TRAVEL
At this point we are all facing the reality of restrictions in foreign travel and need to be careful of where we book our next far flung adventure to, but the Maldives is looking far better than many other fantasy destinations. By Tess de Klerk
THE MARVELLOUS
MALDIVES! The Maldives has never been on the UK government’s red zone list therefore home self-isolation on return is sufficient. That is unlikely to change as over 40% of the island population have been vaccinated and the number is growing rapidly. Visitors are required to provide proof of a negative Covid test taken within 96 hours of arrival and that will negate any need to isolate there. In other words, freedom to enjoy the marvellous Maldives from the moment you step off the plane! British Airways will be restarting their
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direct flights to the capital, Male, in May meaning soft, sandy beaches and crystal clear waters will be just 11 hours away (UK gov dependent). Added to that, great deals abound and a few days in paradise can be bought on any budget. Come on - be brave and book!
Maldives’ 26 dazzling atolls dot an area of 298 square kilometres of the Arabian Sea in the Indian Ocean and derives its name from Sanskrit, which describes the nation beautifully as ‘Garland of Islands’. Its geographic location ensures year-round sunshine and even
the rainy season offers great travel as the rain simply cools the day a bit without spoiling your fun. I love the Maldives, not only for its dazzling natural offerings but also for its people. I have stayed in incredible super-lux resorts as well as the less pricey more rustic options which tend to be more scuba diving oriented, and I have always found the friendly staff to be genuinely kind, warm and flawlessly hospitable. Here I sample just a few of what this exquisite archipelago has to offer...
