AZURE ESCAPADES
Maldives is an idyllic destination to enjoy eclectic activities amidst stunning settings
According to recent research by luggage delivery company mybaggage.com, Maldives topped the list of the most ‘Instagrammed’ tourist destinations around the world, with the island nation boasting 8.8 million hashtags and images uploaded to the photo-sharing website. Known for its natural beauty and unparalleled luxury, Maldives guarantees an experience of a lifetime served in the form of great hospitality, luxe living, scrumptious cuisine and unconventional activities.
Speaking of unconventional, how about an under-ocean dining set-up? SEA at Anantara Kihavah Maldives Villas, M6m at OZEN Life Maadhoo, and 5.8 Undersea Restaurant at Hurawalhi Maldives are a few underwater restaurants to explore in the Maldives. Relish international classics at SEA while watching sharks, turtles, and tropical fish swim; head to M6m to savour modern seafood preparations with under the ocean views or book a table at 5.8 Undersea Restaurant that invites you to a fine dining experience while marvelling at an architectural masterpiece as this is the world’s largest all-glass undersea restaurant.
If dining under the water isn’t enough for you, check out the ubergrand MURAKA experience at Conrad Maldives Rangali Island resort that lets you live under the sea. The MURAKA is a one-of-akind luxury two-level residence with a master bedroom submerged over 16 feet below sea level in the Indian Ocean. For those looking for an exclusive stay on the ground, but near to the sea, Seaside Finolhu’s Beach Bubble should be your pick. Located in a secluded spot along Finolhu’s famous 1.5km sandbank, this transparent inflatable bubble is available exclusively for a romantic, one-night only ‘Dream Eclipse’ experience under the stars. Enjoy a beach BBQ with a Maldivian twist, and then retreat into your private bubble for a night under the stars and watch the sunrise over breakfast. For those who wish to have the best of both, Maldives offers interesting liveaboard packages catering to all kinds of budgets for adventurers, divers, surfers, honeymooners and luxury seekers.
When in the Maldives, diving and snorkelling is a must for all aqua enthusiasts. Swimming among manta rays, whale sharks, sea turtles is an irreplaceable experience, to say the least. Popular hotspots for diving include South Ari Atoll for spotting whale sharks; Hanifaru Bay in Baa Atoll, a feeding hotspot for manta rays and Meeru Island Resort & Spa’s Turtle Reef in North Malé Atoll serves as an ideal location to spot turtles. Besides, the island nation is replete with wreck diving places as well. North Malé Atoll, Keyodhoo in Vaavu Atoll, and Kudhimaa Wreck are some popular wreck diving spots. visitmaldives.com