The Maldives Your essential guide to the fantasy islands
Paradise Found
There’s something about the sheer beauty of the Maldives that can induce poetry in even the most prosaic visitor. It offers a sense of perfection which is rarely grasped in the modern world: a sunny tropical world where beauty meets the eye in every direction you turn. Thanks to a long-term policy of rejecting all but the highest class of hotel developers, the Maldives is also home to some of the most outstanding accommodation on the planet. Each year big name hoteliers attempt to outdo each other in the luxury and ambition of their offerings: for GCC residents this means that not only is this picture-perfect land just a short hop flight away, it is also ready to greet them with some of the most fulfilling and inspirational experiences on offer anywhere. Once you’ve visited the Maldives you can never forget it - it stays at the back of your mind for the rest of your life, an eternal yardstick of the ideal against which almost every other location falls short... 2
The Maldives
About This Guide Escaping to the Maldives makes for an experience that’s both beautiful and blissful. The island nation, bobbing in the clear waters of the Indian Ocean, offers visitors some twenty-six atolls in which to explore. With so much white-sanded luxury before you, though, knowing where to go can be something of a conundrum – which is why we at Kanoo World Traveller have devised this easy-toreference guide. Flick though these pages and you’ll discover the absolute best that the Maldives has to offer the would-be Robinson Crusoe… Getting There The Maldives is well served by flights from the GCC with a few offering direct routes to Male. For airline ticketing information visit your nearest Kanoo Travel or America Express Travel outlet. Weather You can expect to bask in sunshine for much of your
trip in the Maldives. For the hottest climes, head there between April and May when temperatures reach approximately 31°C. If you have another month in mind, the remainder of the year sees thermometers drop between 23°C and 29°C. November to January marks the coolest months of all, while the rainy season strikes from the end of April to October. Love diving? You’ll savour the best conditions between November and April. Visas On arrival at Malé airport vistors from all countries will be given a 30-day visa. You’ll simply be given a few doocuments to fill out which you’ll hand in at passport control. Money Though the official currency of the Maldives is the Rufiyaa (‘Rf’), all resort hotels willingly accept US Dollars. At time of going to press, $1 was equivalent to 15.33Rf. The Maldives
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Banyan Tree Madivaru
There are dozens of top-rank resorts in the Maldives which pride themseves on the level of exclusivity they offer to their guests. But even among them, Banyan Tree Madivaru stands out. There are only six residences on the whole island, and they are all fit for a king. Richly decorated tented rooms with stately decoration provide a cool retreat after you’ve spent the day splashing around on a blissfully deserted golden-white shoreline with your family. When you want anything - a gourmet meal, a spa treatment - it’s on hand in minutes, but for the rest of the time you’re free to indulge your luxury Robinson Crusoe fantasies. Great for...anyone who wants a true once-ina-lifetime experience.
Kanuhura
Long-established as a favourite among Maldives regulars, Kanuhura has been helping set new standards in luxury since its launch. While some resorts offer nothing beyond the natural attractions of the region, Kanuhura is different: here you can enjoy playing tennis, squash, beach volleyball and more when you’re not sunning yourself on the superb beach. Top pick when it comes to accommodation are the two Grand Water Villas, set in a huge 135 square metres of space, with grand sundecks where you can perch on a hammock and look directly down onto the water: bliss. Great for...underwater explorers: as well as having amazing coral and sealife, Lhaviyani Atoll has two shipwrecks which experienced divers are free to check out.
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ONCE IN A LIFETIME.
Offering a true Maldivian experience with luxurious modern comforts, Waldorf Astoria Maldives is a haven for those who appreciate beauty and life. World class service is delivered amidst immense open spaces of dazzling turquoise waters, white beaches, distinct Maldivian architecture and lush vegetation. Book your stay in paradise by calling +960.6500400 or visiting BeachHouseMaldives.com or sending an e-mail to info@beachhousemaldives.com EXTRAORDINARY PLACES. A SINGULAR EXPERIENCE. At each of our destinations around the globe, experience the personalised Waldorf Astoria Hotels & Resorts service that creates unforgettable moments.
