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maldives
the globe, that is pretty impressive.” The isolation of the islands results in some of the best dive spots in the world, with seasonal currents creating rich channels of plankton, attracting manta rays and whale sharks (there’s now a Maldivian Whale Shark National Park). “The sheltered lagoons and coral reefs make this one of the most exciting diving destinations on the planet,” says Jane Herbert, Marketing Manager for Regal Diving. “You can even choose a liveaboard for complete diving freedom and the chance to visit uninhabited islands. It’s one of our most popular destination,” adds Bells. Despite its reputation as a romance destination
moves are being made to attract families, with Jumeriah Vittaveli welcoming children over three for free at its Kuda Koli Kids’ Club, as part of its current Winter Flavours offer.
“One of the best places to dive and snorkel with manta rays is Baa Atoll from June to October. Around Hanifaru Bay you can encounter up to 30 mantas, moving back and forth at the
surface doing acrobatics” NEILL GHOSH, HEAD OF ORIGINAL DIVING
What’s new Accommodation: Club Med (
clubmed.co.uk) is
opening two resorts; Finolhu Villas (opening February 2015), and Club Med Kani (opening January 2015), a fi ve-minute boat journey apart. Mirihi Island Resort (
mirihi.com) reopens this
winter with an additional two-bedroom over- water suite, extended spa and new wine bar. Naladhu (
naladhu.com) has also added a two- bedroom pool residence, Conrad Maldives Rangali Island (
conradhotels.com/maldives) opens new Chinese restaurant Ufaa at the start of October. Soneva Fushi (
soneva.com/soneva-fushi) launched
And relaunched Sun Siyam Iru Fushi resort is
now offering a crèche plus a kids’ Stay, Play and Eat for free package. It was recently announced by Visit Maldives that
the country is looking to diversify its product to attract the mid-market alongside its luxury offering. How? Through the creation of the archipelago’s fi rst integrated Resort Development Project, recently launched by President Abdulla Yamen Abdul Gayoon to be rolled out over the next three years. The project will develop smaller guesthouses on the islands of Thumburi and Hulhiyandhoo in the Laamu Atoll in the north, and will include 23 ‘hospitality projects’ creating 2100 new beds.
Soneva in Aqua in August, its new private yacht charter, with a master suite with sunken glass bath, couples’ spa treatments and free dives. Outrigger has purchased the Konotta Island
Resort situated in the Gaafu Dhaalu Atoll and following renovation, will open as the Outrigger Konotta Maldives Resort in July 2015. Maafushivara was due to be rebranded as
an ‘adults only’ Sensimar brand resort from November 1. JA Resorts & Hotels has opened JA Manufaru
(formerly known as Beach House Iruveli). The resort is notable for its spacious villa
Above, clockwise from left: The waters off the Conrad Maldives, Park Hyatt overwater villa and the Platinum Plus all-inclusive Atmosphere Kanifushi
sellingtravel.co.uk
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