“The ev’ning gilds the ocean’s swell; All creatures joy in the sun’s returning.” – Robert Burns
Break out your neeps and tatties and put e’ haggis on de fire. It’s Burns Night. A chance to celebrate all things Scottish. And for an obligatory oblation as rare and mellifluous as Rabbie’s own verse, One & Only Reethi Rah serves a 50 year old Macallan. Not sure what Reethi charges for a wee dram, but the bottle retails for £30,000.
“Then auld Guidman, maist like to rive, Bethankit! hums.”
Today is Maldives National Day. A celebration of Maldivian independence from the Portuguese in 1573.
Most resorts regularly offer their guests a taste of Maldivian culture from local cuisine to some Boduberu drumming and dancing. We’ve sampled many of these and always delight in new discoveries about this enchanting land we visit every year. But Vakarufalhi’s “Cultural Expo” was a real revelation.
It was a true “Exposition” which started with an authoritative presentation on the history and culture. It added the obligatory Boduberu which was offered very tastefully and not overdone. But the climax was a sort of crafts fair with local women showing us broom making from stripped palm fronds, rope weaving from coconut husks, roof weaving from palm leaves, decorative weaving for clothes. They also had some traditional refreshments such as fresh coconut and smoking pipes.
Happy Qaumee Dhuvas.
Your most romantic moments can be spent not just by the water, over the water or in the water, but actually under the water in the Maldives. A number of resorts do offer underwater weddings (eg. Anantara Kihavah, Conrad Rangali), but none is as elaborate and colourful as Centara Grand’s lavish affair. Newlyweds Chris and Janet inaugurated the coral garden ceremony offering in October (shown above).
What does one throw for good luck?
If you fancy a private soak, then Angsana Ihuru offers a step beyond beach-side dining with in-ocean dining.
“The sandbank dining is set on a private sandbank which is located just 15 minutes ride away by speedboat. You may enjoy a breakfast, lunch or a dinner.”
And if the wrasses show up, you might get fish pedicure as a bonus.
Most outdoor Jacuzzis are set out in the open air I guess to provide the most expansive view, but in keeping with Nika’s distinction in the area of privacy, it offers charming Jacuzzi cabanas in the private beach area of each villa. It uses temperature controlled water like drawing a bath so you can get it nice a piping hot unlike many rather tepid Jacuzzis.
And the beach equivalent of your own private open shelter al fresco dining is Cheval Blanc Randheli’s outdoor pavilion.
I would eat al fresco every meal if I could. The temperate weather and the enchanting surroundings of the Maldives provide ample opportunities, but all too often one is sequestered away in a main dining area. One of the reasons for this is the need for reliable protection from the elements. Both the beating sun and the occasional shower can detract from an open air meal.
Jumeirah Vittaveli has finessed this issue with its striking north side Samsara restaurant. A soaring shard of a roof provides ample shelter while keeping the sides completely exposed to gentle breezes and a 270 degree view of the ocean.
One of the finest delights of the Maldives is dining over the ocean. Forget dining by the ocean (though there is that too), but dining right on top of it is standard fare there. If you want your own private setting atop the water, then the famous Maldives water villas provide an exquisite platform. But typically, you are limited to dining off a tray from room service. Some fancier villas do have dining tables on their decks, but Velaa has a special deck for its dining table. Complete with curtained shelter (to provide either added privacy or to shield ocean breezes if they kick up a bit too much for your liking) and canopy top (to shield from too much sun glare or even a passing rain shower).
Water based healing is the principle behind One & Only Reethi Rah’s Watsu pool. “Watsu” is Japanese for “water”, in this case mineral water from sea warmed to 36 degrees and used for stretching sessions overlooking the ocean.
“(WATer ShiatSU) is a form of aquatic therapy, which combines massage, yoga-like stretches and point work carried out in skin temperature water. The weightless environment of the water allows for graceful, fluid movements which can release muscle tension, improve circulation and increase your range of motion.”
Even without its therapeutic properties, it is a distinctive spa relaxation pool.
If private shades are your thing, then Constance Halaveli offers it right out in the main pool. Mini, canopied private jetties are built over a shallow rock pool looking out towards the beach and ocean. Like having your own private deck but with a beach view (which water villas won’t give you) and instant access to a quick Olympic-sized freshwater dip.