This resort’s renovation has led to more space being optimised along the 20-metre private beach with cabanas that have direct access to the turquoise lagoon, a refreshing, contemporary colonial style to the 20 villas and a bespoke restaurant ‘The Living Room’. New experiences await you at this resort, including a snorkelling trail with an in-house marine biologist and sustainability manager. In addition, a new dedicated spa treatment area will help you relax and rejuvenate on your next trip to the Maldives.

 

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Paradise for the Discerning Traveler: Naladhu Private Island

The Naladhu Private Island is located on the eastern face of South Male Atoll, a quick 30 minutes speedboat ride away from Male’s Velana International Airport. With just a handful of villas, the Naladhu resort is all about privacy, exclusive access, and spacious villas with personal attention by butler service on hand when at the Maldives.

‘Naladhu’, meaning ‘beautiful island’ in the Dhivehi language, has been remodelled by Yuji Yamazaki, a New York-based architect, blending the natural and modern aspects of the resort and, in the process, maximising on open space.

Naladhu Private Island Maldives

Naladhu Private Island Maldives – Beach Houses

Each villa or ‘house’ comes with its own private pool. The houses are named after indigenous Maldivian flowers and plants that grow on the island, with the chosen flora in the house’s garden. All the houses have their own butler, called the ‘Kuwaanu’, the Dhiveli word for ‘storyteller’.

Read More: A Look Into Conrad Maldives Rangali Island’s Newly Revamped Resort

Dining & Private Butlers at Naladhu Private Island

The dining experience at Naladhu’s Living Room is more of an interactive experience between the guests and Chef Philippe Wagenfuhrer. Guests can curate their own daily menu with their preferred location to dine. So sail away on a dhoni to a deserted island with your loved one or enjoy a delicious candlelight dinner inside a beautiful cabana by the sea.

Naladhu Private Island Maldives – Kuwaanu

The Kuwaanu plays an instrumental role in ensuring a stress-free vacation when at Naladhu. The dedicated butlers help you build your customised menu based on your tastes and wants, communicating the same to the chef. In addition, the Kuwaanu ensure your favourite wines are stocked in the house bar, your perfect fitting snorkel masks and fins are on stand by and unpack your luggage while you hit ‘discover’ mode on the island’s lagoon.

Not content with just one island, the neighbouring Anantara resorts of Veli and Dhigu within the same atoll – one connected by a wooden bridge and the other via dhoni. The guests get immediate access to six more restaurants, activities and facilities.

Read More: Experience Swimming With Whale Sharks At Gaafu Alifu Atoll In Maldives

Sustainability and Wellness at Naladhu Private Island

With the renovation complete, there is a greater emphasis on sustainability, wellness, and local ecosystem management. The new snorkelling trail takes guests through the nearby reefs, accompanied by the in-house marine biologist and sustainability manager, Emilia Fulgido. The dedicated spa and wellness area now have a Naturopath and Nutritional Therapist in residence that focus on nutrition and wellness. ‘Reset’, the new five or seven-night personalised health programme, focuses on gut health combined with detox treatments.

Naladhu Private Island Maldives – Ocean House – Pool and Garden View

With the recent reopening of Naladhu Private Island, guests can enjoy a new experience on this island, focusing on privacy and personal attention. This resort is more than just an accommodation; it’s also about living life to the fullest in your own private paradise. If you are looking for some peace and relaxation while exploring one of the world’s most beautiful destinations, head to Naladhu on your next vacation to the Maldives.

Location: Naladhu Private Island, Veligandu Huraa, South Malé Atoll 20109, Maldives

www.naladhu.com

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© This article was first published online in Dec 2021 – World Travel Magazine.

The post Maldives’ Luxury Resort Naladhu Reopens with a Refreshed Look & Experiences first appeared on World Travel Magazine.

The twin-island resort and spa has always been known for its unique and one-of-a-kind initiatives, including but not limited to the world’s first undersea residence, the Muraka, and the Ithaa, the world’s first undersea restaurant.

The main Rangalifinolhu island continues to be open for bookings. The latest changes make for an enhanced stay experience for its guests on Rangali, the second island with 50 newly renovated overwater villas consisting of Sunrise and Sunset Water Villas, oceanfront Premium Water Villas and the ultimate overwater haven Two Bedroom Rangali Ocean Pavilion. The Rangali Island is dedicated to adults only, with focus on couples and honeymooners.

The improvements made will ensure that no matter the type of vacation you are looking for, the resort has it all. Luxury, comfort and gorgeous interiors all complement what people come from all over the world to the Maldives; the stunning view and the scenic calm.

3 Revamped Restaurants & Bars at Conrad Maldives Rangali Island

With an elevated dining experience, you are sure to get the best of everything. The popular Atoll market, an all-day dining buffet, now features a live cooking station to bring an element of awe and authenticity to your dining experience.

Read More: Paradise Found: Raffles Maldives Meradhoo

The Rangali Bar is all set to serve the best cocktails with an interior of warm tones, a welcoming contrast from the natural tone of the islands. A favourite among the regulars, the Vilu Restaurant located on the edge of picturesque lagoons, has also been renovated with modern elements that strike a beautiful contrast with the classic interiors that have been loved for so long.

Aerial – Twin Island of Conrad Maldives and The Muraka, credit Yashrib Ahmed

Refreshed facilities at Conrad Maldives Rangali Island

The Rangali Island Resort now has an expanded range of facilities and activities for teens, families, and couples. For example, the Furaavaru Club is the trendiest place for teenagers on the Rangali-Finolhu island, while the Majaa Explorer’s Hub engages kids between ages 3 to 12 with activities such as marine adventures, crafts, and culinary workshops, that leave a lasting impression of the culture on these young minds.

Read More: Ithaafushi The Private Island, New Getaway In Maldives For A Select Few

The Dive Centre and the Gym at Rangali Island are there to make sure that your comfort and relaxation are well-balanced with fun, new experiences that will make your vacation an even more appreciative and well-rounded experience. The Dive Centre brings the cathartic diving adventure to you in a very accessible format so that anyone and everyone can boast of this adventurous experience back home. In addition, the gym now comes with a private space for couples and honeymooners, giving them their own personal space to work out.

Conrad Maldives’s Two Bedroom Rangali Ocean Pavilion with Pool

The Conrad Maldives Rangali Island has always been known for its unique and one-of-a-kind initiatives, including but not limited to the world’s first undersea residence, the Muraka. Now on their 25th anniversary year (February 2022), they are relaunching with a multi-million dollar renovation that will make it even more luxurious than before — if you’re looking for an escape and want something truly special, this is your destination.

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© This article was first published online in Nov 2021 – World Travel Magazine.

The post A look into Conrad Maldives Rangali Island’s newly revamped resort first appeared on World Travel Magazine.

From November to year-end, The Vietnamese government is looking to first open up to visitors from countries where the pandemic has been contained and have high vaccination rates. This would include China, Japan, South Korea, Taiwan, Russia, France and Germany. Australia, USA and Canada are also being considered for the phased opening however a definitive list has not been finalised yet.

As per the government, safety is a prerequisite to restarting tourism in the context of the new normal. This is when the country plans to open up its borders fully, possibly from June 2022 onwards.

The steps and protocols being laid out by the Vietnamese government are similar to the plans and procedures implemented by the Thai government under the ‘Phuket Sandbox’ model of leisure travel. 90% of the local population of Phu Quoc would need to be fully vaccinated. Travellers will need to demonstrate that they are fully vaccinated by furnishing digital vaccination certificates. The second dose of vaccine would need to have been administered at least 14 days prior to arrival in Vietnam. A negative Covid test certificate would be required at entry. Travellers will need to install the Vietnam Safe Travel application (Vietnam Safe Travel – VST) on smartphones for health declarations.

