There’s more to this Indian Ocean paradise than white, sandy beaches – Chris Leadbeater finds out what else the Maldives has to offer.
1. Bargain break
There is a tendency to view the Maldives as a desert-island preserve of Russian oligarchs, models and people who own yachts the size of Leeds. But it can be surprisingly affordable too. Seven nights, half board, at the four-star Sun Island Resort and Spa, flying direct from Gatwick on Jan 28, is £1,588 per person; thomascook.com.
2. Parrotfish
Yes, yes, the Maldives does beach breaks. But you can be active too. Sort of. Biyadhoo is a three-star retreat which places an emphasis on snorkelling and scuba diving. Seven-night, full-board stays in February from £1,715 – with flights; kuoni.co.uk.
3. Hurawalhi
Sick of eating in silence with your partner? Stay at the Hurawalhi resort, where the 5.8 Undersea Restaurant sits – why yes – 5.8 metres under the sea. There’s your conversation starter. Seven-night stays in March from £2,914 per person, flights extra.
4. Sub-aqua serenity
Dinner under the waves is one thing. A massage is even better. Deluxe hideaway Huvaven Fushi has a spa which sits below the surface – ensuring reef views from the treatment table. Double rooms from £1400 per night. huvafenfushi.com
5. Bring the kids
Brochures portray the Maldives as a place for making children, not entertaining them. But Steppes Travel sells a 10-day “Maldives Family Holiday” to Soneva Fushi – which has a “Den” full of child amusements. From £2,800pp, with flights. steppestravel.co.uk
6. Reverse honeymoons
“The Maldives – not just there for the nicer things in life” is a tagline you will never read. Still, while the islands are famed as a honeymoon haven, they also do breakups. The country has the world’s highest divorce rate – 10.97 per year per 1,000 inhabitants per year.
Full details are available at the link below:
