way to the edge of the deep blue as I swam with a vast and colourful array of tropical fish , rays , turtles and sharks . It was by far the highlight of the trip .
And of course there are some amazing excursions as the South Ari Atoll is also a prime spot to see manta rays , whale sharks and turtles . One of the best is the full-day Ocean Discoverer which takes a small group out for a whole day ’ s sailing and snorkelling adventure aboard a traditional Turkish gulet , complete with your own cabin for two and an abundant on-board lunch ! Cries from the brilliant crew of “ Manta Manta ” led to the quickest
‘ snorkel , fin and in !’ reaction you have ever seen as we all jumped in , hopeful to catch a glimpse of the amazing ocean life . I missed the Manta but did see a turtle , and the wild dolphins on the way home were wonderful .
My stay was short , but the experience of snorkeling here was incredible and with a fond farewell it was back to Male to my next stop , and for an altogether different transfer – speedboat !
www
. vilamendhoo . com
Located just 55 minutes by speedboat from Male in the same North Male Atoll lies Meerufenfushi Island , home to the friendly and welcoming Meeru Island Resort & Spa . At 1200m x 350m it is large enough to keep completely busy or just to be busy doing nothing at all on the kilometres of white sand that provided one of the best beaches of my trip !
Although it ’ s been welcoming guests since the 70s , far from feeling like a tired resort , Meeru is like the sophisticated grandmother , the dominant matriarch of the family leading by example with unfaltering high standards and exacting yet natural Maldivian friendly service . Again the resort is zoned and guests can choose to walk through the well designated pathways or hail a golf buggy to explore family-friendly areas , pool , snack bars and entertainment as well as tranquil adults-only havens such as the beachside pool , two Duniye spas and sleek sunset bar . There are also a host of activities including tennis , volleyball , golf , sailing , games room , museum , and as is a running theme in the Maldives , another football pitch !
The resort ’ s 284 rooms , ranging from garden rooms to beach villas to my own Jacuzzi water villa , have also benefited from a sleek contemporary refurbishment which gives them a fresh , comfortable and luxurious feel . And it ’ s amazing just how spacious and luxurious a water villa can be ! My own room afforded a huge bedroom complete with lounge area that led out to a private sundeck with loungers and uninterrupted views of the lagoon ; a large dressing room and mini bar with coffee machine ; as well as a huge bathroom that led out to a separate private outdoor terrace with a Jacuzzi under the stars – and the stars here are amazing !
As is the food !
There are two buffet restaurants : Farivalhu for those on the southern end of the island , and
Maalan for those at the north . The food from the buffet was varied , plentiful and delicious , and then there are the optional à la carte offerings – the Asian Wok over-the-sea restaurant with its buzzing teppanyaki station ; the Hot Rock with its unique poolside setting and fresh juicy cookyour-own-steak options ; as well as the Meeru Café at the Dhoni Bar Pool where a host of cold stone ice creams , waffles and pastries proved a little too tempting .
Keen to work off some of that food but not out of holiday mode enough to want to hit the gym , I opted for a different type of excursion and hopped on the short boat trip to the neighbouring local island , which included a guided tour and a great insight into local Maldivian life .
www . meeru . com
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