waldorfastoria.com
Š201 1 Hilton Worldwide The Maldives
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Six Senses Soneva Fushi
Soneva Fushi is one of the greats. Known for its ‘No News No Shoes’ policy, it’s serious about your relaxation, and prides itself on offering ‘Intelligent luxury’. Not only is the accommodation stunning - the amazing Crusoe Villas and tree house rooms are particularly inspiring - but there are a host of quirky facilities and services that make staying here a joy. Not least are the bikes you can borrow to cycle across the island, and the vast Meade RCX400 telescope, located in the in-island observatory in the middle of the
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organic garden, which you can use for a crash-course in star-spotting. Great for...imaginative travellers. One of Soneva Fushi’s best-loved attractions is the sandbank that lies off its shore, where guests can spend the night camping - or, to be fair, ‘glamping’ - in a luxury tent after a gourmet dinner served by personal chefs on their own slice of private island.
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Taj Exotica Resort & Spa
This lovely resort is filled with stunning palm-thatched villas. Book yourself a Beach Villa and you can expect your own private courtyard, plunge pool and veranda and a beautiful mezzanine bedroom in addition to the huge master bedroom with its own private balcony, perfect for luxuriating in a sunset while sipping on a cool tropical juice. It even has its own dedicated treatment room, so if you want an ultra-relaxing Jiva Grande Spa massage, facial or body scrub you can get one without leaving your accommodation. Great for...honeymooners: not only is the whole place incredibly romantic, but they also lay on special activities - incuding a private sunset cruise and a seaplane tour - which are perfect for newlyweds.
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Time for Emotions
Island Dreams Come True Vistas of jewelled blue blending with the shimmering sky as far as the eyes can see. Soothing white sands cushioning your feet. Washing away your cares in crystal-clear lagoons. All while being surrounded by one of the most breathtaking house reefs in the Maldives. At Robinson Club Maldives, your dream beach escape in the serene waters of the Gaafu Alif Atoll comes to life.
visit www.robinson-maldives.com
Robinson Club Maldives For more information, contact us at Tel: +960 300 9095 Email: maldives@robinson.de The Maldives
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Waldorf Astoria Maldives
The Grand Beach Pavilion at this wonderful resort is one of the single most impressive places to stay in the whole Indian Ocean. It has all the usual trimmings - large pool, private deck, spa room - but it also has its own sauna, steam room and kid-pleasing game lounge. The in-room dining is magnificent, but if you can tear yourself away for dinner you’ll find no fewer than nine different restaurant and lounge options, athough they’ll be delighted to send up a private dinner for you on the beach, too. Great for...treating your kids: they’ll love the kids’ club, the bungee trampoline and the huge range of activities on offer every day.
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The Spa of course is fabulous but sometimes nothing beats retail therapy Live the moment.
One&Only Reethi Rah is part of a portfolio of distinctive and memorable resorts in The Bahamas, Dubai, Maldives, Mauritius, Mexico and Cape Town. Call +960 664 8800, email Reservations@oneandonlyresorts.com.mv or visit oneandonlyresorts.com. The Maldives
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Baros
Baros is pure class. There’s nothing showy here, just innate good taste and a huge amount of care and attention put in to making sure each guest feels special and makes the most of their visit. Book a Deluxe Villa and you’ll be surrounded by flowers, and steps away from that glorious ice blue lagoon. When it comes to activities you’re spoilt for choice: glass bottom boat cruises, sunset fishing, dolphin-watching tours, big game fishing... Great for...green travellers - the resort has the country’s first EcoDive Centre where you can take a Reef Check EcoDiver programme and learn about how to help preserve the reefs as well as enjoying them.
Anantara Kihavah Villas, Maldives
Things are simple at Anantara Kihavah Villas: all that’s on offer are wonderful pool villas so you just have to choose whether you want one on the beach or over water. It’s a tricky decision. In one corner you have the beach pool villa, which has advantages including Bose sound system, private infinity pool and an amazing sunken bath, situated within its own pond, which can be filled and scattered with rose petals at your request. In the other corner is the over-water pool villa, with walk-in wardrobes, sun decks offering views out over the ocean and personalised pillows. Decisions, decisions... Great for...design-lovers: these places are masterpieces of fine design.
