MALDIVES

COUNTRY MALDIVES

INTRO TEXT WITH ITS IMPOSSIBLY PICTURESQUE BEACHES, COBALT WATERS AND EXQUISITE RESORTS, THE MALDIVES HAS TO BE ONE OF THE MOST BEAUTIFUL AND ROMANTIC PLACES ON EARTH.

COCO PALM DHUNI KOLHU

Sprinkled across the Indian Ocean like precious gemstones, the 1,200 or so islands that make up the 26 coral atolls of the Maldives are a blaze of pure white sands, Tiffany-blue waters and decadent resorts. As your seaplane touches down, or you arrive by speedboat, it’s quite clear that this is going to be a special holiday.

Sumptuous suites sit on stilts over the warm indigo waters, stylish à la carte restaurants serve up gastronomical delights, and luxurious spas are primed to rejuvenate your body and soul. Each resort is on its own private island for that added touch of castaway bliss, so this is the perfect place to come and unwind with that pile of books you never get round to reading. It’s an enchanting destination for honeymooners and couples, and a safe haven for families looking for watersports, beachfront living and warm hospitality.

Service is flawless and accommodation consistently excellent, with everything from private infinity pools to your own butler on call 24 hours a day. Unspoilt palm-fringed beaches are sugary soft and super white, the coral reefs are abundant with marine life, including turtles and manta rays, and dolphin watching and deep sea fishing trips can easily be arranged. You can also take a PADI dive course, help with conservation projects, or enjoy a private sunset cruise across the unbroken Indian Ocean.

With influences from around the world, Maldivian cuisine blends Arabic, Indian, Sri Lankan and Oriental flavours to create a unique culinary identity of its own. Prior to the arrival of tourism, fishing was the mainstay of the Maldivian economy, so it’s not surprising that seafood plays such a prominent role on local menus, and the ubiquitous fish curry is a particular highlight. You can also enjoy lobster and Champagne banquets, romantic private beach dinners, al fresco feasts and intimate in-villa dining as the crimson sun melts into the ocean.

OUR FAVOURITE THINGS

DIVING The Maldives is a bucket list destination for many divers, and for good reason. The islands’ warm waters are teeming with an incredible array of colourful tropical fish, rays and reef sharks. We particularly recommend Coco Palm Dhuni Kolhu (p89), where you can explore the spectacular Baa Atoll, a UNESCO World Biosphere Reserve, and dive with giant whale sharks. MANTA RAY SEASON Snorkelling or diving with majestic manta rays is an experience you’ll never forget, and the reason many divers come to the Maldives. January - April is when you’ll have the best chance of seeing these impressive creatures, and at Sun Siyam Olhuveli (p91) there are two regular manta visitors, so head to the end of the illuminated jetty after dinner to see them in all their glory. They love to show off and can be seen doing graceful glide-bys and even the odd loop the loop!

SANDBANK SUNDOWNERS We all look for that truly magical moment when we’re away, and in the Maldives it has to be heading out to a deserted sandbank for sundowners or an intimate private dinner. We think the best venue for this is Baros (p84), where you’ll be served chilled Champagne on your own private slice of paradise.

GETTING THERE

Flying time from the UK is approximately 10 hours 20 minutes direct, 12 hours 20 minutes via Doha or 13 hours via Dubai or Abu Dhabi and 15 hours 40 minutes via Bahrain.

British Airways Non-stop departures from London up to 5 times a week in the winter.

Emirates Daily departures from Gatwick, Heathrow and a choice of regional airports, all via Dubai.

Etihad Airways Daily departures from Heathrow and Manchester via Abu Dhabi.

Qatar Airways Daily departures from Heathrow and a choice of regional airports, all via Doha. Gulf Air: Daily flights from Heathrow via Bahrain.

Note: All our inclusive holiday prices are based on Gulf Air economy flights.

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1. Joali Maldives (p88) 2. Joali Being (p88) 3. Four Seasons Landaa Giraavaru (p83) 4. Milaidhoo (p84) 5. Coco Palm Dhuni Kolhu (p89) 6. One&Only Reethi Rah (p82) 7. VARU by Atmosphere (p90) 8. Coco Bodu Hithi (p89) 9. Huvafen Fushi (p85) 10. Four Seasons Kuda Hura (p83) 11. Baros (p84) 12.OZEN RESERVE BOLIFUSHI (p87)** 13. OZEN LIFE MAADHOO (p86) 14. Sun Siyam Olhuveli (p91) 15. LUX* South Ari Atoll (p90) 16. Niyama Private Islands (p91)

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MALDIVES

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