23 March, 2016
In partnership withAbercrombie & Kent and Banyan Tree
A new-age paradise in the Indian Ocean, the Maldives is a holiday destination synonymous with true luxury and rejuvenation. Each island appears as a picture-perfect representation of heaven on earth; yet some travellers may ask what, other than relaxing, can you do on one dedicated island. We speak to Marko Muthig, Director of Sales & Marketing at the Banyan Tree and Angsana resorts in the Maldives.
How would you describe the Maldives in three words? Paradise on Earth.
What makes the Maldives unique and worth visiting? The Maldives have the most amazing marine life, this is a diver's paradise - and even if you 'just' want to snorkel, you can discover a lot. This paired with fantastic island resorts, barefoot luxury as well as friendly and welcoming people makes the Maldives very unique and absolutely worth visiting a few times in your life!
Where would you go for a local breakfast (and what would you order that is typically Maldivian)? If you feel like having a typical 'Mas Huna' (Maldivian Tuna with coconut), which is a traditional Maldivian dish for breakfast, the perfect place to go to is our staff canteen at Banyan Tree Vabbinfaru. The majority of our employees in the resorts are Maldivians and we have very specialised chefs, who prepare this traditional dish every morning.
What would you recommend as a morning activity? A morning dive down to our very own shipwreck in front of Angsana Ihuru, or visit our baby turtles at Banyan Tree Vabbinfaru and watch them being fed, or a relaxing sunrise yoga followed by a de-stress massage at Banyan Tree Spa Vabbinfaru - what is a better way to start the day?
Where would you go for lunch and why? If you ever feel like exploring the main island of Male, I would recommend 'Sala Thai' - which offers the best Thai food outside of Thailand in a wonderful ambience - a peaceful and delicious haven right in the heart of the bustling capital of the Maldives.
What would you do in the afternoon? I would recommend a ride on our catamaran, sailing around the islands for the afternoon, searching for dolphins, swimming with whale sharks and discovering deserted islands.
Where would you go to watch the sunset? My favourite spot to watch the sunset is on the roof top of one of our Dhoni's, (a traditional Maldivian boat), with a glass of champagne in hand - of course, sitting on the white-washed sandy beach does the trick as well!
What would you recommend for dinner? There are ample of possibilities at our resorts for dining, however, my recommendation would be to have a traditional barbecue just for two on the beach with the freshest seafood right from the ocean - delicious!
After dinner? Stargazing on our private beach, enjoy a nightcap at our bar, watch the reef sharks search for food from our arrival jetty or spend time telling your loved ones back home how you've discovered Paradise on Earth …
Seven nights from £2,925pp on a B&B basis, includes international flights, speedboat transfers and complimentary upgrade from an Ocean View Pool Villa. Contact A&K on 01242 547 708 or find out more at: abercrombiekent.co.uk/maldives/banyan-tree-vabbinfaru
This article was published in collaboration with Abercrombie & Kent and Banyan Tree