Best of the Maldives: Facemasks – Amilla

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Amilla - facemasks

One of the most useful complementary items we’ve received in the Maldives in the past year was especially apropos to the headline event of the past year – face masks. Lot of companies have produced logo’ed facemasks as a combination of courtesy and promotion, but Amilla’s were special vented versions the big advantage of which is that they didn’t fog up your glasses (if you were passing your transit time reading) or your sunglasses. As a result of this benefit, this mask is one of the ones I have used the most when I came home.  And their light, white material made them especially suitable for the tropics.

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Best of the Maldives: Siyam World – Largest Floating Water Park

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Siyam World - floating water park 2

Another (extra) fun resort logo is Siyam World floating water park, but to get your Instagram shot, you will need to be far above the water. I first proposed on of these back in 2014 in my “Haven’t Seen Yet in the Maldives” series (#7 of list #6). Then, Hideaway Beach informed me that they were inspired to feature one after reading my article (and, of course, Maldives Complete got the scoop). Siyam has gone one bigger with a truly expansive version designed to keep the kids (and kids in spirit) entertained for hours.

Siyma World - floating water park 1

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Best of the Maldives: Coral Reef Gardener – Coco Palm Dhuni Kolhu

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Coco Palm Dhuni Kolhu - coral garden

Mari-time, Mar-itime…How does your garden grow? With help from a lucky aquatic gardener at Coco Palm Dhuniu Kolhu. The resort is advertising for a “coral reef gardener” to work for a three placement:

  • · “A lucky winner will be flown out to the luxurious Coco Palm Dhuni Kolhu resort in September, where they will help the Marine Educator with managing and fostering coral growth in the surrounding house reefs…applicants must submit a link to a 2-3-minute video and a 500-word cover letter explaining why they think they would be a good fit for the role. Applicants do not need to have previous experience, but they must be over the age of 18 years, be a competent open water swimmer and keen to gain experience in this field.”

Working in an octopus’ garden has 12 May deadline for application.

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Best of the Maldives: Children’s Story – Soneva

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Soneva Jani - lost and found

You might expect the first children’s book in (and from) the Maldives to feature some sort of marine creature, but instead the protagonist is a furry little land resident. Well, resident on Soneva Fushi. Soneva has been home to bunnies not just at Easter (Happy Orthodox Easter today!), but all year round since its beginning.

“Lost and Found in the Maldives” tells the story of a bunny named Benjamin who finds himself on this tropical paradise and it introduced to their own leporine luxury. He gets a tour of all of the intriguing sights of the island. The book is the work of Amie Malmstrom, the sister of the “Eva” part of “Soneva”. Complete with charming illustrations, the book is a lovely way to either anticipate or remember a trip to Kunfunadhoo. And of course, the only place you can get it is at one of Soneva’s island bookstores.

   

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Best of the Maldives: Room Eggs – Amilla

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Amilla - room eggs

Happy Easter! Time for easter egg hunts. And there is perhaps no easier egg hunt in the world than Amilla! Its bronto-sized egg is one of the most distinctive design features in its villas. Not just for its size, but also for its curiosity. The first question one has is “What is that??” Well, I know it’s an egg! But what is it for?? As it turns out it is also a Maldives distinction as probably the most artistic luggage rack! By far the biggest egg we have seen in the Maldives…or anywhere for that matter.

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Best of the Maldives: Cold Brew Coffees – Soneva Jani

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Soneva Jani - cold brew coffee

[photo credit:  Jai Lam]

One doesn’t typically think about a “cold brew” first thing in the morning to start your day. But cold brew coffee is a made by using time rather than heat to coax the coffee flavour out of the beans. Using cold water can take between 18 and 24 hours, in fact! The result is a brew which is a bit lighter, more floral, less acidic and more caffeinated than hot brewed coffee.

Soneva Jani not only offers cold brew, but actually has a collection of cold brew concoctions:

  • Tropical Pandan Brew – fresh banana, coconut milk, cold brew pandan coffee
  • Sparkling Brew – cold brew esperesso, homhade hibiscus syrup, top with tonic
  • Tumeric Latte – cardamon, cinnamon, honey, coconut milk, turmeric, top with espresso
  • Lemon Grass Cold Brew – homemade lemon gress syrup, top with cold brew coffee
  • Cold Brew Latte – cold brew coffee, top with milk
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Best of the Maldives: Maldivian Breakfast – Amilla

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Amilla - Maldivian breakfast

Amilla not only sends you off to dreamland in style, but welcomes you back to the land of your dreams with equal distinction. In particular, it has completed mastered the “Indian Ocean” breakfast vittles’.

The heart here is Maldivian Mashuni. A light pancake, fresh tuna, chillies and coconut morning delicacy of the Maldives. Lori is a particular afficionado and has it at every resort that serves it (which is pretty much every resort). She declared that Amilla’s was definitely up there as one of the top execution.

Then, we move to another breakfast buffet standard – the breakfast curry. In most places, I’ve tried this dish out of curiosity and I do like a curry, but in more cases they just seem like re-heated leftovers from the previous dinner layout. Amilla’s version is light, fresh rendition which really suits the early hour and was especially tasty.

And to complete the Laccadive trifecta, they also serve a Sri Lankan Pani Pol Egg Hopper. A charmingly local (well, nearby) variation on the your morning eggs.

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Best of the Maldives: Sleep Pillow Treats – Amilla

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Amilla - Sleep pillow treats

International Pillow Day today. Just the time to settle in for an extra special slumber. And to help you on your way, Amilla treats its guest to sleep pillow goodies. Each take pillow chockies to a new level made with ingredients meant to facilitate your dozing. Each one includes its own message with a sleep tip, eg. “Increase your exposure to natural light to help readjust your sleeping patterns.”. They include:

  • Tart Cherry Chocolate – Tart cherry juice has been proven to increase the body’s levels of melatonin, a natural hormone which helps regulate your sleep/wake cycle.
  • Roselle Macaroon – Roselle, a type of hibiscus, has many nutritional and medicinal values. This natural antioxidant may help reduce blood pressure and aid in the digestion of complex carbohydrates.
  • Coconut Turmeric Shots – Coconut can help regulate sleep hormones and provides lauric acid, linked to more restful sleep, while turmeric is a powerful antioxidant and anti-inflammatory.

Sweet dreams!

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