Page 39 - Explore Magazine Spring 2017

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After the whirlwind of our wedding on board the cruising ship Ipipiri in cooking classes. There was also a gym, yoga classes, meditation,
Auckland’s Hauraki Gulf we thought we might have reached the peak of fitness classes, paddleboarding, snorkelling, paddleboating, cocktail
our most magical memories. That was until we stepped barefoot off a classes and fish-feeding, most of them free or for a nominal charge
private speedboat and felt the embrace of the Maldive Islands. of US$10. There were also plenty of hammocks, beds and loungers all
over the island for snoozing at any time of day. A visit to the spa was
After the long plane journey we had landed in Malé, the capital city a must-do and we enjoyed a relaxing couple’s massage.
of the Maldives. Our island paradise, Centara Ras Fushi Resort & Spa,
was a 20-minute speedboat journey away although some of the more Our favourite spot on the island was
distant islands can only be reached by seaplane. When we arrived at
the secluded island we were surrounded by infinite shades of turquoise the oceanview bar which offered net
blue, immaculate white beaches and the mesmerising scent of the
ocean. Oh, and a delicious cocktail, of course! hammock loungers over the water where
Golf buggies are the only mode of transport on the island and that’s we were drawn each day for cocktails at
how we were taken to our stunning overwater villa. We were welcomed sunset. Our second favourite place was
with a bottle of bubbles and breathtaking views of the ocean. The
overwater villas come with steps down to the water for quick dips the beach bar, surrounded by a large
throughout the day and easy access for snorkelling enthusiasts. pool, which offered happy hour each day.
Each day we could enjoy a buffet breakfast and lunches and dinners
in the array of Thai, Arabian and Italian restaurants on offer. The For one week, on repeat, we ate (the food was to-die-for), drank
resort offered daily excursions including paragliding, deep-sea (delicious cocktails), and slept (overlooking the ocean). And it was
fishing, wakeboarding, dolphin-spotting, swimming with turtles and well worth every penny!

At a glance

Best time to visit – The dry season is from December to March. Top dinner experience – The food was divine at all of the
We were there in late April and it rained only once. resort’s restaurants. We had a full inclusive package which
showed on the scales when we returned home! We chose to have
Currency – US$. Make sure you take plenty for tipping your a couple of private dinners on the beach and in an overwater hut
favourite staff. We prefer to tip this way instead of handing out a which were worth every penny for the romance and attentive
chunk of cash on departure.
private dining experience.
Language – Dhivehi (Maldivian), but English will get you Unfriendly visitors – We carried insect repellent everywhere as
everywhere and everything.
we were worried about mosquitoes or other unfriendly insects.
How to get there – Via Dubai, Istanbul or Doha. We flew Qatar The resort sprays the island twice a day.
Airways and they were outstanding.
Top tip – Find out in advance about the excursions that are
Dress code – Whatever you are most comfortable in. I lived in a bikini available so you can plan and budget ahead. Find out too about
and carried a kaftan or sarong to throw on for lunches and dinner. the free services as there is plenty to keep you busy.

HELLOWORLD : EXPLORE : SPRING EDITION