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One&Only Reethi Rah
Long beloved by the global cognoscenti, Reethi Rah is one of the proudest standardbearers of the One&Only chain. Your only dilemma is whether to base yourself in one of the glorious beach villas which fringe the shoreline or one of the exquisite water villas which allow you to go from snoozing to snorkeling in a matter of seconds. As you sit looking out over the turquoise ocean after a trip to the ESPA and before enjoying a dinner created with ingredients from the all-organic Chef’s Garden you’ll have to pinch yourself to make sure you’re not dreaming. Great for...couples in need of a sophisticated break, who’ll leave feeling five years younger. The Maldives
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Jumeirah Dhevanafushi
You’ll be met with luxury and gorgeous vistas in this Indian Ocean outpost of Jumeirah, which occupies its own Robinson Crusoe-style island on the Gaafu Alifu Atoll. Service is front and centre here: you’ll have your own private butler and chef who will care for your every whim before melting away into the background when you want to be alone. There’s a great range of accommodation, 14
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including suites, villas and the magnificent ‘Ocean Pearls’ - a set of designer dwellings perched over the waves. A brilliant Talise spa and private swimming pools complete the perfect mix. Great for...anyone who likes being treated like royalty. Which is everyone.
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Six Senses Soneva Gili
A small island with a vast lagoon and a thousand different places to relax and soak up the rays, from the pillow-strewn couple’s hammocks which line the water villas and the floating sundecks to the private aquatic gardens where you can relax to the sound of cascading water. Great for...getting away from it all: the Soneva Gili Crusoe Residences offer huge space and total privacy: if you want to head in to the main island you can jump in your private rowing boat and scull over in style. If you choose to be sociable, however, the weekly beach parties at sunset are marvellous. 16
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YOU ARE THE PROVENANCE
You are different. That’s why we have created an idyllic luxury experience in the Maldives, allowing you to be surrounded by the resonance of your personality. Introducing Jumeirah Dhevanafushi & Jumeirah Vittaveli Resorts in Maldives.
Stay different™ at Jumeirah Hotels & resorts. for reservations, please contact your travel professional or visit jumeirah.com
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Shangri-La Villingili Resort & Spa
Imagination is the watchword at the all-villa Shangri-La. It’s present in the design of their none-cooler tropical tree house villas, which sit atop stilts among the treetops. It’s there in the luxury yacht cruises which take you to enjoy lunch on the equator. You’ll see it when you take your kids to the Cool Zone, stacked to the rafters with fun activities. And it’s unmissable in the jungle dinners which take pace by torchlight, out under the sweetsmelling banyan trees. A real gem. Great for...travellers who like to find out more about the local culture. Shangri-La will pack you a picnic and set you off on a bike tour of five neighbouring islands where you can meet some of the friendly locals.
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Park Hyatt Maldives Hadahaa
What a treat this place is. Arriving by seaplane at the jetty you are greeted by friendly staff who whisk you to your villa, nestled amid palm trees and winding sandy lanes. Inside you’ll find some of the comfiest beds in the Indian Ocean, private gardens with outdoor showers and baths - taking a soak under the stars is one of the most relaxing experiences in the world - and a private pool. Just 30 seconds beyond is your own stretch of heavenly beach: tool up at the in-island dive centre and you can head out to explore the exquisite coral reef. Great for....scuba divers and snorkellers looking for the ultimate dive.
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Huvafen Fushi
Huvafen Fushi makes the most of its heavenly setting and guests spend much of their time out on the reef, whether gliding along on a catamaran or paddling their way in a transparent glass kayak. They come home to one of 43 beautiful bungalows or - if they’re feeling really swish - to CUBE, the star accommodation, right on the ocean front, with gorgeous gardens, a dining room that can seat ten, two semi-outdoor bathrooms and a butler on round-the-clock call. Great for...sailing types: borrow the resort’s 68-foot yacht, Sensuelle, or take a trip out in one of their traditional Maldivian dhonis, which come equipped with all mod cons as well as a private chef. You can even base your whole trip’s accommodation on board one of the resort’s beautiful boats.
