Mar 21 - Ballito Umhl

Which resort?
While all rather stylish, they’re also
very chilled. Even in the five-star spots,
enjoying a glass of champagne with
your toes in the sand isn’t merely
acceptable, it’s essential.
Looking for a romantic escape for two,
or something for the whole family?
Resorts like Dhigali and Finolhu don’t
cut any corners on luxury, but also
have amazing kids’ clubs and plenty of
activities that are perfect for bonding
and quality time.
You can opt for the tranquil route
at one of the world-renowned
Cinnamon resorts, or go wild …
the Hard Rock Hotel Maldives is all
vibrant nightlife, shopping, and live
entertainment, and where you’ll find
the fantastic marine discovery centre.
If there’s an activity you have your
heart set on, do a little investigation
before you book … there’s snorkelling
with whale sharks at Radisson Blu,
sleeping in a Stargazer Bubble room
under the night sky at Finolhu, and
an underwater fine dining restaurant
and nightclub at Niyama, where
there’s also a brilliant spa.
Overwater, garden, beach?
We’ve all seen photos of idyllic villas
on stilts, hovering over the sparkling
ocean, and this is where they became
famous. Every Maldives resort has a
great selection of water villas, and
there’s nothing quite like it.
You can also opt to stay a few steps
from the shoreline, or surrounded
by lush gardens where kids can
run around and play to their
hearts’ content.
If you’re travelling with a larger group
of friends or family, you should opt for
a celebrity-style suite villa with two or
three bedrooms, sweeping sun decks,
and swanky living areas!
You’ll feel the freedom of fresh air
and open spaces wherever you stay,
but some take it to another level.
At Radisson Blu, for example, the
smallest room is 220 square metres.
It’s all very romantic … many villas
have spa baths or private plunge
pools, some have outdoor showers,
others are built for maximum privacy.
(Top tip: if privacy is high up on
your wish list, book a villa at the end
of a jetty.)
So much to do, so little time
Snorkelling is a firm favourite, and
these waters are home to some of the
world’s most diverse sealife.
Jet skis, kayaks with glass floors so
you can watch the world swim by,
parasailing, kitesurfing, wakeboarding
… each resort has its own great
selection of water sports. (Top tip:
Most all-inclusive deals available
through Priority Escapes include
non-motorised water sports, so you
can dive right in any time.)
Scuba diving in the Maldives is
legendary. Many resorts offer diving
equipment and excursions, and some
provide certified training courses.
All sorts of excursions are available,
along with island favourites such as
sunset cruises and deep-sea fishing.
If you’re comfier on solid ground,
there are fitness centres, beach sports
and games centres, and exceptional
spa centres.
Eat, drink and be merry
Resorts tend to have a main
restaurant where there are seemingly
endless breakfast, lunch and dinner
spreads. The quality is superb, and
there’s so much variety it’s impossible
to try everything (no, that’s not a
challenge!).
But be sure to try the other speciality
bars and restaurants too. From
gourmet, Michelin-starred creations
to zingy street-food-style snack bars,
from private beach dinners under
the stars to glorious ice creams and
colourful cocktails on the beach, the
Maldives is a feast.
You’ll also find impressive wine cellars,
and select suites even have their own
wine bar – Finolhu’s Rockstar Villa has
a wine bar that needs to be seen to
be believed!
The dreaded C-word
We’re a little tired of talking about
Covid-19, but needs must. The
Maldives government has taken steps
to ensure the safety of visitors. While
you don’t need to wear a mask on the
beach or at the swimming pool, they
are required in restaurants and public
indoor areas.
The resorts are designed for
distancing, and privacy has always
been paramount. Spacious layouts
and strict sanitising protocols are in
place – down to someone on standby
to wipe down your sun lounger
before and after you use it.
All the resorts have all changed
their seating plans and switched to
table service wherever possible, to
maximise your safety and comfort.
The deets
This celebrity destination is
surprisingly affordable and easy to
reach. Priority Escapes has secured
unbelievable rates (from as little
as R22 000 for a week) and direct
flights that will get you there in less
than nine hours from O.R. Tambo
International. Some resorts are even
welcoming kids free of charge!
Whichever Maldives adventure you
choose, we have no doubt it will be
the experience of a lifetime. Details
and bookings: priorityescapes.com
Woo hoo … We’ve a week of island living up for grabs
Fancy winning a week for you and a friend or partner in the Maldives? Ridiculous question. We’ve made new best friends
forever with Priority Escapes, and together this is what we’re giving away. A seven-night holiday for two adults – four nights
at the Cinnamon Dhonveli, and three nights at the Cinnamon Ellaidhoo, both four-star resorts. Breakfast, lunch and dinner
daily are included, as are a selection of alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks. The prizes include return economy flights and
airport taxes. There are specific travel dates for 2021 … for those, and a full list of what the prize includes and excludes, visit
getitnational.co.za where you’ll find the entry form as well. You can also enter on Facebook (GetItMagNC) or Instagram
(getitmagnc) pages. Entries close 30 March … go, go, go!
March 2021 Get It • Ballito Umhlanga 47