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Magical Maldives: Why The Luxury Islands Are Better Value Than You Think
Nothing but blue: The stunning view from the sun loungers at Atmosphere
Strolling lazily across the perfectly white sand as the tide laps in, there’s nothing but azure blue as far as the eye can see.
I’m wandering along a stretch of Maldivian paradise just 90 metres wide, miles from civilization in the middle of the Indian Ocean.
The Maldives is the very definition of ‘getting away from it all’. A cluster of nearly 1,200 islands, its reputation for unparalleled beaches and crystal clear water is deserved. The views are every bit as stunning as the brochure.
I’m staying at Atmosphere resort on the 3km-long Kanifushi Island, a 30 minute hop by sea plane from Male, the Maldives capital.
All-in: The jetty, restaurant, bar and pool at Atmosphere
Fancy a dip? Sunset pool bar is one of several watering holes on the island
Atmosphere Kanifushi is one of a number of 'all-inclusive’ Maldivian resorts, where virtually everything is thrown in - from your poolside cocktails to kayaks for paddling around the turquoise lagoon.
There are plenty of ways of getting your moneys worth too. Far from simply a clutch of beach huts, the resort has two swimming pools, two bars - and four restaurants.
My room is one of Atmosphere’s 'sunset beach villas’. It’s a stand-alone property designed for honeymooners, thanks to a Queen-sized bed, in-house wine cooler (with complimentary booze), and its own private veranda flanked by palm trees and lush vegetation.
Atmosphere say their rooms are the biggest entry-level beach-front villas in the Maldives - and at 100 square metres they feel enormous.
Roomy: The more-than-spacious ‘sunset beach villa’
Secluded: The open-air bathroom, complete with whirlpool bath
Welcome: The jetty which greets visitors to Atmosphere
After a hard days sunbathing or swimming, you can freshen up in the villa’s secluded, open-air whirlpool bathtub. It’s the ultimate in relaxation - the only heart-stopping moment coming when I spot one of the island large native fruit bats swooping down from the trees. But you soon get used to that.
It goes without saying that views in the Maldives are jaw-dropping - and the climate nearly face-melting. During our visit in April, temperatures regularly hit the sizzling late 30s, and the Maldives’ location just north of the Equator means the afternoon sun roasts guests who aren’t liberal with the suncream.
Funnily enough Atmosphere took this into consideration - all the villas are well shaded and you can always take a break in the poolside bar if things get too sticky.
On the water: My brief paddle out into the perfectly clear Indian Ocean
Isolated: At its tip, Kanifushi island is just 90m wide
During my stay, the food was Atmosphere’s star attraction. The Spice, the resort’s main restaurant, produced sumptuous barbecue buffets with meat and seafood, as well as comprehensive breakfast and lunch services. There was even a desert selection in a separate room - which was twice the size of my lounge back home.
All what you’d expect so far. The culinary highlight, however, is a vegetarian restaurant. 'Just Veg’, billed as one of the first all-veggie offerings in the Maldives, served our group delectable meat-free curries, on an intimate wooden promenade at the tip of the island. Even as a devout carnivore, it was a dining experience I’ll never forget.
Later in the week we were dazzled by the knife-twirling theatrics of Atmosphere’s teppanyaki chef. Be warned though - while Atmosphere provide almost everything in the all-inclusive 'Platinum Plus’ package, a trip to the Teppanyaki Grill is not included and will cost you extra. It’s a minor frustration in an otherwise flawless foodie experience.
Highlight: The intricate dishes at Atmosphere’s ‘Just Veg’ restaurant
Highlight: The island’s impressive ‘Just Veg’ meat-free restaurant
Aside from the classic Maldives resort 'activities’ of eating, drinking and lazing about, Atmosphere provide plenty of other options for the more active holidaymaker. We took a boat trip out to an uninhabited island to snorkel with 'Nemo’ clownfish - again all part of the 'Platinum Plus’ package.
Having said that, the overriding theme at Atmosphere is one of relaxation and doing things at your own pace. Staff are faultlessly friendly and smiley, and golf cart-style buggies even whiz up and down Kanifushi’s long thin sandy path ready to transport guests to the pools, bars or restaurants.
It sounds excessively lazy, but, well, you’re in the Maldives. And I wouldn’t recommend walking the length of the island in 37C heat.
While the Maldives is still beyond the bargain holiday hunter, Atmosphere Kanifushi is a genuine island paradise and decent value for those who really make the most of it. Couples rooms are $850 - around £270 per person, per night. When you throw in three beautiful meals, unlimited snacks, cocktails, activities and the overall luxury of the resort, this Maldivian gem isn’t quite as out of reach as you thought.
Flights were provided courtesy of Destinology
More info: http://www.destinology.co.uk/
https://atmosphere-kanifushi.com/