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Maldives Highlights

Stepping on board Ocean Dancer, a boat geared for scuba diving, surfing and game fishing in the pristine waters of the Maldives, it’s impossible to appreciate the design and construction of this 110 foot vessel. At least until you hear the story of how she was built.

David Mesnard, owner and operator of Ocean Dancer, came to the Maldives at the young age of 19 leaving the glamorous city of Paris behind. It was the draw of the beauty and adventure in a tiny island nation delicately dropped in the middle of the Indian Ocean. The Maldives is made up of 1190 tiny jewel like islands surrounded by the most brilliant turquoise waters filled with throngs of fish and fabulous reef structure. It was years later, after owning and operating very small boats and safari tours, that David started building his luxury vessel.

How does a person lovingly craft a boat of that size on a tiny little boat building island? Slowly! Enlisting investors from Paris and talented Maldivian boat builders, Ocean Dancer took some three years to complete. No fiberglass here. Only the finest of wood could be imported and included in the elegant boat. And when she was ready to launch, it took an army of men using the age old method used in building the Pyramids to get her into the water. Today, Ocean Dancer is a spacious boat that would please any fisherman looking for the ultimate destination. Cabins are extremely comfortable and include ensuite bathrooms. The salon would make anyone feel like home – complete with large sofas, tasteful décor and television for watching adventure documentaries – or a movie. The on board chef prepares meals that would rival some of the best of Europe and the service is impeccable.

Handhufushi Resort

The Maldives is bisected by the Equator. Since most of visitors stay in the atolls to the north, I thought it would be an adventure to travel as far south as possible. So I was off to Addu Atoll, an 1 – ½ hour flight from the capital of Male to a converted military base. I was surprised to see such a large resort so far south and so remote. Handhufushi Resort provides large rooms that can house a family – complete with hot tubs in a private courtyard. Access to the beach is only steps away. There are two swimming pools on the property and a selection of restaurants and activity centers so that you don’t have to travel so far from your villa on this long island location.

Being so far south and so remote provides an excellent fishing opportunity. Only the local people are out on the reefs edge in the early morning or evening light, fishing for their family needs. I decided to try my luck in fishing like the locals – just a line wrapped around a plastic handle, a hook and some bait. My mind told me that this should be easy.

It was just before sunset when the group boarded the colorful local fishing boat, called a dhoni. A bucket of bait, fishing lines and hooks were neatly placed in order on the deck. Once we found a location, we waited for the sun to set. There is a talent to hand line fishing. The bait is weighted so it can find its way to the bottom where the grouper and snapper wait. Skill in recognizing the feel of activity at the hook is the key. The other is getting your catch to the boat before a shark beats you to the punch on dinner taking the fish – and the hook.

Soneva Fushi – Soneva Gili

I had absolutely no knowledge of the next two resorts I was about to experience. The clue, however, was when I arrived at the seaplane departure and was immediately greeted by the representative from Soneva Fushi who promptly escorted me to the private waiting lounge. Awaiting me was a choice of fruit, pastries and fresh fruit drink, blended moments before. Next, my choice of scent for the lotions and soaps that would be provided in my villa – and this was just the start!

The fabulous flight over stunning scenery was short and the landing in the watery runway next to a tiny picnic island smooth. Quickly transferred to the boat, I was off to my tropical hideaway. At their request, I removed my sandals and weren’t slipped back on my feet until the end of my stay. The motto here at Soneva Fushi and all Six Senses resorts in the Maldives is “No News – No Shoes”. Not to fear, walking on an island with powdery white sand is not a hardship.

After taking care of all at reception, I was delivered to my villa and once the door was open, I knew I was in heaven. There is a sense of environmental delicacy. The décor is elegant but refined for an island paradise. No dried sea stars or seahorses here. All is respected and I understood their advertising tagline – “Intelligent Luxury”. Everything about the Soneva resorts is about the environment. Sound practices in water use, trash disposal and wildlife protection are detailed in their daily operations.

Soneva Fushi maintains the same respect in their sports activities. The marine biologist, Anke ---, is staffed there full time to provide education on the reefs and their inhabitants. It is the perfect way to understand the balance and the delicacy of the marine life whether you are scuba diving or fishing. For the divers there is a wonderful dive center with full training facilities. What better place could you possibly receive your dive certification if you don’t already have one. Experienced divers will be treated to some of the most prolific and beautiful reef areas. Even the house reef, only steps and a jump from the dock, is amazing.

Fishing is treated the same way – respectful. What you catch – you eat.

Preparation of your fresh catch is done in one of the most incredible restaurants I have seen. Fresh in the Garden, the name of their tree top restaurant, speaks of the quality of food. Whether you order from the menu or bring the fish you caught, it’s all cooked to perfection. The salads and many of the vegetables are grown in their own garden on the island. It’s organic and very tasty. To top it off, you are seated in one of the most romantic of settings to watch the sun set and the stars come out. At the end of your meal you can even walk to their observatory and test your skills in identifying the constellations.

Soneva Gili is quite different in appearance. It’s not tucked in the forest like Soneva Fushi. Instead, the main portions of the lodge and activity centers are on the land and the villas are built out over the turquoise waters of the lagoon. Only a 20 minute boat ride from the international airport, Soneva Gili adheres to the policies of sustainability and environmentally responsible operations. It also includes all the amenities expected of a luxury resort.

My villa was extraordinary. The peace and beauty of looking out the expansive windows or through a glass plate in the floor, reminded me of the special place I was experiencing. I could see schools of fish gliding beneath the villa or out on the coral outcroppings. The practice here, as with the other Six Senses properties, is to ride your bike to the island. It’s a great way watch the marine life activity in the lagoon or just get a little exercise. And on the first morning I observed baby black-tip reef sharks swimming in the lagoon and out on the hunt for breakfast! Decks, outdoor showers and platforms to snorkel from are attached to the 2500 square feet of living space. And if you don’t want to get in the ocean, you can view it from a huge bathtub surrounded by windows.

There are a myriad of activities – healthy living in mind. What better place than to go to yoga class on a white sandy beach, a new gym facility or have a fabulous massage at the spa. The dive center is spacious and so are the boats. Their dive masters are friendly and knowledgeable and can take you to some amazing reefs very close to the resort. One of my favorite spots is Manta Point. An experience with these gentle giants will remain in your memory for a lifetime. In addition, there are many other water related activities with lessons in windsurfing or a kayaking to a sand spit for a picnic.

As a busy photographer, I was intent on capturing the lovely dinner settings in a sunset sky and completely forgot that there was a full moon rising on the other side of the island. It was only after my unbelievable Soneva chocolate dessert following dinner, I realized that I should have shot the display opposite my place of indulgence. Maybe it was just the chocolate high but I couldn’t feel more privileged than as I rode my bicycle toward my villa and gazed at the sparkling reflection of the moon against the tropical water. I am a lucky person. Or, was it just the chocolate rush I was experiencing? There are just some things that you can’t photograph – just experience. And it leaves a permanent imprint on your mind and soul.

By: Nancy Chase

" Life is an Adventure, to Live Well is an Art... "
LiveWell Ventures Travel and Cruise Planners
www.livewellventures.com
“Over 25 Years of Experience.” Custom-Travel Specialists, providing exceptional value and service~

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