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INDIAN OCEAN
Gems of the Indian Ocean Maldives • Seychelles • Mauritius
Diving // Romance // Adventure // Golf // Sun-Worshipping
The archipelago of the Maldives is famed for its white powder sands, crystal clear lagoons, and slow island pace. But there is also a host of unique experiences on offer at the many luxury resorts which make the Maldives such a definitive destination, finds Crystal Leung
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iving is a massive draw card for the Maldives, with the various atolls boasting some of the best dive spots in the Indian Ocean. At Constance Moofushi Resort, a dedicated dive centre gives guests access to a host of underwater landscapes. Famed for its house reef, located just metres from a powder white sand beach and a string of luxurious overwater bungalows, snorkellers and divers of all skill levels can explore the depths of the South Ari Atoll in search of lion fish, snappers, and even stingrays. Gentle currents and great visibility also mean that favourite dive sites near the resort offer an underwater spectacle, and a full range of PADI dive courses are also on offer for those travellers looking to take the plunge. www..moofushiresort.constancehotels.com
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ellness is also a vital component of the Maldivian experience. Pamper yourself with a luxurious body treatment at the Spa de Constance, situated at Constance Halaveli Resort. Perched on stilts above the turquoise waters of the lagoon, the treatment pavilions allow guests to breathe in the tranquil serenity of the surrounding area while enjoying signature treatments which use custom-blended oils. Alternatively, indulge in the Valmont Spa, which employs the exclusive Swiss skincare brand. Guests can also opt for a tailor-made spa experience using only the finest natural, hand-crafted organic products from Ila. With acclaimed products and the techniques of seasoned therapists, Spa de Constance guarantees a magical experience for every mind and soul. www.halaveli.constancehotels.com
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ave an epicurean adventure at the Dusit Thani Maldives. Start the day off at The Market with a complimentary breakfast boasting an array of international hot and cold fare, fresh seasonal fruits, and freshly-baked pastries. At Benjarong, celebrated chef Sunai serves up a tantalising menu of innovative Thai cuisine in a picturesque setting. After day-long water sport activities, sate your carnivorous appetite at the Sea Grill, which serves gourmet organic meats grilled to perfection. Wind down the day at the Sala Bar with a cocktail and Asian tapas in time for a stunning sunset; or dance the night away to live music at the Sand Bar. www.dusit.com
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ore than just a place to soak up the sun or swim a few laps, the outdoor pool at Anantara Kihavah Villas is a true retreat for ultimate relaxation. Whether the request is a thirst-quenching fresh fruit juice or a cold towel for cooling down under the sun, the Sunshine Butlers are on hand to provide the best service to every guest. To cater for every wish, their wide range of services can be as trivial as cleaning sunglasses or as technical as a bespoke back massage. Ipods are also available to rent, and each one is pre-loaded with a specific genre of music, ranging from jazz to hip-hop. www.kihavahmaldives.anantara.com
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hildren may not be eligible to dive, windsurf or do any kind of adrenaline-fuelled activity, but they can have their own fun at ‘Turtle Club’, the Kids’ Club at Beach House Iruveli. As every kid is a VIP at the little paradise, they can enjoy a host of dedicated facilities, including a private pool with mini day beds, a games room, a mini climbing wall, a herb garden, and a bungee trampoline for older children. An extensive selection of programs is also offered for the little VIPS to sign up for, including cooking classes and crab-hunting. They can even satisfy their Disney fantasies by dressing up like Captain Jack Sparrow from the Pirates of the Caribbean movies. www.beachhousecollection.com
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oga not only helps release physical stress, but also leads the soul to find the path of enlightenment. A wide range of yoga sessions is offered at Viceroy Hotels and Resorts to assist guests in seeking the silence in this otherworldly island, including Suryanamaskar Yoga, a 45-minute morning yoga session to wake the soul and greet the sunrise, and Manashanti Yoga, a 45-minute evening yoga session to wind down the day and learn deep relaxation. For guests who suffer from back pain, try Hatha Yoga, a more challenging and dynamic form of yoga, to create greater self-awareness, improve posture, flexibility, and balance. The Partner Yoga is ideal for couples as it brings out the element of caring and sharing. www.viceroyhotelsandresorts.com/ maldives
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n order to catch a glimpse of the ocean’s gentle giant, the manta ray, you usually have to dive into the ocean and test your luck. However, at the Conrad Maldives Rangali Island, guests can watch these spectacular sea creatures without touching a drop of water. Stay at the Conrad Maldives Rangali Island during manta ray season, from November to April, wander along the bridge between the resort’s two islands at night, and find manta rays swimming and frolicking in the turquoise waters below. For more intrepid souls, travel 10 minutes by boat to a nearby manta ray cleaning station – where clumps of coral are used to remove parasites – and dive into the Maldives’ warm waters to get up close and personal with these remarkable animals. www.conradhotels3.hilton.com
