The latest lifestyle, fashion and travel trends
The latest lifestyle, fashion and travel trends
Peaceful, elegant and set on a remote island shaped like a curved dhoni boat, Constance Halaveli brings Maldivian luxury to life…
Best features: Soft sand and turquoise waters, spacious rooms, TGI diving school.
Where is it? The resort is set on the Alifu Alifu Atoll which lies just west of Malé. The island is reached by a short 25-minute seaplane transfer from Malé international airport making it easily accessible and great for those looking to cut down travel time without compromising on quality.
Which room? This all-villa resort is slightly unusual in that its entry level rooms are the spectacular over-water villas set off a long jetty, each complete with a private plunge pool and steps into the sparkling waters below. The larger villas are located on the beach and their spaciousness makes them a great choice for families. Upgrade to a Double Storey Beach Villa set over two floors or for a gated garden and sun terrace where the kids can run around freely opt for one of the spectacular Family Beach Villas.
Rooms are maintained to a high standard and the use of natural materials (including lots of woods, marble and thatch roofs) allows the resort to complement and not distract from the stunning surrounding environment.
On the menu: There are three restaurants and two bars so guests can enjoy variety despite staying on a remote island. The main restaurant is Jahaz which offers a vast international buffet for breakfast and dinner. Meeru, a relaxed beach grill, serves fresh fish in a traditional Maldivan style and there is something particularly therapeutic about dining with soft sand beneath your feet so it is well worth booking into this restaurant during your stay. For ultimate romance visit Jing, a fine dining pan-Asian restaurant perched above the water and enjoy pre or post dinner cocktails in the bar here too (the sunset views from here are something special).
Wine lovers will be pleased to learn that the resort has two wine cellars and an extensive wine list with sommeliers on hand to share their knowledge. Wine tastings can be arranged in the wine cellars or even on the beach.
The all-inclusive upgrade is recommended but a generous breakfast and dinner buffet means you won’t go hungry even on a half-board basis.
What to do? The resort is set in one of the most impressive sites in the Maldives. The powder-soft white sand beaches are surrounded by water that is so incredible in colour that photographs can hardly do it justice. Marine life is everywhere you look; black tip sharks, giant Jack Fish, eagle rays, sting rays, even turtles can be spotted just by walking around the island.
The gently sloping lagoon leads onto a house reef filled with an abundance of fish and with the resort being located near some of the Maldives’ most impressive snorkelling and dive sites there are even more sights to behold by joining one of the daily excursions on offer.
As tempting as it may be to spend every day lounging on the beach or curling up on an oversized beanbag, there are lots of activities to try. For sporty types there is tennis (with a resident pro on hand to give lessons), beach volley, table tennis, badminton and a state of the art gym. For those looking to nourish the mind and body the vast over-water U Spa is idyllic and has an extensive list of treatments. And in case you forgot you’re in the Maldives the massage beds are set over a partially glass floor so guests can watch the sea life while enjoying their massage.
The Kids’ Club has a themed programme to keep the little ones entertained while parents enjoy some alone time.
Anything else I should know? The TGI Dive Centre has a fantastic and well-deserved reputation. Courses are available for beginners and experienced divers and the responsive team were able to facilitate access to online theory materials ahead of the stay so no time was wasted. The dedication, patience and good spirits of the team and their passion for diving make this the perfect place to learn something new (Iris was a wonderful teacher for a total beginner and made what could have been a nerve racking experience completely enjoyable!).
Best for: Anyone looking for jaw-dropping beaches and excellent snorkelling/diving opportunities. As you would expect there are lots of romantic spots for couples but the schedule of activities and spacious beach villas are perfect for families too.
Rates: Turquoise Holidays offer 7 nights in a water villa on a bed and breakfast basis from £2,699 per person including international flights and seaplane transfers.
How to book: Visit constancehotels.com and turquoiseholidays.co.uk.
