Tourism & Hospitality | Saturday 18 February, 2017 3:30 am |

The Maldives is one of the world’s most magical destinations and at less than four and a half hours away from the UAE, is ideal for a romantic escape, a family holiday or solo getaway.  This summer, this picturesque destination is even more accessible from the Middle East.

 

With four additional weekly flights on the popular Abu Dhabi – Malé route, there are even more departures from the Middle East to Malé,  meaning there has never been a better time to start planning your visit. Flight frequency to the idyllic Maldives increases during the summer season, from July 1 to September 17, 2017, from the UAE’s capital with Etihad Airways.

 

Where better to explore your castaway dreams than Six Senses Laamu ?  A pristine island located at the southern Laamu Atoll, the property is a beautifully remote, yet easily accessible resort featuring a collection of water villas perched over the turquoise waters of the lagoon and beach villas situated on the palm-fringed island. 

 

More and more discerning visitors are discovering Six Senses Laamu Maldives lured by the privacy, luxury and personalised service the resort offers. Indeed, Six Senses Laamu saw a 90 per cent increase in guests from the GCC to the resort in 2016, compared to the previous year.         

With so much more to offer than romantic walks, dining on the beach and snorkelling around the surrounding reefs, Six Senses Laamu guests can truly discover the Maldives and embark on a journey of self-discovery and wellness.   Why not…

 

Picnic on a private island which is yours for the day? The private island is a 25-minute speedboat ride away. Chefs will prepare a picnic basket which includes a light lunch that guests can enjoy under the shade of the coconut trees. The lagoon surrounding the island is beautiful so why not snorkel from the sandbank, or simply relax on the comfortable sun loungers on the beach . It's an experience suitable for families that want to spend some quality time together but it is also a very romantic getaway for couples, seeking privacy.

Travel with children of all ages? With the Den, children’s club, open daily, children can join a host of educational and creative activities. There are Family Villas with Pool specially designed for families travelling with children and also Two Bedroom Beach Villas with Pools which are suitable for larger families or families travelling together. Children can join activities such as fishing, island hopping and can also have their first diving experience with the “Bubblemaker” if they are above eight years of age. Special children’s menus are available in all dining venues which include all-time favourites and healthy options

Have a massage under the stars? A special private cabana is set up on the beach, for couples that wish to experience a romantic Laamu signature massage under a canopy of stars, whilst listening to the sound of the ocean.

Sleep well? The Six Senses Integrated Wellness programmes are designed to help guests feel better and improve their quality of life. By opting for the Sleep & Resilience programme, which starts with a Wellness Screening, guests learn how they can improve their quality of sleep. A morning Pranayama session is the best way to start the day!

Go snorkelling with turtles? With a new photo-identification process, the Resident Marine Biologists can now identify turtles. A new code of conduct has been implemented on how to sustainably snorkel and dive with Hawksbill and Green Turtles, ensuring that every encounter is a positive interaction and that it does not affect the natural behaviour and movements of the turtle. Guests diving or snorkelling on the surrounding reefs are encouraged to take photos of turtles they come across and if they find a newly spotted turtle, they may get a chance to give it a name.

Enjoy a private dinner under the stars at the sandbank? The ultimate romantic experience is perfect for guests seeking a real wow factor. The private sandbank is just a five minute speedboat ride away from the resort. Six Senses Laamu hosts will create the mood by lighting candles and lamps on the table and on the sand. A personal chef will prepare a delicious barbecue dinner as the sun seemingly drops into the sea.  Guests can sit back and enjoy discrete service and listen to the waves gently lap against the shore.

Cruise in the Sense of Freedom for a day.  An experienced captain and his crew invite guests to embark on an extraordinary adventure which starts in the late morning and finishes with a sunset dinner on the beach. The day starts with pole and line fishing and then guests can jump off the yacht and snorkel on the reef surrounding a private island or enjoy the sun on the sandy beach. A picnic will be prepared on the island with their menu of choice. In the late afternoon, the Sense of Freedom will make its way back to the resort, making one last stop on the private sandbank just before the sun sets, where guests can enjoy signature sunset mocktails. The evening ends with a private barbecue on the beach.

Eat healthily? A wellness menu is available via In-Villa-Dining and in Longitude, which includes fresh, healthy and creative dishes designed to enhance a sense of wellness. All the dishes are prepared with fresh vegetables and herbs from the organic garden, spices and fruits.  With dishes including grilled spiced local tuna, spiced corn-fed chicken breast and mung bean and vegetable curry, there is something for all guests. For children, a daily changing menu is available in Longitude and the Chill Bar, which includes many healthy options to choose from. This new menu aims to draw children's attention towards organic and healthier cuisine and at the same time make sure that they enjoy every single meal during their stay, without narrowing their options.

Enjoy a private cinema screening? A true Six Senses experience is one that is unexpected. Guests can upgrade their Cinema Under the Stars experience by opting for a private movie screening on the sandbank as they relax under the stars and feel the ocean breeze… and the movie of their choice begins on the large cinema screen. Of course, no movie is complete without popcorn and fresh juice!

Meet gentle giants? Six Senses Laamu is in partnership with the Manta Trust, a non-profit organization that monitors, records and helps protect the manta populations throughout the world. Twice a day the on-island Manta Trust team dives at “Manta Point” (aka Hithadhoo corner) which is a cleaning station for manta rays just a few minutes away from the resort. An experience available to advanced open water divers, guests are given a brief on how to sustainably dive with mantas and how to take a photo of the mantas’ in order for them to be photo-identified later. And if guests are the first ones to spot a manta that has not yet been identified, they may get a chance to name it!

 

A four night stay at Six Senses Laamu costs from USD 1,816 ++ per adult, per night based on two sharing a Lagoon Water Villa based on a stay between April 23 and September 30, 2017.

The above prices are subject to 10 percent service charge and 12 percent GST (total tax 23,2%)

 

A short bicycle ride on the weathered timber jetties will leads to these overwater havens, secluded by high wooden enclosures. The water villas feature a glass overwater bathtub with a view to the lagoon and an outdoor rain shower. For a unique panoramic view of the Indian Ocean, sapphire seascape and for catching an unforgettable colorful equatorial sunset, guests can just climb on the treetop deck which features a comfortable seating area.

 

For more information please visit www.sixsenses.com