Think of a Maldives vacation and you're bound to see yourself lounging on white sand beaches with a cocktail in hand and miles of clear water ahead of you. You might also imagine spending some of your day in a glass-bottomed boat or a scuba diving session in the afternoon. But are water sports, pool villas and seaside lounging all that a Maldives holiday comprises of? No siree. Depending on the resort you pick, these destinations in Maldives promise a variety of experiences to promote the rich culture of the tropical paradise, encourage eco-consciousness and enrich every hour of the day that you spend on the white sands. #SheSays dives straight into making the signature Maldives vacation a little more atypical.
(Also Read: This Summer, Make Like Kim Sharma And Head To A Wellness Retreat In The Middle Of The Maldives)
1. Adopt Coral In Maldives
At Kandima Maldives, the Coral Adoption programme has been consistently encouraging guests over the years to sponsor corals and give back to nature. It gives children a chance to roleplay a marine biologist and replant corals in the ocean. Couples and families can gift each other a memory of a lifetime by adopting a live coral reef with the coral frames tagged by their name for life. Broken pieces of the coral from the ocean are taken to transplant these onto artificial coral frames. These pieces of coral are fixed with a handful of cement onto a specially made metal stand that carries the sponsor's name. The frame is placed under the ocean, normally in the island's lagoon. The program itself is a fantastic way of helping coral reefs grow where not so many are found. The resort's Aquaholics team also shares the growth updates of the reef regularly with sponsors. In Maldives, coral reefs surrounding the islands here are home to more than 1000 species of tropical fish. These reefs have globally been under threat due to increasing sea temperatures that have a bleaching effect on them. Healthy coral reefs help protect the islands in the Maldives and their marine life from wave action and beach line erosion.
2. Immerse Yourself In A Maldivian Village
The Conrad Maldives Rangali Island has launched Nerulhu Auah, a cultural village dedicated to showcasing the Maldivian way of life. The village aims to foster a deep appreciation for Maldivian culture while creating unforgettable memories for guests. Highlights include Maldivian-themed buffets where women from neighbouring islands prepare island specialities like Maldivian lobster; short eats infused with dried tuna, coconut and special herbs; as well as tantalising fish curries and freshly grilled seafood. Guests will be able to witness the intricacy of palm leaf weaving and attend workshops on boat building and coconut coir-rope making. Importantly, the arts and crafts on display in the Maldivian village will be testament to age-old skills passed from generation to generation. Finally, guests will be captivated by the vibrant sound of Bodu Beru performances.
3. Prioritize Wellness On Your Travels
The Conrad Maldives Rangali Island has an autumn wellness programming that includes a plethora of wellness and fitness activities that guests can experience starting with full moon rituals. Taking place in the resort once a month, guests will experience the transformative power of the moon's energy through a variety of guided activities. Resident yoga instructor Manesh Johny and resident wellness expert Dr. Pratibha Pant will guide guests in rejuvenating full moon rituals including visualization meditation, moon salutation and grounding rituals. It also includes the Overwater Spa. Set out over the ocean, it was the first spa in the Maldives to feature glass-floored treatment rooms. One can choose from a selection of yoga and fitness classes, set against an inspiring Maldivian backdrop.
4. Choose Art For Your Heart In Maldives
The KULA Art Studio at Kandima Maldives encourages guests to unleash their creativity. Set on the edge of a natural lake, it is one of the most peaceful locations on the island, giving both guests and artists enough inspiration to create their masterpiece. Zima is the in-house resident artist at Kandima who engages guests at the studio and shares her love for art that began at a very young age. Her diverse creativity, from painting, videography, typography, music, and mural to poetry, brings a flare of vibrant colour to KULA Art Studio, where she conducts solo and group art classes for kids and adults.
5. Play A Sport In Maldives
Playing a sport anywhere else in the world isn't anything like playing football in Maldives. One can play tennis, or football at what's considered as the world's most stunning pitch to play on. Kandima Maldives has hosted many football stars for friendly matches and stays at the resort over the years, including most recently the Manchester City star Ederson.
(Also Read: 6 Luxury Resorts With Underwater Structures In Maldives To Visit On Your Next Holiday)
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In #SheSays, Dayle Pereira explores the sights, sounds and tastes from hotels, experiences and resorts to restaurants, meals and home stays all over the world.