Travelling under Phu Quoc’s pilot plan

The Kien Giang Province’s Phu Quoc pilot plan will allow tourists to stay in any of the 19 hotels and enjoy the seven entertainment areas across the island. There will be specific routes designated for international travellers to travel between Phu Quoc Airport and these select areas.

The province’s government has granted permission for a range of services to resume operations, including casinos, amusement parks, hotels, restaurants, safaris, and cable cars.

The Kien Giang Province has recently been classified as a ‘green zone’ under Vietnam’s pandemic classification system. However, in an attempt to reduce risk, non-essential services such as beauty salons, theatres, massage parlours & spas, indoor sports facilities and gyms will remain closed.

Luxury hotels in Phu Quoc include JW Marriott Phu Quoc Emerald Bay Resort & Spa, Intercontinental Phu Quoc Long Beach Resort, La Veranda Resort Phu Quoc and Salinda Resort Phu Quoc. For golf enthusiasts, the Vinpearl Golf Club Phu Quoc is a unique 27-hole IMG designed golf course in the northernmost part of the island, surrounded by greenery, streams and reservoirs.

Some of the best beaches in Phu Quoc include the 20km long Bai Truong (Long Beach), Ganh Dau Beach, Ong Lang Beach, Cua Can Beach, Vung Bau Beach, Bai Dai Beach, Bai Thom Beach, Bai Sao Beach (Star Beach) and Bai Khem Beach. In addition, the Phu Quoc Marine Park and the Ganh Dau Coral Gardens are excellent for diving or snorkelling.

Read More: Explore Con Dao, Vietnam’s Hidden Island Getaway

Will travellers head to Vietnam right now?

There is doubt being expressed by some on the success of this tourism resumption, given the low vaccination rate in Vietnam, currently at 17% of the population fully vaccinated as per local sources. The current vaccination rate of the Covid-19 vaccine is not uniform; there is a significant difference between localities. Some provinces and cities have achieved high vaccination rates, such as Kien Giang, Quang Ninh, Khanh Hoa, and Ho Chi Minh City.

Any new infection wave could trigger overnight lockdowns and cancellations. Any delays that lead to a slower than anticipated rollout of vaccinations for residents in the specific regions could result in the postponement of this pilot tourism programme.

International travellers will currently be required to spend days in quarantine in their home country upon returning from Vietnam, given that there are no bilateral green travel lanes with other countries. Tourists may thus avoid travelling to Vietnam and put off leisure travel till the national fully-vaccinated rate is close to 70%.

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© This article was first published online in Oct 2021 – World Travel Magazine.

The post Vietnam to open Phu Quoc, Halong Bay, Hoi An, Dalat and Nha Trang for leisure travel first appeared on World Travel Magazine.

It has only been 18 months since I last visited Bali, but somehow this short passage of time feels like an eternity. In moments of nostalgic daze, I catch myself wondering, as silly as the notion may sound, whether the beautiful sunsets of Bali have dimmed and greyed their pastel display in the absence of tourists or has the steady gush of salty breeze in my Uluwatu cliff villa muted itself down, saving up its freshness for the future. Will Julia Roberts be able to find love again in Ubud in her future travels to Bali? Such thoughts result from a body that is in lockdown and a mind that is yearning to travel.

Bali has its luxurious resorts, sun, sand and the sea, the perfect ambience with the crucial exception of the vital tourist population, a temporary glitch that we hope will soon be fixed as vaccines race forward. I got in touch with some of Bali’s leading hoteliers, and they all reassured me – the sunsets in Bali continue to be just as gorgeous, the weather excellent, and yes – it is still a straightforward affair to fall in love with Ubud.

Space, Sunsets And Sustainability In Uluwatu, Bali

Heading south of Bali to Uluwatu, the land of limestone cliffs, world-renowned surf, and luxurious resorts await my return. Alila Villas Uluwatu’s General Manager Hemal Jain shared his excitement on the island escape and Uluwatu’s success, “Bali has everything for everyone. The island has culture, boutique shopping, pleasing design aesthetics, energy, adventure, and an excellent wellness destination. The universal charm of Uluwatu comes from the way this stretch of Bali’s southern coast is setup – it is all about luxury, space and privacy. I think that’s the reason why people will want to return to Uluwatu.”

 

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Staying At Alila Villas Uluwatu, Bali

The all-villa Alila Villas Uluwatu resort is generously spread out on a hill and along the limestone cliff covering 14.4 hectares with one, two and three-bedroom villas that range from 3,000 sq ft to 32,300 sq ft- guaranteeing space and privacy. This also allows the guest to be confident that they will be well looked after and all the precautions of social distancing taken care of with ease.

Alila Villas Uluwatu

“The two essential experiences of Uluwatu are the ease of beach hopping from Alila and spectacular sunsets from our cabana”, Hemal explained. The wild surfing beaches etched along dramatic cliffs make for exciting photo feeds and excellent beach-bum days.

Best Beaches Of Uluwatu, Bali

Some of the best beaches in Uluwatu include the Padang Padang Beach known for its rock caves and world-class waves, Suluban Beach with its sandy cave that leads to the Hidden Beach, Thomas Beach with its soft white sand and turquoise waves, the pristine 1.5km Nyang Nyang Beach, the rustic Bingin Beach, the up and coming Pandawa Beach, Balangan Beach that generally makes any photo taken here go viral on Instagram, Tegal Wangi Beach, Green Bowl Beach, Karang Boma Beach and Jaran Cliff Beach.

Read More: Bali, Island Of The Gods

Alila Villas Uluwatu’s Journey to The Southern Beaches Experience

Best Views Of Uluwatu’s Sunset

Stepping away from the sand and observing the never-ending ocean waves from the cliff tops, I recall spending a good part of one evening at Alila Villas Uluwatu’s iconic sunset cabana, jutting out slightly over the cliff. The Bali evening, cocktail in hand, intoxicated by eagle-eye views, rhythmic sound of crashing waves and refreshing breeze all combined to make the anticipation of the orange-pink sunset bewitching.

It’s these dreamy clifftop views of the Indian Ocean and the glow of the beautiful Uluwatu sunset that makes Alila Villas Uluwatu an elegant wedding destination. The sprawling lawns and the resort’s signature overhanging cliff-edge wedding cabana are beautiful backdrops to plan out romantic ceremonies with group size that can range from an intimate gathering to a gala occasion.

Away from the wonders of Uluwatu and closer to material desires, the one thing that my family and I absolutely love about Alila are their natural face & pillow mists and natural insect repellent sprays, all made with natural ingredients sourced from the local villages.

Alila Villas Uluwatu’s Sunset Cabana Bar

Sustainability At Alila Uluwatu

In addition to their gift shop and villa amenities, natural and sustainable practices do find home in quite a few of Alila’s operations. Alila’s landscaping team plants lemongrass near the entrances of villas to keep lizards away from villas – simple, natural, organic and effective.

Biodegradable amenities for the villas such as bamboo straws, glass bottles, an on-site water purification system and bottling plant, a Sustainability Lab that converts organic waste into compost used in the organic garden are all small steps with a big impact on environmental sustainability at Alila.

To ensure air-conditioning energy consumption was kept to a minimum, a uniquely Balinese material – black lava rock – was incorporated at the design stage of Alila Villas Uluwatu. The terraced, low pitched roof of the villas was developed using Balinese volcanic pumice rock, a naturally insulating material that can support local ferns & succulents and absorb the heat of the tropical sun, keeping the interior of the villa cool. It is simple and sustainable steps such as the ones adopted by Alila that will ensure that travellers will leave an overall neutral to positive impact on the environment.

