Maldives Complete Blog | Maldives lovers website

Best of the Maldives: Sand Bikes – JA Manafaru

November 25, 2015 4:30 pm \ 1 Comment \ by bruce

The busiest travel day of the year today. At least in the USA. The day before Thanksgiving and EVERYONE is trying to get home. While Christmas might be a bigger season and holiday, more people go home for Thanksgiving than they do for Christmas. Hence the term “Homecoming”. As in “Homecoming Queen” and “King” who are part of the festivities for the typically biggest high school (American) football game of the year which is played on Turkey Day. While Mom is preparing the feast, everyone in town heads down to the game assured that every one in town, including their friends who have moved away, will be there.

As you can imagine, getting half of a America back its home base in one 24-hour burst results in a bity of transportation mayhem. Immortalised in the classic comedy film “Planes, Trains and Automobiles”.

None of that stress in the Maldives even on whatever their biggest travel day of the year is. Few planes (limited to Male and a few scattered islands), absolutely no trains, and even fewer islands with automobiles. For the biggest resort islands, the transportation of choice is buggies and bikes.

We’ve been on a number of bikes (Reethi Rah, Soneva Fushi, Gili Lankfushi) and the biggest challenge is riding them in the softer sand (though for these islands most of the pathways are quite firm). Not an issue for JA Manafaru who has the specialty “Fat Man” models with extra wide tyres for both a softer ride and more ease going through softer terrain. They sort of have a vintage roadster vibe.

Coco Bodu Hithi also has them, but Manafaru had kid versions (see below).

Posted in: Best of the Maldives \ Tagged: Coco Palm Bodu Hithi, JA Manafaru, transport

Non-Dedicated Resort Islands

November 24, 2015 7:23 pm \ Leave a Comment \ by bruce

One of the aspects that distinguishes the Maldives as a destination (and often confuses new visitors not familiar with the lay of the land/sea) are the dedicated resorts islands. On almost all cases, a “resort” and an “island” are a 1:1 mapping. “Tourists Only” resort islands if you will. Most are so dedicated that they don’t really allow guests to come from other islands or visit from things like passing cruise ships.

This is not always the case, though. There are a number of hotels and possibly what one might to refer to as “Resorts” on islands that are not dedicated. One big implication for being on a “shared” island (ie. shared with local population) is that the resort will be unable to serve alcohol. With its Muslim culture, alcohol sale is only allowed on dedicated islands. Barefoot has found a way to accommodate its guests with a special “off shore” license for a boat bar that only its guest can access (in essence, a dedicated “island” of a floating craft).

A few new properties have emerged in “hotel” category on a “non-dedicated island” that seemed reasonable to add to the Maldives Complete database. They are big enough and high enough quality to offer a reasonable alternative to some of the resorts. I have spent time in many of them, visited a few more, and in general have a good appreciation of the considerations for a good hotel from my regular worldwide travel.

I am continuing with my decision to not cover guest houses. There are so many of them, there is little information on the Internet about them (which I depend on for research), and I personally have never stayed in one so I don’t feel I can offer editorial insights about the experience or what to look for.

Posted in: Industry, Site \ Tagged: upgrade

Best Resorts for Adults

November 23, 2015 6:36 pm \ 2 Comments \ by bruce

Not “Adult” resorts as in “adult entertainment” (a la Jamaica’s Sandals), but more as in “grown up”.

While my vision of “Maldives for Families” (not just for honeymooners and divers) is becoming more and more the standard every day, some people prefer a tropical tranquillity not only removed from the hustle-bustle of every day life, but also segregated from the rambunctious energy and squeals of excitement that come from the younger set. With all of the resorts in the Maldives, there’s something for everyone. And there are resorts catering to a more mature vibe. Specifically, my “adult resort” list includes…

Komandoo – No under 18s
Veligandu– No under 18s (until May 2018)
Finolhu Villas – No under 18s
Anantara Dhigu – No under 18s (though under 18s from Naladhu and Veli welcome at times)
Robinson Club – No under 16 (from November 2017)
Hurawalhi– No under 15s
Centara Ras Fushi – no under 12s
Milaidhoo – No under 9s
Baros – No under 8s
Drift Thelu Veliga – No 3-10s

Some resorts also have opted for a hybrid solution making certain parts of the property limited to adults…

Vilamendhoo – Part of the island reserved for adults and another part that caters to children. Each has their own pool so that you can choose between splashing frolics or romantic pina colada sipping,
LUX South Ari Atoll – ‘Adult Sanctuary’ section of water villas.
Sun Siyam Irufushi – Separate pool for children and an adult-only pool.
Kuredu – Adult-only half (branded “Sangu” and “O” resort).
Summer Island – No under 15s in water villas or overwater restaurant.
W Retreat – No under 5s in water villas
Meeru – Adults only areas including Jacuzzi Beach Villas, water villas, Pavillion pool bar.