A Maldivian Hideaway
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ituated in Haa Alif, the northern-most atoll of the Maldives, Beach House Iruveli carries all the style and charm of traditional Maldivian hospitality, while seamlessly blending the Asian hallmarks of simplicity and elegance. With direct flight access from most major cities, the Maldives, with its yearround sunshine, is the ideal getaway destination. The resort comprises 83 luxurious, modern detached villas and suites, each with its own private plunge pool. From these well-appointed retreats, guests will experience a journey of discovery in the beauty of the Maldives. With the vision of ‘Crafting the Extraordinary’, Beach House Collection places guests at the heart of every experience with highly personalised, heartfelt service, while each resort offers the perfect balance of escapism and warm, inviting environments. Beach House Iruveli features a luxurious spa, a number of swimming pools for adults and children, white sandy beaches, and an extensive kids’ club. Guests can also experience a comprehensive range of activities and excursions including diving, water sports, castaway experiences at nearby uninhabited islands, sunset cruises, traditional Maldivian or big game fishing trips, and dolphin cruises. The resort is very popular with guests from across the globe and caters very well to couples, honeymooners and families alike, all of whom are looking for a private luxury retreat. The guest experience starts at the resort’s private airport lounge in Malé, which is followed by a luxury seaplane transfer that will take guests directly to the resort. The villas at the resort offer complete privacy, and the Pavilions, ideal for families or small groups, come complete with private pools and spa treatment rooms. The Grand Beach Pavilion, the premium accommodation option at the resort, is a luxurious 600sqm residence that is the perfect retreat for a family or group of friends, where absolute privacy is guaranteed. Guests enter through a walled courtyard with ornamental ponds, which leads into an elegant dining room and living area. Two beautifully appointed bedrooms offer direct access to the 13metre infinity pool, while the master bedroom also features a separate plunge pool in the al fresco bathroom. Wellness needs are met with a separate sauna, steam room, and a private massage treatment room. A first floor games lounge, which can be turned into a third bedroom, offers stunning views across the ocean, and a range of entertainment options, including a flat-screen TV and Nintendo Wii games. Guests can relax in the private plunge pool or lounge on the sun deck. A secluded beach cabana and direct access to the beach ensure a truly exclusive experience. Beach House Iruveli Haa Alifu Atoll, Iruveli island 2062, Maldives I Tel: +960 650-0400 I Website: www.beachhousecollection.com
Paradise Found
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ocated a 45-minute scenic seaplane ride away from Malé in the unspoilt Noonu Atoll, Iru Fushi Beach & Spa Maldives is a pearl in the crisp azure of the Indian Ocean. Set on 52 acres of white sands and exotic flora, guests stepping into the resort are immediately immersed in a timeless culture. From the intricate detail and personalised service that creates special memories, to the sublime delight that permeates each unforgettable taste, touch, and experience, each feature proves that at Iru Fushi, the incredible awaits. All accommodation at Iru Fushi is characterised by its unique beach or over-water setting. Guests can enjoy breathtaking sunset views across the Indian Ocean from their Water Villa ter-
PO Box 2036, Malé, Maldives I Tel: +960 656 0591 Website: www.irufushi.com
race, or relax amidst peaceful surroundings in their private Beach Villa swimming pool. For those seeking sophistication, the sanctuary of a Suite offers the most elegant indulgences. From luxurious amenities to outstanding facilities, and from flawless Maldivian service to local cultural experiences, Iru Fushi Beach & Spa Maldives takes pride in turning guests’ dreams into reality. With eleven gastronomic venues waiting to be discovered at Iru Fushi, the island is a culinary paradise. Guests can sample the freshest Maldivian seafood at Islander’s Grill, explore the world of winepairing with a guided blind-tasting at The Cellar, or sip freshly made cocktails whilst enjoying fusion delicacies. A combination of exciting activities,
insightful excursions and stunning natural surroundings, both on land and underwater, awaits families, couples, and individual travellers alike. From snorkelling safaris to soothing ayurvedic treatments, from traditional Maldivian fishing to fun at the Kids’ Club, guests are invited to do as much, or as little, as they like during their stay on the island. Iru Fushi Beach & Spa Maldives is the visionary creation of Sun Siyam, one of the most forward-thinking and dynamic companies in the Maldives. Led by renowned Maldivian entrepreneur Ahmed Siyam Mohamed, Sun Siyam is committed to building a collection of hotel and resort brands infused with his unique, passionate approach and colourful spirit.
