MALDIVES


recommend an experience at the Vakkaru Reserve, an impressive cellar home to more than 250 wine varieties. The overwater spa is another triumph. With an Ayurvedic specialist on site and couples and single treatment rooms loV>Ìi` on ÃÌilÌÃ] Ìhi iÀ>n> -«> ià > ÛiÀÞ Ã«iVi>l «l>Vi° ̽à the perfect spot to enjoy some TLC and, for those seeking more of an MOT, the Ayurvedic doctor will no doubt help uncover any health issues that need addressing. The pièce de résistance of the spa is the outdoor


relaxation area where guests head for an infused tea >vÌiÀ ÌhiiÀ ÌÀi>ÌminÌð ̽à homi Ìo > ÃÌi>m Àoom] Ã>Õn>] Vol` «lÕn}i «ool >n` inwniÌÞ-ÃÌÞli hoÌ ÌÕL Ìh>Ì `iliÛiÀà incredible views over the surrounding ocean. While here, two young children emerge with their grandmother having had a chocolate-themed treatment.


Activities aplenty Youngsters are well catered to in the spa – and across Ìhi iÃl>n`° 7hin Üi ÛiÃiÌ Ìhi *>ÀÀoÌwÃh ki`ý VlÕL] i̽à clear how popular it is, with plenty of children enjoying themselves. Mini sunloungers surround a shallow pool and staff work hard to keep little ones busy. Our stay coincides with Halloween and the themed activities are extensive, with trick or treat parades around Ìhi iÃl>n`] ÃÕ««lii` v>nVÞ `ÀiÃà oÕÌwÌà >n` moÛii ni}hÌà on offer. Staff even dress up as Minions as they look to bring smiles to the faces of their tiny guests. Active clients can enjoy the watersports at Splash; battle it out on courts dedicated to tennis, padel and badminton; or enjoy the overwater gym, also home to a yoga deck.


My favourite source of exercise comes in the form of a simple walk along the shores of the island. On one occasion during an evening stroll, we spot a tiny reef shark swimming in the shallows as we all dip our toes in Ìhi Ü>Àm Ü>ÌiÀ°


ominÌÃ l>ÌiÀ Üi Ãii ÃiÛiÀ>l ÃÌ>ÀwÃh


and a giant ray glides past. We continue along the sand, bound for a mocktail on the beach as the sun dips out of sight. A dream, indeed!


BOOK IT: Nightly B&B rates at Vakkaru start from $955 for a


Beach Villa and from $1,135 for an Over Water Villa. VAKKARUMALDIVES.COM


FROM TOP: Four-bedroom Beach Pool Residence; mini ÃÕnloÕn}iÀà >Ì *>ÀÀoÌwÃh ki`ý VlÕLÆ `inin} on > secluded sandbank Credits: yashlightroom; Ed Van Rijswijk


48 ASPIRE JANUARY 2025


aspiretravelclub.co.uk


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