Maldives

Put your wallet away and enjoy the spoils of endless excursions, Instagrammable overwater villas and myriad cuisines at these all-inclusive Maldives resorts

Words: Alice Holtham

UP TO DHS2,999 PER NIGHT

Pullman Maldives Maamutaa

This dreamy resort takes its all inclusive seriously, which means it’s got one of the most generous offerings in Maldives. Pick from breakfast and lunch at the allday dining restaurant or the overwater bar, enjoy dinner at a choice of three restaurants, and drink and graze at an array of spots throughout the day. There’s activities thrown in too when you stay five nights or more, so you can enjoy the likes of a dolphin cruise, guided snorkelling or sunset fishing. Some 122 villas and suites are split between a dozen room categories, and if you’re really looking to splash out, you’ll want to book one of two exclusive Aqua Villas, which let you live like a mermaid from the underwater bedroom.

All-inclusive rates: From 2,415 per room per night.

pullmanmaldivesmaamutaa.com

Heritance Aarah

In the majestic Raa Atoll, guests are invited to escape the world and explore the tropical wonders of the Maldives at Heritance Aarah. Of the 126 rooms, beachfront abodes are perfect for family stays, while couples can enjoy romantic ocean villas with private pools. Guests are treated to an array of extras, such as cooking masterclasses, unlimited ice cream and candy, credit at the Medi Spa, plus a choice of two complimentary excursions such as a sunset cruise, a night fishing adventure, and a complimentary introductory dive in the lagoon. All-inclusive rates: From Dhs2,150 per room per night.

heritancehotels.com/aarah

LUX* South Ari Atoll

Catering to little guests as much as it does to couples is LUX* South Ari Atoll. There’s 193 rooms, including beach bungalows and overwater pool villas, where guests can enjoy floating breakfasts, views of the ocean, and the sounds of the gently lapping sea as they drift off to sleep. All your meals catered to at six restaurants and five bars, some 80 wines and 50 cocktails included, unlimited ice-cream at afternoon tea, and access to the facilities at the spa. All-inclusive rates: From Dhs2,275 per room per night. luxresorts.com

Atmosphere Kanifushi

At this fun-filled, familyfriendly Maldives resort, everything is taken care of. Buffets of world cuisines are complemented by speciality fine dining options that include a sizzling teppanyaki, an all-vegetarian restaurant and seafood served overwater. Then there’s daily entertainment, access to a colourful kids’ club, watersports, and excursions such as fishing, sunset cruises and local cultural experiences on offer, to ensure a full island immersion. Even transfers – a 35 minute seaplane that whisks you to this tropical paradise – are included. All-inclusive room rates: From Dhs2,644 per room per night. atmosphere-kanifushi.com

DHS4,000 AND ABOVE PER NIGHT

DHS3,000 - DHS3,999 PER NIGHT

Anantara Veli

Thirty minutes via speedboat from Malé lies Anantara Veli, in the South Malé Atoll. Guests check-in to one of the contemporary new beach villas that scatter the sugary sand and come complete with private pools. The resort also added a new Villa Host service for all guests, refreshed the design of the six restaurants, and added a Moroccan hammam to the wellness offering. Although this isn’t a dedicated all-inclusive resort, it does offer an all-inclusive Indulgence package, which includes a daily buffet breakfast, three-course lunch and dinner plus all-inclusive beverages. There are also discounts for stays above three nights, and complimentary transfers for those booking certain room categories.

All-inclusive rates: From Dhs3,865 per room per night.

anantara.com/veli-maldives

Hurawalhi Island Resort

Barefoot luxury bliss is the enticing offering for adults at all inclusive Hurawalhi Island Resort. This 90-villa natural beauty in the Lhaviyani Atoll is the kind of resort that looks like it’s been plucked straight from a honeymooner’s vision board, with a choice of beachfront bungalows and villas that jut out over the water on stilts. As well as extensive drinks (more than 50 cocktails are available) and dining, the all-inclusive plan at Hurawalhi includes a demi-bottle of Champagne, one sunset dolphin cruise, use of the games room and fitness centre, kayaks, and a halfhour lesson of both snorkeling and windsurfing.

All-inclusive rates: From Dhs3,962 per room per night.

hurawalhi.com

Ozen Life Maadhoo

Located in the South Malé Atoll, Ozen Life Maadhoo is only 30km away from Malé International Airport. Ozen Resorts has 46 idyllic beachfront villas and 49 shimmering overwater villas, with all meals at all-day diner The Palms, Hudhu Bay Beach Club, Chinese restaurant Traditions Peking and Indoceylon, which serves authentic South Asian dishes. Then there’s a myriad of beverages, one excursion, unlimited snorkeling, spa access and use of the kids’ club. For longer stays, you’ll also get a 60-minute spa treatment and a meal at the underwater restaurant.

All-inclusive rates: From Dhs3,580 per room per night. theozencollection.com

Ozen Reserve Bolifushi

The Ozen Collection are one of the premier brands for all-inclusive stays in the Maldives, and at the end of 2020, they added a new tier to their Maldivian offering with Ozen Reserve Bolifushi. The Reserve property adds a new level of luxury to the dreamy Maldivian getaway, with a hyper bespoke all-inclusive offering rarely offered in the Indian Ocean archipelago. This includes your own personal butler, Hiyani, on-hand to arrange the very best of fine dining, premium beverages, and exclusive experiences such as cooking classes, fishing, watersports and more. The resort is fringed by natural reefs that team with colourful corals and fish, perfect for those looking to explore the underwater landscape. Above the sea, the first ice-skating rink in the Maldives, a luxurious spa and one of the largest kids’ clubs in the destination cater to everyone.

