Review — For backpackers and surfers who want to experience a different side of Maldives, one which does not require spending thousands of dollars on high-end resorts, the island of Thulusdhoo in North Malé Atoll is a great alternative. The island is inhabited and is as beautiful as any other Maldivian island. This means, not only do you get to enjoy the pearly white beaches and turquoise waters, but you also get to see the real people of Maldives. It has a decent number of affordable guest houses and all the facilities that an ordinary holiday-maker would require.
Aerial view of Thulusdhoo – Photo by Ahmed Riyazi Mohamed
Thulusdhoo is a favorite spot for surfers because of its amazing surf point, Cokes-named after island’s famous Coca Cola bottling plant, the only Coca Cola plant in the world that makes the famous beverage from desalinated water. Daily ferries commute between the capital Malé and Thulusdhoo and the journey takes only an hour, which makes visiting the island extremely convenient.
Photo contributed by Canopus Maldives
Besides swimming, surfing, snorkeling and fishing, there is another fun thing to do in Thulusdhoo-stargazing. Yes, Stargazing! The reason I recommend stargazing in Thulusdhoo is because there is a large area of barren land on one side of the island.
Photo by Ahmed Riyazi Mohamed
Lying there, on the white sandy ground, on a clear night is the best feeling in the world. With no sound or light pollution, the Milky Way is so beautifully visible to the naked eye. On a clear night, there are so many shooting stars you’ll want to make a wish and fall asleep right there, to the sight of an endless sky full of glistening gems.
Every place is unique and has a special magic. Surfing and stargazing in Thulusdhoo is pretty magical. You just have to visit and find out.
The yogis at Four Seasons Resort Maldives at Kuda Huraa will be enjoying a few lessons themselves this summer. Kat Harding – Australia’s first qualified Stand Up Paddleboard (SUP) yoga instructor – is coming island-side to train Kuda Huraa’s mat masters in the art of paddleboard-based poses. Kat will also be available for exclusive guest sessions from August 3 to 9, 2015, the week of the annual Four Seasons Maldives Surfing Champions Trophy: a WSL specialty event between six world champion surfers. Doyenne of SUP yoga and all-round yoga guru, Kat Harding is set to unite – and elevate – Kuda Huraa’s surf and Spa offering, expanding the opportunity for guests to strengthen their connection, both within their core and with the ocean.
“SUP Yoga is an amazing experience where you are able to synchronise the movements of your body with the ocean,” explains Kat. “Its appeal is in its natural rawness, floating gracefully and using your own strength to balance as you move and flow with the water underneath you.”
SUP Yoga, Four Seasons Resort Maldives at Kuda Huraa
While yoga’s origins date back thousands of years – and is practised to unite mind, body and spirit through breath – SUP Yoga is a relatively new hybrid, uniting yoga traditions with surfing and wellbeing through the paddleboard. It’s a discipline that engages the whole body, building strength, flexibility and focus while imparting an incredible sense of joy and freedom.
Kat hails from Noosa, Australia – home of Kuda Huraa’s surf partners, Tropicsurf – continuing the surf pedigree and easy laid-back vibe that the Resort has become synonymous with. Kat’s own yoga journey began as a teen with a Christmas gift of a yoga DVD. Her love of movement flourished, inspiring her to travel and experiment with various yoga disciplines; train as a yoga teacher with Laxmi Yoga (Sally Parkes) in London and Spain; and go on to qualify as Australia’s first SUP yoga instructor. Trained in vinyasa, hatha, dynamic, yin and prana flow yoga, she combines her passions for yoga, surfing, healthy living and nature on the paddleboard. She’s also an ebook co-author, blogger, Fire and Shine luminary, Wanderlust Festival presenter and hosts Australia’s only luxury SUP yoga retreats.
SUP Yoga, Four Seasons Resort Maldives at Kuda Huraa
“It’s a real honour to have Kat on board to help us launch SUP Yoga,” concludes Sanju Upadhyay, Manager of The Island Spa. “As a discipline it incorporates the best of Kuda Huraa – ocean-inspired activities, yoga and healthy outdoor living – while our warm, shallow lagoon makes the ideal practice ground. Our yogis and guests are in for a real treat.”
To be one of the first to experience SUP Yoga at Kuda Huraa, contact Four Seasons Resort Maldives at Kuda Huraa on tel: (960) 66 44 888, fax: (960) 66 44 800 or email [email protected], or book online.http://www.fourseasons.com/maldiveskh
The spectacularly spacious Outrigger Konotta Maldives Resort opened its doors and welcomed its first guests on August 1st.
