Fantasy island
THE MALDIVES
LYING some 210 miles north of the equator, this cluster of some 1,200 islands in the Indian Ocean is the ultimate dreamy romantic escape. With picture postcard-perfect powder-white sands and breathtaking turquoise blue waters it’s no surprise the Maldives’ idyllic islands are ranked in the top 10 best honeymoon destinations.
From the capital city of Male, it’s a 55-minute flight, followed by a short speedboat ride to remote Gaafu Alifu Atoll and the magnificent Pullman Maldives Maamutaa, the hotel brand’s first foray into the island nation which opened at the end of September.
Between a natural lake and pristine beaches, set over 44 acres of lush gardens, are the five-star all-inclusive resort’s 122 over-water and beachside villas, some with private pools.
But for a room with a truly unique
Gaafu Alifu Atoll view, check into one of the two Aqua Villas, each featuring a bedroom submerged beneath the lagoon which means you’ll wake up to an amazing spectacle of marine life.
Foodies are well-catered for, with six fine culinary offerings that include Middle Eastern fare from Souq Oven, with its impressive wine ‘wall’ of over 80 labels, cocktails accompanied by tapas at Saffron Affair, and Phat Chameleon the Maldives’ first organic vegan vegetarian restaurant with its own vegetable and herb garden.
With 26 dive sites around the deep lagoon there are plenty of chances for snorkellers and divers to spot some of the residents of the... coral reefs such as dolphins, turtles, and up to 13 species of shark.
Magnificent:
Take time out to enjoy a therapeutic facial or massage in one of the treatment rooms at the Spa by Phytomer, overlooking the lagoon.
A great way to explore is to take a nature trail walk with the resort’s resident and informative naturalist through the dense vegetation, along the beaches and around the natural freshwater lagoon.
The Maldives is home to some five per cent of the planet’s reefs and Gaafu Alifu Atoll lays claim to some of the region’s richest marine life. With 26 dive sites around the deep lagoon there’s plenty of opportunity for snorkellers and divers to spot some of the residents of the colourful coral reefs such as dolphins, turtles, manta rays, and up to 13 species of shark.
On land, for the actively inclined, there are specially designed outdoor fitness courses, a boot camp which involves climbing palm trees and a jogging trail.
Gaafu Alifu Atoll
TUI EXTENDS CANCELLATION OF HOLIDAYS UNTIL MID-JUNE
TUI, the UK’s biggest tour operator, has extended the suspension of its holidays for the next six weeks.
The company said all trips would be cancelled up to and including June 11, and warned customers wanting cash refunds that its call centres are “incredibly busy”.
It had previously suspended its operations up to May 14.
Tui also cancelled its Marella Cruises sailings up to the end of June, and postponed the launch of its river cruises until late November.
A total of nearly 900,000 people have had their holidays cancelled, a spokeswoman said.
The firm told affected customers that they will receive a refund credit for the full value of their holiday.
This can be used to book another trip taking place before the end of October 2021.
Package holiday customers will receive an additional credit worth up to 20% of their booking.
The Foreign and Commonwealth Office has advised the public against all but essential international travel since March 17.