Taunton and South Somerset Living Dec 2021 - Jan 2022

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paragliding, and options to learn to dive in the resorts PADI and DDI Diamond certified diving school. If the term barefoot luxury is banded about too much, it’s very much found its true definition here - this is a place of relaxation, aided by that extra oomph that only an all-inclusive stay can offer. In all there are 15 venues for drinking and dining - offering a mixture of worldwide cuisines. Where the food really shines is in the bevy of freshly grilled reef fish and Maldivian curries - there are fine dining options available, but it was the Bamboo restaurant with its tables in the sand and menus of fresh salads and Pan-Asian cuisine which really hit the right notes in the afternoon heat. Knowing as they do that tourism in these areas have hugely adverse effects on the local environment, Sun Siyam as a group continually look for ways to reduce their footprint. Being an archipelagic state, the Maldives does rely on a significant array of food imports, but the group has its own farm island which grows a variety of produce, limiting the carbon impact. Guests to the resort can visit too, for a unique farm to plate experience. I suppose the other big question for everyone tentatively dipping their toes back into international travel, is, is it safe? The major advantage of the Maldives is the sheer space between the islands, meaning that they can isolate cases as and when they occur. How this landscape will change as more vaccines are rolled out across the globe is still unknown, but its clear that each resort is doing their part. As it currently stands, to change resorts you are still required to take a PCR test - whilst some might consider this an unnecessary expense, I think it’s a sensible and safe practice to make sure you can enjoy your stay fully. Now, if there is a spa to be found in a resort, you will generally find me ensconced inside it. Within a humblelooking bungalow off one of the jungle tracks, lies Iru Fushi’s - a world-leading spa by French brand Thalgo - don’t be fooled by initial appearances though - knock on the heavy black-lacquered doors and you’ll be whisked into an exotic oasis, where pebble-lined paths snake through bubbling koi ponds. Massages here are on the expensive side, but hey, you’re in the Maldives - lean in to the luxury and enjoy your slice of paradise, it really is worth it. I suppose the thing that really sets the tone for any trip, and indeed the make or break, are the staff within the resort, and Sun Siyam really do have a spectacularly good team. Throughout the stay, nothing was too much trouble. Want a pinch-me romantic dinner on your own stretch of beach, surrounded by the twinkle of candles? You’ve got it. In our little quintet of ladies holidaying together, we mentioned we would like to have a meditation session on the beach - what we got was a heart shape hand-dug into the sand, punctuated with tea lights and frangipani flowers, with yoga mats rolled out and a selection of oils from the spa to aid relaxation. This beautiful scene was all the work of our dedicated butlers and could not have been more special. This attention to detail extends everywhere - even my own very British sensibilities about having a butler were eased, as the service they offered was completely unobtrusive and very intuitive. There’s not much I can say that you might not already know, but that shouldn’t be a reason to stop you getting into the Maldivian groove and discovering it for yourself - flawless hospitality, great food, a wealth of activities and the unrelenting joy of the location, I think Sun Siyam could make even the most cynical resort-snob fall under its spell. www.sunsiyam.com 20 | www.minervamagazines.co.uk
HORIZON WATER VILLA HOW TO BOOK ECONOMY Sun Siyam Iru Fushi Maldives - 5 7 nights from £2719 pp (1 Nov’21 – 16 Dec’21) , +£400 pp (11 Jan’22 – 31 Mar’22) Includes return Qatar Airways flights from London Heathrow, Deluxe Beach Villa (lead in room category), All Inclusive, domestic flight & speed boat transfers. Includes a booking discount - saving over £1560 per couple. Prices are per person based on a twin/double share for travel on selected departure dates from November’21 – March’22 | www.southalltravel.co.uk BUSINESS Sun Siyam Iru Fushi Maldives - 5 7 nights from £6279 pp (1 Nov’21 – 16 Dec’21) , +£400 pp (11 Jan’22 – 31 Mar’22) Includes return Qatar Airways flights from London Heathrow, Deluxe Beach Villa (lead in room category), All Inclusive, domestic flight & speed boat transfers. Includes a booking discount - saving over £3340 per couple. Prices are per person based on a twin/double share for travel on selected departure dates from November’21 – March’22 | www.southalltravel.co.uk Qatar Airways You can book flights directly with Qatar Airways online at www.qatarairways.com Please be sure to check any travel requirements for your journey ahead of booking. www.minervamagazines.co.uk | 21
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Taunton and South Somerset Living Dec 2021 - Jan 2022

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