No sooner said than done, my draft of the recent “Haven’t Seen” post (#21) included the popular summertime game of corn hole. Only for it to pop up at our visit to the The Standard. Sandbags on the sand!
Haven’t Seen yet #21
Despite seeing more things than we ever thought we would, we still have come across features and items that seem like they really do belong at Maldives resort somewhere and yet I haven’t seen them yet. Here’s the latest installment of “wanna sees”.
Wave Jewelry – Some sort of crowdsourced fundme project (thanks Paola). [ABOVE]
Super High-Tech Shower – When we first started coming to the Maldives the most common consideration about showers was how strong the hot water pressure was. Then rain showers became the vogue for the luxury properties. Then drench waterfall showers. Just how far can the evolution of shower luxury go? Well…
Ocean Lighting – The Maldives’ famous water villas put you right in the ocean, but how about this light to put the ocean right in your villa?
Diamond Ice Cubes – Ice is a particularly essential ingredient in the hot tropics at premiere resorts serving refreshing drinks. And I’ve posted a number of “haven’t seen” riffs on this simple cocktail component, but none so luxurious as this.
Orange Rose Ice Cubes – One of Lori’s (and everyone’s these days) favourite hot weather cocktail is an Aperol spritz and these cubes make it all the more appealing.
Magic Cocktails – Cocktails are a delightful accompaniment to the entertainment that the resort puts on, but actually the cocktails could BE the entertainment…
Blue Jelly Fish Shot – And for some apropos aquatic cocktails magic…
Tipping Note – Seth Godin’s piece on “Customer Satisfaction and Tipping” provides a tip for resorts which addresses a perennial issue on TripAdvisor Forum – tipping,,,
Healthy Choice Buffet Arrangement – “Serving Healthy Foods First in Buffet Lines Improves Overall Meal Selection”
Non-Alcoholic Pairing Menu – We came across this variation of varying your beverages with each course at Rickety Ridge winery in Franschoek, South Africa. Especially with the growing number of Islamic guest as well as the tee-totaling wellness holidayers.
Children’s Pairing Menu – Rickety Ridge also featured a pairing menu for the Kids Menu. So fun!
Aquafit Boards – Paddleboards, fitness classes and pools are all commonplace now in the Maldives…so why not put them all together?
Pool Meditation – Or something a bit less stressful for your pool float (in fact, perhaps the very opposite of paddleboard fitness)…
Hydro-Foil Kite Surfing – You can feel like you are flying across the water kite surfing. Or with a hydro-foil. Or both!
Sea Bike – Or for that flying underwater feel…
Best of the Maldives: Colourful Reception – Oaga
Of all of the “Best Ofs” we found during our visit to Oaga, let’s start where our stay started…at the reception. And what a colourful one it is. Immediately, you are struck with the vibrantly creative vibe that defines the property. It is called “Raba”, the main hub of the property with the equally colourful pool next to it (stay tuned for that post), a disco area, bar, tea room and other amenities. Even the traditional rope hammock seats, ‘joali’, are the most colourful we’ve seen.
Best of the Maldives: Farewell Blessing – Heritance Aarah
Most luxury resorts in the Maldives provide a creative welcome and they will always have several staff at your departure to wave goodbye as you ride away. But Heritance Aarah is the first resort we have come to with a creative departure ritual. Your host performs a farewell blessing for you and your journey ahead (see video above).