7 minute read
TRAVEL
Stepping onto a Maldivian island really is the closest thing to paradise that we can imagine. The picture perfect nirvana is on the top of every honeymooner’s list and in recent years – particularly for UAE residents – has become a family vacation destination, too. With aquamarine water as far as the eye can see, set against swathes of pristine white beach and lush vegetation, you can quite literally leave your troubles behind.
For those who have been to the Maldives, it’s the type of place you think about when you close your eyes. Here, you’ll experience the highest levels of service and hospitality the world has to offer.
One such otherworldly resort is Atmosphere Kanifushi. To reach the resort, guests land in Malé’s Velana International Airport. From there, you’re greeted by a smiling representative from the hotel who whisks you off to a seaplane hangar where you take a short 20-minute ride to Atmosphere Kanifushi. This five-star, all-inclusive resort offers the ultimate vacation for both couples and families, with a range of incredible accommodation, from luxury overwater villas – complete with private plunge pools – to beach villas with direct access to the shore. Prices start from Dhs2,393 per night (all-inclusive) for a standard Sunset Beach Villa.
THINGS TO DO IN ATMOSPHERE KANIFUSHI
01. SNORKEL OR SCUBA DIVE
In the Maldives, water is the way of life. For the locals, it is how they get products delivered – where they get their food and how they make their money. For tourists, it’s how they arrive at the resort and where they have their fun. Whether you simply snorkel around the lagoon, or you choose to scuba, you’re guaranteed to see colourful fish, green turtles, manta rays and even some reef sharks.
02. CYCLE
AROUND THE ISLAND
One of the most enjoyable things to do on the island is to hire a bicycle from the resort’s reception and head off exploring. Meander past the waves crashing against the shore and on through the island’s dense forest, and you’ll feel like you’re starring in your own love song music video.
03. SET SAIL ON A SUNSET CRUISE
Not all cruises are created equal. But a sunset boat ride cruising around the calm waters of Kanifushi island has to be one of the very best. You’re almost guaranteed to see a pod of playful dolphins who seem only too happy to put on a show. Watch them race alongside the boat or spin up in the air as you enjoy sundowners from the top deck.
04. VISIT AKIRA SPA BY MANDARA
Nothing accomplishes relaxation quite like a good day at the spa, especially when your beautiful treatment room features wide open windows that welcome a sea breeze. The holistically focused spa menu features a range of treatments fusing spa traditions from India, Bali, Hawaii, and Thailand. Be sure to add on one of the resort’s signature body scrubs, which are prepared daily using natural ingredients from the island.
q atmosphere-kanifushi.com
Overwater villas
WHERE TO REST YOUR HEAD
01. Overwater villas If you’re aiming for the wow factor, book one of the Water Villas, which come with their own infinity plunge pool and lookout over the ocean. 02. Sunset villas Can’t decide between a private pool or direct access to the beach? Opt for the Sunset Beach Villa with pool. We love the open-air bathroom.
WHERE TO EAT
01 Pier Six
Pier Six is the resort’s romantic overwater restaurant that specialises in freshly-caught seafood, such as steamed lobster or banana-wrapped reef fish. Alternatively, bag a seat at the Teppanyaki counter and watch the skilled chefs put on a show.
02 Ceylon Bliss
There are serious Castaway vibes at Ceylon Bliss, which serves up delicious Sri Lankan street food from a rustic wooden shack, tucked away among the dense forest.
03 Just Veg
There’s never been a better time to be meatless in the Maldives. At Just Veg, the country’s first vegetarian restaurant, diners are welcome to try a range of Mediterranean, Arabic and Indian specialities.
TRAVEL RULES AND GUIDELINES
Travellers must take a PCR test within 96 hours of departure. You’ll also need to fill out a Health Declaration form to travel to the Maldives, and fill it out again before travelling back to Dubai. You’ll also be required to take a PCR test during your stay, three days before your return. This should be provided by your resort.
WIN!
A FAMILY TRIP TO DOUBLETREE BY HILTON RESORT & SPA MARJAN ISLAND
Be in with a chance of winning a two-night allinclusive stay in Ras Al Khaimah. Your home will be the charming DoubleTree by Hilton Resort & Spa Marjan Island. One lucky family (two adults and two children) will be staying in the premium Bay Club Room with direct beach access or a breathtaking sea view. The action packed resort offers a collection of 723 spacious and contemporary guestrooms and suites overlooking 650 metres of white sandy beach. Guaranteed fun for the whole family awaits, with extensive recreational and kids’ facilities, including a pirate boat aqua zone, Tarzan boat, seven swimming pools, including two for kids, and a floating sea pool, bouncy castle, kids’ club and outdoor playground. The spa, 24/7 gym and 14 restaurants and bars are great additions to a perfect family holiday destination. T&Cs apply.
LASTMINUTE TRIP
Hankering for a minibreak? Caesars Palace Dubai could be just the ticket...
The first Caesars Palace outside of Las Vegas brings a touch of ancient Rome to Dubai. The resort has a slick, contemporary style with nods to the Roman empire in the form of giant sculptures. There’s something for everyone: a trendy private beach club, large, comfortable rooms, and beautiful Qua Spa.
The look and feel
Located on the man-made Bluewaters Island, Caesars Palace Dubai has ocean views surrounding it, and can be found just a walk away from bustling JBR. The chic family-friendly spot is a hive of socially distanced activity when we check in for the weekend. We’re welcomed with friendly smiles and unfaultable hospitality, just as you would expect from a five-star resort.
The rooms
Our room has an ocean-facing balcony with a chaise lounge that proves to be the perfect spot for getting lost in a novel. A free-standing bath also looks out to the sea, and swaying palm trees almost convince us we’re on a tropical island somewhere far from Dubai. A huge king size bed is finished with a golden Romanesque sash, making it feel somewhat regal. The hotel’s primary messaging is to ‘live like a Caesar’, and the extra touches are working their magic already.
The facilities
Down at ground level, sun loungers are spaced out across two large pools (split between family and adults only), and a pristine white sandy beach. The first thing we notice are the waves, which are rarely seen so naturally wild in the UAE. For some additional downtime, Qua Spa is the ideal choice. There’s an air of sophistication from the welcoming reception area right down to the cloud-like massage beds. We feel as though we’re in safe, professional hands as our therapist expertly targets and eliminates our stresses away.
Food and drink
Floating between the pool, the spa and the room feels like a real vacation from life, where the hardest part of the day is deciding where to dine for the evening. We choose Zhen Wei. We opt for a selection of dim sum to get us started. If you’re keen to share with your dining partner, make sure you try the wonderful one-kilogram sea bass. The next morning we’re eager to check out the breakfast offering. It’s not a buffet service. Instead, a large menu lands on our lap and we take our time sampling as many dishes as we have space for.
The room rates
After a restful sleep, there’s just enough time for a snooze under a parasol on the sand before it’s back to reality we go. A night at Caesars Palace Dubai will set you back from Dhs1,781, depending on when you’re looking to book, but money well spent, in our opinion.
