The Maldives: natural beauty with no filter

The Maldives is the kind of place you have to see to believe. Fortunately, travel expert Mary Janiec has been several times. Mary is the Store Manager of Kuoni Solihull and has spent 37 years travelling the world to unearth extraordinary destinations and experiences to share with her customers. We caught up with Mary to talk all things Maldives and find out what this trending holiday hotspot is really like.

It’s true what they say. The Maldives is a photogenic island paradise (except the photographs don’t do it justice). Every island has its own distinct vibe and character, but one thing they all have in common is their eye-popping good looks. Think pure white sands as soft as icing sugar and topaz-blue lagoons that hide striking coral gardens and exotic marine life. It really is out of this world.

The Maldives is a very special place for Kuoni, as we were there when the first resort opened its doors way back in 1972. That was more than 50 years ago now, and we’ve been love-struck ever since.

One of the best things about the Maldives is that every resort sits on its own private island, but that does make choosing where to stay a big decision and one you don’t want to get wrong. Doing your own research is great, but it’s best not to risk it when it comes to the planning and booking stage. Instead, come and see us at Kuoni Solihull and we’ll help you find the right match. But first, let’s spark some ideas. Here are five of my favourite islands and the reasons why you should visit.

KUONI SOLIHULL 3 CRESCENT ARCADE, TOUCHWOOD SHOPPING CENTRE, SOLIHULL, B91 3GZ 0121 711 8848

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Create a perfect holiday with Kuoni Solihull – For an adventure that’s as individual as you are.

Our in-store personal travel experts can tailormake a holiday of any type, almost anywhere in the world.

Whether you’re looking for a tailor-made trip to the Maldives or an Arctic cruise adventure, make an appointment at Kuoni Solihull where you can relax with Nespresso coffee or a glass of Champagne as one of our Personal Travel Experts craft a one-of-a-kind holiday just for you.

Self-care is the order of the day at Kagi Maldives Spa Island. This cutting-edge boutique resort is all about nourishing meals, reenergising yoga sessions and spa treatments with an ocean view. Hands down the best hangout spot on the island is Baani Spa, where you can indulge in musclemelting massages and sound therapy or try an underwater meditation. At Spa Corner restaurant, nutritious dishes are whipped up to help you recharge your body and mind. I also love that the resort only has 50 villas and they all have a private infinity pool. My top tip? Bag an Ocean Villa for golden sunset views and direct access to the water.

Four-star Sandies Bathala has been a favourite for years. It’s simple and laidback, giving you all the key Maldives ingredients for less – which is why we’ve secured it exclusively for Kuoni guests in the UK. It draws divers from all over the globe, with its spectacular house reef (look out for turtles and reef sharks), and its all-inclusive package is great value, with all meals, wine and beer, evening cocktails and a daily snorkelling tour included.

If choice and variety are high on your holiday wish list, I’d go with Kuramathi Maldives. It’s one of the biggest islands in the Maldives, with lots of space to wander and explore. You can go snorkelling along the house reef straight from the beach, try diving for the chance to see rays, or lounge by the pool. There are three on the island, including one freshwater pool and two ocean-view infinity pools. If you’re into your food, I’d recommend going for its Select All Inclusive package for the full choice of its nine à la carte restaurants, as you’ll get to try somewhere new each night.

Finolhu doesn’t take itself too seriously. At this five-star resort, vintage phones have a ‘press for Champagne’ button, villas are decked out with retro record players and bubble tents grace the beach for glamping. Days can be spent strolling along the powder-white sandbank (it’s the longest one in the Maldives) and stopping for lunch at Crab Shack. And when night falls, the Beach Club is where you’ll want to be. Expect acrobats, stilt walkers, DJs and dancing.

Tiny Kandolhu is repeatedly voted one of the world’s most romantic hotels. There are only 30 villas on the island, so the mood is intimate. My favourite rooms here are the Ocean Pool Villas. You’ll have sunset views, your own private infinity plunge pool and a lagoon-facing bathtub. Kandolhu also has an astounding house reef where you’ll often find turtles chomping on coral. And don’t forget to make the most of your in-room Go Pro to snap life underwater.

want to try something fun for a special date, party or corporate event? our sushi masterclass is a great way to learn a new skill. it also makes the perfect experience gift!

your session will begin at 9am with a japanese breakfast of unlimited miso soup and green tea.

you’ll then go through a stepby-step guide led by our very own master of sushi. you will learn how to prepare different types including nigiri, sushi rolls, temaki hand rolls and sashimi, as well as maki and futomaki rolls.

all tools and ingredients are included and this session will last around 2 hours.

all the sushi you prepare is yours to devour. enjoy it at the masterclass and take any leftovers home with you to share with friends and family.

you can then enjoy a shot of sake to finish!

scan QR code, call 0121 709 2132 or email solihull@yakinori.co.uk to find out more and book