DESTINATIONS MALDIVES INDIAN OCEAN
opens at 4pm each day when the sun isn’t as strong. Lead-in Sky Studios can offer interconnecting rooms (from £145 per person, per night, half-board) or kids can stay on a sofa bed to take advantage of an offer allowing under- 12s to stay and eat for free. Keeping an eye on costs is key for
families – by the time you multiply hotel rates by four, it can get pretty pricey – but there is some surprisingly good value to be found, if you know where to look. Premier Holidays recommends Adaaran Select Hudhuranfushi in Kaafu, North Malé atoll, for its all-inclusive package, which comes in at just £1,299 per person, including flights, transfers and accommodation. Nikki Hain, Indian Ocean product manager, says: “It’s a good all-inclusive option for families without a big price tag. Youngsters will be entertained with facilities specifically aimed at children, including a pool, table tennis, play area, shopping arcade and exciting excursions available.” When it comes to facilities, few
could beat Jumeirah Vittaveli, home of the Maldives’ only ice rink. Sovereign purchasing executive Shusma Knight says: “It has really nice two-bedroom beach villas with private pools that come with two bathrooms and kids’ amenities including an Xbox. The island is big enough to cycle around and there are plenty of activities, from water sports to cooking classes, as well as the Kuda-Koli kids’ club.”
Maldives
The Meeru Island Resort is surrounded by an immaculate turquoise lagoon – it really is a paradise on Earth”
ABOVE:
Kandima Maldives,
Dhaalu atoll BELOW:
Coco Palm
Dhuni Kolhu, Baa atoll
w COUPLES Who says you’ve got to get hitched to want quality couple time? Whether they’ve been married five years or 50, or have no intention of tying the knot, other coupled-up clients could still benefit from a Maldivian escape. Tricia Birmingham, Gold Medal senior
product manager for the Middle East and Indian Ocean, says: “The Maldives is far more than a destination for honeymooners; with so many fantastic properties in such stunning locations, why should newlyweds get all the fun? “I recommend the Meeru Island
Resort & Spa. Located on its own secluded island and surrounded by an immaculate turquoise lagoon, it really is a paradise on Earth.” Quiet it might be, but that just
leaves more time to have a go at golf, cycling, tennis and kayaking; enjoy a relaxed lunch in one of its casual restaurants; or just kick back on your own private sun deck. A week full- board with Qatar Airways flights between September 7 and October 15 starts at £1,429. Things are just as relaxed at Coco Palm Dhuni Kolhu Resort, where villas
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are hidden among tropical foliage and activities ranges from swimming with dolphins and sailing around deserted islands, to unwinding with yoga or watching a classic film with a glass of champagne at the private Coco Cinema. Caribtours offers a week all- inclusive in an oceanfront villa, with flights and lounge access, from £1,815 for bookings before June 30. But just when you thought it
couldn’t get any more chilled out, there’s the option of a seven-day dhoni cruise through the islands – and the best news? It doesn’t need a honeymoon-sized budget either. G Adventures’ Maldives Dhoni Cruise
starts at just £1,049 excluding flights, taking in snorkelling and swimming in the Felidhu atoll, traditional drumming and local life on Fulidhoo, interspersed with time to lounge around on deck. Group sizes are capped at eight, with a guide on board to help guests spot turtles, reef sharks, stingrays and octopuses as they pass by the boat.
w DIVING While many see the overwater villas as the ultimate romantic escape, ask any diver about the Maldives’ biggest draw, and it’s more likely to be life under the water that really stands out. Phil North, manager at specialist
operator Dive Worldwide, says: “The Maldives is not only for honeymooners, it is also a divers’ playground, offering thrilling encounters with marine life big and small. Vilamendhoo Island Resort & Spa is a real favourite of our customers. It is friendly, superb value and perfectly located to experience
PICTURES: SCUBAZOO IMAGES/JASON ISLEY; VILAMENDHOO RESORT
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