Escaping Into The Exotic At Ubud, Bali

Bali’s cultural centre has evolved from a sleepy artisan town with centuries-old connection to herbs, healing, enlightenment, rivers, rainforest, paddy fields and temples to a destination in itself with hotels, spas, organic cafes, yoga studios and a healthy dose of burgers and pizzas. A humourist would observe mainstream Ubud as a place where capitalism and a hippie dream paradise converged and shook hands. What was once an ‘off the beaten path’ is now a top 10 destination globally. Can you still escape into the exotic when at Ubud?

 

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A Stay At Capella Ubud, Bali

I have had Capella Ubud on my Bali bucket list since this unique tented resort opened in July 2018. Had it not been for this pandemic, I would have probably parked myself in one of their Bill Bensley designed exotic, luxurious, stylish tents during one of the long weekends of 2020. Capella Ubud’s appeal is design elegance married with sustainable practices and being true to elevating the charm & magic of Ubud to a new level.

Capella Ubud, an exotic getaway

This unique sanctuary is set within a dramatic landscape in Keliki village, complete with rice paddies and a densely forested valley down to the Wos River. Wait – that’s not all. Step into one of their 23 tents, and you would be transported into an eclectic, maximalism styled fantasy carefully stitched together by Bill Bensley and his team of artisans. Lounging inside the luxury tent, looking out into the depths of greenery, the unique charm and sensibility of Ubud rushes back.

Read More: Bali, The Island Of The Gods

Capella River Tent living room

Capella Ubud Keliki Valley bedroom

In my conversation with Mark Swinton, General Manager of Capella Ubud, he walked me through this dreamy camp resort getaway. “Stepping into Capella Ubud is like walking into a story and the designer and architect brings his fun and quirkiness and colourfulness to the property. It is a wonderful and different experience from anything else, taking you back in time. When you stay in the camp and hear the rain on the tent, it is soothing. It is meditative. You really feel as if a part of nature is singing to you,” Mark said.

Capella Ubud

Creativity In Ubud

Beyond the luxurious tented camp resort, the creative heart of Ubud is 20 minutes away and continues to be the epicentre of Bali’s creativity. “The daily rituals continue for the people who live on the island and everyone remains optimistic; the belief and spirituality remains stronger than ever and hopefully, we can welcome international guests back again soon. The Balinese living in this area are highly creative and craftsman in wood & stone carving in addition to excellent jewellery making,” Mark said.

Purification Ceremony In Ubud

One of my travel goals when in Ubud is to recreate that ‘Julia Roberts’ experience and find clarity and peace in a local healing ceremony. It is meditative and inspiring. The challenge lies in getting hold of the real McCoy.

“A lot of effort goes into creating curated experiences with personalized service that one can only do if you stay with us. In Capella Ubud, Bali we have Melukat – a ‘Soul Reborn’ purification ceremony right here in our camp, along the Wos River. Over the last few decades, local villagers have come to The Beji – an ancient spring to collect this holy water to be used for ceremonies in the temple,” Mark explained.

Wos River at Capella Ubud

Capella Ubud’s Beji, an ancient spring where holy water is collected for ceremonies

The water purification ceremony cleanses both body and mind, refreshing the spirit and dissolving away any negative influence. The local priest leads the cleansing ceremony with chants and offerings, using the holy water to bless the body and soul. The side effects of this morning ritual include acquiring a fresh perspective, an epiphany or a pleasurable moment of clarity – the motivation to call on Ubud again and again.

Immerse In The Shades Of Green, Black & Blue At Kerambitan, Bali

A family on vacation will generally stay close to the paths of Bali that are well travelled. A traveller attempting to break the tourist barrier will head to Kerambitan.

Rice Fields And Rural Setting Of Kerambitan In Tabanan, Bali

An hour or so north of Seminyak, Kerambitan, in Tabanan regency, is all about absorbing in the great blue sky and green fields of crop. I head to this part of the island when in need of getting in touch with old Bali, embracing seclusion and revelling in the rural, rustic surroundings of a quaint village.

Soori Bali

The rice paddy fields here exist not for the sake of tourists enjoyment or for the purpose of an Instagram backdrop. The beach in this part of Bali is a bed of black volcanic sand autographed by silver-white waves. When looking inland, Mount Batukaru is a perpetual watermark against a sea of agricultural fields. There are no sarong sellers, no crowds, no traffic, just my million thoughts and a never-ending oasis of serenity.

Soori Bali’s views of Mount Batukaru and rice fields

Staying At Soori Bali

The region’s rural simplicity viewed from the sleek, modern villas of seaside boutique hotel Soori Bali is like being anchored in luxury while the winds, clouds, waves, the Sun and time continue on their journey, bearing witness to my stillness, the surrounding nature undisturbed by my presence.

Greg Hoehn, General Manager of Soori Bali, explains, “Soori Bali is well known for its spacious, private villas, design and architecture.” Soori’s villas range from 1,800 sq. ft to 6,950 sq. ft. all including a private infinity pool, private pavilion and dreamy views of the green fields, blue skies and black sand beach. “The unique volcanic black sand of Kelating Beach spans one side while the other is a sea of rice fields,” Greg added.

Soori Bali’s black sand beach

Ceremonies & Celebrities In Kerambitan, Bali

“The experiences to be had at Soori Bali focus on the local community, culture and nature. We are very close to the iconic Tanah Lot temple. Ceremonies are being held almost every day and the vision of a temple on top of the water with women adorned in their lace blouse kebaya, batik sarong kamben, and their head-dress udeng, it looks so beautiful, and everyone’s invited,” Greg explained.

Read More: Bali, The Island Of The Gods

One of the royal palaces nearby, Puri Anyar Kerambitan, built in the 1620s by the 12th King of Tabanan, is worth visiting for its architecture and cultural performances. The palace became a social hub in the 60’s and 70’s with royal dinners being held with such a diverse set of guests that included David Bowie, King Hussein of Jordan and Mick Jagger. The celebrity following has not diminished over the years – a certain Kardashian and family vacationed for a few days at Soori Bali, celebrating a birthday in an oasis of privacy.

Soori Bali’s Mountain Pool Villa

Surfing, Yoga And Fitness Vibes At Canggu, Bali

You may not be surprised to hear this, but Canggu is the homeland of digital nomads and advocates of avocado smash on toast. Canggu was a former sleepy seaside town with its original surfer dudes that had once called this place a hidden gem and has now been taken over by hipsters on laptops surfing the wild waves of the digital gig economy.

 

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Surf, Beach And Pool Bars In Canggu

Surfers were among the very first Australian and American visitors to Bali in the 70s. This is when the ‘island of the Gods’ started getting known as ‘the island of the surf’. Canggu is home to a tamer version of the famous surf found in Padang Padang and Uluwatu. You can catch some good waves at Oldman’s, Batu Bolong, Berawa or Echo beach – depending on your level of surfing.

For those like me who can’t muster the courage to venture out beyond the sand, chilling by the dark grey to black sand beaches with sights of surfers gliding on waves makes for relaxing days. It is easy to find a pool bar or hipster café here to chill and lounge – with wifi and vibes to match.

If you are one of those rare gems who has been working out during this pandemic for the perfect beach body, heading to Canggu would then naturally be on top of your travel list. Potential remote workers should explore the interesting long term visa options of living and enjoying life in Bali while working digitally, globally. I would not mind attending my next set of board meetings in September from the comfort of a beach cabana in Canggu.

COMO Uma Canggu steps away from the Echo Beach

Wellness & Fitness At COMO Uma Canggu, Bali

For the rest of us who have levelled up our waistlines during this one year of stay-home and developed love-hate relationships with our fridge & take-out food delivery apps, will the community at Canggu welcome me with open arms? This region of Bali has an entire industry in the form of yoga studios, gyms, boot camps and wellness academies, all dedicated to making you look and feel good.

