Page 102 - Holidays with Kids - Volume 62 (January 2020)

MALDIVES

04

01 Sailing away 02 Pullman Maldives
Maamutaa 03 Beachside bliss at
Pullman Maldives Maamutaa. Images
02 & 03 © Felix Hug/Eyes On Asia Pte
Ltd 04 Climbing for coconuts
05 Under the sea 06 A fish-filled
paradise. Images 01, 04, 05 & 06
© Cathy Finch 07 Overwater luxury
at Pullman Maldives Maamutaa
03

Mother cries. Daughter laughs. From now on, my Maldivian, European, gluten-free – each cooked ‘live’ in 07
memories will have to be in real time, with stored memories front of guests. There’s a private chef at each wall of
lying at the bottom of the sea. ridiculously fresh ingredients, awaiting my order to whip
Luckily, the Maldives is a stunner for real-time memories. up something extra special. Everything on offer is
Long lauded as the ultimate haven for honeymooners, it’s handmade. Everything is divine.
unfair to think newlyweds have had the monopoly over Lunch and dinner get better (if that’s possible) with an
this span of more than 1,190 islands and sandbanks array of restaurants and bars, all overlooking the ocean,
encircled by some of the prettiest water you will ever see. offering signature drinks, crafted cocktails and menus
beyond belief. Phat Chameleon is an organic, vegetarian
Family values and vegan restaurant set amid the island’s vegetable and
Thankfully, the personality of the Maldives has expanded herb garden. At Souq Oven, we order Middle Eastern
to incorporate everyone into its stunning mix. Opened in dishes and choose from more than 80 wines from around
September 2019, the new Pullman Maldives Maamutaa, the world to pair with our dishes. My teenage daughter
located in the Gaafu Alifu Atoll, has opened its arms to loves me again.
families like never before. With 122 villas, both overwater
(two rooms are actually under the water) and on the From snorkelling to sunset sailing
beach, Pullman offers an all-inclusive experience with All the favourite activities are on offer, including nature
most activities, as well as unlimited food, drinks and walks, outdoor sports and treasure hunts. Scuba diving and
mini-bar, all part of the package. wellness treatments are among the included activities;
But this isn’t just any ordinary resplendent buffet and likewise, sunset fishing, guided snorkels, yoga and an
bar beverages – the food is a journey in itself. Breakfast is afternoon sunset cruise. Fighting mum and dad for the
like nothing I have ever experienced. A culinary passage karaoke room – or in our case, the golf simulator – might
through every cuisine – Arabic, Indian, Chinese, be a hard task. It’s cool to practise my golf swing with real

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