It's 6.45am in South Ari Atoll and a spotted eagle ray is gliding nonchalantly past the jetty at Lily Beach Resort & Spa. Its wings flap gently in the warm, shallow waters that are so clear they seem to magnify the peaceful garden of delights below. Here comes a parrotfish in a fetching psychedelic number, bowling along on its dawn patrol. And there's a posse of snappily striped angelfish, hurrying by as if just back from an all-night party.
Spared the worst ravages of the bleaching that has dulled the coral in other parts of the Maldives, the seabed here is bejewelled with flashes of blue, green and purple. As the sun gains strength, the lagoon surrounding me fills with an immense calm. It is 82F (28C) and you know it's going to be another classic day of clear blue skies, sensational snorkelling trips, siestas on the daybed, then dinner overlooking the beach with rows of candles decorating the sand.
So far, so very high-end Maldives – except that down here on Huvahendhoo (the islands of the Maldives are so enchantingly named I can't help wondering if Edward Lear got here first), one of the southernmost atolls in this 500-mile island chain, the holiday experience is refreshingly different. Some islands are so small you can walk round them in five minutes; others proffer ridiculously OTT amenities such as an underwater restaurant, pretentious afternoon teas and wine cellars with bottles costing up to £38,000. Invariably there is a niggling fear that a week in the Maldives, however much you are in love, could well leave you feeling trapped, bored and overcharged.
But
not here. Lily Beach is unique in that it is the only premium all-inclusive
island in the Maldives. Every guest is placed on the Platinum Plan, which is
astonishingly comprehensive; nothing
requires a signature (from the cigarettes to the mini bar bill), and every
activity you can think of - tennis, gym, non-motorised watersports and
snorkelling is all free.
The buffets at Lily Maa restaurant are superb, with quality ingredients throughout, from the fresh fruit juices to the prime cheeses. For variety, there are two barbecue nights with exotic meats, such as ostrich and kangaroo, alongside the freshly-caught lobster and tiger prawns. Also included in the Platinum Plan is one evening meal at the sensational Sino-Indian restaurant, Tamarind. In addition, the resort’s three bars act as outlets for snacks at other times of the day, as well as a constant source of liquid refreshment. The Vibes bar at the eastern tip of the island does disco or live music twice a week until the last person is helped back to their room.
The buffets at Lily Maa restaurant are superb, with quality ingredients throughout, from the fresh fruit juices to the prime cheeses. For variety, there are two barbecue nights with exotic meats, such as ostrich and kangaroo, alongside the freshly-caught lobster and tiger prawns. Also included in the Platinum Plan is one evening meal at the sensational Sino-Indian restaurant, Tamarind. In addition, the resort’s three bars act as outlets for snacks at other times of the day, as well as a constant source of liquid refreshment. The Vibes bar at the eastern tip of the island does disco or live music twice a week until the last person is helped back to their room.
A
spa treatment or two
at the purpose built, over-water Tamara Spa is very much to be recommended. Gazing at the shimmering sealife through
Perspex as my masseuse manipulated my muscles was an unutterably sublime
experience. Other unmissable
experiences (included as part of the
Platinum Plan) are the sunset fishing trip and excursions to both an
uninhabited island (Theluveligaa), and a fishing village, Dhangethi, which has
a rich cultural centre and some decent shops, some of whose names are
entertainingly direct. One is called Local Veg, another, Shawl and Hijab.
This being a southeastern atoll, the diving is excellent. There are world renowned thilas and channels to the north and south of the island. In the summer months mantas are frequently seen nearby. Whale sharks are seen year round on the very southern tip of the atoll, sometimes coming up past Lily Beach on the east side. Despite the portentous nomenclature, both the rays and sharks present no risk to humans.
The Deluxe Water Villas and Sunset Water Suites make snorkelling access particularly easy - just a few steps down and a short drift to the reef drop-off. This is glorious, and surprisingly uncommon despite the number of water bungalows in the Maldives. All the rooms are replete with Nespresso machines, jacuzzi baths and large LCD flat screen satellite televisions with DVD players, ipod docks and wifi internet connection. The rooms share close similarity in style, materials and fittings but differ in size and location. The Beach Villas come in pairs, six of which are inter-connected for family use. Families are welcomed and there is both an outdoor play area and two indoor rooms, well-stocked with toys for guided games and entertainment for children under 12.
All told, Lily Beach is an unreservedly recommended ultra-refined, yet refreshingly relaxed resort.
This being a southeastern atoll, the diving is excellent. There are world renowned thilas and channels to the north and south of the island. In the summer months mantas are frequently seen nearby. Whale sharks are seen year round on the very southern tip of the atoll, sometimes coming up past Lily Beach on the east side. Despite the portentous nomenclature, both the rays and sharks present no risk to humans.
The Deluxe Water Villas and Sunset Water Suites make snorkelling access particularly easy - just a few steps down and a short drift to the reef drop-off. This is glorious, and surprisingly uncommon despite the number of water bungalows in the Maldives. All the rooms are replete with Nespresso machines, jacuzzi baths and large LCD flat screen satellite televisions with DVD players, ipod docks and wifi internet connection. The rooms share close similarity in style, materials and fittings but differ in size and location. The Beach Villas come in pairs, six of which are inter-connected for family use. Families are welcomed and there is both an outdoor play area and two indoor rooms, well-stocked with toys for guided games and entertainment for children under 12.
All told, Lily Beach is an unreservedly recommended ultra-refined, yet refreshingly relaxed resort.
Kuoni
(01306 747008 or www.kuoni.co.uk)offers 7 nights on all inclusive basis at the
5-star Lily Beach Resort &Spa at Huvahendhoo, in a beach villa, including
flights with British Airwaysfrom London Gatwick and group transfers in resort.
Price for 2011 from £2,386per person based on two sharing. To book please
quote: MV1113 (From price validfor departure September 2011)
No comments:
Post a Comment