The COMO Shambhala Retreat wellness facility inside COMO Uma Canggu, for instance, steps from the Echo Beach, offers an extensive range of detox treatments, massage therapies, fitness centre, and various classes & activities, including yoga and Pilates – an elevated and luxurious experience in Canggu.

COMO Uma Canggu’s Pilates class

Henry Scott, General Manager at COMO Uma Canggu, explained, “People are taking better care of their health and their lifestyle has now transitioned into one that is focused on wellness, fitness and nutrition. They are paying more attention to what they eat and how they work out. This wellness-oriented lifestyle complements the COMO brand.”

Henry continued, “We have a state of the art gym facility that spreads out and allows gym members to exercise and be confident that all current protocols are being observed. At COMO Uma Canggu, we have experts leading Pilates, Yoga and kickboxing classes that can either be done on a one-to-one basis or as a group of family members getting together, building on their wellness goals.”

Learning To Surf In Canggu, Bali

“The outdoor activity that gets Canggu five stars is surfing on the stretch of Echo Beach, home to some of the best surf breaks in the area. When we see the image of the surfers, sitting out there in the water, looking chilled, waiting for that perfect wave with their sun-kissed body and saltwater dripping off their hair – all of that is hard work. All that paddling is cardio, and the balance needed to ride the wave is yoga. Whether it’s a beginner, advanced or a grandfather, when it comes to surfing here, all that matters is your inner child and the accomplishment of riding the wave in Bali,” Henry added.

COMO Uma Canggu’s COMO Beach Club

COMO Uma Canggu’s Surf school by Tropicsurf

“At COMO Uma Canggu, we have the prestigious Tropicsurf academy with instructors qualified from technique to first aid certification. These instructors are gentle in the sense that they will not push you over your limits and this is fantastic for families looking to pick up a new hobby. From helping you with the surfboard into our 115 feet lagoon pool or to the beach, from the basics of how to paddle, how & when to stand up, what to do in case the wave hits, accessing your balance and confidence, our professional surf instructors guide you all the way through irrespective of your surf skill level. All you need to have is a positive spirit and an open mind,” Henry explained.

Optimistic on the future of this island getaway, Henry added “When Bali opens up, Canggu is probably going to be the hottest destination in Bali.”

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© This article was first published online in Apr 2021 – World Travel Magazine.

The post Travelling To Bali With A Purpose first appeared on World Travel Magazine.

The Maldives is home to some of the most exclusive island resorts globally, and South Male Atoll alone has a stable of 20 island resorts dotting the atoll’s edges. Ithaafushi – The Private Island is an easy stand out in a busy luxury destination like the Maldives. Waldorf Astoria Maldives Ithaafushi demonstrates that creature comforts always trump barefoot luxury. Essentially, the luxury factor eventually boils down to exceptional service levels that keep one loyal to the brand, the secret sauce for success in premium hospitality.

Ithaafushi, the Pearl Island

The name, Ithaafushi translates to ‘Pearl Island’ in Dhivehi, Maldives’ local language, and represents the isle’s positioning in Hilton’s luxury portfolio. Waldorf Astoria Maldives Ithaafushi – The Private Island is the ultimate escape offering unparalleled levels of privacy and personalised service for guests seeking only the most prestigious and coveted accommodations.

“Ithaafushi – The Private Island is the crown jewel of our luxury portfolio in Asia Pacific, limitless in the level of privacy and unrivalled hospitality guests are promised,” said Nils-Arne Schroeder, vice president, Luxury & Lifestyle, Hilton, Asia Pacific. “Designed for the most discerning of travellers, the Ithaafushi – The Private Island is the epitome of exclusivity, perfectly placed within one of the most inspirational destinations in the world where a dedicated team anticipates every need and delivers the brand’s elegant and effortless service at every turn.”

“The launch of this unique resort offering represents a momentous milestone for the Waldorf Astoria brand and truly speaks to our commitment to redefining luxury hospitality around the world,” Schroeder added.

Read More: Travelling To Maldives For Holiday In 2021 Is Quick And Easy

Stay At Ithaafushi – The Private Island

Ithaafushi – The Private Island spans 32,000 square meters and can accommodate 24 guests across two elegantly designed villas and one sweeping four-bedroom residence.

A two-bedroom overwater villa promises a unique ocean experience, with two spacious master bedrooms complete with double dressing rooms, indoor and outdoor rain showers, a shared living room, infinity pool and jacuzzi.

Waldorf Astoria Maldives Ithaafushi – The Private Island, 3 bedroom beach villa

A separate three-bedroom beach villa, set within lush gardens and coconut palm canopies, has its own beach access and two swimming pools. Those staying in the four-bedroom residence will enjoy two king bedrooms, two queen bedrooms, jacuzzies and an expansive common living area, all with direct access to the beach.

Read More: What’s Hot In The Maldives

Experiences at Waldorf Astoria Maldives Ithaafushi

From the moment you land on this piece of paradise, trust the Waldorf Astoria Maldives Ithaafushi’s Personal Concierge team to ensure every need is met with the utmost discretion. The team takes the brand’s iconic ‘True Waldorf Service’ to a new level, offering guests fully personalised service from day to night to guarantee curated experiences.

 

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“We are committed to making Ithaafushi – The Private Island a highly sought-after, world-class destination for the privileged few,” said Etienne Dalancon, general manager, Waldorf Astoria Maldives Ithaafushi. “Our dedicated team is devoted entirely to ensuring every moment is absolutely personalised, with exceptional service and unsurpassed attention to detail. We will pull out all the stops to ensure the most memorable stay for our guests, every single time.”

The dedicated Wellness Concierge at the overwater spa helps organise customised therapies to indulge in while at the resort. The meditation and yoga pavilion along with fully equipped gym offer magnificent ocean views, with personal training and classes upon request.

Unwind on one of the sea swings, under the palm hammocks, sunken loungers, or bask in one of the five luxurious pools.

A dedicated children’s pool & gaming area, and the Young Discovery Park at the main resort features a water recreation area and various bespoke activities to keep the children engaged.

Dining Options at Waldorf Astoria Maldives Ithaafushi

The private island’s dedicated culinary team take guests on a diverse culinary journey, offering bespoke menus to be enjoyed.

The two main islands, making up the rest of the resort, are home to 10 speciality dining venues. Dine at Terra, a unique bamboo pod-style nest set at a slight elevation among trees with views across the ocean serving haute cuisine with premium wine.

Other dining venues with an artistic interior design include ‘Yasmeen’ serving a gastronomic journey of Levant cuisine in a heritage Arabian village setting complete with antique décor and artefacts, and ‘The Rock’ – a cave-like dining room built from Jordanian limestone serving food and wine pairing menus that pay homage to renowned wine regions.

The Ledge by Dave Pynt features an elevated Australian barbecue experience in the middle of the Indian Ocean. The Waldorf Astoria experience is incomplete without a visit to the Peacock Alley bar, found in the 30 plus iconic Waldorf properties worldwide.

Experiences at Ithaafushi, South Male Atoll

Off-island experiences are also available, and the favourite tends to be heading to the private sandbank for a castaway experience where sunset dinner, a personal yoga session or merely being off-grid for a while is a pleasurable escape.

Waldorf Astoria Maldives Ithaafushi – The Private Island, 4 bedroom residence

The underwater world in the South Male Atoll is ripe for exploration with a plethora of watersports, diving activities and yacht excursions at a moment’s notice. Experience spectacular views of the resort and nearby reefs by parasailing 200m above sea level or ride the underwater scooter Seabob.