Four Seasons Maldives at Kuda Huraa A resort which promises to help you ‘discover the unforgettable’ has a lot to live up to. Happily, the Four Seasons Maldives at Kuda Huraa delivers on its promises - and then some. The island itself is exceptionally pretty: lush, verdant and with the laidback charm of a Maldivian village. Out on stilts in the waters of the lagoon lay the picture-perfect Sunrise TwoBedroom Water Suites, designed with families in mind and featuring gigantic, 99 square metre private decks where you can jump direct into the sea, then come back for al fresco dinner en famille. Great for...cruisers: the resort has its own three deck catamaran, the Four Seasons Explorer, which will take you out on wonderful trips to indulge in diving, island hopping and star-watching. 20
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Jumeirah Vittaveli
This wonderful spot offers travellers the quintessential Maldives experience: that glorious mix of streaming sun, clear waters teeming with the most exotic sea-life in the world, sophisticated dining and powder white sands to lounge on. Vittaveli offers ‘a constellation of treasures’ and it delivers: it’s hard to pick out its strongest suit, but like all Jumeirah properties it excels in its food and drink. Whether you’re enjoying grilled lobster at Mu, Maldivian and Asian treats at Samsara or Mediterranean delights at Fenesse, you’ll be spoiled every meal time. Great for...gourmands who want to pamper their tastebuds as well as the rest of their bodies.
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Conrad Maldives, Rangali Island
There are too many exquisite experiences on offer at the Conrad Maldives to name them all. If we had to choose some of our favourites, though, we’d definitely include lazing on the rotating circular bed in the master bedroom of a sunset water villa while looking out over the ocean. Then there’s taking a massage while looking through the glass bottom of the spa at the fish below. Oh, and selecting wonderful fresh dishes from the eight show kitchens of the Atoll Market Place Restaurant. Great for...people who like a touch of the unexpected: the Conrad’s Ithaa restaurant is one of the most unusual and intriguing places to eat in the whole country: it’s the world’s only all-glass undersea restaurant.
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Six Senses Laamu
Perched five degrees above the equator, Six Senses Laamu has superb weather all year round. It’s a magnet for lovers of luxury, serious snorkellers (if you’re lucky you’ll swim alongside the pod of dolphins which flips its way around the resort) and surfers who love to tackle the well-known local Surf Yin Yang wave. A spread of six restaurants and lounges and water villas dotted along a tranquil lagoon add the final touches to a first rate offering. Great for...spa-lovers: check out the Laamu Package, which brings together accommodation, transfers and four outstanding spa treatments, including the unbeatable 110 minute Laamu Mineral Sand Poultice experience, as well as a series of yoga sessions.
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Robinson Club Maldives
This life-affirming spot has everything you’d expect from a top-notch Maldivian retreat. Wonderful beaches: check. Immaculate tropical gardens: check. Iridescent waters: check. Private terraces designed for lolling on when those magnificent Indian Ocean sunsets kick in: check. But it’s the smart extras that make this such a pleasure, from the Jacuzzis that come as standard in your lagoon villa to the wonderful glass floors in the living areas that mean you can see the life aquatic even when you’re indoors. Great for...big families: Robinson Club offers a series of interconnecting bungalows or villas which are ideal for bringing families together. 24
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a place that feels like it was made for you.
Because it was. the spectacular two-island conrad maldives rangali island boasts the most luxurious water villas, exotic beach villas and spacious retreat villas with private spa treatment rooms and a Jacuzzi on the sundeck. seven restaurants celebrate innovative cuisine and flawless service, including ithaa undersea restaurant, the only all-glass undersea restaurant in the world. dive or snorkel in the world’s most remarkable waters or enjoy one of the many other leisure activities. spend your days indulging in the two spas, enjoying romantic dining experiences and of course, taking the refreshing opportunity to do absolutely nothing. * Book seven nights between 1st august and 31st october 2011 and enjoy a free upgrade to half-board.
conrad maldives rangali island for reservations contact mlehi.maldives@conradhotels.com or visit conradmaldives.com * terms and conditions apply.
YOU ARE THE PROVENANCE
You are different. That’s why we have created an idyllic luxury experience in the Maldives, allowing you to be surrounded by the resonance of your personality. Introducing Jumeirah Dhevanafushi & Jumeirah Vittaveli Resorts in Maldives.
Stay different™ at Jumeirah Hotels & resorts. for reservations, please contact your travel professional or visit jumeirah.com
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