I N S P I R E D B Y PA S S I O N
resort EXPERIENCE by Constance
M AU R I T I U S
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SEYCHELLES
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MALDIVES
The magical settings nurture our passion to create
The Unique Experience Begin the U-experience: call (230) 402 2772/73 or visit us at www.constancehotels.com
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M A DAG A S C A R
UNDER THE
Famed for its powder white sand and azure lagoons, the Seychelles is the ultimate escape for beach bunnies from Asia, finds Crystal Leung.
Surfers’ Paradise
Family Fun Located five kilometres from the Seychellois capital of Victoria, Beau Vallon is one of the most popular resort beaches on Mahé Island. Without strong currents, rocks, or coral underfoot, the peaceful, turquoise water is not only a safe playground for children, but also a paradise for parasailing, snorkelling, and diving, all under lifeguard supervision. Take an afternoon nap on the gorgeous crescent of powdery white sand, under the shade of an indigenous takamaka tree, and make sure to stay for the mesmerising sunset behind Silhouette Island. If you’d like to stay closer to home, check in at the nearby Constance Ephelia Resort, home to four stunning beaches, including its own acclaimed North Beach, and only a few minutes from Beau Vallon. www.epheliaresort.constancehotels.com
One of the most pristine beaches on Mahé Island, Anse Intendance attracts thousands of surfers every year with its towering waves, which can reach extraordinary heights during the southeast trade winds. If surfing is not your thing, just soaking up the sun on this strip of glistening white sand, sipping local Takamaka rum cocktails, and enjoying the stunning sunset will keep you occupied. Be sure to book a room at the nearby Banyan Tree Resort for a restful slumber after a day under the Seychellois sun. www.banyantree.com An Idyllic Retreat Framed by granite boulders and wreathed by lush vegetation, Anse Lazio on Praslin Island is often called the most idyllic beach in the Seychelles. It’s an ideal destination for families to picnic on the stretch of silvery, soft sand, swim in the calm, shallow waters, or snorkel in
the sheltered cove. Couples can enjoy a romantic dinner under the star-studded sky, while the bay remains popular with yachties docking in time for sunset. The beachfront Le Chevalier restaurant recently emerged from renovation and offers a tropics-inspired lunch menu. Alternatively, stay at the nearby Raffles Praslin for dedicated beach transfers and a butler-served champagne dinner on the sand. www.raffles.com Picture Perfect Situated in the north of La Digue Island, Anse Source d’Argent captivates photographers and film-makers every year, as they try to capture the spectacular vista of shimming water and dazzling white sand framed by naturally sculpted granite boulders and a stunning lagoon packed with plenty of intriguing, rainbowcoloured fish. The waters of the beach may be too shallow for snorkelling, but it’s still a perfect spot for sun-worshipping, and is one of the most visited beaches in the islands. You can indulge your taste-buds in the nearby restaurant, Lanbousir, with a tender grilled fish or a banana pancake, or sample local Creole dishes like fruit-bat curry. www.ladigue.sc A Regal Sanctuary Famous for being the honeymoon destination of Prince William
and Kate Middleton, North Island is one of the 42 inner islands of the Seychelles, with three stunning beaches dedicated to just 20 guests. At the western point, the romantic West Beach Bar overlooks picturesque West Beach and is the perfect spot from which to enjoy the last rays of sun. Treating yourself to an exotic, thirst-quenching cocktail while lying on ruby-coloured cushions and gazing up at the velvet, star-studded sky as your butler sets up a candlelit dinner is the best way to wind down your day. www.north-island.com
Hidden Oasis Tucked away on the western tip of Praslin, Anse Georgette is a secret heaven unknown to most. Relax in unsurpassed privacy in this secluded cove while listening to the crashing waves and the palm trees rustling in the breeze, and enjoy the stunning vista of crystalclear waters meeting cloudless azure sky. To access this exclusive strip of sand, you have to travel by taxi boat, or hike in. Alternatively, stay at the acclaimed Constance Lemuria Resort, which offers guest transfers from suite to beach. www. lemuriaresort.constancehotels.com
The tropical island of Mauritius, with its rich and varied landscape and pristine coastline, has long been a favourite with golfers looking to swing under the sun, discovers Nick Walton.