Other activities to keep one engaged include windsurfing, catamaran sailing excursion, kitesurfing, paddleboarding, kayaking, water skiing, wakeboarding, working on perfecting the moves in an X-Jets jetpack or exploring the resort’s house reef or nearby reefs. Explore the beautiful Victory Wreck, Alia Wreck, Muthi Wreck and Kuda Giri Wreck, abundant with healthy marine life, schools of reef fish and beautiful corals.

Read More: Experience Swimming With Whale Sharks At Gaafu Alifu Atoll In Maldives

Staying Safe Protocols

Waldorf Astoria Maldives Ithaafushi operates with industry-leading standards of cleanliness and disinfection of the proprietary Hilton CleanStay program while adhering to the Maldivian health and safety guidelines.

The Maldives has a sensible and practical ‘one island one resort’ policy, making this the ideal island getaway destination for 2021 and beyond. Going one step further, spending your getaway at Ithaafushi Private Island, all 32,000 square meters of it, limited to just one’s entourage of family, friends, nannies and security detail, tops any international health policy on social distancing. Getting from your villa residence to Waldorf Astoria Maldives’s main island requires a speedboat.

Getting to Waldorf Astoria Maldives Ithaafushi

The Waldorf Astoria Maldives Ithaafushi is located at the South Male Atoll and is accessible directly from the airport via a 15-minute seaplane flight or a 40-minute ride on one resort’s six luxury Ithaafushi Princess yachts. To explore beyond the private island estate, direct access to the main island is available via speed boat.

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© This article was first published online in Feb 2021 – World Travel Magazine.

The post Ithaafushi The Private Island, New Getaway In Maldives For A Select Few first appeared on World Travel Magazine.

Flying to the Maldives

As on date, the following airlines are actively flying to the Maldives: Air Astana, Qatar Airways, Emirates, Etihad Airways, Sri Lankan Airlines, Lufthansa, Indigo, British Airways, Nordwind Airlines, Go Air, Air India, Turkish Airlines, FlyDubai, Spice Jet, Maldivian, Aeroflot and Edelweiss Air. There are more than 25 different airlines flying to the Maldives right now.

As on date, the following cities have direct non-stop flights to Male’s Velana International Airport (VIA): Doha, Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Colombo, Frankfurt, London, Zurich, Istanbul, Moscow, Delhi, Mumbai, Bengaluru, Kochi and Bangkok.

Read More: What’s Hot In The Maldives

India-Maldives air bubble agreement

After the latest ‘India-Maldives air bubble agreement’ for residents in India, SpiceJet has announced the introduction of two non-stop flights connecting Mumbai & Male. Effective 4th January 2021, flights will operate on every Monday, Thursday and Sunday. SG 91 will depart from Mumbai at 12.35 PM and reach Male at 3 PM (local time) while on return SG 92 will take off at 4 PM and reach Mumbai at 7.30 PM (local time). The airline will deploy its Boeing 737 aircraft to operate on this route.

SpiceJet is celebrating the launch of its new flights by announcing introductory all-inclusive starting fares of INR 9,012 (US$ 120) on Mumbai-Male and INR 9,501 (US$ 130) on Male-Mumbai route.

Residents in the Middle East

For residents in the Middle East, Emirates daily flight from Dubai to Male is the fastest way to reach your very own island escape. Qatar’s Safe Travel Bubble with the Maldives ensure the residents can travel between the two countries with ease, enjoy an exceptional holiday and return home with no need to quarantine.

Image credit Qatar Airways Holidays

Visas & Procedures

The Maldives has a sensible and tourist-friendly ‘Visa on arrival’ policy for all tourists visiting its sunny shores. The Maldives does not have the ‘pay $150 as non-refundable visa fees with your life’s paperwork submitted in application and hope for the best’ policy that other countries impose as status quo.

In this pre-vaccine era, travel rules may seem daunting but think of getting from Country A to Country B and returning in 4 blocks of activities.

Activities Before Departure: 1. Book a refundable flight and resort directly from the airline / hotel’s website. Try and avoid agencies or booking sites for now. 2. Get the negative PCR Test certificate within 72 hours before departure. 3. Complete the country’s online declaration forms.

Activities On Departure to the Maldives: 1. Take a rapid PCR test at the gate and get results within 15 mins to 45 mins. 2. Board the aircraft on receiving the negative result.

Activities On Arrival to the Maldives: 1. Head to the resort and enjoy your vacation.

Activities On Arrival to Home Country: 1. Take a PCR test if needed by home country & fill out their online travel declarations. 2. Take a PCR test at your home country airport.

As expected, one needs a negative PCR test before entering the Maldives. To enter the Maldives, the PCR test must be taken not more than 72 hours prior to the scheduled time of departure from the first port of embarkation en-route to the Maldives. The negative Covid-19 PCR test result must be attached while completing the ‘Traveler Health Declaration’ form, which has to be submitted online by all arriving passengers prior to arrival (but not exceeding 24 hours before arrival time), via IMUGA.

There is no need for another PCT test upon arrival at the airport in Male. Only those who have COVID-19 like symptoms, such as a temperature above 38 degrees celsius, coughing or sneezing, will be tested for COVID-19.

Tourists who do not have COVID-19 symptoms are not required to quarantine on arrival to the Maldives. It goes without saying that one needs to have a confirmed resort booking prior to arrival. Masks and social distancing are a norm everywhere, whether at the airport or in the hotel. Getting up close with the fishes while snorkelling in the Maldives and taking a selfie is highly encouraged!

It is worth noting for a moment that with so many Covid tests being done on ALL passengers at various stages of travel, and given that the Maldives has a ‘one resort on one island’ policy, heading to the Maldives for a vacation is SAFER than heading to your local supermarket for your weekly groceries.

Accumulate ‘Miles’ With National Loyalty Programme

The Maldives government has recently launched a first of its kind national loyalty programme called ‘Maldives Border Miles‘ that provides tourists with miles when they frequent the Indian Ocean nation. This programme is run independently of any airlines or hotel loyalty points programmes.

Maldives Border Miles Abaarana

Tourists enrolled in the three-tiered loyalty program will earn miles for activities, including visiting the Maldives during special occasions, spending more nights in the country and obtaining services from the programme partners.

The Bronze, Silver and Gold levels of the programme are called ‘Aida’, ‘Antara’ and ‘Abaarana’ respectively. The miles redemption at this stage is unclear except for privileged immigration clearance on arrival and departure for Antara and Abaarana members.

Overwater villas and garden villas with access to private white sand beaches

As recently as 5th January 2021, there are more than 140 operating hotels and resorts, more than 130 dhonis liveaboard and yachts, 27 atolls and more than a 1,000 coral islands in the Maldives Archipelago just waiting to be explored.

The Maldives is an ideal location for snorkelling, scuba diving, a romantic getaway with luxurious villas, both on land with private beach access and over-water, for family get-together and reunion, or simply to soak in the sun and get the new year started. Being in the middle of the Indian Ocean does not mean doing away with creature comforts; the luxury hotels and resorts of Maldives boast excellent wine cellars, fine cuisine with top-notch restaurants and spas.

 

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A selection of luxury hotels that need to be on your radar includes the Gili Lankanfushi, Lux North Male’ Atoll, InterContinental Maldives Maamunagau and Raffles Maldives Meradhoo Resort.

Read More: Paradise Found At Raffles Maldives Meradhoo

Raffles Maldives Meradhoo

Expect this destination to be ‘hot’ for all the right reasons during the coming months – we most certainly don’t need to wait for festivals or long weekends to head out for a break, especially after a horrible year that was 2020.

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© This article was first published online in Jan 2021 – World Travel Magazine.

The post Travelling To Maldives For Holiday In 2021 Is Quick And Easy first appeared on World Travel Magazine.

