Happy Valentines Day! If the day goes well, then you might be considering how to get to the chapel on time some day in your future and Siyam World has just the thing – a wedding-themed jeep-buggy..
Best of the Maldives: Bus Stops – Siyam World
The inspired resorts are the ones who make the ordinary extraordinary. Siyam World is quite an extensive property and they have laid on a buggy service that operates constantly to make it easier for guests to get from one place or another without have to fatigue their legs or endure an too much time in an overly toasty sunny day. Most resorts put a bench or a simple bus shelter to mark the buggy stops, but Siyam World has designed an colorful collection all inspired by famous cities around the world:
- London
- Kudafari
- Delhi
- New York
- Milan
- Instanbul
- Tokyo
- Munich
- Marrakech
- Moscow
- Cape Town
- Seoul
Not only does it add a striking aesthetic to this otherwise boring spot, but the very distinctive decors really help you to remember which stop you want to go or return to (especially helpful after an evening of pina coladas)
Siyam World’s buggy stop reduce the “pedestrian” at their resorts in more way than one.
Best of the Maldives: Waldorf Ithafuashi – Ferrari
The Ferrari Testa Rossa is a rare car indeed and cars n the Maldives are especially rare. So one on a resort is the quintessence of rarity:
- “The Ferrari Testa Rossa J is a 75% reproduction of the iconic Ferrari 250 Testa Rossa – a model that holds a significant place in the annals of Ferrari and motor racing history. This exclusive vehicle, the only car on the island, has been shipped over for the use of guests who hire Waldorf Astoria Ithaafushi exclusively.”
Maybe the most extravagant luxury feature I have come across in this opulence-packed destination.
Best of the Maldives: Electric Bikes – Soneva Jani
All my middle-aged friends (of the MAML species…Middle Aged Men in Lycra) have been raving about the new generation of electric powered bikes. Not being a road warrior, I’ve never had the chance to try one until our stay at Soneva Jani. Especially with Soneva Jani’s considerable size, these two-wheeled electric buggies made getting around quite easy and quite a bit of fun. Just powerful enough to give that boost to facilitate the pedaling, or even just letting the bike coast and do all the work for you on the flat bit (but not so powerful to be at all hard to control).
Best of the Maldives: Beach Buggies – Siyam World
The biggest objection to a trip to the Maldives is that there is “nothing to do”. While that might be deal breaker for some, it’s an absolute USP for many. Still, as the destination grows and evolves it is increasingly offering something for everyone. Siyam World is pretty much leading the way in innovative activites taking advantage of its considerable acreage (something most Maldives islands are not renowned for). SW announced:
- “On land, guests staying at The Beach House Collection…can also now explore the island’s trails in style with their very own custom Mini Moke. Recently revived and relaunched as the first heritage car marque to go fully electric, the British-made Mini Moke is the ultimate retro-chic beach whip. Each of Siyam World’s Mini Mokes comes with an onboard sound system and is named after a colourful 90s music legend – think “Green Day”, “Red Hot Chilli Peppers” and “Pink Floyd” – with a vibrant paintjob to match.”
Best of the Maldives: Electric Transport – Sirru Fen Fushi
The on-island of default has been electric buggies since the very outset of the Maldives resort industry, but getting to the island was a different story. All manner of petrol driven buses and cars transferred people from the main international terminal to the domestic terminal, sea plane terminal or other further transfer. But Sirru Fen Fushi has introduced a fully electric fleet of transfer vehicles:
- “Fairmont Maldives, Sirru Fen Fushi private island has partners with electric car brand, Polestar, to offer sustainable airport transfers. Guests will be transports from Male Airport to the seaplane lounge in a Polestar 2, before embarking on the seaplane journey to the island.”
Our most recent car is a fully electric – the MG ZS EV. It was not too expensive (£20,000), cheap to charge (on overnight off-peak rates), very low maintenance (hardly any moving parts and the parts that are there are no subject to little, dirty gas explosions constantly), not to mention the eco-friendly lack of exhaust.
Best of the Maldives: Personalized Buggy Welcome – Amilla
One of the motivations for pouring myself into Maldives Complete is that when we do visit, we feel more like members of the community than just passing visitors. Another special touch by Amilla Maldives to make all guests feel that way the moment they step onto the island are their personalised “license plates” on the buggies to their rooms. This extra personal gesture has inspired me to add a new tag for “Customisation”.
Best of the Maldives: Tuk Tuk – Hard Rock
Best of the Maldives: Scooter – LUX South Ari Atoll
For the largest islands, one has two options: (a) motorised buggy, or (b) pedal bike. LUX South Ari Atoll offers motorised bikes. Electric so you are not going to get gangs of rumbling bikers tearing down your villa path. For hire at £50/day
Best of the Maldives: Private Yacht Dock – LUX North Ari Atoll
LUX North Male Atoll lets your yacht stop over at its Overwater Retreat which is fitted out with its own private boat jetty. The most luxurious arrival since the now defunct helipads at Anantara and Maafushivaru.