Best of the Maldives: Fewest Villas – .Here

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Here - fewest villas

“Diminutive” is one of the defining characteristics of the Maldives. When people ask us what it is like, we respond, “You know those cartoons of a deserted island with a little plot of sand and a single palm tree…that’s the Maldives.” While plenty of tiny resort islands have been around for year, .Here sets a new low in room count with only 9 villas. A couple of “private islands” have fewer villas, but you have to book the entire island making the “booking” itself bigger. But at .Here, you can have the intimacy and just book a single villa.

The website home page boasts:

  • “.Here – Luxury Resort in Maldives. Escape to the Maldives’ smallest and most exclusive architecturally designed boutique resort set in the heart of the UNESCO-protected Baa Atoll.”
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Best of the Maldives: Traditional Coconut Oil Making – Siyam World

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Siyam - coconut oil making 3

We have come across a coconut oil making class in the Maldives, but it was just for children. Siyam World’s ritual high tea also features a instructional exhibit on this local product, but it is for all the guests. The presentation includes a display different part of the coconut fruit (see above), and an outline of the process (see below). Then you go through the actually production in a traditional open-fire heated pan (see below).

Siyam - coconut oil making

Siyam - coconut oil making 2

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Best of the Maldives: Pool Sound Healing – Meyyafushi

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Meyyafushi - pool sound therapy 3

I’ve seen hydroponic gardening in the Maldives, and hydrotherapy, but this is the first instance of hydrophonic therapy. One of my most memorable “spa” treatments ever was a massage floating in the Blue Lagoon at Reykjavik, Iceland. Meyyafushi has combined two treatment innovation – sound therapy and pool therapy – into one truly distinctive session.

  • “Meyyafushi Maldives continues to elevate its wellness offerings with immersive sound healing experiences set in one of the island’s most striking locations – the adults-only glass-bottom infinity pool overlooking the turquoise blues of the Maldives.”

If floating in a pool at a tropical paradise wasn’t soothing enough, then the addition of sound therapy entrances you even more.

Meyyafushi - pool sound therapy 2

Meyyafushi - pool sound therapy 1

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Best of the Maldives: Ballroom Dancing – Siyam World

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Siyam World - ballroom dancing

With big stages, come big acts. And featured tonight is a long awaited “Haven’t Seen” (from my second “Haven’t Seen Yet post back in 2013 – ballroom and Latin dancing. “Siyam World Hosts Tango Night with World Champions”:

  • “Siyam World, Maldives is hosting a Tango Night on the 23rd of January with the Tango World Champions, Simone Facchini and Gioia Abballe…[They now] come to Siyam World, Maldives to give a memorable performance and conduct their classes for those looking to learn the art of Tango”
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Best of the Maldives: Rooftop Glass-Bottom Pool – Meeyafushi

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Meeyafushi - glass pool 2

Over the several decades of visiting the Maldives, we have seen the other water feature, the pool, evolve from a simple, conventional rectangular tub to infinity styling and even a rooftop version (Hotel Jen, AIG Grand). And the special luxury element, the glass floor, has found its way to all corners of resorts. Now Meyyafushi has introduced the literal apex culmination of these design distinctions – a rooftop glass-bottom infinity pool!

Meeyafushi - glass pool 1

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Best of the Maldives: Russian Station – Siyam World

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Siyam World - Russian cuisine 2

Resorts regularly cater to a range of global cuisines especially if there is a sizeable contingent of guests hailing from certain locales. Japanese miso soup, German cold cuts, French pastries at breakfast. Indian curries, Italian pastas, Chinese stir fry’s at dinner. Siyam World is the first resort we have seen with a Russian station at its buffet. We sampled the Ukha Soup and Chicken Sausage Bun (see above) and found them quite delightful. приятного аппетита!

Siyam World - russian cuisine 1

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Best of the Maldives: Bonfire – Oaga

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Oaga - bonfire]

One of my favourite tropical memories was when I lived in Togo, West Africa and a bunch of the local Peace Corps Volunteers invited me for a nighttime cookout on the beach. With the warm air and the always enchanting dance of flames in the fire pit dug out of the sand, the evening was quite magical. Oaga has introduced this experience for its all-inclusive guests called “O Fire”:

  • “An evening of music, fire, and relaxation… Gather around a large bonfire on the beach to enjoy live music, dance, and socialise with one another. The bonfire is lit as the sun sets, creating a warm and cozy atmosphere that is perfect for enjoying music and each other’s company. Our resort’s talented musicians will entertain you with a mix of traditional and contemporary songs, and everyone is welcome to join in the singing, dancing, and storytelling.”
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Best of the Maldives: Plastic Upcycling – Siyam World

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Siyam World - plastic upcycling

Siyam World is floating a different kind of “cycling” with their Pllastic Upcycling Center…

  • “Siyam World Maldives has unveiled the nation’s first dedicated Plastic Upcycling Center in collaboration with local environmental NGO CLEAN Maldives…Designed to turn discarded plastic items, such as oil containers, cleaning product drums, and shampoo bottles, into functional products like sunbeds, planters, and outdoor seating, the upcycling center is the first of its kind to operate at this scale in the Maldives at a resort. While other small-scale efforts have existed previously, including one formerly active in Malé and limited facilities elsewhere, this represents a nation-first in terms of scale, circular process, and community integration on a resort island. Beyond resort-generated waste, the facility also accepts plastic from the nearby inhabited island of Kudafari, reinforcing Siyam World’s role in supporting surrounding communities. In a shared value model, 60% of the upcycled items will remain at the resort, while 40% will be distributed by CLEAN Maldives, with both partners committing to donating select products for use in public spaces like island parks, beaches, and communal areas.”
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Best of the Maldives: Private Car – Sun Siyam Olhuveli

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Siyam World - private car

The resorts feature quite a collection of vehicles to transport you around the property (especially the bigger ones). Reethi Rah allowed its guests to self-drive one of their standard buggies, but Sun Siyam Olhuveli’s is stylish Jeep design with plush seats and flashy red colour. It is available to residents of their multi-bedroom Beach Residence and a driving license is required.

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