6 minute read
The marvellous Maldives
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 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 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...
BASK IN LUXURY
The Four Seasons Maldives Landaa Giraavaru, Kuda Huraa & Voavah
Pampering starts from the moment you step out of Male airport as you’re whisked away on the luxurious catamaran, the Four Seasons Explorer, to either the sophisticated Four Seasons Maldives Landaa Giraavaru retreat, part of Baa Atoll UNESCO World Biosphere Reserve or the sister property, Kuda Huraa, which is a lush tropical island close to Male. The island is renowned for its exceptional surf and easy charm. The main site of Four Seasons Maldives Landaa Giraavaru is pure tropical grandeur known for luxury, innovation, wellness and conservation. The resort spreads 103 thatched bungalows and villas of contemporary Maldivian design across the island’s lush jungle wilderness. Huge outdoor spaces include private infinity pools, mezzanine-level lofts accessed by a spiral staircase with direct access to the beach or turquoise lagoon.
Four Seasons also opened an ultra-luxe private island, called Four Seasons Private Island Maldives at Voavah, a secluded haven that transcends the private island experience for a maximum of 22 guests.
ECO AWARE & A BIT RUSTIC
The Barefoot Eco Hotel, Haa Dhalalu Atoll
See the real Maldives while staying at the Barefoot Eco Hotel - this is one of the few hotels based on an inhabited island. Hanimadhoo, in the far north of the Maldives, has a population of more than 2,000 farmers and fishermen. The simple but chic, sustainable hotel is in the middle of a traditional village complete with school and mosque. In the late afternoon village families go down to the beach to relax and watch the sunset. A totally different experience than the hermetic luxury of being pampered in a resort island. Be aware that alcohol is banned on the inhabited islands but a floating bar is a five minute boat ride away!
DON’T MISS THE DIVING
Atolls are by definition formed of coral and as such the islands offer plenty of great opportunities for snorkelling and diving enthusiasts all across the Maldives. The El Nino phenomenon of 2008 caused unprecedented coral bleaching in the area but mother nature is slowly but surely healing and is receiving a helping hand from various interesting coral rehabilitation projects, some of which welcome volunteers.
DIVERS PARADISE
Vilamendhoo Island Resort & Spa
A long-standing favourite with serious divers, this resort in South Ari Atoll is a 25-minute seaplane trip from Male airport and has a total of 184 rooms. The dive centre is one of 11 in the Maldives, run by the extremely professional Euro Divers – guaranteeing a very high standard of instructors and guides. There is an excellent house reef and more than 40 good sites to explore including Vilamendhoo Caves and the Khudarah Thila which explodes with vibrant soft corals. From June to October, there is a fantastic manta ray dive. Day trips are frequently scheduled to nearby Mamigili, which has been designated a whale shark national park. One further treat is the night ‘fluo’ dives - a night dive with a special filter on your mask - a fluorescent coral experience not to miss.
FUN IN THE SUN FOR THE WHOLE FAMILY
Anantara Dhigu Maldives Resort
Conveniently located just a thirty-minute speedboat transfer from Male Airport, Anantara Dhigu Maldives Resort is one of the archipelago’s favourite family-friendly resorts. Home to lush jungle interiors, encircled by soft white sands and lapped by the warm waters of the Indian Ocean - which guests can explore by way of complimentary kayaks, paddle-boards and glass-bottom boats. The snorkelling here is also exceptional where you can expect to meet the seasonal manta rays and kaleidoscopic collections of fish, turtles and reef sharks that frequent the reef all year round.
For younger guests, the Dhoni Club (3 to 12 years) has indoor and outdoor play spaces such as treehouses, climbing walls and dhoni boats - with an ever-changing events calendar, encouraging kids to embark on pirate adventures, cooking classes, treasure hunts and arts and crafts workshops.
Excellent overwater suites or beach and pool villas can also be booked in a variety of sizes. But what really makes this resort stand out as a favourite among families is the array of attentive touches: like the junior bathrobes and slippers for younger guests, the excellent children’s menus in all of the resort’s restaurants and the fact that children under six can eat for free during their stay.
GETTING THERE
Best pp deal l found for August: Singapore Airlines from Heathrow £626. Stop in Singapore Qatar Airways from Gatwick £802. Stop in Doha
Personally l would stay over in Singapore for a night or two at the Marina Bay Sands Hotel and swim in one of the most amazing pools in the world.
Marina Bay Sands Hotel, Singapore
