Maldives Complete Blog

Best of the Maldives: Full Board – Palm Beach

Maldives Complete — Thu, 17 May 2012 09:54:00 GMT

Unlimited sushi buffet just one of the Palm Beach offerings on Full Board

The best board in the Maldives is not Surf boarding, Wake boarding or even Kite Boarding…but Palm Beach’s ‘Full Board’. They offer a ‘Full Board’ which includes more stuff than many All Inclusives. It’s sort of like a ‘dry’ or ‘tee totaller’ All Inclusive as it includes just about everything, but no alcohol. That said, even beer IS included there. Free beer! Nuff said.

I’ve already spoken about their non-stop food schedule (which is all included in the Full Board). Other freebies include..

Instruction (golf, tennis, squash pros on staff)
Excursions (snorkel trips twice daily to the house reef, picnic island once each week, fisherman’s local island once each week)
Equipment (bicycle and the Presidential suite gets their own golf buggy, snorkelling gear)

So what do you actuallty have to pay for?

Motorized water sports
Special coffees (cappuccino)
Wine and cocktails

Full on.

Best of the Maldives: Kite Surfing School - Olhuveli

Maldives Complete — Tue, 15 May 2012 17:12:49 GMT

Kite flying is no longer kids stuff. And today marks the opening of the Kite Surfing World Cup at The Hague. May always has been prime kite flying weather and it’s as good as any time to start learning the sport of kite surfing. As I’ve noted before, the Maldives is starting to establish as strong a wordwide profile for surfing as it has for snorkelling and honeymooning. And if you want to add the kite dimension to your boarding (or the boarding dimension to you kite flying for that matter), then Olhuveli’s Watersport World has established a specialised training facilitiy dedicated to the sport…

“Olhuveli houses the first certified kite surfing school in Maldives with impressive equipment, courses and lessons…The Team: Watersports World is an international certificated watersports school. Enrolled in the VDWS association…The Lagoon: There is a huge sandy bottom lagoon surrounding Olhuveli. That is unique in the Maldives and this is even one of the best watersports area in the world!! The wave point: It takes about 10 minutes by the speed boat from Olhuveli to get to ‘Guraidhoo’. The wave/swell season is from May to October with the South West monsoon wind. This spot is still uncrowded comparing with the North Male Atoll wave spots. Mostly, the waves are only for you! Wave beginners are not recommended.”

As you can see from their commentary, May marks the onset of prime Kite Boarding season in the Maldives as well.

Olhuveli’s equipment includes kites from size 3.5 to 17 from North Kiteboarding (Buzz, Evo, Rhino, Rebel) and Cabrinha Kite (Convert IDS 2009 / Contra 08). Their boards include North Kiteboarding (Phantom 143/154, Gonzales 151) XRide 141/129, Mallory 129, Jaime S, Freestylefish 5'0", Sumo, M2, and Cabrinha Board (Custom, Imperial).

Surf’s *way* up, up, up…

Best of the Maldives: Breakfast – Waldorf

Maldives Complete — Sun, 13 May 2012 15:22:02 GMT

Happy Mothers Day!

Maldives doesn’t have an official national Mothers Day, but this is the day it is celebrated in neighbouring India as well as the country which started it, USA. A number of the resorts have taken the occasion to honor the maternal guests with special celebrations and well wishes.

In the Lynn household, all Mothers Day celebrations start with a traditional breakfast in bed. But, in our new home of the UK, ‘Mothering Sunday’ is more conventionally celebrated by taking your ‘mum’ out for a Sunday dinner.

If you want to take you mum out to breakfast, then Waldforf Astoria Maldives is the place to book. This is an ambitious category to award a best of. The 5-star kitchens across the Maldives are of exceptional quality, they just seem to get higher and higher gourmet standard, and breakfast is a big deal at most resorts with extravagant buffets. There may be other breakfast menus as good as the Waldorf’s, but I cannot imagine what one would do to surpass it. I’m a bit of a breakfast connoisseur (one of my entrepreneurial fantasies is to open a restaurant that serves breakfasts from all over the world). All set on their over-water restaurant facing the sunrise. Here’s a sample of the daybreak delicacies on offer…

Lobster Omelette ($19)
Foie Gras on Toasted Brioche with Vanilla-Pear Chutney ($24)
Eggs Benedict with Truffle ($18)
Scrambled Eggs with Caviar ($17)

Sure beats Corn Flakes!