Maldives, one of the rare Asian countries that recently reopened its borders for leisure travellers immediately observed jet-setters and enthusiastic honeymooners head to its beautiful atolls. The concept of social distancing is fairly straightforward for tourists to the Maldives simply because of the country’s policy of ‘one resort one island’. Several luxurious resorts welcomed their first guests in awe and absolute excitement.

Constance Halaveli Maldives, North Ari Atoll

The team at Constance Halaveli offered a warm welcome to returning guests. Constance, with two hideaways in the Maldives, is intimate, luxurious and perfectly represents the ‘sun, sand and sea’ theme. Within Constance Halaveli, safe distancing comes easy for guests with the 57 water villas, 9 beach villas, 19 beach villas or the lavish presidential beach villa.

 

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Dreaming of taking off on an adventure What about you? . . . : @satia_rau #constancewithu #constancehotels #constancehalaveli #maldivesislands #tropicalholiday #luxuryhotel #beachlife #beachlifestyle

A post shared by Constance Hotels & Resorts (@constancehotels) on Aug 3, 2020 at 3:19am PDT

Activities & Experiences: Movie night on the beach under a curtain of stars, snorkel amongst the abundant marine life and laze around the private sun terrace with regular dips in either the plunge pool or the ocean – follow your heart.

Four Seasons Resort Maldives

After launching an enhanced programme to ensure the safety of their guests, both the Four Seasons Resort Maldives opened their doors to welcome guests from all across the world. Apart from being surrounded by tropical greens and mesmerising ocean, the arriving guests can experience both their resorts on the same holiday – a few nights at Kuda Huraa resort, North Male Atoll while awaiting a seaplane transfer to Landaa Giraavaru at Baa Atoll.

 

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We are back: the Maldives is open and the sun is shining again! The first guest to the destination after months of border closure has just arrived at Four Seasons Landaa Giraavaru. Our warmest, sunniest welcome! #fsmaldives #maldives #visitmaldives #sunnysideoflife

A post shared by Four Seasons Resorts Maldives (@fsmaldives) on Jul 15, 2020 at 3:03am PDT

Activities & Experiences: Learn about the initiatives to protect marine ecosystems at Marine Discovery Centre, head out for a scuba dive during the day and end the day with a spa therapy or cocktails by the sunset.

LUX* North Male Atoll

The surf season is in full swing and the island’s most thrilling waves await the return of their guests. LUX* North Male Atoll, with its own seasonal surf spot welcomes guests back. The returning guests are guaranteed an enjoyable summer in this paradise of penthouse villas and spectacularly designed spaces to play, relax and retreat.

 

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Sail away exploring deserted islands and exotic reefs, live like a Maldivian. #luxnorthmaleatoll

A post shared by LUX* North Malé Atoll (@luxnorthmale) on Aug 5, 2020 at 10:56am PDT

Activities & Experiences: Sail along the sandbanks and islets that make up the atoll chain in a catamaran, enjoy pink and orange sunsets from the top floor of the overwater penthouses or the private plunge pools and enjoy an entire menu card of water sports in this world-class location.

Soneva Fushi, Baa Atoll

After ensuring a high level of safety and wellness for returning guests, Soneva Fushi welcomed travellers from around the world in style. Soneva’s bare-foot luxury villas hidden among dense foliage on a private island are ideal for those looking for a secluded retreat to relax and unwind.

 

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Just you, your thoughts and the sound of the sea. The soothing sound of water and the rhythm of the ocean has long been used for meditation and mindfulness. Scientists have discovered that the gentle rhythm of ocean waves affects the rhythm of the neuronal waves in our brains, creating a more gentle pace of thought. #discoversoneva #experiencesoneva #soneva25 #sonevafushi #findyourhappyplace #findyourhappy #findthepositive #instabeaches #fortheoceans #maldives_ig #visitmaldives #maldivesinsider #maldivesresorts #maldivesislands #maldiveslovers #maldivesphotography #beautifulmaldives #instazen #wellnessjourney #innerstrength #mindfulmoment #balancedlife #meditationpractice @nosdoisnomundo

A post shared by Soneva (@discoversoneva) on Jul 28, 2020 at 8:00pm PDT

Activities & Experiences: Get in touch with nature in this fragile landscape, a world far away from blaring news as you picnic on a deserted island with a personal chef. Slow things down to match speed of your breath, be it when scuba divining or contemplating life as the entire night sky floods with a billion stars.

Waldorf Astoria Maldives Ithaafushi

Waldorf Astoria Maldives in South Male Atoll is a tropical paradise spanning across three islands. All rooms and suites come generously appointed with a private pool and for those keen to enter a fantasy style ‘Narnia’, the resort has a private island with a beach villa, overwater villa, a residence, 5 pools and a private entertainment clubhouse. How’s that for exclusivity. With all the safety measures in place, Waldorf welcomes returning guests with open arms.

 

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Few places in the world offer ultimate privacy and uninterrupted beauty than the white sandy beaches of Waldorf Astoria Maldives Ithaafushi. – With access to our island paradise being more convenient than ever. Reopening 1st August. – #WanderLust #Maldives #Travel

A post shared by Waldorf Astoria Maldives (@waldorfastoriamaldives) on Jul 19, 2020 at 8:54pm PDT

Activities & Experiences: Eleven dining venues, a world-class spa, you very own private ‘play’ island and beyond that every possible activity in the Maldives is at your fingertips.

Velaa Private Island, Maldives

Checking all the boxes in a luxury island getaway list, Velaa Private Island in x, is a place of seclusion in harmony with the environment and giving you a glimpse of the tranquil Maldivian way of life. Here, the mornings are fresh and calming, the afternoons cool when snorkelling along the island’s edges and the evenings take on shades of champagne irrespective of where you find yourself when on this island – it’s the inner child at play here.

 

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Your safe haven is only a flight away. #VelaaPrivateIsland #VelaaMoments #VistaJet #SafeHaven

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Activities & Experiences: Indulge in a round of golf in a tropical island setting in the middle of the Indian Ocean or seek solace at Tavaru tower, a white coral-like tube of a structure hiding an extensive wine cellar. When having difficulty weighing the options between golfing or wine, head to Cloud9 for a session of indulgent pampering and cool off in their snow room; try and remember, you are still in the Maldives.

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© This article was first published online in Aug 2020 – World Travel Magazine.

The post Find Out Which Maldives Luxury Resorts Are Restarting To Welcome Guests first appeared on World Travel Magazine.

Aboard the Blue Moon Catamaran in the middle of the pristine waters off Phuket, this is precisely how I felt as I embark on a day trip amongst the jiggered rock islands along the Eastern bounds of the Andaman Sea.

Escaping the hustle of Singapore in February, I blocked a quick weekend rendezvous in Phuket and cruised aboard this private catamaran with my family amongst the tiny, beautiful islands dotting around Phuket. Little did I know that it will be the last overseas trip I would undertake before the world moved into lockdown. This quiet, serene and refreshing getaway turned out to be a perfect opportunity for me to bond with my family, while in the company of stunning blue backdrops melting away to an orange sunset.

The Blue Moon, a 52 feet catamaran complete with 5 en-suite cabins, Photo – Wan Tse, Simpson Yacht Charter

The Blue Moon catamaran sails into the dramatic sunset of Phuket, Photo – Wan Tse, Simpson Yacht Charter

Sailing from Ao Po Grand Marina in Phuket to Phang Nga Bay

We boarded the luxurious 52 feet long catamaran ‘Blue Moon’ early in the morning from the Ao Po Grand Marina located on the eastern edge of Phuket. Manned by a well-trained crew of two and complete with 5 en-suite cabins, an ample salon with panoramic views, good sized deck areas to relax with two large bow trampolines that doubled as hammocks for lounging, being on board this yacht felt more like travelling in a sleek apartment with the blue sea as companion. Our Andaman adventure had begun.