The first guests, a family from Dubai, arrived after a 30-minute luxury speedboat transfer from Kaadedhdhoo Airport in the Gaafu Dhaalu Atoll in the south of the Maldives.
First guests arrive and cut the ribbon to the sound of Maldivian drums, Outrigger Konotta Maldives Resort
The guests were welcomed ashore at the resort’s jetty by Darren Edmonstone the Outrigger Managing Director for Asia Pacific and the resort’s General Manager, Pascal Billon.
After a traditional Maldivian welcome ceremony with drums and dancing, the father of the family cut the ribbon to open a new chapter in Outrigger Resorts’ expansion, which has seen the company open premier-class beachfront properties in Mauritius, Phuket and Fiji, as well as the Maldives, in the last three years.
Aerial, Outrigger Konotta Maldives Resort
“Outrigger hosts and supporting contractors in the Maldives have done a terrific job in the run up to our opening today,” said Mr Edmonstone. “I’m confident our large and wonderfully well appointed Beach and Ocean Pool Villas will become a major talking point in the Maldivian tourism scene.”
The 53 key all-villa property comprises 24 Beach Pool Villas (211 sqm), seven Two-Bedroom Pool Villas (282 sqm), 21 Ocean Pool Villas (225 sqm), and the Presidential Villa (600 sqm).
The turquoise waters off the Outrigger Konotta Maldives Resort feature a well-formed reef with abundant coral diversity and a great variety of marine life including turtles and eagle rays and regular sightings of dolphins.
On day two of opening, the Outrigger welcomed guests from China, Korea and the USA.
Two Bedroom Beach Pool Villas, Outrigger Konotta Maldives Resort
“We have very special dining, water sports and excursion options ready for all our guests, no matter where they come from,” said Mr Billon. “The Outrigger on Konotta Island is shaping up to be a perfect holiday destination for a wide variety of international guests who are seeking an iconic Maldives holiday.”
The Sun Siyam Iru Fushi unfolds over 52 acres of natural perfection, a world away from the everyday, yet just a 45-minute awe-inspiring seaplane ride from the capital, Malé. Warm crystal-clear waters wait to embrace you. Soft sands call you to kick off your shoes.
Iru Fushi is located in the northernmost reaches of the Maldivian archipelago, at the heart of Noonu Atoll. Noonu is a community of islands, each with its own distinct allure – a hidden cove here, a lush grove of palm trees there, a lagoon seemingly made just for you. Still others are dotted with villages where traditional ways of life are still proudly preserved, waiting to enchant.
Maalifushi by COMO is the first luxury resort in the Maldives to open in the pristine Thaa Atoll in the archipelago’s southwest.
With overwater villas and beach suites, Maalifushi is therefore the ultimate away-from-it-all destination for families, couples, surfers and divers. There are some excellent breaks nearby as well as a string of uninhabited private islands, where there are seasonal hammerhead and manta ray sightings.
Hulhule Island Hotel, the only hotel located on the International airport island — Ibrahim Nasir International Airport, is a modern and exotic hotel catering to the diversified needs of guests.
Set in a heavenly ambiance of turquoise blue waters, the Maldives airport hotel is a place perfect for the guests on leisure as well as on business. It is a happening place to be in; as well it is a tranquil haven at various locations within the hotel.
Hulhule Island Hotel is less than 5 minutes travel by road from the airport and complimentary hotel shuttles are available round the clock for the convenience of the guests.
The hotel is conveniently located on the island having the airport for seaplane transfers, international and domestic flights. Malé which is just a 10 minutes boat ride away has attractions like the cultural sites, the lively and buzzing fish market and local markets – making it easier for guests to get acquainted with the Maldivian way of life. Hulhule Island Hotel also provides scheduled transfers between HIH and Malé by ferry for the guests to visit the capital city and this service is also provided complimentary.
The guests wishing to add flavor to their special day or wanting to take the plunge into the sky blue water and bask at the white sandy beach area or just transiting through the Isle of Maldives or on a business trip – Hulhule Island Hotel is liked by each of the segment of guests.
Hulhule Island Hotel opens the door to a world of exemplary service and lets you enjoy every moment of your stay whilst pampering you in exquisite luxury.
Hulhule Island Hotel is the place where elegance blends uniquely creating an ambiance of tranquility – it is large enough to find a quiet seclusion and small enough to share with loved ones.
