Travel Spotlight - The Maldives

by Harden Holidays

When you think ‘tropical paradise’, that image in your mind’s eye is the archipelago of islands that makes the Maldives. This is a country where paddle boarding and massages, private dining and island hopping, dolphin spotting and sunset cruises, could all become part your daily existence. We’ve scoured this ridiculously idyllic archipelago in the Indian Ocean to find the most fabulous resorts of all, each one its own private island fringed by Insta-perfect beaches, complete with swaying palm trees and teeming coral reefs.

As soon as you step off the speedboat or seaplane from the capital Male, the sea is the thread that connects every moment. Whichever of the 1,200 islands you find yourself on, you will discover the softest sand you’ve ever felt, and dazzling turquoise waters that are almost unbelievable. Luxurious resorts have been created to match the paradise of the natural world, making the Maldives a destination that lives and breathes the essence of barefoot luxury.

Your time in the Maldives is yours to spend exactly as you desire. The impeccably designed resorts provide everything you need to create a rhythm of life of your own design. Spend days on the deck of your overwater villa, exploring the lush interior of your island, or sipping cocktails by your private pool. Indulge in a little spa time, snorkel or dive amid the rainbowed coral reefs, or visit a traditional community on a local island. And when the evening draws in, climb aboard a traditional boat and travel to an uninhabited island, for an evening meal under the stars that you’ll never forget.

A destination that embraces the concept of relaxation, every Maldivian resort offers incredible spa and wellness experiences. You’ll discover these spas in treehouses or hideaway gardens, while a menu of original treatments are accompanied by oils infused with locally sourced ingredients, from seaweed to island-grown herbs.

While the Maldives is a quintessential honeymoon destination and adult only retreats, it is also a perfect spot for once-in-a-lifetime family holidays. Family villas with private pools, kids clubs with a difference, and evening outdoor cinema or stargazing activities mean the Maldives is genuinely family friendly, and everyone can have an exceptional experience in this incredible setting. Here are 5 reasons why the Maldives is the dream family holiday destination.

1. Family activities and experiences - At Anantara Dhigu Maldives Resort there are cookery classes, outdoor cinema, glass-bottom boat trips for spotting the colourful marine life, PADI learn-to-dive courses for juniors over ten years and beginners surf lessons, as well as dolphin watching cruises, bicycles for riding around the island and glassbottom kayaks for exploring the lagoon. As well as complimentary watersports at Soneva Fushi there are gardens, jungle and beaches to explore, stargazing with an astronomer, private alfresco film nights and family picnics and guided snorkelling with a resident marine biologist.

2. Family rooms and villas - Most island resorts offer a range of beach and overwater villas that are roomy enough to accommodate a family of four or more. For families with toddlers and younger children beachfront villas with direct access to the powder-soft sands are ideal, whilst those with older children, might prefer staying in an overwater villa. Many overwater villas have a minimum age criterion for children, generally between eight and twelve years. For younger children a signed waiver may be accepted.

3. Children’s clubs and babysitting - Many family friendly resorts offer complimentary children’s clubs for those over three or four. Younger guests are usually welcome under parental supervision. Babysitting tends to carry an additional charge. Innovative programmes include arts and crafts, coral nursery visits with a marine biologist, stargazing with an astronomer, alfresco film screenings, and surf and scuba diving schools for juniors.

Island resorts offering children’s clubs include Niyama Private Islands Maldives boasting one of the best children’s clubs in the Maldives, complimentary for three to twelve year olds. At Sun Siyam Iru Fushi children under fifteen stay and eat free of charge when sharing with two adults. Its well-run Koamas club offers exciting activities and a range of experiences for three to twelve year olds. Soneva Fushi’s complimentary The Den club is for those over four and there’s also a teen lounge. Kuredu Island Resort & Spa features one of the largest clubs and welcomes three to twelve year olds free of charge.

4. Family dining - Most restaurants at Niyama Private Islands Maldives offer children’s special menus including at the fine dining restaurant Edge, reached by speedboat, and Nest set in a treehouse serving Asian delicacies. Sun Siyam Iru Fushi has a selection of eleven restaurants, from global cuisines and themed dinners to weekly barbecues on the beach, Italian favourites and Middle Eastern specialities perfect for sharing. Invilla dining is possible at Anantara Dhigu Maldives Resort and Kuredu Island Resort & Spa tempts with sumptuous buffets, healthy dishes at the Beach Shack and Italian favourites at Franco’s; sure to be a popular choice with children.