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t’s early morning on The Legend golf course on the east coast of Mauritius, and we have a problem. It’s not the course; laid out in 1994 beside the stunning Constance Belle Mare Plage Resort, The Legend regularly hosts national and international events and welcomes thousands of sun-kissed travellers to its tees and greens annually. It’s more to do with the course’s residents, in this case, a herd of doe-eyed deer. The deer have always been part of the scenery at The Legend (the restaurant that looks out across the 18th hole is aptly named the Deer Hunter Restaurant) but they make teeing off in their direction a whole new style of golf, and watching them crowd the green before moving off into the bushlands which surround this grand dame of courses, is exhilarating. The Legend is a 72-par course designed by South African golfing champion Hugh Baiocchi, and provides the perfect balance between challenge and leisure that so many travelling golfers look for when they want to play on their holidays. Established and endearing, the course is set in the heart of an indigenous forest originally used to breed – you guessed it, deer – and guests staying at the Constance Belle Mare Plage, or is opulent sister hotel Constance Le Prince Maurice, have free access, incentive enough for many avid players. Alternatively, guests staying at Constance Belle Mare Plage, or at Constance Le Prince Maurice, which recently emerged from a multi-million dollar renovation, might prefer a round at The Links, an 18-hole course designed by Rodney Wright and Peter Allis. This course, famed for its blind holes, is not only a favourite with local players but is also the host of the annual MCB Tour Championship, a key tournament on the European Senior Tour calendar. Players
at the championship level will find the Links more forgiving than The Legend, although six of the closing eight holes have water in play. If you think your swing is a little rusty, you can perfect your play at the Marc Farry Golf Academy, one of the best golfing clinics on the island. Another great name in golfing on Mauritius is the Ernie Els-designed course at the Four Seasons at Anahita, on the island’s west coast. This stunning 7,500-yard, 18-hole, par-72 course is famed for its wide open fairways and its stunning seafront greens, although well-placed bunkers mean golfers can’t just blast away. Built to USGA standards, the course has been carefully woven into the resort’s tropical surrounds, and lush mountains and crystal-clear lagoons make for great backdrops to some of Mauritius’ best golfing experiences. After your round – which is complimentary to resort guests – be sure to stop in at Le Club & Bar, the perfect post-round spot for a cold drink and a spot of reminiscing. Also on the west coast is Le Touessrok, one of the most beautiful courses on the island. Located on
its own little island – Ile aux Cerf, or the Deer Island – Le Touessrok is an 18-hole, par-72 course designed by Bernhard Langer and is designed to be exciting for recreational golfers. Expect fairways which run alongside the turquoise lagoon, and greens with stunning views across the island to the mainland. Finish off with exquisite Mauritian cuisine at the clubhouses’ signature restaurant.
Golf Directory The Legend www.constancehotels.com The Links www.constancehotels.com Four Seasons at Anahita www.fourseasons.com Le Touessrok www.letouessrokresort.com
I N S P I R E D B Y PA S S I O N
hotel EXPERIENCE by Constance
The magical settings nurture our passion to create
The Ultimate Experience Begin the U-experience: call (230) 402 2772/73 or visit us at www.constancehotels.com