Out & About Winter 2019

Escape to the Maldives If the winter weather is feeling a little oppressive and you are in need of some sunshine in opulent surroundings, then these islands could be the perfect haven TRAVEL T he Maldive Islands can provide a much-needed dose of warming sunshine in a picture-perfect setting that offers luxury paradise. Maldives with extras, Intercontinental Maamunagau smart marble interiors, high ceilings and really good service. Joali also makes its mark by being the first immersive art hotel in the Maldives.

Sprinkled around the verdant interior of the island are sculptures and artworks created by artists from Cape Town to South Korea, in addition to local artisans, making an interactive art trail around the tropical island. The art studio and gallery hosts visiting artists and here guests can create their own nature-inspired work. If you like your Maldives with added culture, choose Joali.

Maldives for Big Get-Togethers, Amilla Fushi

Sparkling new after three years in the making, Intercontinental Maamunagau is now open and you could be one of the first through the door. Occupying a dazzling spot in the Raa Atoll, near the Maldives’ only UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, the Intercontinental is setting new standards in guest experience. By taking a forward-thinking and generous approach, the hotel offers spoiling extras like afternoon tea and pre-dinner drinks. All guests are introduced to their ‘curator’ on arrival – a butler who will quickly see that your mini-bar is filled with your favourites, but will also help with more out-of-the- ordinary activities like taking you to the best spot on the island for star-gazing. Day-to-day, the curators book you in for relaxing treatments in the over-water spa, dinners at The Lighthouse with its El Bulli chef and boat trips to the manta ray sanctuary. This leaves you more time to gaze at the idyllic panorama of sea and sky, framed by bendy coconut trees, from your over-water villa or spacious beach side residence. This resort is for those that like a paradise that comes with added perks. Maldives for Art Lovers, Joali It’s difficult for a luxury resort in the Maldives to stand out, but Joali has manged it by turning its back on the ubiquitous trend for rustic luxe. Instead, it focuses on high-quality and luxurious comfort,

Planning a big get together or special family gathering takes careful planning to get it just right. At chic retreat Amilla, family holidays come with a side serving of fabulousness, where every member of the family will leave with wide grins. Firstly, the roomy villas give everyone their own space and some are large enough to sleep up to 16, in eight bedrooms. Secondly, Amilla makes everything so wonderfully easy and fun. Kids will love the chocolate room, treasure hunts and the biggest infinity pool in the Maldives. Older holiday makers will appreciate the stylish vibe, jaw-dropping natural beauty, to-die-for cocktails and a pampering spa. At Amilla, every member of the family is made to feel special. If you’ve got big gathering planned, Amilla is your go-to.

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