Mad for the Maldives
by Vikie on 01/02/09 at 3:59 am
Maldives is one of the most beautiful destinations on the planet. Here are 10 good reasons to holiday in this escapist paradise.
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Exceptional Accommodation (Banyan Tree Maldives, Madivaru)
Banyan Tree has introduced a new style of accommodation to the Maldives with its first-class resort, Madivaru. There are just six tented pool villas – each with large living, eating and bathing tents – which provides guests with a luxurious alternative to the traditional Maldivian beachfront property, and over-water villas.
The bathing tents feature spa beds for enjoying the private in-villa treatments, which include signature Banyan Tree Spa massages and facials, while the resort’s in-villa dining option offers guests a romantic evening meal. -
Underwater Eating (Conrad Maldives, Rangali Island)
This unique dining experience spans to islands and is joined by a wooden bridge, topped by the innovative Ithaa – the world’s only undersea restaurant. Eight meters below sea level, diners can experience views of the reef and marine life, all thanks to an aquarium styled room. Rays and sharks will swim overhead as you tuck into Maldivian white fish and other local delicacies.
(It is recommended that you book your meal two weeks in advance, as the restaurant can only seat 14 people.) -
The Ultimate Body Holiday (One&Only Maldives at Reethi, Rah Island)
Guests can luxuriate in swirling vitality pools and crystal steam rooms, or feel the effects of stimulating ice fountains before experiencing treatments devised by Susan Harmsworth and her team. Couples can book into one of the two over-water private spa suites.
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Best for Families (Island Hideaway, Donakulhi)
Despite its intimate name, the resort has excellent family facilities, for people of all ages. Including the Tender Hearts supervised kids club, with various activities, bicycles and a playground. There are also experiences for the active family which include speedboat trips, big game fishing cruises and dolphin safaris.
You can also head to the water sports centre to try your hand at water-skiing, canoeing, snorkelling, wake-boarding, diving, windsurfing, or for a lazier afternoon, spend your time in the infinity pool overlooking the Indian Ocean. There are also land activities that include two tennis courts, table tennis, volleyball, billiards, bicycles to cycle around the island at your leisure and a gymnasium. -
The Chic Retreat (W Retreat, Fesdu)
Modern comfort and aesthetics are the key to the setting of this resort. The W Retreat has 78 villas in four different styles, all with private pools, sundecks and outdoor showers. It’s the tiny details that make this retreat even more special. Dotted around this resort are ‘sweet spots’ – mini bars with complimentary drinks and ice creams.
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The Green Retreat (Banyan Tree Maldives, Vabbinfaru)
For those of you that are environmentally friendly travellers, you can do your bit to secure the future of marine life at Banyan Tree Retreat. The retreat ensures that there is minimal damage to the environment by constructing villas on the footprint of previous properties, acquiring water by desalinating the ocean water and avoiding pesticides in the resort’s flourishing herb and vegetable garden.
Marine biologists create environmental awareness by teaching guests about the ocean and its delicate life. There is also the opportunity to partake in reef cleaning, coral transplantation and supporting the unique Green Sea Turtle Conservation Programme – rearing young turtles in a natural lagoon habitat. -
Out of this World Diving (Baros)
Baros is known for its world-class diving, just a short boat ride away are 25 outstanding dive sites that visitors return to year after year. But closer to the shore is the coral house reef, one of the best in the Maldives, just 30 metres from the beach. The large dive school at Baros is run by an experience team who can teach great knowledge about the local sites and marine life. Baros is the perfect place for both novice and experienced divers. Instructors suggest locations according to the current, seasons and weather conditions.
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The Escape for Luxury Seekers (Huvafen Fushi)
Huvafen Fushi resides in the tiny island and is idyllic for couples looking for an indulgent escape. Sleek, over-water beach bungalows, with delectable Italian Frette bed linens, designer furnishing and Bose music systems, while the staff waiters cater to your every need and want. You can take a walk to one of the three restaurants or the lively bar where you can partake in wine testing with the resorts sommelier, and book in for a massage at one of the world’s first underwater treatment rooms.
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The Private Retreat (Soneva Gili)
Check in to Soneva Gili’s private reserve to enjoy the ultimate in Maldivian escapes. The Private Reserve comprises of five buildings with two master suites, each with their own floor to ceiling ocean views. An en-suite guest room is available, each building with a large open plan living area which includes a sea garden, natural coral pool, dining area and sun decks. Plus a private spa facility with steam room, treatment pavilions and sauna. The resorts spa has treatments that can be transferred to the private reserve, easily arranged by your personal butler.
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Island Hopping and Cruising (Four Seasons Resort)
If you like the idea of a dual stay or a stay on land for one week and sea for a second, Four Seasons is for you. Landaa Guraavaru on the Baa atol is a comfy retreat with thatched beach and water villas. Or you can stay in Kuda Huraa, with luxuriously appointed beach pavilions, stilt mounted bungalows and suites, geared towards adult only holidays/honeymoons. You can stay in either resort or add to your experience by going on a Four Seasons cruise; a private three deck, 11 deck catamaran to explore all that the Maldives has to offer.
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