For a hitting the sweet spot any time of day, Ayada offers the most colourful ice cream treats we have come across in the Maldives (if not most anywhere). Always welcome refreshment on a toasty tropical day.
Best of the Maldives: Color Accessibility – Finolhu
The Maldives is renowned for its colourful tapestry of mottled blues in the surrounding ocean and sky punctuated by tropical greenery, brilliant white coral sands and the warm yellow glow of sunshine. But for those visually impaired with colour blindness, such rich variations are not only lost. But Finolhu has implemented an innovative programe to bring as much of this visual richness to these guess with the EnChroma sunglasses and snorkel masks.
- “The vibrant island destination offered guests EnChroma sunglasses and snorkel masks to colour-blind guests. This allows colourblind guests to not only experience the colourful art and architecture of Finolhu but also experience the shades underwater. Baa Atoll is renowned for having some of the most vibrant coral reefs and marine life. With the EnChroma snorkel masks colour blind guests can finally explore the colours under the waters in the Maldives. For the very first time!. Upon arrival, one of the first things guests would take note of is the uniquely beautiful colour of the ocean. The resort has so many hues and shades of life to share with its guests. And Finolhu Maldives has taken a unique step towards inclusivity at the property. Just last year, Finolhu Maldives became the first Maldivian hotel to offer glasses for colourblind guests.” “(Finolhu Maldives: Unparalleled Vibrance for Colour Blind Guests!”)
(thanks Paola)
Best of the Maldives: Book Tuk Tuk – Soneva Fushi
Bringing a carefully selected range of books to your remote paradise isn’t enough for Soneva Fushi as now the latest “barefoot bookseller” Georgie Polhill will bring a selection of books straight to your villa with her own custom tuk tuk:
- “Soneva Fushi has welcomed the Maldives’ first Book Tuk Tuk to the shores of the Baa Atoll to bring the expertise of the Barefoot Bookseller and the joy of reading straight to guests, wherever they are on the island. From any of the resort’s multiple dining destinations to the comfort of an in-villa sun lounger, guests can call their Barefoot Butlers and have the Book Tuk Tuk brought straight to their door.”
Uber Books!
Best of the Maldives: Passenger Trike – Amilla
Taking a gentle bike ride across the island is a lovely way to explore the Maldivian tropical paradise, but not everyone can manage a bike to well. Amilla Maldives has introduced trikes so that all the guests can enjoy a leisurely ride through the island:
- “It is possible to get around the island in a wheelchair however some of the sand is soft but we can assist with buggies and we also have a tricycle with a large seat on the back, which is a great option for families with a child who needs special assistance. Especially good for disabled joining in, but also children.”
Best of the Maldives: Electric Bikes – Soneva Jani
All my middle-aged friends (of the MAML species…Middle Aged Men in Lycra) have been raving about the new generation of electric powered bikes. Not being a road warrior, I’ve never had the chance to try one until our stay at Soneva Jani. Especially with Soneva Jani’s considerable size, these two-wheeled electric buggies made getting around quite easy and quite a bit of fun. Just powerful enough to give that boost to facilitate the pedaling, or even just letting the bike coast and do all the work for you on the flat bit (but not so powerful to be at all hard to control).
Best of the Maldives: Beach Buggies – Siyam World
The biggest objection to a trip to the Maldives is that there is “nothing to do”. While that might be deal breaker for some, it’s an absolute USP for many. Still, as the destination grows and evolves it is increasingly offering something for everyone. Siyam World is pretty much leading the way in innovative activites taking advantage of its considerable acreage (something most Maldives islands are not renowned for). SW announced:
- “On land, guests staying at The Beach House Collection…can also now explore the island’s trails in style with their very own custom Mini Moke. Recently revived and relaunched as the first heritage car marque to go fully electric, the British-made Mini Moke is the ultimate retro-chic beach whip. Each of Siyam World’s Mini Mokes comes with an onboard sound system and is named after a colourful 90s music legend – think “Green Day”, “Red Hot Chilli Peppers” and “Pink Floyd” – with a vibrant paintjob to match.”
Best of the Maldives: Dropzone – Ifuru
Happy Leap Year! If you are looking to make a big leap on your bonus day, then Irufu offers the first regularly available (November through March for weather reasons) sky diving activity in the Maldives:
- “Ifuru Island Maldives has its own private airport and the resort has teamed up with world champion skydiver Will Penny to create the Maldives’ first permanent skydiving dropzone. Between the beginning of November and the end of March guests can take to the sky before enjoying a skydive over the Indian Ocean.”
I first proposed that someone offer skydiving in the Maldives in my very first “What I Haven’t Seen Yet” pieces. Shangri-La Vilingili offered it as a short-term offer a few years ago. Ifuru makes it possible because it has an airstrip on its island.
Best of the Maldives: Massage Bed Decorating – Sun Siyam Iru Veli
We have marveled at the expansive range of bed decorating in the Maldives, but our treatments at Sun Siyam Iru Veli was the first time we were treated to a floral welcome in our spa room.
Best of the Maldives: Bespoke Well Being – Joali Being
I appreciate when resorts focus on a certain market, style or ambience instead of being all things to all people. Well, Joali Being is 100% focused on well-being:
· “Maldives’ first luxury bespoke wellbeing resort…Here guests are guided on the path to self-discovery and renewal.”
I still remember when many resorts didn’t have spas back in the 90s. Now an entire island is dedicated to being one big spa experience.
Best of the Maldives: Maldivian Spa Products – Ailafushi
Many prospective guests seek out the authentic Maldives experience when visiting and one aspect is to enjoy Maldivian products made by Maldivians themselves. Ailafushi’s spa features the Ogaa line of soaps and candles at its NU The Spa so you can not only enjoy Maldivian body care pleasures, but even take them home.