Best of the Maldives: Fluro-Diving – Kuredu / Komandoo / Vakarufalhi

Maldives Complete — Sat, 12 May 2012 09:56:49 GMT

For an even closer investigation into reef life, state-of-the-art ‘fluro-diving’ has come to the Maldives.

Night dives shed a whole new light (or lack thereof) on the undersea world. Night dives never had much appeal to me because it seems to defeat the purpose of ‘seeing’ the underwater world. I always figured I could turn off all the lights in my bathroom, fill the tub and breathe through my snorkel and get pretty close to the same experience. But my more advanced diving buddy, Lori, assures me that night dives are so much more. A whole new world reveals itself in the dark hours many of which have their own tantilising illumination which you can only appreciate in the pitch black.

The Prodivers team at Kuredu, Komandoo and Vakarufalhi have taken this night time spectacle a step further by introducing ‘Fluro-diving’ to the Maldives…

“The Prodivers team, always on the lookout for new diving experiences, have launched yet another spectacular and unique underwater adventure! To boost our divers’ enjoyment and appreciation of the reef, we’ve recently introduced fluoro-diving! After exploring the trippy phenomenon and discovering which sites around Kuredu are the best to be dived with the newly acquired NightSea fluoro-sets, the well-kept secret of fluorescence night diving is now available to our divers. Experienced divers, not afraid of spooky, low-light conditions, can now intensify their night diving and sneak peek at the reef to find crazy green bubble anemones, burning red feather stars, freaky blue shrimps, brightly red scorpion fish, green glowing brain and mushroom corals and glowing green lizard fish. Fluorescent diving has so far been revealed only by 6 dive centers in the world. The Prodivers team are overwhelmed by seeing the reef in a new light, and as there is so much more to discover – don’t hesitate to join us!”

The whole concept smacks of underwater Crime Scene Investigation. Perhaps they should do an episode of ’CSI: Maldives’.

Best of the Maldives: Closest Water Villa to House Reef – Club Rannalhi

Maldives Complete — Fri, 11 May 2012 07:33:22 GMT

Livin’ on the edge.

If that’s for you, but instead of the edge of land above the water you want to be on the edge below the water (and if Dhevanafushi’s Ocean Pearls are a bit to pricey or you don’t want to be detached from the main island), then look at Club Rannalhi.

Most water villas situated on shallow table reef lagoons for obvious architectural reasons. While a handy little snorkel in the lagoon shallows can be fun, the big action tends to be in the deeper house reefs. And one of the big allures of the Maldives is having stunning reefs so conveniently nearby. Throw on your fins and mask and with a few splashes you are at the reef’s edge. If you want the best of both worlds – a water villa and reef proximity – then the closest is Club Rannalhi’s water bungalows which are 20 feet (7 metres) from villa #417 (see photo above).

We snorkelled the reef in that area, staying in a villa just a few doors down, and found it first class. Lots of colourful healthy coral and just about every (small) fish on the ‘Fish Identification’ card.

Close to the action!

Best of the Maldives: On the Beach Rooms – Banyan Tree Vabbinfaru

Maldives Complete — Thu, 10 May 2012 08:22:55 GMT

‘Intimate’ is one of the words most frequently used to describe the Maldives. Both in a romantic sense, but also in a geographical sense. The the islands’ tiny size making for an intimacy in staying on them. Their low lying aspect giving visitors an intimate connection to the ocean. Their shallow lagoons and reefs lending a gentle intimacy to the ocean itself.

Water villas have come to characterise the intimate connection one has with the ocean during a Maldives stay, but if you want all of the proximity to the ocean of a water bungalow without actually being on a bungalow, then Banyan Tree Vabbinfaru has an option for you, reports Adrian Neville…

“No beach rooms in the Maldives are more on-the-beach than those of Banyan Tree Vabbinfaru. Don't expect privacy too.”

You might ask, ‘Why would you want something so close to the water without having a water villa?’…

Kids are not allowed in almost all water villas.
Water villas cost significantly more.
Don’t step on sand going from water to door (okay, I’m reaching here).

Best of the Maldives: Deep Water Villas – Jumeirah Dhevanafushi

Maldives Complete — Tue, 08 May 2012 22:12:54 GMT

Going from boat on the land, to a house on the water. But not just your classic lagoon villas in the archetypal Maldives shallows. But a villa on the ‘high seas’. Adrian Neville noted on his recent research tour, “The Jumeirah Dev. water villa village is the only one in Maldives not in resort lagoon but outside, in deep water, around a sandbank.”

