DESTINATIONS MALDIVES INDIAN OCEAN
There are three buffet restaurants with international-themed dining and nine à la carte restaurants. Whatever cuisine you want, chances are you will find it here. Beyond eating there are plenty of activities, including parasailing, wake boarding, diving and guided snorkelling safaris. On land, the island’s Eco Centre houses a sperm whale skeleton, while its Hydroponic Garden, where the resort’s salad leaves are grown, is well worth a visit. It’s a good choice for couples on a
ASK THE EXPERT
Brad Bennetts, national sales manager, Kuoni “The Maldives is an iconic and amazingly beautiful destination. The choice of islands is endless and can sometimes be overwhelming, from the luxurious Kandolhu, where it takes just a few minutes to walk from one side to the other, to the vibrant Kuramathi, which is one mile long with its own sandbank. Aside from the fantastic beaches and breathtaking snorkelling, each island offers a unique experience so it is really
important to ensure your clients are matched with the right one. For customers who perhaps can’t afford the full duration in a water villa, it is worth recommending splitting between a beach bungalow and the water villa to get the best of both worlds.”
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tighter budget, and a top option for families needing variety and multiple dining options to suit even the fussiest of palates. Agent verdict: Sarah Busby, manager of Ascot Travel House, says: “It’s perfect for families and honeymooners because of the variety of accommodation. The ‘Select’ all-inclusive dining is well worth the money because you can eat at all the restaurants. Because of its size, everything is spread out, so it still feels very exclusive and intimate wherever you are”. Book it: Garden Villa, full-board, from £2,700; exclusive to Kuoni.
w VELASSARU MALDIVES Getting there: Velassaru is located in the South Malé Atoll, seven and a half miles from the airport. It takes about 25 minutes to reach by speedboat. Accommodation: Perched on a coral
Velassaru has all the postcard-worthy elements of a Maldivian island, plus this resort is small and more intimate
island, Velassaru has all the postcard- worthy elements of a Maldivian island, plus this resort is small, and as a result, feels more private and intimate than some of its neighbours.
There are 10 room categories, a number of which are being or have recently been upgraded. These include the chic, minimalist Water Villas made from thatch, stone and teak; and the Beach Villas, which include oversized bathrooms and garden showers. Private plunge pools are available in a number of these so you can sit back and take a soak with a view of the ocean. This resort is a good option for
ABOVE: Water Suite with pool, Velassaru
LEFT: Velassaru beach
discerning diners. The quality of a hotel’s culinary offering can often be judged on its performance at breakfast and Velassaru has the edge on the other two resorts even down to its presentation. There are just enough dining options to give you some variety without being overwhelmed by choice. The cuisine is loyal to the region and is predominantly Asian- inspired, with a few European options. What to do: This is definitely one of the more laid-back and romantic islands, where relaxing is the best way to enjoy it. But for those who get fidgety after a few days, there are a handful of excursions including night fishing and guided snorkelling, as well as Island Escape where guests can be transferred to a secluded sandbank with a picnic. Expect plenty of couples. Agent verdict: Felicity Ralfs, owner of Butterfly Travel, says: “This was my favourite resort. I’d describe it as understated luxury. It has a very relaxed ambience. I’d say it’s most suited to couples and slightly younger to middle-aged customers.” Book it: Deluxe Bungalow on B&B basis from £2,759. All-inclusive from £5,435.
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