2017 is coming to an end, the new year for adventures are fast approaching. If you can’t wait to start planning your 2018 summer holiday, here’s ten reasons why you should choose Maldives, in the hope one will catch your eye…
With the growing number of travellers wanting to develop their photography talents and seeking awe-inspiring spots for captivating photographs, Conrad Maldives Rangali Island now offers “Instagram trails”, guided paths to help their guests discover “the most picturesque locations” on the island through their savvy social media team of “Instagram butlers”.
Maldives is one of the best places on the planet to stare at stars, thanks to Anantara Kihavah Maldives Villas for fulfilling the desires of those who long dreamed about finding out the secrets of the starry skies. Guests who chose Stargazing with the resort’s resident Sky Guru and astronomer can study the constellations at the observatory’s open area using the most powerful telescope in the Maldives.
For those who prefer pampering over water sports activities, with a design in the shape of a crustacean, the Iridium Spa at the St. Regis Maldives, Vommuli Resort has one of the largest outdoor hydrotherapy pools in the country. The stunning views of the Indian Ocean combines a soothing backdrop to the powerful jets of water massages and its therapeutic properties for the body with the cleansing of the skin. Guests can also get in touch with their spiritual side in the resort’s Ayurvedic doctor.
With the growing number of tourist arrivals every year, the Maldives government is expanding the country’s main international airport (which is currently handling far more than its original design capacity. Upon completion of the expansion project, Velana International Airport will be able to cater a capacity of 7.5 million passengers per year. In addition, the airport will have 9 new passenger boarding bridges, expanded duty-free shops, food and beverage outlets, a new fuel storage which has 3 times the current capacity and a new cargo terminal. The completion of the new runway and the new international terminal will compliment and spearhead the economic growth of the Maldives for the years to come.
There aren’t any UNESCO World Heritage sites in the Maldives. However, the Malé Friday Mosque, Malé Eid Mosque, Ihavandhoo Friday Mosque, Meedhoo Friday Mosque, Fenfushi Friday Mosque and the Isdhoo Old Mosque – all historical coralstone jewels have been considered by UNESCO’s “tentative list” of sites since 2013. Hukuru Miskiiy or the Friday Mosque, located in the capital Malé is the oldest mosque in the country. Renowned for its beautiful lacquer work and wood carvings, the entire mosque is built of carved coral stone in 1658 CE during the reign of Sultan Ibrahim Iskandar. Today, the mosque stands as a testament to Maldivian craftsmanship.
At LUX* South Ari Atoll, they take pride in serving their guests first meal of the day by taking it to the next level. How do you like a floating breakfast in your very own private pool? Five-star hospitality is redefined by off-the-grid luxury at this chic beach-house style resort where they make their guests wildest imaginations come true!
Private islands have been somewhat a thing in 2017, and the Maldives is full of them. But this retreat in the northern Baa Atoll, the Four Seasons Private Island Maldives at Voavah is the real deal, a secluded two-hectare of oasis transcends the private island experience featuring seven rooms, a beach house, a dive center with a dedicated divemaster, a spa with therapists, an infinity pool and a 62ft yacht for reservation of up to 22 people. “Completely yours” from the moment it’s booked and is all about personalization. French macarons at 2am? Of course. Nightly rates start at $46,000 USD a night for the entire island.
Nestled in the idyllic azure waters of Noonu Atoll on Medhufaru island, Soneva Jani is a 5.6-km stretch of lagoon-inspired paradise comprising 24 over-water villas, of which 13 has its own slides straight into the ocean. Each of them boasts a retractable master bedroom roof; with a sunken dining area set over glass portholes in the floor; a private infinity pool; a study, a fancy kitchen and a large roof deck with unparalleled views of the ocean. Interestingly this is one of the lowest density resorts in the world, so privacy is virtually guaranteed.
Forget about seaside cabana massages. It’s underwater pampering for guests of Huvafen Fushi, an adults-only resort in the North Malé atoll. Boasting a unique spa experience in the world’s first underwater spa with panoramic views of the resort’s house reef. The spa offers an innovative menu of wellness packages for couples, side-by-side in its two treatment rooms, as well as an underwater relaxation area.
The construction of an over-water bridge spanning the capital Male to connect the airport island Hulhule is underway, the bridge, a dream of the nation and also a cornerstone for the nation’s future. The government refers the 1.39-km bridge as the millennium project of the country. Though one-third of the country’s population live in Malé, Hulhule and Hulhumalé, ferries serve as the only mode of transportation between the three islands, and the completion of the bridge will link the three islands together so that the country can embrace a jump in growth. It will also boost the economy of the atoll chain and improve the living conditions of Malé island residents. The bridge will be officially inaugurated on the 2018 Independence Day.
There are more reasons to visit the Maldives, you can find a few that made to the 2017’s list.
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