1. Your dream escape in Bali
Courtyard by Marriott Bali Seminyak Resort
With a scenic location, outstanding amenities and award-winning service, Courtyard by Marriott Bali Seminyak Resort is sure to make your visit extraordinary. The hotel is just a few moments away from the famous restaurants and bars of Eat Street, as well as beautiful stretches of sand including the one in front of Potato Head Beach Club. Stretch out in your gracefully appointed room or suite, which features premium bedding, free WiFi, a rainforest shower and a private balcony or terrace with views of either the resort or the Bali landscape.
Delectable dining options include international fare at Seminyak Kitchen, a stylish steakhouse, the pool bar and a one-of-a-kind Mexican food truck. Whether you break a sweat in the fitness centre, or relax by one of three sparkling pools, make sure to enjoy an indulgent treatment at the hotel spa – Zanti The Retreat. Your dream escape is awaiting you at Courtyard by Marriott Bali Seminyak Resort.
2. A family affair with COMO
COMO Maalifushi Maldives
The only resort to open in the Maldives’ Thaa Atoll, COMO Maalifushi is nestled in the archipelago’s southern reaches. Featuring overwater villas and beach suites, the ultra-luxe property is the ultimate away-from-it-all destination, yet remains extremely family friendly, while also serving couples and diving fanatics of all ages. There are some excellent breaks nearby, making the resort a surfer’s paradise, as well as a string of uninhabited private islands where there are seasonal hammerhead and manta ray sightings.
With the resort’s ‘Island Family Adventure’ offer, families who spend four nights or longer at COMO Maalifushi can enjoy a range of activities, including a cinema experience under the stars and a private island picnic on nearby Lavadhoo. On a cruise in the late afternoon, you might catch a glimpse of the atoll’s resident dolphins as they head out into the Indian Ocean to feed. The package includes daily breakfast, a choice of either three-course lunch or three-course dinner each day, cinema experience, a dolphin cruise, castaway picnic and more – including butler service.
3. Honouring the ocean with Coco Collection
Coco Bodu Hithi
Make sure you’re marine-minded at Coco Bodu Hithi: honouring the pristine ocean habitat that surrounds the five-star resort, the ‘Coco Marine’ package is designed to immerse guests in the colourful world of the reef. Perks designed for two adults include Champagne and gourmet canapés served in the comfort of your villa, a morning excursion to watch dolphins dance in the waves, a guided exploration of Muthaafushi reef with the resident marine biologist and a sunset fishing trip in a Maldivian dhoni vessel with a team of local fishermen.
The package also includes seaplane transfers, 50-minute Balinese massage and a five-course dinner under the stars for some added bliss.
4. Simply unforgettable with JOALI
JOALI Maldives
The Maldives is hard to leave but even harder to forget. One of the archipelago’s newest and most spectacular destinations, JOALI Maldives is going to make memories all-the-more poignant with its ‘Unforgettable Journey’ offer, which provides two complimentary nights when you book for seven – including half-board catering and a one-hour spa treatment for you and your partner.
5. Awaken your senses in the Seychelles
Six Senses Zil Pasyon
Massive granite rocks and coral-fringed beaches create an air of drama on the island of Félicité, seamlessly fusing land and sea. Here, nestled between the verdant foliage and turquoise waters of the Indian Ocean, Six Senses Zil Pasyon promises privacy guaranteed.
Tune into the rhythm of nature as you swim with the turtles or explore the island, and return each evening to some of the most striking suites in the Maldives, including two new Bond villain-esque residences that opened earlier this year.
6. Having a whale of a time in Mozambique
Anantara Bazaruto Island Resort
The quartet of islands that adorn Mozambique’s coastline are a vision of paradise and Bazaruto Island seamlessly blends with the surrounding, abundant natural beauty. Falling within the protective border of the archipelago, Anantara Bazaruto Island Resort offers extraordinary oceanic adventures in pristine, unspoilt waters. During Mozambique’s whale-watching season, wildlife lovers can enjoy front row seats for the annual migration from the island resort. Every winter, pods of whales embark on their annual migration from Antarctica to Africa, one of the longest migrations in the world. They can be seen passing through the waters of Mozambique between June and December.
The whale-watching season offers an exciting opportunity to witness the majestic creatures during their epic journey, as well as a chance to explore the turquoise Indian Ocean waters, spot dolphins, humpback and southern right whales, and swim with sea turtles too.
Guests at Anantara Bazaruto Island Resort set off in the morning on their whale watching expedition on a 36ft Gulf Craft Tourer, with a choice of two trips available: a three-hour excursion or a half-day tour in search of whales and snorkelling amongst spectacular vibrant coral reefs and bountiful marine at Two Mile Reef. A half-day tour is followed by a picnic lunch at Pansy Island, with a tailored menu of barbeque delights, served by a personal waiter and chef.
The ‘Journey of the Whales’ experience at Anantara Bazaruto Island Resort is available from $1,259 per night and includes accommodation for two people in a Beach Villa, a three-hour whale watching excursion, a picnic lunch at Pansy Island with a snorkelling experience, non-motorised water sports and much more.
www.anantara.com
7. Upcoming: the island of leisure
Anantara Iko Mauritius Resort & Villas
Welcome to Blue Bay, a beautiful spot on the southeast coast of Mauritius where Anantara Iko Mauritius Resort & Villas is due to open later this year. The 164-room resort is set within a protected marine park of unbelievably luminescent Indian Ocean waters and powdery white beaches, home to the island’s premier snorkelling and diving spots and pristine coral reefs. The resort promises laidback beachfront living, with thatched roof designs and indigenous décor across the villas and suites that evokes the island’s rich melting pot of culture and history.
Guests should make the most of the stunning location with adventures out on the water – charter a boat for deep-sea fishing, paddle over serene coral gardens in a glass-bottomed kayak or learn to dive. Then simply stroll the surf at sunset at the end of another blissful day in paradise. The 164-room property will also feature a beachside restaurant, swimming pool, gym, Anantara Spa and water sports facilities – including glass-bottomed kayaking, snorkelling and diving, deep-sea fishing, all just 15 minutes drive from Sir Seewoosagur Ramgoolam International Airport.