SUN SIYAM: A PRIVATE ESCAPE ON IRU FUSHI
Travellers craving luxury, seclusion and ultimate relaxation will find it at The Sun Siyam Iru Fushi, a tropical Maldivian idyll in the Noonu Atoll, which is now offering regional holidaymakers from the Middle East and North Africa a too-good-to-miss discount – ideal if you’re planning an Eid getaway. The Private Escape Package comprises a three-night stay including breakfast in either a Deluxe Beach Villa with Pool or a Water Villa, while The Luxury Private Escape Package is a three-nights’ stay in one of the resort’s five exclusive Infinity Water Villas. These dreamy 154-sqm villas are ideal for families, sleeping four adults and a child or two adults and three children, and feature a private outdoor deck stretching down to the lagoon with a lava stone pool, cabana and a glass-panelled floor. All food and beverages at eight of the resort’s restaurants and bars is included, and you can do as little or as much as you like, from indulging at Spa by Thalgo or testing out water sports. Film buffs will have already timed their visit to coincide with the Maldives’ first International Tourism Film Festival, “Following the Equator”, which was held July 10-12 exclusively at The Sun Siyam Iru Fushi, with orange carpet premieres, gala celebrations, industry seminars and musical performances.
PRICE: The Private Escape from US$1,073 per couple; The Luxury Private Escape Package from US$6,484
AVAILABLE: Book until 30 June for stays until 30 September 2016, valid during both Eid Al Fitr and Eid al Adha
BOOK: Quote “IRU28” reservations@thesunsiyam.com; +960 300 0868
www.thesunsiyam.com/irufushi/private-escape-maldives-mena
MORE TIME IN THE MALDIVES WITH COCO
Those planning an escape to the ever-enticing Maldives for next month’s Eid al Fitr can indulge in an extra night at no additional cost while staying at Coco Bodu Hithi or Coco Palm Dhuni Kolhu Maldives, with both resorts offering a special package allowing guests another gratis night in the natural beauty of the paradisiacal Indian Ocean. Guests can stay four nights and pay for only three, which translates to more time spent snorkelling among vivid coral and shoals of fish, dining on fresh island cuisine or simply laying about in absolute luxury in artfully designed retreats, ranging from beachfront villas nestled on the sand among the palm trees to villas suspended over the translucent emerald lagoon. Sweetening the deal even more is an additional ten percent discount on all treatments at the award-winning Coco Spa, which melds modern techniques with traditional treatments that trace their roots back to Indonesia, Thailand and India.
PRICE: Island Villa at Coco Bodu Hithi from US$662; Beach Villa at Coco Palm Dhuni Kolhu from $318
AVAILABLE: Valid for stays from 5th–25th July
BOOK: www.cocoboduhithi.com; www.cocopalm.com; reservations@cococollection.com and quote “DOTWCC”
JUMEIRAH'S LONG WEEKEND WONDERLAND
Hop on a plane to Malé, zip across to Bolifushi island on a boat and then hit the “relax” button with a long weekend stay at Jumeirah Vittaveli which has an enticing Stay Pay Weekend Escape Offer, allowing travellers checking in on Thursday, Friday and Saturday to stay three nights and pay for only two. Catering exceptionally well to families, your little ones will be in for a treat with one of the largest kids’ club in the region, a separate family pool and fun-filled activities from Island Treasure Hunts and t-shirt painting to pizza making, while parents can indulge in some quality “adult” time: think treatments at Talise spa, snorkelling the house reef or sipping cocktails on a sunset cruise around the island.
Spread out and make yourself at home in one of the spacious two-bedroom Beach Villas or two-bedroom Beach Suites, tucked along the sandy shores with wraparound pools and island-chic, outdoor bathrooms. As for couples seeking romance and seclusion, the ultra-private Ocean Suites – accessible only by boat – are the ultimate escape, with private infinity pools and the translucent waters of the lagoon just footsteps from your bed.
PRICE: From US$2,347 for a three-night stay inluding breakfast
AVAILABLE: Offer valid for stays until 20 December 2016 (arrival must be on either Thursday, Friday or Saturday)
BOOK: +960 664 2020; JVMreservations@jumeirah.com
www.jumeirah.com/en/hotels-resorts/maldives/jumeirah-vittaveli/offers/weekend-escape/
A FAMILY SOJOURN WITH DUSIT THANI
Family holidays create lasting memories – especially those magical hours spent making sandcastles, eating endless amounts of ice cream by the pool and paddling in the shallows of the Indian Ocean trying to “find Nemo”. If that sounds appealing, Dusit Thani Maldives has curated a Family Getaway with a host of privileges for you and your travelling brood, such as free domestic transfers for up to six people when booking Family Beach Villas or Family Beach Residences, and a 50 percent discount when reserving a second room for children. Situated on Mudhdhoo Island in Baa Atoll – the Maldives’ first UNESCO World Biosphere Reserve – the island is a pristine paradise home to endangered sea turtles with a wonderful house reef. With plenty of family-friendly bonuses included in the package, from daily international buffet breakfast at The Market restaurant and à la carte lunch at Sea Grill restaurant to a special in-villa barbecue dinner, the resort strives to be authentically family-friendly. Little ones can partake in complimentary children’s activities at the Baan Sanook Kids Club, including games, arts and crafts and free play, and will no doubt be fixtures at the pool for the free ice cream, while parents are also spoiled with 20 percent discount on spa treatments at the treetop Devarana Spa.
PRICE: From $3,370 per night excluding taxes
AVAILABLE: Until July 31, 2016
BOOK: www.dusit.com/dusitthani/maldives/specialoffers/family-getaway/
SECLUDED ROMANCE AT TAJ EXOTICA
It might be a mere 15-minute boat ride from the airport, but all the stresses of city life will be a distant memory once you set foot on the sandy shores of at Taj Exotica Maldives. This luxe, eco-friendly resort sprawls across Emboodhu Finolhu Island, also known as “three coconut isle, among some of the finest coral reefs and one of the largest lagoons in the Maldives. With world-renowned butlers and a one-of-a-kind Grand Presidential Suite, it’s already paradise for couples in search of the ultimate luxury and seclusion, but you can further your blissed-out Indian Ocean jaunt with a specially-curated experience on the resort’s Ocean Pavilion, reached by a three-minute boat ride from the island. The experience starts with a couple’s aromatherapy treatment over the water followed by a sunset cocktail or champagne.
Dinner is served after sundown, offering a mouth-watering array of local and international specialties. You can continue the indulgences the following day at Jiva Grande Spa where Indian-inspired aromatherapy massages, wellness treatments, yoga and meditation begin with an individual consultation with a resident Ayurvedic physician. Try Alepa, a sensual and engaging signature treatment that evokes an aura of the royalty where you can slather your sweetheart with therapeutic mud and rinse off in four different shower experiences.
PRICE: Rates start at US$650 per night based on double occupancy and includes breakfast
AVAILABLE: Now
BOOK: www.taj.tajhotels.com/en-in/taj-exotica-maldives