The luxurious 52 feet long catamaran ‘Blue Moon’, Photo – Wan Tse, Simpson Yacht Charter

Phang-nga is famous for spectacular scenery with limestone cliffs dramatically rising out of emerald green water. There are caves, secret lagoons and tiny secluded beaches, a few of which are still awaiting discovery. Phang Nga Bay is located 75 kilometres northeast of Phuket and is a national park surrounded by hundreds of unique limestone islands with names to match their shapes. In addition, there are magical stalactite caves and countless rocks and sea caves.

The Captain navigating the catamaran towards the Phang Nga Bay, Photo – Wan Tse, Simpson Yacht Charter

The shallow draft of the catamaran at 5 feet allows it to access remote locations, Photo – Wan Tse, Simpson Yacht Charter

Phang-nga is famous for spectacular scenery with limestone cliffs dramatically rising out of emerald green water, Photo – Wan Tse, Simpson Yacht Charter

We were in awe of the beautiful island scapes surrounding Phuket and with a carefree agenda in mind, requested the Captain to explore the near-by islands at a leisurely speed, an advantage of sailing on your own yacht – there are no time tables to keep up with. Captain Jim knew exactly what we had in mind and set a gentle pace for the rest of the day. He suggested we explore the caves & secret lagoons at Koh Panak island, an experience, he promised, would take us up close and within the limestone towers.

Secret Lagoons and Sea Caves

Finding the entrance of sea caves within the base of limestone cliffs, exploring their dark pathways and finding oneself emerging into a hollow ‘hong’, a quiet and meditative sanctuary locked within a limestone karst island, with the sea cave the sole entrance and exit that ‘locks’ itself with high tide – this is an adventure best done with specialists on hand. Our brave Captain Jim, knowledgeable, experienced and well equipped, lead us – the fearful city dwellers – cautiously through dark winding pathways, littered with age old stalagmites and puddles of water on the rock floor. The only sound we could hear was water dripping from the ceiling of the cave, a constant reminder that the cave’s occupant – the tide – would be arriving soon.

A few minutes later, we emerged into the ‘hong’ – a large, secret opening enclosed by tall cliffs and the open blue sky for ceiling. No passing boat would have known that we were here. The sound of bird and the sight of a few mangrove trees and shrubs growing within the cracks of the cliff hinted of life in this stealthy hideaway. If imaginations were played out, this may have centuries ago, doubled as a villain’s lair or the ‘X’ on a pirate’s treasure map. Not in control of time nor tide, we hurried out back to the entrance, just in time to witness the water rise steadily by over half a meter and seal off the pathway and the cave entrance.

The protruding cliffs hanging precariously over the sea kept us amused as we relaxed on the two trampoline hammocks, Photo – Wan Tse, Simpson Yacht Charter

Ao Phang Nga National Park is home to many such caverns and caves, both discovered and those that have not been explored yet. We could have easily spent the entire day in this location, but such is the beauty of the surrounding jade-coloured water that called for us to continue exploring.

As Thailand opens its borders for tourists and a need for social distancing is in everyone’s mind, chartering a catamaran over the weekend is an excellent option to explore and unwind.

Back in the comfort of our luxurious catamaran, we refuelled and refreshed with Chef Nok at hand to treat us to a sumptuous feast of authentic vegetarian local cuisine. Our lazy day on board continued as Captain Jim charted our afternoon journey amidst the islands of Phang Nha Bay. We were at ease, playing hide and seek amongst the labyrinth of uninhibited rock islands. The protruding cliffs hanging precariously over the sea kept us amused as we relaxed on the two trampoline hammocks at the bow of the catamaran. With a canvas canopy sheltering us from the tropical sun and a strong breeze keeping everyone cool, our steady pace across the bay dissolved the afternoon into a sweet nothing – a ‘Dolce Vita’ moment experienced.

The Blue Moon catamaran at Phang-nga, Photo – Wan Tse, Simpson Yacht Charter

Chef Nok treated us to a sumptuous feast of authentic vegetarian local cuisine, Photo – Wan Tse, Simpson Yacht Charter

Chef Nok treated us to a sumptuous feast of authentic vegetarian local cuisine, Photo – Wan Tse, Simpson Yacht Charter

The open plan layout of Blue Moon is lively with a dining area, lounge seating, TV entertainment and galley, Photo – Wan Tse, Simpson Yacht Charter

Sailing in this luxurious catamaran, Blue Moon, comes with its advantages. Apart from an expert staff on hand that ensures peace of mind, security, local knowledge and expertise, the catamaran is well equipped with snorkelling gear (masks and fins) and kayaks to double the fun. Having a charter adds to the luxury of not following a schedule or a direction laid out in an itinerary. If the green spec of island on the far left with a tiny cove appeals to the senses, the Captain is on hand to oblige at a moment’s notice. The shallow draft of the catamaran at 5 feet allows it to access remote locations which an ordinary single-hull yacht or a tourist ferry would generally avoid.

The Blue Moon has five ensuite luxurious cabins, four of which are fitted with queen size beds & one with two single bunks, Photo – Wan Tse, Simpson Yacht Charter

The interior of the catamaran comes with vertical windows in the salon which creates a spacious environment to lounge with a beautiful panoramic view of the sea. The open plan layout is lively with a dining area, lounge seating, TV entertainment and galley.

The interior of the Blue Moon catamaran comes with vertical windows in the salon which creates a spacious environment to lounge, Photo – Wan Tse, Simpson Yacht Charter

With five en-suite luxurious cabins, four of which are fitted with queen size beds & one with two single bunks and vast deck areas to enjoy, the Blue Moon catamaran is perfect for a family of ten. Blue Moon catamaran by Simpson Yacht Charter is a luxurious and a fun way to explore the islands that surround Phuket over either a day or a long weekend.

The Blue Moon catamaran is well equipped with snorkelling gear and kayaks to double the fun, Photo – Wan Tse, Simpson Yacht Charter

Plunging into the cool waters of Phuket to beat the heat, Photo – Wan Tse, Simpson Yacht Charter

With the need to ensure social distance is maintained and general guidelines to avoid crowds, I am of the opinion that exploring Phuket’s many islands and waterways on your own private yacht is a safer and far more appealing activity as compared to visiting the usual tourist zones within Phuket. To explore, unwind and refresh with scenery that’s agreeable for the 1974 Bond, you are in for a treat the moment you step onboard.

Apart from the day trips, Simpson Yacht Charter has designed many more luxurious itineraries with the Blue Moon catamaran in mind that ranges from a weekend trip to a 15-day adventure. For a long weekend getaway, you fly in to Phuket on a Thursday night with dinner at the marina and then drinks on the boat. The crew makes final preparations to sail on the Friday morning while is enjoying breakfast at the marina. Friday’s ‘hectic’ schedule has fun slated for every hour of the day. Sail and snorkel along the coral reefs of Phuket and head back to land for dinner. Head out to a quiet bay for after-dinner drinks on board in the company of stars overhead and gentle waves; the crew sets the mood with candles, wine & cheese and anything else one desires. Saturday is all about cruising the Andaman Sea making stops along the way as per the desire of the day – snorkel amongst the marine life in national parks or snooze on a hammock with a chilled Champagne close by. The catamaran’s WIFI ensures all the moments get captured on Instagram on the fly. Saturday’s leisure spills over to Sunday, with the catamaran heading back to the marina as per the flight schedule out of Phuket.

