The Maldives
Click here for a few suggestions from our
extensive portfolio of hotels.
 Arriving at Mahe, the capital of the Maldives, for
the fast trip by speedboat or seaplane to your chosen island resort, you
will find it hard to believe that these 1190 atolls were once a budget
add-on to a holiday on Sri Lanka. Of the 200 occupied atolls within more
than 1000 that makes up the group, some have been developed into the
hemisphere’s most luxurious hideaways and whether you are a beachcomber
or an active water-sports enthusiast, you are certain to enjoy this
chain of bleached sand islands that stretch from the Equator to the
southern tip of India.
Most islands can be circumnavigated on foot in 45
minutes, so most activity takes place in or on the water. Three quarters
of the world’s reef fish are found in the Maldives and there are fully
trained instructors on hand at the hotels for diving (try night-diving
for something completely different), wind-surfing and sailing through
islands dotted like meringues on the turquoise sea. If you’re after a
more Hemingway-like experience, regular big game fishing for bonito,
sail-fish and other giants of the sea can easily be arranged.
Alternatively, if you want complete relaxation, then
lazing on the blonde, powdery soft sands, is guaranteed to de-stress
you. Or, you can opt to do absolutely nothing while being massaged and
pampered to within an inch of your life at your hotel’s state of the art
Spa. The Huvafen Fushi Resort even has an underwater Spa, nestled among
the marine life of the deep blue sea! Could anything be more hedonistic?
And whereas once the food was nondescript it is
nowadays one of the great pleasures of a holiday here, as top chefs head
for the islands to cook their blends of European, International, Asian
and Maldivian foods. The freshest of fish, the fusion of cultures, and a
new demanding clientele, has made the Maldives a gourmet paradise.
 The most difficult decision you will have to make is
which resort to choose. Most of them offer inclusive deals; after
strenuous water-sports during the day, people are generally content to
sit and watch the blood-orange sun sink into the sea as they sip a
cocktail before dinner.
Palm-thatched villas perched on stilts over the sea,
many of them facing outward for maximum privacy with steps leading
straight into the water from sundecks are the norm on the Maldives.
Air-conditioning and safes are technically advanced, and the furnishings
in raw silks, cool linens and warm woods are what you would expect from
resorts that can offer you your own butler and chef.
Below are just a few we’ve visited lately and liked.
The Award winning Soneva Fushi Resort is
located on the largest island in the occupied group with an unspoilt
forest lying at its heart and non-motorised water sports to preserve its
tranquillity. It’s sister resort, the Soneva Gili, has seven
stand alone Crusoe villas perched in a separate part of the lagoon, each
with its own rowing boat – the ultimate in luxury living.
Only 15 minutes away from the capital, Mahe, is the
Taj Exotica Resort and Spa, where sunrise yoga and daily tai chi
classes are on offer, and should you overdo the banana boat rides or
make a duff landing from a parasailing trip, tender, loving care is on
hand in the shape of hot stone therapy and other calming and soothing
treatments.
 The Four Seasons Resort at Kuda Huraa offers
a sail-and-stay option, splitting time between land and its luxury
catamaran. On the island, enjoy its exclusive Spa with treatment rooms
open to the calming sound of the sea. As perfumed oils are massaged into
your body you can gaze down through crystal-clear waters at the
rainbow-hued fish below.
Caviar to Krug is promised at Dhoni Mighili
which opened in July 2003 where the “extras” include a boat for the sole
use of the villa occupants, plus a private crew to take you anywhere
within reason. Is that an offer you can refuse?
Already plans are well advanced for the upgrading to
International status of the current domestic airport on the island of
Gan, a welcome boost for the new 250-villa Shangri- La Resort & Spa,
scheduled to open in December 2004 on the Addu Atoll, just a few minutes
boat ride from Gan.
These islands are really paradisiacal but as you sip
your sundowner and gaze at the star-studded sky you may wish to ponder
the terrible fact that due to global warming, these beautiful islands
lying on sea-level may disappear come the next major ice-cap
melt.
Meanwhile, the Maldivian Tourist Board continues to
build for the future. Perhaps now is a good time to visit.
Click here for a few suggestions from our
extensive portfolio of hotels.
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