Maldives
Sun, sand and sea, a thousand islands reminiscent of Robinson Crusoe, massive lagoons with different depths and infinite shades of green and turquoise, dazzling underwater coral gardens; a perfect natural combination for a tropical honeymoon destination. Not only do you discover aspects of the planet denied to most people, but you also lose yourself in a world justly famed for its rare underwater beauty.
Male city
Take an exploratory tour of Malé. Visit its biggest mosque, the Grand Friday mosque, Masjid-al-Sultan Mohammed Thakurufaanual- A'z'am. Spend a few hours at the National Museum; the items on display vary from thrones and palanquins to the country’s first printing press, the rifle used by Mohammed Thakurufaanu in his battle against the Portuguese in the 16th century, and figures and statues dating back to the 11th century, discovered in former temples.
Cruising
This is the ideal way to explore the islands, with different kinds of boats used for the purpose. Choose from speedboats, sailing boats and banana boats. This is a relaxing way to observe Maldives’ natural beauty at close range. Watching the sunset on a cruise is an experience that will leave you spellbound.
Scuba Diving &
Snorkeling
Take a boat from Ari Atoll to
Mushimasmingali Thila, (also known as,
Fish Head), renowned the world over as
an excellent dive site. Its steep sides are
spectacular, with several ledges and caves
supporting anemones and black coral. The
fish life at this spot includes fusiliers, large
Napoleons and schools of hungry barracuda.
The place where the Maldive Victory sank
is also a popular dive site. A boat ride away
from Malé, its strong currents make it a
challenging dive site.
Parasailing
Float high in the air above the ocean with a parachute, while being pulled by a high-speed boat. While you’re up in the air, observe the beautiful atolls, hotel resorts and white sandy beaches spread out far below you.Four Seasons Resort Maldives at Kuda Huraa *****
Visit a charming Maldivian village. Indulge in a sinful spa treatment. Surf, dive, cruise, meet the dolphins and make the most of the sparkling waters. Situated on the garden island of Kuda Huraa and surrounded by the Indian Ocean, this resort offers guests a world of magic, relaxation and adventure.
LOCATION
Located southwest of
Sri Lanka, the Republic of Maldives
refers to a cluster of islands in
the Indian Ocean. Four Seasons
Resort Kuda Huraa is 25 minutes
(20 kilometres) away from Malé
Airport by speedboat.
FEATURES
Internationally
renowned for its water sport
activities, the Maldives is the
perfect destination for surfing
and diving. The resort operates
its own PADI licensed dive centre
and a dedicated surf school with
multi-lingual instructors who offer
courses through the year. For those
seeking to unwind, the Island
Spa which can only be visited
via dhoni offers natural Asianinspired
rituals and therapies. The
resort’s freshwater infinity pool
extends to the edge of the lagoon,
in complete harmony with its
tropical surroundings. The poolside
bar serves refreshing cocktails,
and the beachside restaurant
offers traditional Italian cuisine.
Baraabaru restaurant serves
authentic dum biryanis while the
open kitchen pavilion offers the
catch of the day, grilled
to perfection.
ACCOMMODATION
Four Seasons
Resort Kuda Huraa offers 96
exquisitely designed pavilions
and bungalows that combine
the lush greenery of the island
with modern, state-of-the-art
furnishings. Beach Bungalows
come with a plunge pool and a
gazebo each and the Royal Beach
Villa is set in a tropical garden
and has its own private stretch
of beach.
Four Seasons Resort Maldives at Landaa Giraavaru *****
A remote hideaway, Four Seasons Landaa Giraavaru is 44 acres of paradise. Flanked by one of the Maldives’s largest lagoons, the resort offers untamed wilderness with oases of absolute luxury.
LOCATION
The Republic of
Maldives is a cluster of islands
located in the Indian Ocean. The
Four Seasons Resort at Landaa
Giraavaru is 30 minutes (120
kilometres) away from Malé
Airport by seaplane.
FEATURES
This resort offers
recreational activities of the
laidback yet decadent kind.
Holistic therapies supervised by
two Ayurvedic physicians who
offer complimentary consultation.
A Marine Discovery Centre known
for pioneering conservation
projects. Activities that range
from diving to kite-surfing. And
four restaurants that offer Italian
cuisine, grilled seafood and
everything in between.