They are called the ‘Ocean Pearls’ and are completely detached from the main resort island of Jumeirah Dhevanafushi so you transfer there by a chauffeured dhoni.

Getting even further away from it all.

Best of the Maldives: Nautical Kids Club – Anantara Dhigu

Maldives Complete — Sun, 06 May 2012 18:49:54 GMT

No it’s not a shipwreck (though you can imagine that if you like) nor a bad dhoni parking job. It’s the dhoni-inspired Anantara kids club.

Who needs a big body of water at their kids club when you can have an entire ocean in your imagination. In fact Anantara does have any kiddie pool at its kids club, but the dollop of imagination the kids can be out in the open ocean while in the safety, security and supervision of the club. Anantara has modelled its kids club as a Maldivian dhoni. So as our son would say, he’s not going off to child minding…he is on an adventure on the ‘big boat’.

Best of the Maldives: Kids Club Pool – Four Seasons Landaa Giraavaru

Maldives Complete — Sat, 05 May 2012 10:35:03 GMT

Kandooma may be the best pool for young kids, but Four Seasons Landaa Giraavaru has the best young kids pool I have soon. Kandooma’s is the main pool for everyone which happens to be well suited for young pre-schoolers. But Landaa has a special kiddie pool, that is far from kiddie sized, in their excellent kids club. But what really clinched their distinction was their adorable little kiddie lounge chairs and matching junior-sized beach towels (see below). I did feel a bit like Gulliver visiting the club. Just right for kids to feel big on a small island.

Best of the Maldives: Biggest Pool– Kandooma

Maldives Complete — Fri, 04 May 2012 13:16:43 GMT

There are all sorts of people distinctions. Dog people and cat people. Lake people and ocean people. Sail people and motorboat people. Beach people and pool people.

If you prefer a pool as expansive as Landaa’s beach, then Kandooma is the resort to head to. Now, like the many Maldives lagoons it sort of ressembles, much of the pool is quite shallow. As a result, it makes for an ideal play area for young children.

Kandooma’s pool comes in at 65 metres by 73 metres for a total area of 4,745 square metres. Kanuhura’s pool covers 120 metres by 67 metres, but in actually aquatic area, more than half of those distances are various sinuous twists and squirms rather than full water area.

Pool is so big that it has two of its own island with lounge chairs. With Kandooma’s signature giant beach towels, you could also say that Kandooma is the ‘Best for Paul Bunyan to Take a Dip.’

Best of the Maldives: Beach – Four Seasons Landaa Giraavaru

Maldives Complete — Wed, 02 May 2012 21:38:49 GMT

Whether it’s weddings, tanning, games or just relaxing, one of the best beaches in the Maldives is Four Seasons Landaa Giraavaru. Now, the entire Maldives nation is renowned for its seaside, so what makes FSLG so special…

Size – FSLG is certainly one of the largest beaches in the Maldives where scale is often a rarity. Some people prefer the tiny little island feel with a little plot of sand, but if you want the grand expanse of open seaside vista, then Landaa has that for you.
Facilities – Befitting the Four Seasons ethos and its luxury marque, Landaa offers a distinctive array of services and across the beach from one of the best stocked water sports centres in the Maldives to a convenient restaurant. Despite its massive size, the brilliant white soft sand is kept immaculately groomed. There are plenty of loungers with parasols and more than plenty of free sun crème in meg-sized dispensers. The beach-side pool is also a handy way to get a salt-free dip if you prefer.

Life’s a beach!

Beach Wedding Fail

Maldives Complete — Mon, 30 Apr 2012 19:37:03 GMT

Is this some kind of April Fools Joke? Or maybe just a joke by some fools in April?

More evidence that the British Isles are twinned with the Maldives in Opposite Land. At first, it is hard to believe that a country with 11,073 miles of coastline (compared to the 36,122 miles of coastline in the Maldives) has never had a beach wedding. But then again, as I write this post sitting by my cozy fire in near May with a freezing, wet gale blowing outside…maybe not. Wedding recessional complements of Keyboard Cat methinks…

As the olde English rhyme says “April showers bring May flowers”…but the UK might just want to keep the ‘wedding showers’ contained to exchanging presents over tea in the front room and leave the beach weddings to the Maldives.

