The Maldives conjures up images of white sand beaches and turquoise waters, but in fact there’s more to the tropical nation than meets the eye. Indian Ocean resort brand Atmosphere Hotels & Resorts have compiled a check list of nine must-dos to add to your travel bucket list for the new year…
Dine six metres below the surface
For a dining experience that’s truly a world away, pay a visit to M6m at OZEN by Atmosphere. Feel like you’re at the heart of the ocean as sharks, sting rays, sea turtles and vibrant angel fish glide past your table. As the first underwater restaurant in the Maldives to be included on an all-inclusive plan, you can sip on Tattinger Brut and sample gourmet gastronomy without worrying about being faced with a costly bill.
Ride in a submarine
It’s not every day you get the chance to take a tour the underwater world by submarine. Sitting in the lagoon of OZEN by Atmosphere is semi-submersible vessel ‘Subzen’, available for private hire.
Party Maldivian style
Friday nights are a weekly explosion of colour, music and good vibes, as each of the Atmosphere resorts is transformed into a Grand Indian Ocean themed celebration. Traditional drummers and fire dancers lead a procession which sees dancing go on well into the night.
Indulge in award-winning vegetarian food
Delighting even the most committed carnivores is the Maldives’ first pure vegetarian restaurant, Just Veg at Atmosphere Kanifushi. Having previously been voted the number one restaurant in the Maldives by Tripadvisor users, surprising flavour combinations are guaranteed to incite a memorable taste experience.
Have a private island picnic
Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion, or just want to make unforgettable memories with your partner, a picnic on your own private island is a sure-fire way to step up romance ‘Robinson Crusoe’ style.
Enjoy a drink in a private over-water bar
Feel like royalty whilst sipping top shelf in your own private bar, part of the presidential 430sqm OZEN Water Suite complex. With
Get a bird’s eye view of the lagoon from a seaplane
Steeping off the plane in Male, a 30 minute flight to Atmosphere Kanifushi awaits. With breath-taking aerial views of the coral formations and the vibrant colours of the archipelago, transferring to the resort is an experience in itself.
Swim with myriads of marine life
No visit to the Maldives would be complete without a snorkelling or diving experience, where you can come face to face with world-renowned aquatic wonders. New resort OBLU Select, set to open in July 2018 is a diver’s paradise, home to one of the most diverse house reefs where rare ecosystems thrive.
Soar through the air by jet pack
Calling all adrenaline junkies! If you haven’t tried Flyboarding it’s a must, with hydraulic propulsions giving a superhero feeling unlike any other. Available as an additional water sports package at OZEN by Atmosphere.
Bonus! Visit a local village
While it can be tempting to stay in the luxury of the resort, an excursion to a local island is a chance to discover more about the culture of the Maldives and glimpse into a different way of life. Each resort offers daily trips to villages such as Guraidhoo and Maafushi.