All-inclusive rates: From Dhs5,235 per room per night.

theozencollection.com

Constance Halaveli

A magical five-star escape in the North Ari Atoll, you’ll soar over the Maldives archipelago for 25 minutes in a seaplane to reach Constance Halaveli. This familyfriendly resort has been designed with memory making in mind, whether you drop-and-flop in one of the private villas, all of which come with private plunge pools, or you spend every moment racing around the resort between the colourful kids’ club, tranquil spa and myriad waterbased activities. Pick between beach or overwater villas, four restaurants offering à la carte and buffet options, two bars and two scheduled excursions per person per stay from a choice that includes fishing, a sunset cruise on a traditional Dhoni boat, snorkeling and a sea exploration tour. All-inclusive rates: From Dhs4,040 per room per night.

constancehotels.com

Yerevan is one of the oldest continually inhabited cities in the world and one that is filled with hidden wonders and treasures just waiting for you to explore. Whether you travel for the rich history and culture, or green scenery and landscapes – you’re sure to find it here.

Things To Do

Take a walking tour of the city

Start out at the world-class sculpture garden in front of Cafesjian Center for the Arts. Spot a huge sculpture of Trdat – the chief architect of the Bagratid kings of Armenia, as well as the iconic pop art ‘LOVE’ by American

Armenia

A destination to expect the unexpected…

Words: Aarti Saundalkar artist Robert Indiana. If you’re lucky, you may also be able to spot Mount Ararat on a clear day. Visit one of the many cafés here before you set off on a tour. Be sure to pay a visit to atoghike Holy Mother of God Church, one of the oldest churches in the city, and the Blue Mosque, the largest of eight mosques in Yerevan. This city truly comes to life at night. This is the time to visit the dancing fountain in front of the History Museum of Yerevan, complete with lights and music. Then, soak in the sights of Republic Square from the impressive stone buildings and enjoy the musicians roaming the streets. Cafesjian

Lake Sevan and Sevan National Park

Soak up nature and the panoramic views from up-high at Sevan National Park – one of the four protected national parks of Armenia that surrounds and protects Lake Sevan. Known as the ‘blue pearl’ or ‘blue eye of Armenia’ – Lake Sevan is the country’s national treasure. Lake Sevan is also dotted with a number of impressive churches and monasteries, including the mustsee Sevanavank, known as ‘the Black Monastery’. Though simple in design, the monastery is one of the most-visited sites in Armenia.

Yell Extreme Park

Located in the ever-green Yenoqavan mountains, Yell

Extreme Park is for the thrill seekers and nature lovers. A must-try activity here is the zipline where you’ll soar through the air. Other heart-pumping activities include a rope park, horseback riding, off-roading and via ferrata. Visit early to check off all the activities on the list. yellextremepark.com

Haghartsin Monastery

Van Ardi Estate

Oenophiles will love Van Ardi – a boutique winery in the Aragatsotn region of Armenia. The charming family-run boutique winery offers a unique experience with tours of the estate’s vineyards, the history of Armenian wine and of course, wine tasting. The bell tower, which stands right in front of the vineyard, is important as the family believes that the vibration and sound add positive energy to the ingredients that make up their fine wine. You will be able to ring the bell, too. vanardi.com

3 Dishes To Try

Lahmajo

Pronounced: lah-mah-jo

What is it: This Armenian-style pizza is a flatbread topped with minced meat.

Tolma

Pronounced: tol-mah

What is it: A common Middle Eastern dish, this is a cabbage or grape leaf stuffed with minced meat and rice, which can be eaten either hot or cold.

A two-hour drive away from Yerevan’s city centre is Haghartsin Monastery (meaning soaring eagle) located near the town of Dilijan in the Tavush Province of Armenia. It was built around the 10th century and comprises three different churches, a sepulchre, and a refectory. Due to storms, raids and decades of neglect, the complex was near ruins. However, when His Highness Sheikh Dr Sultan bin Muhammad Al Qasimi, Ruler of Sharjah, visited Armenia in 2005, he generously offered to renovate the complex. After repairs, the monastery reopened to the public in 2013. Visit the monastery and see the exquisite stone carvings, the refectory hall showcasing medieval Armenian architecture, and the centuries-old khachkars (carved stone crosses).

Where To Stay

Budget: Ramada Hotel & Suites by Wyndham Yerevan

Situated 150 metres from Republic Square, this hotel is a great budget-friendly option. It offers a continental or buffet breakfast, a rooftop terrace and spacious rooms for you to unwind after a long day. Prices start from Dhs267 per night. ramadayerevan.am

Blowout: The Alexander Heralded as the first luxury international hotel in the historic centre of Yerevan, the hotel features a minimalist design, grand gold accents and hints of decorative Armenian motifs. It’s pet-friendly, has an Alexander Spa by Anne Semonin and an Italian restaurant on the top floor. Prices start from Dhs1,400 per night. marriott.com

Gata

Pronounced: gah-tah

What is it: For a sweet treat, skip the cakes in Armenia and indulge in Gata – a traditional bread stuffed with sugar and butter.

Getting there

Flydubai flies to Yerevan, Armenia daily with return tickets starting from Dhs1,440. flydubai.com