Meet the
experts Describe your perfect island? Medium sized, as I like to be able to stretch my legs, but I prefer islands without too many facilities. For me the beauty of the Maldives is in the islands themselves. I also like it when islands have plenty of vegetation as it not only looks pretty but allows you to escape from the midday sun!
Jordan Torrilla Product & Purchasing Manager, What are your best three experiences from your Classic Collection Holidays trips to the Maldives?
What do you love most about the Maldives? There are two things for me, the first is travelling by seaplane; I love the sense of adventure and the view of the islands below. The second is being on a truly isolated island. Looking out and seeing no lights on the horizon gives you such a strong feeling of remoteness and I love that. How many times have you visited the Maldives? I’ve been fortunate enough to visit the Maldives on eight separate occasions. I was just 10 years old on my first visit, it was a family holiday and undoubtedly one of the best my family went on. It was my first experience of snorkelling and I absolutely loved it, that is until I saw the silhouette of a reef shark beneath me and signalled to my dad to help me back to the boat! What essentials could you not travel without? I’d love to say a book but so often I pack them and don’t read them, a bad habit of mine. Realistically, I’d say reef-safe sunscreen, a baseball cap and my camera. I am a keen photographer and it doesn’t get much more photogenic than the Maldives.
38 | A Guide To The Maldives
Dining at The Lighthouse Restaurant on Baros Maldives. For me this restaurant encapsulates everything the Maldives should be. It is scenic, romantic and unforgettable – what more could you want? Another of my favourite experiences was during my first visit to the Maldives when I discovered there were no TVs on the island. Nowadays most islands have television and WiFi and everything else you need to stay connected, but for me I love being off-grid and that’s why I love islands like Diamonds Athuruga, where whilst still connected, the focus is on enjoying the island for what it is. My third and final best experience would probably be the spa at Huvafen Fushi Maldives. With both overwater and underwater treatment rooms this spa really stands out as one of the best in the Maldives. Arriving at Huvafen Fushi Maldives I was far from a wellness lover but after just a few hours in their spa I was totally converted. I cannot wait to return. Diamonds Athuruga
