveloped by waters so blue that they appeared almost unreal. Hiding below these glistening waters were coral reefs, teaming with life. It was as if I was in a utopian fantasy, with each day starting with a breathtaking sunrise. The sun looked so big and intense that you could feel the radiation upon your skin. Endless colours swept through the island every evening, like the scene in the most beautiful of dreams. When the night comes, the sky and all its stars performed a show that was so incredible, I couldn’t begin to find the words to describe it. It was for that reason that I decided to photograph them, to show this phenomenon to the rest of the world.'

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Astronomy and Photography in The Maldives by

Stefano Perrone

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Astronomy and Photography in The Maldives by

Stefano Perrone

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I decided to embark upon creating the first ever photographic archive of the Maldivian night sky. At the time, I remember being blown away that this didn’t already exist and so with a bit of audacity and a lot of patience, I proposed the project to the scientific community and owners of NAKAI. This is the company that own the islands Dhiggiri Resorts, Alimatha Resort, Maayafushi Resort and Ara Resort. They immediately supported me 100%, especially as the owner and General Manager, Mr. Marco Mingoli, is a nature-loving person with a deep knowledge of it here in The Maldives, plus an interest in science. In the end, they took me on as an official astronomer in Dhiggiri, where we are now the only island in the Maldives to offer guests exclusive evenings dedicated entirely to astronomy. Guests set sail on a boat trip, guided by myself, to discover the stars and other incredible phenomena observable only at night, here in the magical world of The Maldives. The rest of the time, amongst other thing, I dedicate to the collection of

photographic material at night. Thanks to the island’s absence of light pollution, it allows incredible visibility, surrounded by breathtaking landscapes. It is this that makes it a highly recommended destination for astrophotographers, hunting for stars. All year round you can see the arc of the Milky Way with the naked eye, continuously crossed with shooting stars.

After only three months of launching my project, the photographs I have taken have aroused the interest of various scientific communities and other companies in the sector. I have had the privilege of visiting and experiencing some extraordinary places in my life, but The Maldives are simply magical. It is unique with its diverse landscapes, it’s ocean with a thousand shades of blue dance softly and the nocturnal phenomena of the nightly bioluminiscence. When sailing upon a boat in the middle warm, calm waters within the Maldivian coral reefs, the bioluminiscence is so intense you cannot distinguish between the lights in the water

and the stars in the sky. Sunrise after sunrise, sunset after sunset, night after night, my reflexes and I are always there to capture the succession of shows that nature offers.

As a documentarian (specialising in technical support) I have worked all around world from the mountains to deep underwater caves. I have worked in Antartica, Brazil, Costa Rica, Africa, Thailand, Malaysia, Japan, Nicaragua and Zanzibar, together with most of the top international TV brands and universities. The Maldives is already a well-known photography destination for it’s underwater world, but now as we start to look at sky day and night, the work I do here is creating an astrophoto archive that the international scientific community and wide sectors can use to study and gain a better understanding of this paradise called The Maldives. I have no doubt that these beautiful islands will see the photography tourism market that I have started continue to grow and grow.’ www.instagram.com/nemophotographer/

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Maldives

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N AT U R E Photography by Astronomer Stefano Perrone (Nemo Photographer)

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