The hotel boasts of a range of luxury accommodation and facilities designed to suit the taste of avid guests. All the guest rooms have a panoramic view of the breath taking Indian Ocean in different shades of blue. Surrounded by the unblemished natural exquisiteness of the Maldives, Hulhule Island Hotel has a wide range of guest facilities on offer whilst maintaining extremely high standards for the comfort of international traveller.
The facilities and the features are wonderful but the service is even better as the team of Hulhule Island Hotel truly lives up to their promise.
Chaaya Island Dhonveli is the perfect destination for the discerning pleasure seeker. The warm waters of the azure sea are an ideal balm that lifts the spirits and calms the soul. Whilst perfect waves make surfing an unforgettable experience, the clear waters allows you to sample the beauty of incredible underwater treasures.
‘Dhonveli’ which means ‘white sand’ in Dhivehi, the local language. Dhonveli is home to Chaaya Island Dhonveli, one of the world’s best resort hotels, boasting newly refurbished picturesque accommodation, soft pristine beaches, abundant vegetation, a seductive ocean and lagoon, and celebrated surf and dive sites.
For an underwater adventure, let the breathtaking colours of the vast collection of fish and coral take your breath away. At Dhonveli, the in-house experience is unparalleled. Dhonveli has an array of fabulous options for you to select from. The choice of accommodation varies from garden bungalows to beach and water bungalows. Nevertheless, each option is unique and memorable.
Let your mind experience the bliss of undisturbed peace as nimble hands work away the built up stress, showing you what relaxation is all about at Dhonveli’s Chavana Spa.
The resort’s sundown entertainment includes disco nights, live music, fun themes and fascinating Maldivian Cultural shows that will enthral you.
For an ultimate holiday experience, the Chaaya Lagoon Hakuraa Huraa, rated among the best hotels in Maldives is your perfect destination. With a new look and better facilities, Hakuraa Huraa promises to offer you the wonders of sun, sand and sea in a backdrop of ultimate comfort.
Hakuraa Huraa means ‘Reef above water’. What makes this reef even more special is the spectacular island resort that has been designed to complement the splendour of the island. It’s called Chaaya Lagoon Hakuraa Huraa.
Located 145 km from the capital, Malé, it takes 45 minutes by seaplane to get to this idyllic 6-acre island paradise. Once you arrive be prepared for memorable times. Surrounded by an azure ocean lagoon replete with the wonders of the underwater world, this is a paradise for diving and snorkelling. Some of the water sports activities offered include windsurfing, sailing and canoeing.
Blissful days blend into balmy evenings. Memorable nights lull you into an idyllic state of mind. After sunset the entertainment begins with disco music and the famed Maldivian cultural show. These are memories to cherish. Accommodation at this spectacular beach hideaway includes 70 over water bungalows and 10 beach bungalows. Apart from these luxuries is the world-class Sanctuary Spa. Blissful and relaxing. This is just the way it should be.
Once you sample the heady mixture of secluded serenity, thrilling water sports activities, soothing spas, relaxing beaches all wrapped in the luxurious comfort of modern amenities – you are bound to want the experience again.
Conveniently located, Canopus Retreat Thulusdhoo is a great base from which to explore this vibrant city. The city center is merely 28.2 km away and the airport can be reached within 30 minutes. With its convenient location, the hotel offers easy access to the city’s must-see destinations.
Offering hotel guests superior services and a broad range of amenities, Canopus Retreat Thulusdhoo is committed to ensuring that your stay is as comfortable as possible. To name a few of the hotel’s facilities, there are 24-hour room service, free Wi-Fi in all rooms, convenience store, daily housekeeping, fax machine.
The hotel features 5 beautifully appointed guest rooms, many of which include television LCD/plasma screen, internet access – wireless (complimentary), non-smoking rooms, air conditioning, wake-up service. The hotel offers wonderful recreational facilities such as canoe, watersports equipment rentals, snorkeling, surfing lessons, private beach to make your stay truly unforgettable. Whatever your reason for visiting the Maldives, the Canopus Retreat Thulusdhoo is the perfect venue for an exhilarating and exciting break away.
Veligandu Island Resort & Spa welcomes you to a tropical paradise of palm trees, white sandy beaches, sparkling clear, warm water in turquoise lagoons and colourful coral reefs teeming with abundant marine life.
Veligandu Island Resort, surrounded by a beautiful lagoon, an excellent house reef and long stretches of white, sandy beach, is the only Resort on the island of Veligandu, North Ari Atoll. It is 600 meters long by 150 meters wide, about 22 acres. Seaplane transfer from Ibrahim Nasir International Airport is a scenic, 20 minute flight.
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