“We’re gunna need a bigger boat!” – Martin Brody
No, not for thing eating you in the water…for you eating things in the water. And Brennia Kottefaru has delivered with the biggest boatload of breakfast we have seen. (thanks Ibrahim)
Best of the Maldives: Pool Extravaganza– Hard Rock
There is nothing like a pool in the hot weather, and there’s nothing like Hard Rock’s pool in the Maldives. We’ve enjoyed lots of special features at various Maldives pools – floats, swim-up bar, slides – but none that had ALL of these and more. Not to mention that the “Deep Purple Slide” is the tallest land slide in the Maldives. And for the kids who want to practice or carry on their snorkeling in the pool, and the adults who want to swim some laps, the pool features underwater speakers. I’m hoping the playlist includes “Smoke on the Water”.
Best of the Maldives: Groyne Pool – Four Seasons Kuda Huraa
Traditionally, groynes (artificial promontories built to inhibit erosion by disrupting the currents which wash away the island) have been quite crude functional affairs, but in recent years resorts have been turning eye sores to sights for sore eyes with an array of décor and uses. Four Seasons Kuda Huraa’s pool featured in Instagrammer Miss Angie Villa’s post is so similar to one in design, that I think it sets the blueprint for someone converting a proper groyne into this design.
Best of the Maldives: Longest Spa Pool – Sirru Fen Fushi
Most spa pools are little plunge affairs. Sometimes resorts will put in extensive water features, but they are ornamental ponds for fish to swim in not guests. Sirru Fen Fushi’s Willow Stream Spa includes a serenity pool that is longer than many property’s main pools:
- “A dedicated Olympic size Jacuzzi pool is provided for Spa Guests for pre or post treatment immersion. Our 50-meter long serenity pool is enhanced by natural sounds and light, soothing aromatherapy scent, and water temperatures varying from tropical warm to refreshing cool.”
- “After your rejuvenating treatment, enjoy wellness refreshments and freshly-prepared herbal teas in our sea view relaxation lounges. Our 25-meter long serenity pool is enhanced by natural sounds and light, soothing aromatherapy scent, and water temperatures varying from tropical warm to refreshing cool. Nestled in a total of 2000sqm wellness area, it enables guests to rediscover their energy, providing indoor and outdoor spaces to reconnect you beyond the treatment experience.”
Best of the Maldives: Double Pools – Joali
A number of properties now have more than one resort pool, but Joali has two room categories with two pools for your own individual use:
The beach residence has one around back for a bit more privacy if you prefer, or the one in the front provides a lovely seafront view during your dip. The ocean residence allows you shift to the perfect spot for catching rays (or if the kids are fighting, you can segregate them each into separate pools).
Best of the Maldives: Two-Tier Pool – Dhigali
Some people like a pool for a refreshing dip while others just enjoy sitting around the soothing water feature. Dhigali’s two-tier pool has something for both. Especially, if you are a part of a family where you like a bit of relaxing lounging while your young one wants to splash in some shallow water. Double pleasure, double fun.
Best of the Maldives: Biotop Pool – Dreamland Unique
The pool is one of the most central components of a Maldives resort. The Maldives Complete website’s earliest origins were a spreadsheet I assembled from research about which resorts had pools and which didn’t because our kids loving playing in the pool all day (and Lori and I could lounge comfortably on the sides while they did). Yes, Maldives islands are surrounded by one big giant natural pool called “the ocean”, and it’s lovely, but sometimes the salt, sand and sun (it’s easier to get protective parasols closer the water with a pool than the sea) just can just a bit too much.
If you want the comforts of a pool with the added bonus of a natural feel, then Dreamland Unique has topped its unique water feature with a unique “Biotop” model:
- “Dip into the first ever freshwater lake with a Biotop Pool (1st ever in Asia) in a Maldivian resort. This picturesque lake is surrounded by 20m high mangrove trees on one side and 20m high palm trees on the other side. This island with its fresh water lake and the rich vegetation is unique in the Maldives. There is no other island like this in the Maldives.”
The inventor, Biotop, describes the construction:
- “Plants and micro-organisms within an additional regeneration area directly adjacent to the swimming area act as environmentally-friendly filters, thereby ensuring that the water always stays clear.”
At Dreamland you can have the natural seafront at the beach and the sensation of lakefront by the pool.
Best of the Maldives: Dhoni Pool Breakfast – Fushifaru
A number of resorts offer breakfast in a boat, but I think Fushifaru is the only resort that offers breakfast in a boat (thanks Paola). A number of resort offer breakfast in the pool, but again Fushifaru seems to be the first to offer breakfast in a boat in the pool. And not just any boat, but a charmingly stylish traditional dhoni.
Whatever floats your boat (that certainly does).
Best of the Maldives: Pool Ice Lollies – Dhigali
All you trick-or-treaters out there are having to trudge door to door to get your sweeties today, but at Dhigali the pool attendant comes by your lounge chair regularly throughout the day to deliver sweet ice lollies to each guest. No need for fancy dress as your swimming costume will be just fine.
Best of the Maldives: Jetty Pool – Aarah
Infinity pools on the edge of the island seem like there is a seamless expanse from your cossetted basin extending to the boundless horizon in front of you. Aarah’s main jetty pool doesn’t look over the ocean….it IS over the ocean.
