Carmarthen Journal

escape plans

We select our pick of destinatio­ns on offer from travel agents

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sunset. Yes, really...

If you’re not full up after all that, you can grab snacks and drinks from the Kakuni Hut just steps away from your sun lounger.

There are also some unique dining experience­s to be had on the island if you want some extra-special memories.

You can book in for a cooking lesson to learn traditiona­l Maldivian recipes from the local ‘mamas’ of the area, or arrange an exclusive private dinner on the beach, complete with your choice of romantic film and tropical flowers.

Or how about a meal in the ocean itself? The team can set up a picnic bench in the lagoon so you can eat with the water lapping at your legs and small, but harmless, sharks swimming around you.

Like I said, pinch me ...

If you can tear yourself away from your room and the restaurant­s for a while – and it’s a big if – there’s plenty of adventure to be had.

The Maldives is famous for its crystal-clear waters. And you just can’t leave without heading out on a snorkeling or scuba diving trip with the Extreme Maldives team, who offer all the watersport­s on the island from jet skiing and parasailin­g to flyboardin­g and sea-bobbing.

Staff have an amazing knowledge of the area, and can take you out to one of the 40 or so world class diving sites close to the resort where you’ll see stingrays and hundreds of brightly coloured fish swimming beneath you.

If adrenaline-fuelled watersport­s aren’t your thing, you can still enjoy the ocean on compliment­ary paddleboar­ds or canoes, or take a magical dolphin cruise. You can also head out on a tour of the capital city Male, or visit another island on a local sightseein­g tour.

But if your holidays are all about relaxing, you will also be well catered for. The beaches surroundin­g the island are stunning, and you mostly have them to yourself.

There are various beach games if you do fancy a quick break from soaking up the sun, or you can always try a spot of yoga.

After a day at the beach there’s no better way to ease your tired muscles than at the island’s Shine Spa.

Sitting on its own island, you can feel the tranquilit­y as soon as you cross the bridge and step through the doors into the wonderfull­y scented reception room.

Before a couple’s massage or body scrub, or whatever you go for, you can unwind in the steam room and sauna or at the outdoor plunge pool.

The treatment rooms have a glass wall so you can look out onto the lush gardens as you get your manicure.

And after that you can head to the relaxation room to enjoy more of the views.

However you choose to spend your time on the island, you’ll leave with a killer tan – and, more importantl­y, memories that will last forever.

 ??  ?? The island is a kilometre in size
The island is a kilometre in size
 ??  ?? The resort boasts three freshwater swimming pools
The resort boasts three freshwater swimming pools
 ??  ?? ■ RIO CARNIVAL: Planet Cruise (planetcrui­se.co.uk; 0808 278 8504) offers a 15-night cruise onboard Celebrity Cruises’ Celebrity Eclipse from £1,799pp flying from London on February 24. It includes return UK flights, a two-night stay in Buenos Aires, overnights onboard in Rio de Janeiro during Carnival, all overseas transfers and stop-offs in Montevideo, Buzios and Sao Paulo.
■ RIO CARNIVAL: Planet Cruise (planetcrui­se.co.uk; 0808 278 8504) offers a 15-night cruise onboard Celebrity Cruises’ Celebrity Eclipse from £1,799pp flying from London on February 24. It includes return UK flights, a two-night stay in Buenos Aires, overnights onboard in Rio de Janeiro during Carnival, all overseas transfers and stop-offs in Montevideo, Buzios and Sao Paulo.
 ??  ?? Inside one of the rooms
Inside one of the rooms

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