Finally, most water villas have constraints on children and some resorts (eg. Veligandu) have adult-only rooms.

Of course, you can always filter for your “maturity” preference with the Maldives Complete Finder.

Posted in: Lists

Best of the Maldives: Children Surfing– Four Seasons Kuda Huraa

November 22, 2015 11:25 am \ 1 Comment \ by bruce

Probably the two most unsung appeals to the Maldives – children and surfing.

A number of the items from my last recent “Haven’t Seen” came from a Sunday Times Travel feature “Tantrums and tasting menus: meet the minigarchs” (eg. swim with a mermaid, 8-course child’s tasting menu). Before I even had a chance to include “surfing for kids” in the latest list, Four Seasons Kuda Huraa announces its own mini-Malibu offering…

“The Maldives has a reputation for mirror-calm waters, but is also home to some thrilling surf. Little Keanus can sign up for lessons at the Four Seasons Kuda Huraa, where even if they prove rubbish at it, they won’t miss out on the ride. Instructors will paddle out with the child on the front of their board and, as a big one breaks, pick them up and hold them in surfing stance so they can ride the wave back to shore.”

Going off for gidgets and dude-inos.

Posted in: Best of the Maldives \ Tagged: Four Seasons Kuda Huraa, kids, surfing

Best of the Maldives: Kids Wellness – Six Senses Laamu

November 20, 2015 3:22 pm \ Leave a Comment \ by bruce

Universal Children’s Day today. Dedicated to “welfare of the children of the world”. And Six Senses Laamu offers a program to enhance their welfare every day they stay there. A special programme of wee-one wellness includes…

Aesthetics – eg. music class with singing bowls
Activity – eg. specially adapted yoga, basic tai chi movements
Nutrition – eg. interactive games to teach better foods to eat
Treatments – eg. specialized massages, mini-manicures, hair braiding

The resort describes…

“A different wellness activity will be available daily in the Den, the children’s club. These include an introduction to meditation during a music class, how to create sounds with singing bowls, basic tai chi movements and many more. A yoga instructor will offer specially-designed yoga classes for children, during which youngsters will be taught some basic yoga poses.…Nutrition experts have created interactive games that will teach children which dishes are better for them, why they are better and where ingredients come from. The children will also have the chance to make their own healthy juice by visiting the organic garden. Here, they will hand pick their favorite ingredients and add them to their own juice or smoothie…Six Senses Spa Laamu offers children’s treatments including head, foot, hand and shoulder massages just for kids plus children’s facials, mini manicures, pedicures and hair braiding. Young guests from 9 to 16 years of age are always welcome at Six Senses Spas when accompanied by an adult.”

Posted in: Best of the Maldives \ Tagged: kids, Six Senses Laamu, spa, wellness

8 Out-Standing Dining Rooms

November 19, 2015 8:12 am \ Leave a Comment \ by bruce

One of my favourite dining themes is over the water (if not IN the water). The Maldives offers diver menu of in-ocean dining. Now, I’m not talking about mere “over water” dining. Just about every self-respective 5-star resort has one of those. I’m talking about surrounded-by-water dining. In fact, NIYAMA’s “Subsix” (see above) goes so far as to be both in the ocean and “IN” the ocean with its underwater dining room.

For an outstanding meal out standing in the middle of the ocean, here’s the full list…

1. NIYAMA – Subsix

2. TAJ EXOTICA – Ocean Pavilion

3. BAREFOOT – Black Pearl

4. JUMEIRAH DHEVANAFUSHI – Johara

5. BAROS – Piano Bar

6. ANGSANA VELAVARU – Azzurro

7. KANDOLHU – Sunset Pavilion

8. GILI LANKANFUSHI – Wedding Pavilion

Posted in: Lists \ Tagged: Angsana Velavaru, Barefoot, Baros, dining, Gili Lankanfushi, Jumeirah Dhevanafushi, Kandolhu, Niyama, over water, resort lists, Taj Exotica

Best of the Maldives: Theme Menus – Dusit Thani

November 18, 2015 11:45 am \ 1 Comment \ by bruce

Any writer appreciates a good theme. And I’ve been a bit more focused on “themes” recently with the new WordPress blog platform (both for Maldives Complete and one of my other blogs, “Dynamic Work”). The “themes” specify the look and feel of the layout with a dazzling array of choices from technical experts who concoct an expansive buffet to pick from.

