One misconception about holidaying in the Maldives is that there’s nothing to do once you’re on your chosen island – that perhaps, it’s a ‘boring but beautiful’ destination to visit. Although a huge amount of being in the Maldives is about enjoying a remote island experience, good food, good wine and amazing service, there are also many adventures and excursions that you can enjoy as well.
During my recent stay at Six Senses Laamu I managed to enjoy some of their adventures, and my time was filled with excitement, jaw dropping sights and once in a lifetime experiences.
Amongst the list of options, you have local island visits where you can see schools, local homes, old mosques, and experience the true Maldivian way of living. Alternatively, go catamaran sailing, try your hand at wakeboarding or waterskiing, and if you’re experienced enough, enjoy some of the best Maldivian surfing at the Ying Yang reef break. Go on the sunset dolphin cruise – enjoy a glass of Prosecco and catch the sight of spinner or bottle nose dolphins heading out to catch their dinner. On top of all that, you have some amazing dive sights, and one of the best house reefs I have ever seen.
An absolute must do in my opinion is the ‘Private Island Picnic.’ In the morning we packed up our snorkelling equipment and suntan lotion and went to meet our private speedboat at the main jetty. From here we were taken on a half hour journey across the atoll to a tiny, remote, completely private island. As you draw closer your jaw will drop at the beauty of this untouched island – expect to have this gawping expression on your face right up until you go to bed.
Now I don’t want to go in to too much detail about what is on the island as it would ruin the surprise for you – but you have everything you could possibly need. The Laamu team leave you with your beautifully made lunch in cool boxes and an array of drinks on ice. They will give you a phone so that you can contact them, and leave you for the day until you’re ready to return to your sprawling villa. The snorkelling here is wonderful, and the water isn’t too deep, so even nervous snorkelers will feel safe and be able to enjoy the underwater life. You can walk all the way around the island, slipping in and out of the water to cool your feet from the hot white sand. Relax on the sun loungers, have hermit crab races across the beach and enjoy the fact that you are completely alone in paradise.
As our time on the island was drawing to a close we noticed huge splashes just beyond the reef drop – spinner dolphins had come to pay us a visit. We called our speedboat crew and they swiftly came to pick us up – as it wasn’t too late, we were able to go on a slightly longer route home to try and find the dolphins. After just a few minutes we were surrounded by adult and juvenile spinners playing in the waves around us. The perfect end to the most perfect day out.
Now this isn’t the cheapest experience, but it is so worth it. Let’s face it; where else in the world will you get a completely private island for the day with your own reef and crystal clear waters. If you don’t want to stretch to the higher price tag of this day trip, Laamu does also have a small sandbank just 2km from the resort – here you can enjoy private sunset cocktails, sunbathing, a special breakfast or even a barbecue dinner.
If this all just sounds like too much hard work, simply enjoy Laamu itself and the unlimited freshly made complimentary ice cream…. Go on, treat yourself; you are in paradise after all!
