Best of the Maldives: Isolation – Soneva Secret

Soneva Secret - isolation

One of the many charms of the Maldives destination is the Crusoe sense of isolation and distant separation from the increasingly hustle-bustle of daily modern life. My one phrase to describe the aesthetic of the Maldives is “that iconic cartoon of a plot of sand with a palm tree on it”. Soneva’s latest property, Soneva Secret, takes that concept to its own extreme situated in it own mini single-island atoll.

  • There is no other resort in the Maldives where, as far as the eye can see, there is no other development and just nature

Get away from it all…including the rest of the Maldives.

Best of the Maldives: Dinner Theatre – Oaga

Oaga - dinner theatre

Delicacies, entertainment, culture…all the evening possibilities on a resort rolled into a single event. Dinner theatre is a great way to spice up your meal and to enjoy some theatrics in a most leisurely manner. Oaga premiered its first dinner theatre spectacle telling the story of star-crossed lovers Dhon Hiyala and Alifulhu’ (Oaga likes the romantic genre – Best of the Maldives: Pool Channel – Oaga – Maldives Complete Blog)

  • · “Oaga Art Resort has premiered a one-of-a-kind dining experience for Valentine’s Day at their luxury resort in the Maldives. In partnership with their own theatre team at Samaasaa the specialty restaurant, they introduced a five-course dinner by the beach paired with a live performance of the Maldivian tale of two star crossed lovers ‘Dhon Hiyala and Alifulhu’, creating an unforgettable evening for the audience. The theatrical dining experience is a first of its kind in the Maldives, providing guests with a unique and immersive experience that combines exceptional cuisine with a captivating live performance. Oaga Art Resort’s talented chefs, headed by Chef Zuhair, have created a five-course menu that features fresh and seasonal ingredients sourced locally.”

   

Best of the Maldives: Disco – Oaga

Oaga - disco

  • “Oh disco heaven, oh disco heaven” – Lady Gaga

A common FAQ is about the “nightlife” and “entertainment” on offer by the resort. I guess all that relaxation from lounging in the sun and soaking up the indolent poolside vibes during the day can generate some pent up energy for the evening. All too often, the “disco” or “dance floor” is a small square of by the beach bar and near a DJ deck. But Oaga has created a vibrant night spot that would stand out in the London club scene. Lights, ample space, lounging beds, great DJ, great sound systems all on a destination-distinctive sand-floor (for really kicking your shoes off).

Best of the Maldives: Waldorf Ithafuashi – Ferrari

Waldorf Ithafushi – Ferrari 2

The Ferrari Testa Rossa is a rare car indeed and cars n the Maldives are especially rare. So one on a resort is the quintessence of rarity:

  • “The Ferrari Testa Rossa J is a 75% reproduction of the iconic Ferrari 250 Testa Rossa – a model that holds a significant place in the annals of Ferrari and motor racing history. This exclusive vehicle, the only car on the island, has been shipped over for the use of guests who hire Waldorf Astoria Ithaafushi exclusively.”

Maybe the most extravagant luxury feature I have come across in this opulence-packed destination.

Waldorf Ithafushi – Ferrari 1

Best of the Maldives: Music Classes – Oaga

Oaga - music classes

Exploration doesn’t have to be limited to just underwater adventures or tropical excursions. People can expand their horizons by trying a new activity or even delving into a new skill. Many people find holidays a great chance to try something new away from the pressures and stresses of daily life. Oaga offers a range of classes for guests looking to explore their musical side at their Ka Studio which includes guitar, ukulele, and bodu beru.

Best of the Maldives: Signature Scent – Ifuru

Ifuru - signature acent

Despite the splendor of the azure tapestry or the tasty delights on offer, supposedly the sense that evokes the most vivid memories for people is smell. For a aroma distinctive of your visit there, Ifuru has created its own signature scent for people to bring this memory home and relive it every time they apply it (thanks Paola).

  • The exclusive Ifuru Maldives Perfume has returned and is now available once again at Xanadu Spa at Ifuru Island Maldives. This beloved scent, inspired by the invigorating Sea Breeze, has been crafted in collaboration with Essence On to capture the true essence of island luxury. Designed to transport you back to sun-drenched shores and tranquil ocean breezes, this unisex fragrance opens with vibrant notes of Tangerine, Almond, and Nectarine, followed by a delicate heart of Orchid, Coconut, and Jasmine. The scent is beautifully rounded off with a warm, lingering base of Heliotrope, Cedarwood, and Vanilla, making it the perfect keepsake to remind you of your time at Ifuru Island.”

   

Best of the Maldives: Dhivehi Phrases – Oaga

Oaga - dhivehi

In a refreshing break from the pervasive bikinis and palm trees on the #maldives Instagram feed, Oaga featured a series of Dhivehi useful and interesting phrases (with both Dhivehi writing and western forms) on their feed. A couple of Dhivehi dictionaries are on the web, but this collection of sayings is the closest things to a phrasebook I have come across:

  • Aanlheoa – used for greeting, congratulations or cheering some one
  • Hoba – kindness or wellness
  • Samaasaa – tease or entertan
  • Nakaiy – periods of the monsoon calendar
  • Suvvaasthi – expression of happiness “when feelings of joy rise to color how we convey ourselves”
  • Hiy Huba – good-heart, used as expression of gratitude
  • Malaafaiy – special wooden tray