Dusit Thani has also assembled a collection of dinners with some of the most luxuriously delectable “themes” – Asparagas, Foie Gras, Lobster, Truffle. One of Lori’s and my most memorable meals was a lobster themed menu at The House of Elliot in Ghent, Belgium. It’s a great way to combine variety with consistency. I have to say that I would have been even more delighted to see “Lobster Ice Cream” as Dusit’s lobster dessert instead though.

The menus also have the option for specifically suggested wines to accompany each which is a typical option for menus degustations. But the twist I love by Dusit turns the “accompaniment” notion on its head. They have a “Champagne” menu where you have a different champagne with each course and the dish is specially selected to go with the champagne! That’s getting priorities right.

Asparagus

Asparagus, courgette and tarragon terrine with seared scallop
Poached asparagus and slow cooked egg with bernaise sauce
Slow roasted beef eye fillet with a warm salad of asparagus, celeriac and parsnip
Toasted Brioche with aged goats cheese and asparagus espooma
White asparagus and raspberry, rhubarb with chocolate soil

Foie Gras

Foie gras with sauterne jelly and sour dough
Game and foie gras terrine with pickled vegetables
Tartlet of seared foie gras and chocolate soil with truffle vinaigrette
Slow cooked fillet of beef with foie gras
Foie gras ice cream with poached prunes and short bread crumbs

Lobster

Lobster bisque flavoured with cognac and truffle cream
Cold lobster jelly with lobster and citrus salad beer tuile
Warm lobster tart with creamed leeks and fennel and dill salad
Lobster parfait with poached lobster tail with baby carrots braised fennel

Truffle

White bean and truffle cappuccino
Ballotine of quail stuffed with truffle mousse with salsify and truffle dressing
Spaghetti linguine tossed with fresh truffle, parmesan and olive oil
Slow cooked fillet of beef with foie gras pithivier jus borderlaise
Truffle cream brulee with raspberry sorbet

Posted in: Best of the Maldives \ Tagged: dining, Dusit Thani, lobster

Best of the Maldives: Lobster Burger – Taj Exotica

November 17, 2015 9:42 am \ Leave a Comment \ by bruce

Something that you won’t find on any all-inclusive package, in fact you won’t find hardly any where else that I know of in the Maldives, is a Lobster Burger.

How my New England raised palette loves a good lobster culinary concoction. Apparently so does global celebrity Shilpa Shetty. Who engaged in a bit of lifestyle food blogging of her own during her visit to Taj Exotica…

“We tried the biggest lobster burger available in Maldives and licked it clean,”

Posted in: Best of the Maldives \ Tagged: dining, lobster, Shilpa Shetty, Taj Exotica

Best of the Maldives: People’s Choice All-Inclusive – Kurumba

November 16, 2015 8:40 am \ Leave a Comment \ by bruce

I told you so. 3 years ago, I awarded Kurumba the “Best of the Maldives for 5 Star Value”. This week, the rest of the world agrees awarding the resort the Trip Advisor Traveller’s Choice Award for Best All-Inclusive. Not just in the Maldives. IN THE WORLD.

The “All-Inclusive” category is all about value-conscious travelling. Many travellers push their budget to the absolute limit in order to afford a bucket-list trip-of-a-lifetime to the Maldives. They don’t want to check-out and get hit with a bunch of unanticipated extra-charges. They want to relax and relaxation means peace of mind that they can do whatever the heck they want and not worry about it.

With the rise of the Maldives’ worldwide profile in recent years, room rates have gone up and up. Many people are opting for a few of the budget options that are out there that still provide the enchanting Maldives experience, but do offer quite simple accommodation, food, décor and amenities. The charm of Kurumba is that it maintains true 5-star exquisite luxury standards in all parts of its operation…and still remains reasonably priced. No wonder so many people have returned from their stays there and raved out it in their TripAdvisor reviews.