The luxurious 52 feet long catamaran Blue Moon returns to the Ao Po Grand Marina located on the eastern edge of Phuket, Photo – Wan Tse, Simpson Yacht Charter

The 15-day itinerary allows one to comprehensively cover the bay that includes Ko Racha Yaï, Ko Phi Phi, Ko Lanta, Ko Muk, Ko Rok Nok, Ko Ha Yaï and Ko Kaï where one can walk from one island to another during low tide. For getting to experience crossing international waters from Thailand to Malaysia, their 12 day Phuket to Langkawi itinerary covers islands and beaches such as Ko Lipe Butang archipelago that are far away from tourist tracks and include marine parks that are very much pristine and rated as among the best in the world.

A private cruise on board a luxurious yacht can become a case of ‘plan, experience and repeat’.

To learn more about the weekend itineraries visit www.simpsonyachtcharter.com or email to [email protected].

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© This article was first published online in July 2020 – World Travel Magazine.

The post Sail Away On A Catamaran Amidst Breathtaking Views Of Phuket first appeared on World Travel Magazine.

Its archipelagic structure has always been a marvel within the Pacific blue—a string of islands forming a silhouette of what could be a baby extending its hands, trying to unfurl his legs for the first step. The many-island cluster, more than 7,000 of them, forms a piece of a puzzle that doesn’t seem to lock, at least visually, with the jagged edges of the Asian continent. Whether Pangea chose to let chunks of geographical wonders adrift, or let them rise from the trenches deep, one will never know. But the country’s current formation, a fragment of a gargantuan past, stirs a global desire for discoveries, thanks to many unexplored islands that look like speckles from man’s map.

Scenic Panorama of a strait in the Hundred Islands National Park in Pangasinan, image by Roman Skorzus

Lingayen Gulf, a tranquil body of bright azure waters, beautifully frames the Ilokano province of Pangasinan and blessed it with a collection of green-topped dollops floating over the shore. This is the Hundred Islands National Park, a name that causes either a fascination or a frown–surely, Mother Nature wouldn’t sprinkle ten tens of islands in a single area. This might come as a surprise: she didn’t. In fact, she blessed it with 123. 124, during low tide.

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Crystal clear water of Hundred Islands in Alaminos City, image by Aragorn_19

The locals call them kapulo-pulo—small, mushroom-shaped lands gorgeously smothered with lush vegetation around its shapely head. Underneath it, a craggy limestone base, whose foundations may have eroded during millennia of rippling tides as not all of them had names.

The doorway to Hundred Islands is Baranggay Lucap, a hearty, sandy fringe to the city of Alaminos. Boats are parked on the pearl-green waters before jetting to a glorious maze of tree-topped cliffs, with tour guides constantly entertaining their guests with folktales amidst the sound of the boat motor. Many of the Filipinos are superstitious folk; many of their myths still haunt the present generation–most outstandingly, those imbibed with romance. In one version, the Hundred Islands was formed when a magical pearl shattered into pieces, caused by two lovers claiming the hand of a princess. In another, the islands were tears from a broken-hearted giant.

Kayaking by a beautiful island beach in the Hundred Islands, image by Edwin Verin

Quezon Island, a string of three islets clumped into one, is among the most visited venues, lodged with its own dining and grilling areas for the campers. Wooden decks lead as pathways to many leisure spots, including a resting area and a zipline. The beach grounds, a vibrant harmony of craggy rocks, green waters and powdery sand, beckons for swimming, snorkelling, and kayaking. Two of the other developed islands are Governor Island, which possesses the highest vantage point in the region, and Children Island, a swimming ground created perfectly for the younger explorers.

Wood carved with different faces line in a row to form a fence, Kamay na Bato Art and gallery in Luna La Union, image by Chema Grenda

How the tour guides spot the islands from beneath the limestone skirts is still a mystery, but despite looking almost similar, these rocky cliffs possess their own individual surprises. Marcos Island is a stretch of fine-powdered beaches and is home to the Imelda Cave, where one can dive from the ceiling and head straight into the borderless sea. Cathedral Island is named after a gigantic cave shaped like a basilica’s dome. Century Island is a jagged terrain of stalactites and stalagmites, with fruit bats thriving in the dark of its limestone corners, a perfect location to test the most skilful spelunker.

Palm Tree Road at Siargao, image by Stephen Green-Price

The Bicol region of Caramoan also possesses the same wonder—although not as many islets. The jungle-caped peninsula, the gem of Camarines Sur, rose to celebrity status after serving as a backdrop to many international shows, including the U.S. and French editions of Survivor. Its remoteness is a factor; Caramoan is a two-hour plane ride from Manila. By road, it takes almost twelve hours. It was as if Mother Nature herself kept its distance from the crowd; the scattered islands, engulfed in electric blue waters, remain unspoiled by man’s hands.

Siargao Island, image by Stephen Green-Price

Navigating through the Caramoan Islands takes an entire day; many of those opportunities require climbing into the jagged surface or snorkelling through the teal waters. Tight water shoes, among other things, is essential. The journey begins on the shore, where a boat accommodates an exclusive crowd on tour, and in hospitable Filipino fashion, the crew entertains with a hilarious mix of jokes and myths. Many of these myths are associated with how the islands were named.

Hidden Paradise Cove With White Sand Beach and Lagoon – Tugawe, Caramoan, image by N8Allen

The island of Matukad, “steep climb” in Bicolano, challenges with a 10-minute ascent into the limestone path to catch a glimpse of its mysterious lagoon, one locals believe to be guarded by a magical Bangus—milkfish. Lahos, “passing through”, is a pristine white island nestled in between two limestone formations. This familiar spot has been an occasional shooting location for Survivor’s tribal council. Bag-ing, a triangle-shaped island with rock formations shaped like teeth, hides a preserved coral reef within its crystal-clear lagoon. One can snorkel in the depths and gaze into the lush marine life.

Cathedral Cave’ limestone rock formation – Pinasil Island, El Nido, Palawan, image by jejim

A photographic island that sinks during high tide, Cagbalinad is composed of receding limestone formations that offer unobstructed views of a more popular destination, the Gota Beach Cove. The more bucolic views are in Guinahoan, a peaceful lighthouse island laden with mangroves and flourishing livestock.

From the region of Bisaya, down to Mindanao. Siargao has gained massive popularity as a surfing capital, annually challenging thrillists to face Cloud 9, one of the highly ranked surf breaks in the world. The waters are not tepid; they are curdled by the warm Philippine weather and the strong Pacific winds. Quicksilver, a smaller break on the shallow reef, sits just beside it.

Cathedral Caverns and cliff diving in Boracay, image by Ravenash

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But Siargao is more than its waves. The tear-shaped island is also a gateway to three spectacular islands spread across its wide blue channel. Naked Island, the first hop from the tour, is a bare patch of sand floating above a reef. There are no signs of life above it—not even a single tree to hide from the sun—but underneath, it brims with marine biodiversity, making it a perfect spot for snorkelling.

Surfing in Siargao, image by Ruby Ann Fuentes

A 20-minute ride from Naked Island, Daku appears—an abundant island extravagantly laden with coconut trees from edge to edge. Black-roofed huts parade by the beach, offering a place of rest before the next journey. This sight is echoed in the final venue, Guyam, a small island furnished with a generous cluster of coconut trees, sprouting from the white sand beach. Underneath its skirts, a shallow reef. A capable guide can climb the trunk and produce fresh juice from hand-picked coconuts. For a moment, one can submit into the vibe, gazing at the crystal blue lagoon and admiring its depths, wondering what secrets it holds.

With thousands of islands thriving in its sun-soaked waters, a great part of the Philippines remains a puzzle—unspoiled and unexplored. Veiled by the waters, these islands remain a secret, except for those who are not afraid to voyage far.

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