5. Short transfers - Families with younger children might prefer resorts close to Malé airport to reduce transfer times; Bandos Maldives is 20 minutes by speedboat, Kurumba Maldives, 10 minutes by speedboat, and Anantara Dhigu Maldives Resort is reached by a 30 minute speedboat journey.

The cuisine in the Maldives will capture your imagination just as much as island living itself. Influenced by flavours from India and Sri Lanka, you can expect cuisine infused with spice, and plenty of freshly caught fish. The astounding natural beauty of the Maldives means many of the hotels and resorts are intent on doing everything they can to protect it. As a result, food sustainability is important here, and many chefs source their produce locally and have their own island kitchen gardens for growing herbs, fruit and vegetables. The best time to visit is November to April, with January to March the driest months, but there is never a bad time to be here.

Create lifelong memories with Harden Holidays, contact our team today.

SOAP STAR SHONA McGARTY LEADS THE CAST OF ORCHARD THEATRE PANTO – Beauty and the Beast

Dartford’s Orchard Theatre are delighted to welcome TV regular Shona McGarty for her pantomime debut as Belle in this year’s family pantomime Beauty and the Beast from Saturday 9th to Sunday 31st December 2023.

Shona McGarty is an actress and singer who is best known for her role of Whitney Dean in the BBC soap EastEnders, where she has been adored by the nation as a series regular for the past 15 years. When she isn’t behind the camera, Shona is a keen vocalist, having recorded charity singles in aid of organisations such as Great Ormond Street and Mind. Last year, Shona performed at the Royal British Legion’s annual Festival of Remembrance, where she sang at the Royal Albert Hall in London in front of King Charles III and Prince William.

Shona said: “I’m so excited to be making my panto debut as Belle in Beauty and the Beast this Christmas in Dartford. I once featured as Belle for a Children in Need feature back in 2018, so I can’t wait to play her in panto – it’s going to be so much fun. See you this Christmas Dartford!”

Beauty and the Beast follows Belle who finds herself transported to a cursed castle and held captive by a hideous beast. To her surprise, the castle is full of magical characters placed under a spell by an evil enchantress. Can Belle see beyond the monster and fall in love with her captor before the last petal falls from the enchanted rose? Or will the Beast’s selfishness cost him the world he once knew and the hand of the girl who has melted his heart?

On the casting, Tal Rosen, Theatre Director at The Orchard Theatre, said; “It’s wonderful news that Shona will be making her pantomime debut in Dartford. We’re excited to welcome her to The Orchard Theatre where she is sure to enchant audiences with her stunning voice in the role as Belle.”

Packed with all the traditional pantomime ingredients Dartford audiences expect, Beauty and the Beast features laugh-out-loud comedy, stunning scenery, beautiful costumes and plenty of boos and hisses.

Beauty and the Beast comes to the Orchard Theatre in Dartford for 3 weeks only from 9 December. Tickets are on sale now from £13, To book visit orchardtheatre.co.uk.

Lullingstone Events

National Garden Scheme – Sunday 18th June - 11am - 5pm

Lullingstone Castle & The World Garden is opening for the National Garden Scheme charity on Sunday 18th of June. The Garden, Manor House, Nursery and Café Marquee are all open for visitors to enjoy. Picnics welcome.

Charitable event - Admission price - £10 adult - Children £5

Lullingstone Quilt & Craft Festival – 14th, 15th, 16th July - 10.30am – 4.30pm

We are delighted to welcome Region 2 of The Quilters’ Guild of the British Isles to Lullingstone Castle again for our Quilt and Craft festival, a wonderful celebration of craftsmanship from across Kent, Sussex and Surrey organised by Region 2 of The Quilters’ Guild. Visitors will enjoy an array of artisan craft stalls and admire stunning quilt and patchwork exhibits created by the talented local members including a special exhibition of the Master Quilters. There is an opportunity to immerse yourself in all things crafty with a variety of demonstrations in quilting, lacemaking, spinning, weaving and embroidery. There also will be workshops where you can ‘Make and Take’. Perfect for the children, there will be a chance to get crafty too - free for under 16’s with mini drop in sessions. The Waffle Pod is back too!

Admission price - £12.50 adult - children under 16 go FREE (Guild Members - £7.50) www.lullingstonecastle.co.uk