Shark Awareness Day today! And what better way to appreciate all things than from inside the belly of the beast. Or at least a swing fashioned to look like one of these majestic creatures courtesy of LUX South Ari Atoll.
Best of the Maldives: Swing Park – Reethi Faru
For a more alfresco swinging selection, Reethi Fafu has created a swing park with a manicured garden surrounding an imposing banyan tree with a variety of swings hung from its branches.
Best of the Maldives: Swinging Bar – Dhigali
If you like swaying to the ocean breezes with your sundowner, then Dhigali’s got the swingingest bar in the Maldives. You’ve seen bird’s nest swings…well, its Haali Bar is a bird’s nest with swings inside it.
Best of the Maldives: Underwater Swing – Fushifaru
At the other end of the vertical spectrum is Fushifaru’s underwater swing amidst the scuba bubbles on the house reef. Just a stunning a view and breath-taking in quite a different way.
Best of the Maldives: Manta Lounger – Joali
Best of the Maldives: Cabriolet Swing – Fushifaru
Swinging seats are one of the areas of the greatest diversity and innovation at the Maldives. The destination is an ideal place for swaying to the ocean breezes. The traditional hammock are nice a open, but sometimes the sun can be a bit much. If you hang them in the inner greenery, then you get complete shade. Fushifaru cabriolet swing seat gives guests the best of both options (thanks Paola).
Best of the Maldives: Bird Not-Nest Swinging Chair – Joali
In the Maldives, the more leisurely way to swing from the trees is lounging in one of their many swings swaying to the ocean breeze. I remember when I came across the first “birdsnest” swing a decade ago. Now they are common fare across the destination. Recently opened Joali literally does put the “bird” in “birdsnest swing” with its giant Heron head designed by Cape Town-based Porky Hefer. The plaque beside the piece reads, “Very often, birds are the first visitors or residents on the islands. This one migrated from Africa. Kara prefers the Maldivian weather and cuisine. Kara has decided to stay.”
Best of the Maldives: Swinging – Cocoon
Even its distinctive floating furniture add to the dangling design vibe of the resort. Lots of resorts have swings, but Cocoon has them in places I’ve never seen before like the reception (see above, great for soothing the sadness of saying goodbye when waiting for your return transfer), and the bathroom (see below, not sure what this is great for…maybe to help get things moving??).
Best of the Maldives: Swing Bar – Malahini Kuda Bandos
Sometimes simple ideas are the best. Like Malahini Kuda Bandos’ swing seating at its beach bar. The swings are sort of like rocking chairs on steroids allowing you to sway along with the gentle ocean breezes and nearby palms while sipping your pina colada.
Best of the Maldives: High Swinging Lounger – Thulusdhoo
If you want a high perch on which to relax over a more natural body of water, check out Thulusdhoo’s swinging lounger over the lagoon (thanks Eka). Complete with rope ladder to give it that extra bit of Swiss Family Robinson chic aesthetic.