While 2020 is fast approaching, and you need to convince yourself it’s time to plan your bucket list for the year ahead, deciding where exactly to go can be more difficult than it sounds. But, here at the sunny side, there’s always one option we’d choose. And yes, though we may be biased, it is for many good reasons. Bone-white beaches, luminous blue waters and other-worldly luxury are just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to the reasoning behind holidays to the Maldives. Still need convincing? Here are ten reasons to visit Maldives in 2020.
Skim over coral formations and navigate through shoals of tropical fish and encounter marvelous marine creatures, all without getting wet in the Super Falcon 3S, the world’s first, three-person DeepFlight submarine. These piloted, submarine excursions at Four Seasons Resort Maldives at Landaa Giraavaru offer 360-degree view of the underwater world for up to two passengers during the once-in-a-lifetime adventure in Maldives’ only UNESCO Biosphere Reserve.
Home for about 12,600 residents, Laamu atoll comprises of 82 islands, of which 12 are inhabited; with only one tourist resort; these include Gan the largest geographical island in the country at a whopping 8km long. Gan island is connected to its neighbors Kadhoo and Fonadhoo by causeways. With no international airport, Laamu atoll is barely on the tourist radar, but those that make the effort are rewarded with a number of undiscovered reefs, an abundance of macro life and numerous archaeological sites.
Some travel to take in the sights, or to raid the shops and markets, while others travel in pursuit of indulging in unique cuisine in foreign lands. Culinary tourism is a growing trend as travelers are becoming increasingly focused on defining cuisine as a true artistic expression of a country’s culture. The Guesthouse Association of Maldives (GAM) is preparing plans to introduce culinary tourism to showcase and promote the distinct cuisines available from the local islands.
Gaze across the ocean as you dine among the treetops in one of the seven private dining pods crafted from natural bamboo at Waldorf Astoria Maldives Ithaafushi. The unparalleled dining experience at Terra features the world’s finest ingredients, such as Miyazake Wagyu Beef and Alba White Truffle, complemented by an extensive collection of premium wines and the resort’s signature Krug Champagne handpicked by the first Maldives’ Krug Ambassado.
Inspired by marine life, the underwater museum at Fairmont Maldives Sirru Fen Fushi resort is a collaboration between the resort and British artist Jason deCaires Taylor. Only accessible by scuba divers or snorkelers, the underwater museum is created to bring attention to the threat of climate change. The conservation site features sculptures designed to imitate coral colonies, rising from twelve semi-submerged plinths.
Crossroads Maldives encompasses three independent islands fringing the Emboodhoo Lagoon in the pristine South Malé Atoll, just 15 minutes by speedboat from Malé airport. The leisure and lifestyle destination offers two captivating hotels, Saii Lagoon Maldives and Hard Rock Hotel Maldives, plus a wide range of facilities centered upon The Marina @Crossroads, an 11,000 square metre lifestyle, retail and dining destination.
Are you ready for summer? Whether you’re looking for sun or fun, this tanning deck at Ayada Maldives is unmatchable when it comes to tanning under the Maldivian sun. Swim out a couple of hundred meters from the resort’s shores, and climb on to the two-person deck and stretch out, relax and enjoy the sweeping views across pristine ocean. Bonus if you encounter a giant sting ray!
Running around capital Malé has caught on in so rapidly in recent years that the race calendar has ballooned. While many cities across the globe are launching running races as a way to promote tourism and boost their image, the Maldives has its annual fair share in gaining significant traction, with an explosion of the number of marathons held across the country to support social cause sand showcase the Maldives’ natural beauty.
Being the first art and design immersive resort in the country, an art map at Joali Maldives takes its guests on an art and sculpture tour of the island in a scavenger hunt of unique works that are specifically designed for the resort. Around the island, a collection of incredible artwork by 13 international artists such as Micha Khan, Nacho Carbonell’s and Porky Hefer who recently partnered with Leonardo DiCaprio Foundation at Art Basel, has his signature passion for the local wildlife displayed as a Manta Ray display suspended in the trees, woven in-situ from natural materials.
Imagine sinking into some bubbles looking out across an azure sea with a chilled glass of champagne! There are few places better than the Maldives when it comes to ocean views, with most over-water villas on the collection of islands offering unbeatable vistas of the Indian Ocean as far as the eye can see. Look no further as Kandolhu Island Maldives is the perfect place to order a bottle of Bolly to enjoy in your rose petal bath.
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