[Kurumba staff celebrating their recognition]

Posted in: Best of the Maldives \ Tagged: all inclusive, commercial, Kurumba, Trip Advisor

Top 20 Lifestyle Bloggers in the Maldives

November 15, 2015 10:58 am \ 1 Comment \ by bruce

	Name	Country	Resort	Total Points	Instagram Followers	Twitter Followers	Facebook Followers	YouTube Views
1	Zoe Sugg	United Kingdom		19	5,800,000	3,770,000	2,400,000
2	Bianca Heinicke	Germany	Banyan Tree Vabbinfaru	18	2,300,000	1,050,000	1,275,000
3	Malini Agarwal	India	Club Med Kani	18	96,000	598,000	621,696	683
4	Natalie Tran	Australia	LUX Maldives	16	66,600	235,000		339,000
5	Chriselle Lim	USA	Six Senses Laamu	15	525,000	45,100	426,000	92,556
6	La Carmina	Japan	Gili Lankanfushi	14	50,500	33,000	31,201	5,981
7	Alison Teal	USA	Dusit Thani	13	48,200	24,200	68,441
8	Nicole Warne	Australia	Amilla Fushi	12	1,300,000	29,700	320,000
9	Gala Gonzales	Spain	Sun Siyam Irufushi	11	465,000	80,000	215
10	Jessica Stein	Australia	W Retreat	10	1,800,000	35,700	7,958
11	Jasmin Howell	Australia	Six Senses Laamu	10	192,000	10,300	11,523
12	Rosie Londoner	United Kingdom	Huvafenfushi	10	160,000	41,900	134,279
13	Elif Tanverdi	Turkey	NIYAMA	10	128,000	68,100	10,800
14	Juliet Angus	USA	FS Landaa Giraavaru	10	48,700	12,300	109,368
15	Alexandra Pereira	Spain	Constance Halaveli	9	900,000	67,600
16	Sabrina Tubic	Bosnia Herzegovina	Paradise Island	9	81,300	231	16,137	1,671
17	An Nguy	Vietnam		8	339,000		2,200,000
18	Maureen Schauder	Germany	Anantara Kihavah Villas	8	79,400	127	109,497
19	Josie Fear	United Kingdom	Thudufushi	8	21,300	15,500	675
20	Alina Lisina	Latvia	Dusit Thani	8	21,000	25,200	4,358	13

Ten years ago I started blogging. Not about the Maldives, but about topics more related to my work at Microsoft at the time. But it was that blogging which led me down the path to both this big part of Maldives Complete. I launched Maldives Complete complete with its very own blog. So I could share my own stories and special perspectives from years of researching and visiting this paradise destination.

To some, blogging rose to prominence and now has been superseded by other digital sharing platforms. But just like TV didn’t kill radio, and the Internet didn’t eliminate TV, all new formats – Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Pinterest, YouTube – might have crowded the pure “Blogosphere” (eg. WordPress, Blogger), but really they have just expanded it with new media and tools.

When I first started blogging about the Maldives, there really weren’t that many others. A few resorts and experts (eg. Seven Holidays, Dreaming of Maldives) have dabbled in it. And while there are still relatively few dedicated to the destination, as I mentioned in last week’s WTM post, the recent rise of the international “lifestyle blogger” nearly always includes the Maldives on their bucket lists.

When I was researching fashion and lifestyle icons visiting the Maldives a couple of months ago, I was struck by how many of these selfie-paparazzi were “Bloggers” of one sort or another. Many of these bloggers essentially serve up lifestyle porn (travel/food/fashion) with the overarching theme “I sucks to be me <wink>.”

While sex appeal sells and all of these bloggers are quite photogenic, the top of the leader board are not the Victoria Secret pageant queens. Instead, they are personalities who have carved out their niche with more substance than stylish photoshoots. They all have folksy, trendy monikers like La Carmina, Miss Everywhere, Miss Malini, Gary Pepper Girl, Alison Adventure, Tuula Vintage, Cizen Bayan, Lovely Pepa.

Of the 336 personalities identified (and logged in my database), 100+ are bloggers (the others are models, actresses, singers, athletes and other celebrities). I developed a ranking system based on things like followers on Instagram, Facebook and Twitter, as well as things like entry details in Wikipedia and IMDB. I’m featuring the Top 20 today (if I were to rank Maldives Complete, I would score 3 points putting me in joint 45th place, but then I focus on a very niche subject area).

6 of top 10 are high profile enough to have their own Wikipedia articles (nobody below top 9 though make it into Wikipedia). There are only 3 Vloggers in the top 20 (not surprising as Vlogs take an order of magnitiude more production resources and skills). Six Senses Laamu and Dusit Thani score deuces with 2 entries each, but otherwise a good sampling across resorts. And on the geographic side, United Kingdom, Germany and Australia all score hatricks with 3 entries.

Reading blogs is great, writing one is even better.” – Seth Godin