Indian ocean destinations

Family

Maldives

coupleS

diving aert b s y u l Th au ; P aua h med s h PICTURE: a

Look beyond t’s the place honeymoon says managing director Paul w FAMILY Idreams are made of – Cleary, “proving that the Maldives The last thing parents want the honeymoon overwater villas, romantic is a rapidly growing market for is to worry about their brood market and you’ll restaurants and service so good us and a very popular destination disturbing other guests, so find it’ll make the happy couple feel for our customers. In particular, a resort where they’ll fit in with find plenty more like they’re the only ones on the we have seen a huge growth in the family crowd – and with the island. So why is the Maldives business for couples and family biggest kids’ club in the country, to sell in the rising up the ranks with non- holidays to the Maldives.” Kandima Maldives certainly fits Maldives, writes newlyweds? And if you consider that that bill. All the evidence from Indian most couples will only take one Set on , its Katie McGonagle Ocean operators points to honeymoon, but could book Kandiland kids’ club offers daily the family market and non- endless romantic escapes or activities ranging from mini-yoga honeymooning couples as being family breaks, it makes sense and mocktail making to crab @katie_mcgonagle areas of untapped potential. to widen your pool of potential hunting and cooking up candy “Caribtours has seen an 80% customers beyond just the floss, followed by fun at the increase in business this year,” honeymoon market. outdoor wet play area, which

31 May 2018 travelweekly.co.uk 53 destinations maldives indian ocean

opens at 4pm each day when the sun isn’t as strong. Lead-in Sky Studios can offer interconnecting rooms (from Maldives £145 per person, per night, half-board) or kids can stay on a sofa bed to take advantage of an offer allowing under- 12s to stay and eat for free. Keeping an eye on costs is key for families – by the time you multiply hotel rates by four, it can get pretty pricey – but there is some surprisingly good value to be found, if you know where to look. Premier Holidays recommends Adaaran Select Hudhuranfushi in Kaafu, North Malé atoll, for its all-inclusive package, which comes in at just £1,299 per person, including flights, transfers and accommodation. Nikki Hain, Indian Ocean product manager, says: “It’s a good all-inclusive are hidden among tropical foliage and option for families without a big price activities ranges from swimming with tag. Youngsters will be entertained The Meeru Island Resort dolphins and sailing around deserted with facilities specifically aimed islands, to unwinding with yoga or at children, including a pool, table is surrounded by an watching a classic film with a glass tennis, play area, shopping arcade and immaculate turquoise of champagne at the private Coco exciting excursions available.” lagoon – it really is a Cinema. Caribtours offers a week all- When it comes to facilities, few paradise on Earth” inclusive in an oceanfront villa, with could beat Jumeirah Vittaveli, home of flights and lounge access, from £1,815 the Maldives’ only ice rink. Sovereign for bookings before June 30. purchasing executive Shusma Knight But just when you thought it says: “It has really nice two-bedroom couldn’t get any more chilled out, above: beach villas with private pools that Kandima w COUPLES there’s the option of a seven-day come with two bathrooms and kids’ Maldives, Who says you’ve got to get hitched dhoni cruise through the islands – amenities including an Xbox. The Dhaalu atoll to want quality couple time? Whether and the best news? It doesn’t need a island is big enough to cycle around they’ve been married five years or 50, honeymoon-sized budget either. below: and there are plenty of activities, from or have no intention of tying the knot, G Adventures’ Maldives Dhoni Cruise Coco Palm water sports to cooking classes, as well Dhuni Kolhu, other coupled-up clients could still starts at just £1,049 excluding flights, as the Kuda-Koli kids’ club.” benefit from a Maldivian escape. taking in snorkelling and swimming in Tricia Birmingham, Gold Medal senior the Felidhu atoll, traditional drumming product manager for the Middle East and local life on , interspersed and Indian Ocean, says: “The Maldives with time to lounge around on deck. is far more than a destination for Group sizes are capped at eight, with honeymooners; with so many fantastic a guide on board to help guests spot properties in such stunning locations, turtles, reef sharks, stingrays and why should newlyweds get all the fun? octopuses as they pass by the boat. “I recommend the Meeru Island Resort & Spa. Located on its own w DIVING oo resort h secluded island and surrounded by an While many see the overwater villas as immaculate turquoise lagoon, it really the ultimate romantic escape, ask any amend l is a paradise on Earth.” diver about the Maldives’ biggest draw,

y; viy; Quiet it might be, but that just and it’s more likely to be life under the e l leaves more time to have a go at golf, water that really stands out. cycling, tennis and kayaking; enjoy Phil North, manager at specialist jason is / a relaxed lunch in one of its casual operator Dive Worldwide, says: “The restaurants; or just kick back on your Maldives is not only for honeymooners, own private sun deck. A week full- it is also a divers’ playground, offering oo images z

a board with Qatar Airways flights thrilling encounters with marine life b between September 7 and October 15 big and small. Vilamendhoo Island : scu s starts at £1,429. Resort & Spa is a real favourite of our Things are just as relaxed at Coco customers. It is friendly, superb value

PICTURE Palm Dhuni Kolhu Resort, where villas and perfectly located to experience

54 travelweekly.co.uk 31 May 2018 destinations maldives

left: Diving with whale sharks at Four Seasons Maldives at Landaa Giraavaru

below: Vilamendhoo Island Resort & Spa

some of the best scuba diving, including a super house reef.” A week half-board with TOP TIP flights, seaplane transfers, and The new Beach Rouge six days’ diving with tanks and beachclub at Lux South weights, costs from £2,375. Ari Atoll offers dancing North also highlights Reethi and cocktails on the Beach Resort for solo divers, as floating dancefloor

it waives single supplements at at night certain times and boasts one of the best house reefs in the country. If it’s value clients are after, ITC Travel Group recommends Ozen by Atmosphere at Maadhoo, sites such as the Unesco World where guests get two dives Biosphere Reserve of Baa Atoll, – worth $98 each plus tax – home of the Four Seasons included in stays of six to eight Maldives at Landaa Giraavaru, nights. Provided they’re staying where dhoni boat cruises go in on the Atmosphere Indulgence search of manta rays and whale all-inclusive package and have an sharks. open-water diving certification, Uma Campbell, Lusso product they can take their pick of six and marketing manager for the nearby snorkelling and diving Indian Ocean, says: “It’s hard to sites, and round the experience pick a resort in the Maldives, as off with an unforgettable meal at most are stunning and will have a underwater restaurant M6m, as house reef or great diving nearby. part of the all-inclusive package. The more remote the island, the But if it’s the quality of the more untouched the experiences, diving that takes centre stage, such as Como Maalifushi in the Lusso Travel’s specialists steer Thaa Atoll, and Six Senses Laamu guests towards the very best in the .”

56 travelweekly.co.uk 31 May 2018