MALDIVES, INDIAN OCEAN

The Maldives- is one of the most remote and stunning places on Earth, which is probably why over a million people holiday on this stunning collection of sub-tropical paradises every year. The private islands and luxurious resort island developments of the 21st century has created the ultimate “get away from it all” paradise”.

Drawn by the fabulous white beaches, clear blue seas which contain a myriad of marine life and the breath-taking displays of sunshine for the better part of a year, visitors seeking a holiday away from it all find everything they desire in the Maldives.

Livingstone’s Travel World – travel arrangements and unique experiences featured at this destination are:

GENERAL INFORMATION
Amazingly for such a paradise, tourism only began in the early 1970’s and even today it is almost entirely concentrated onto purpose built resorts that occupy their own, exclusive island. These resorts offer the tourist every comfort and outstanding luxury along with a privacy and relaxed ambience that cannot be experienced elsewhere. Not only can the visitor delight in the blue ocean, pure white beaches and the gloriously clean air, but they can enjoy water sports such as swimming, fishing, scuba diving, snorkeling, water-skiing. windsurfing and kite boarding.

Apart from the sensational natural beauty on land it is really the waters surrounding the islands that are the stand out feature of the Maldives. Maldivian waters are home to several ecosystems, but are most noted for their variety of colourful coral reefs which are home to over 1100 species of fish, sea turtles, whales and dolphins, molluscs and echinoderms. Amid the 187 species of corals, you will find crustacean species including copepods and amphipods as well as over 145 crab and 48 shrimp species.

ACCOMMODATION
The list below is of carefully selected character, boutique, luxury hotels, retreats and resorts that we recommend, but there is an abundance of luxury resorts and private islands. All are reviewed for quality and service regularly and the websites links should be helpful but we will happily discuss the individual merits of each during the booking process. Please be aware that we do not make “hotel” bookings on a stand-alone basis, we only book them as part of a travel package, or as an addition to a booking which enables us to use the best rates available at the time.

Soneva Fushi | Hideway Beach Resort & Spa | Six Senses Laamu Hotel | Taj Exotica Resort & Spa | Conrad Malvives Rangali Island | Mirihi Island Resort | Coco Island by Como | Gili Lankanfushi

AMAZING ISLANDS
Veela Private Island, is a 45-minute plane ride north of the capital Malé, on the Noonu Atoll which is famed for its superb diving. This luxurious retreat with 45 exclusive villas and residences, each with their own pool and dedicated butler.

The villas, residences and houses range from one, two and four bedroom and are located on the beach or suspended over-water on stilts, the totally exclusive honeymoon suite can only be reached by boat. Each room is air conditioned and is equipped with a flat-screen TV with satellite channels, a coffee machine, bath robes, slippers and free toiletries.

This Maldivian private island which opened in 2014 has a year-round outdoor pool and barbecue, a 24-hour front desk and property hairdresser; in fact, it has more or less everything. The Tavaru Tower the three-storey, 6,000-bottle wine “cellar”, the Cru champagne bar, and Michelin-star dining in one of three restaurants, the Athri, Aragu, Tavaru.

There is one-hectare 9-Tee, par 3 golf course designed by Ryder Cup-winning captain Jose Maria Olazabal, water sports facilities, tennis, table tennis, billiards, a dive centre and a boat for sea fishing. Guests also have access to James Bond-style private submarine excursions as well as sunset cruises on a luxury yacht and dolphin watching. If you just want to be pampered, the My Blends by Clarins Spa with the Maldives first ‘snow room’ comes complete with cloud-shaped reclining treatment pods. Yoga fans can enjoy private sessions with a yoga master, held on a “meditation platform” on the beachfront.

ISLAND HOPPING
This Maldives Safari is where those visiting the Maldives can truly experience the magic of the islands. We have at our disposal traditional wooden vessels, yachts, motor boats and modern cruisers, many with the most luxurious facilities. Theses can be used for Diving, Surfing, Snorkelling, Sunset Fishing, and Island Excursions, BBQ on the Local Islands and Wine&Dine offerings and experiences that are above& beyond expectations. For details and prices, include a split land and water holiday including the Scuba spa, described below, call us on 020 7118 2110 or email client@livingstonestw.co.uk.

DIVING
Scubaspa, is a new and unique concept combining exceptional spa experiences with unforgettable scuba diving. Designed for divers who travel with non-diving partners and guests with a keen interest in spas, Scubaspa’s purpose-built yachts explore the picture-perfect islands and reefs in the crystal-clear waters of the Indian Ocean. Offering a luxurious private yacht experience, our two purpose-built 50m yachts – Ying and Yang – are the largest live aboard boats in the Maldives, each hosting just forty guests across 19 luxurious suites. Four spacious decks offer a gym, Jacuzzi, and deck hosting sunset cocktails, live concerts and an open-air cinema for evening entertainment. With a crew of 35 on each yacht, guests benefit from a high staff to guest ratio, including four spa therapists, a yoga master, four chefs and a photographer/videographer to capture lasting memories. All the Liveaboard come with their own chefs, professional dive instructors (most dive instructors in the Maldives are PADI Certified).

SPORT FISHING
For further details on this activity call 020 7118 2110 or email us.