Best of the Maldives: Jet Ski Safari - Kurumba

Maldives Complete — Sat, 28 Apr 2012 10:48:00 GMT

Your voyage to a deserted island doesn’t have to be on a seventeenth century tall ship. At Kurumba, you can zip over on the latest jet skis. With the revamp of their new Extreme Maldives watersports centre, they have introduced the Maldives first jet ski safari…

“Jetski Safari, which is the first in the Maldives, has been developed exclusively for Kurumba guests. This tour takes an environmentally friendly approach to jet skiing – using the latest craft with low emissions and noise levels, without disturbing the tranquillity of the ocean’s natural beauty. This experience will bring new level of fun while navigating some of the Maldives Islands and snorkelling on its magical reefs. This is an island hopping jet ski tour at a contained speed that is interpretive, respects the environment and allows for a new perspective in seeing the Maldives. It allows guests a sense of adventure with an experienced guide as well as allowing guest to snorkel on a remote reef and see other Islands in the Maldives.”

During the safari, guests can find special banks and remote reefs to visit or snorkel. The excursion includes a guide to both make sure everything goes smoothly, help in case of any difficulties and show you the best spots to visit.

Our family regularly jet skis when we visit my wife’s sister who lives by the ocean in North Carolina. They are loads of fun. A number of Maldives aficionados protest the sound they (and other motorised water sports) make disturbing the ildyllic tranquillity that draw so many to the destination in the first place. The safari is also a plus to them because it takes the guests on their buzzing boats (though Kurumba has brought the latest models that have the lowest noise) far away from the resort island itself to places where no people are.

A 90 minute excursion for 2 people costs $300.

Rev your engines for adventure.

Best of the Maldives: Robinson Crusoe Experience – Coco Palm Dhuni Kolhu

Maldives Complete — Fri, 27 Apr 2012 07:28:12 GMT

"Thus we never see the true State of our Condition, till it is illustrated to us by its Contraries; nor know how to value what we enjoy, but by the want of it." - Daniel Defoe, Robinson Crusoe

This week (25 April 1719) marks the publication of the classic by Daniel Defoe, ‘Robinson Crusoe’, whose story epitomises idyllic, simple living on remote island paradise. Though set in the South Pacific, the story’s imagery pervades the Maldives with many resorts offering ‘Robinson Crusoe’ experiences and adopting the namesake. Such as the ‘Robinson Villa’ at Soneva Fushi and even the ‘Robinson Club’ resort itself.

And if the resorts themselves don’t offer enough isolated wonders of seclusion for you, most offer a ‘Robinson Crusoe’ excursion which take you to a deserted island all to yourself several hours or even a whole day. One of Lori’s and my favourite experiences was one of these outings when we stayed at Filitheyo and took the trip to Hamza island for the day (see pix below).

Again, I turned to leading authority on all things Maldivian resorts, Adrian Neville, to determine a top recommendation in this area and he called out was the island offered by Coco Palm Dhuni Kolhu…

“As to Medhufinolhu, what makes it so good is that it is very small but not too small, so it can feel like 'yours'. It has decent vegetation and a lovely beach. It is out of sight and sound. Crucially, it has just one building - a hut made of wood and thatch, with a simple shower behind. In front is a table and chairs, made of found wood and coir rope. This is the best I have come across for that mythical Robinson Crusoe experience. And not just me it would seem. It is so popular that during much of the year it is used twice a day. One couple during the day and one couple at night. And I got this beautiful picture. The island was pristine enough to have these terns lay their eggs on the beach. And then they bombed me as I approached.”

I’ve already highlighted Medhufinolhu as a top Overnight Escape (Coco Palm is one of a few resorts to offer an overnight option), but it is just as spectacular for day visits too worthy of a second shout out.

Best of the Maldives: Mirrors – W Retreat

Maldives Complete — Wed, 25 Apr 2012 09:58:14 GMT

Despite the Maldives renown as a honeymoon destination, I’ve yet to see some of the trappings of American nuptial meccas like Vegas and Pocconos. Where are the rotating heart shaped beds under a mirrored ceiling?

Well, maybe the Maldives have kept it all a bit classier than that, but if you are into mirrors, the resort to check yourself out in is the W Retreat. The extensive use of mirrored glass is all part of the glossy design chic that prevails at the W.

While you won’t find a mirrored ceiling, you will find a gigantic mirror behind bed floor to ceiling. There’s another mirror on the side wall and the closets decorated with mirrors. Behind the bed of the Ocean Haven villa master bed even has a sort of mirror sculpture.

I went with the simple title for this post, but here are a few I rejected in the early drafts…

Best for Primpers
Best for Vain
Best for Reflecting
Best for Fun Houses
Worst for Vampires