DESTINATIONS INDIAN OCEAN | MALDIVES
ABOVE: More than 30 varieties of fruit, vegetables and herbs are grown at Seb’s Farm, providing fresh produce to be served up for the resort’s guests insight INSIDER “We offer our UK partners
regular training, tailored offers, fam trips and commercial support. We have hosted more than 60 agents and selling partners at Raaya by
Atmosphere, giving them the full guest experience, including Seb’s Story. Guests uncover treasures left behind by Seb, a [fictional] artist shipwrecked on the island – from Seb’s Farm to an artists’ zone that
offers the opportunity to paint a model of a dhoni boat.”
Jose Gregorio Manzo, assistant vice-president international sales, Atmosphere Core
skateboarding circuit. However, I found it too hot to enjoy any of these after mid-morning, so advise active clients to book early sessions.
ISLAND TIME To cool down, I hit the beach. Raaya’s house reef is 350 metres from shore and less vibrant than Helengeli’s, but there is still plenty to see. Watersports instructor Dom said: “The area around Raaya has a high chance of stingrays, as they move towards Baa Atoll. You might see 10 eagle rays at once – especially when stand-up paddleboarding.”
I paddled out in the hope of encountering a member of the spotty species. Instead, I heard a call to prayer carried on the wind from neighbouring Rasmaadhoo island. For an additional $75, clients can take an excursion to see where locals live, work and play; but I was content to hear the rhythmic chant from the peace of my board. Returning to Seb’s Farm with
an empty stomach, I wandered beneath fairy lights to the dining table at the heart of the farm. The four-course menu
44 26 MARCH 2026
33Hatchling turtles reach the sea, their flippers stroking the air and dark eyes blinking in the moonlight
depends on what’s harvested, but expect a blend of local and international favourites. My menu featured Maldivian garudhiya fish soup, penne in pesto made with sharp Thai basil grown directly behind my seat, and caramelised banana served in a freshly-hacked coconut husk.
BOOK IT
Kuoni offers seven nights’ all-inclusive at Oblu Nature Helengeli by Sentido from £3,249, based on two sharing a Deluxe Beach Villa. The price includes transfers and flights via Sri Lanka from Heathrow, based on select November departures.
kuoni.co.uk
Gold Medal sells seven nights’ all-inclusive at Raaya by Atmosphere from £2,999 per person, based on two adults and a child sharing a Beach Villa with Pool. The price includes transfers and flights from Heathrow via Sri Lanka on October 24.
goldmedal.co.uk
travelweekly.co.uk
KICKING BACK Reclining on the outdoor sofa of the beach villa on my final night, gazing up at the stars as fruit bats swirled overhead, I noticed a slight rustle in the bushes. The noise was quickly followed by one of the resort’s conservationists springing into action to help hatchling turtles reach the sea, their flippers stroking the air and dark eyes blinking in the moonlight. Wandering to the shore to watch
the little ones set out, I pondered how, even without the distractions of city life, I’d started to feel more comfortable in my own company. In the Maldives, time is entirely your own – whether you choose to spend it in pursuit of wildlife, dipping a toe into new activities or simply with your nose in a book.
TW
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