ACCOMMODATION
The resort’s
plush accommodation facility
includes 102 luxurious bungalows
and villas located by the beach,
the lagoon, or verdant jungle
paths. Beach Bungalows come
with spacious gardens. Water
Villas with outdoor decks and lofts
overlooking the sea. The Royal
Beach Villa comes with private
massage areas, spacious sundecks,
butler’s quarters and an open
dining area.
One & Only Reethi Rah,Maldives *****
Arguably Malé’s most secluded resort, One&Only Reethi Rah is a stellar collection of luxurious villas which extend over the sea.
LOCATION
One&Only Reethi Rah
is 35 kilometres from the airport at
Malé, the capital of the Maldives.
A 50-minute cruise brings guests
directly to the resort, on one of
the largest islands in the North
Malé Atoll.
FEATURES
The resort offers its
guests a host of activities. These
include canoeing, deep-sea fishing,
parasailing, scuba diving, tai chi
and windsurfing. There is also
a fitness centre with resident
trainers. For those looking for
relaxation, the spa offers a variety
of treatments. There are several
excellent restaurants here. Reethi
Restaurant fuses flavours from
Asia Pacific and the Mediterranean.
Tapasake is an over-water venue
serving contemporary Japanese
cuisine. Fanditha is a boho-chic
beachside eatery with a Middle
Eastern menu.
ACCOMMODATION
There are no
less than 130 villas, each of which
is spacious and beautifully done
up. 98 Beach Villas are surrounded
by tropical greenery, and 32 Water
Villas are set above the clear
waters of the lagoon. Among the
world’s largest resort villas, each
of these is self-contained, spacious
and softly luxurious.
Landaa Giraavaru, Kuda Huraa.
Sipping on an exotic cocktail at sunset. A hedonistic session at an open-air spa. The finest fish and meats, fresh off the grill. All this in the heart of an island nation, that is, as a rule, rather conservative. The resorts at the Maldives are islands within islands; where anything goes, no holds barred.YOUR ITINERARY
Landaa Giraavaru 5 nights
Kuda Huraa 3 nights
Shortly after you touch down on Maldivian soil, you will have to take off again — this time, on a seaplane. The staff of Four Seasons Resort Maldives Landaa Giraavaru will greet you at the floating platform from where a speedboat will take you to the resort. After taking some time to settle down, enjoy a drink at Blu Sunset Bar & Restaurant. DAY 2
Have a delicious breakfast at Café Landaa. Then visit the Ayurvedic physicians at the Vedic Wisdom Centre for a complimentary consultation. At noon, get pampered at the open-air Spa and Ayurvedic Retreat. For dinner, it’s Lebanese mezze, grills and Moroccan delicacies beneath the stars at the Arabian restaurant, Al Barakat. Conclude your evening with mint tea and a water pipe at the Shisha Bar. DAY 3
Begin your day with yoga at sunrise followed by breakfast at your villa. In the evening, go snorkeling with the hotel’s marine biologists, see the resort’s reefscaping project and if you wish, sponsor a coral frame at the Marine Discovery Centre. Later, it’s Asia’s most delicious offerings at Café Landaa. DAY 4
After breakfast, take a dhoni to Kudarikilu Island — famous for its ruins of an ancient mosque. Also visit the home of a fascinating historian and see his collection of artefacts and hand-woven sarongs. DAY 5
Today, you play Crusoe. Make your way to a desert island where you can snorkel, sunbathe, picnic and pass time as you will. DAY 6
Shortly after breakfast; head to Four Seasons Resort Maldives, Kuda Huraa via speedboat and seaplane. Check into your bungalow; and after lazing in your pool, enjoy a sundowner at the Sunset Lodge. For dinner, it’s an Indian meal at Baraabaru Restaurant. DAY 7
Begin your day with a breakfast at Café Huraa or at your villa. Go on a thrilling guided shark safari or snorkel to the house reef. This will be followed by a wood-fired pizza at Reef Club and a languid afternoon. In the evening, cruise into the sunset. Entertainment courtesy the Spinner Dolphins that frequent the waters near Kuda Huraa. You will dine at Café Huraa where fresh seafood will be served at the Fishermen’s Feast buffet. DAY 8
Canoe towards the rising sun at Kuda Huraa, then breakfast at Café Huraa. Go scuba diving at noon followed by a surfing lesson by the Tropicsurf pro surfers in the lagoon. At sunset, go fishing and reward yourself with a sumptuous Italian dinner at Reef Club. DAY 9
After breakfast, take a dhoni across the lagoon to the Island Spa. Indulge in a final, blissful treatment before heading to Malé Airport via speedboat.