Tag: maldives

Where I’d Rather Be: St Regis Maldives

by Swati Jain, posted in maldives

One of the world’s most coveted destinations, St. Regis Maldives Vommuli Resort seems to be a tropical haven.

Like many resort properties in the Maldives, St. Regis, features island and outwater villa accommodations. Located on the 22-acre Vommuli Island, the report incorporates aspects of contemporary architecture and interior with Maldivian traditions, marine life and culture.

The overwater villas resemble a manta ray while the beach villas were designed as a modern interpretation of fishing huts. The interior design reflects the textures and patterns found on the island including a coral chandelier, headboards made of recycled glass beads and sofa fabric that replicates ripples of water.

The resort’s sunset bar reflects the shape of the whale shark. Inside, a mural etched into the wooden ceiling using a traditional Maldivian art form known as pyrography. It tells the story of the owner and his son who built a resort on Vommuli Island to celebrate its natural beauty.

The library lounge is sculpted in the spiral shape of a seashell shell and the carpets are inspired by the waves of the lagoon.

Iridium Spa and its Blue Hole Pool

The overwater Iridium spa is famous for its Blue Hole Pool that replicates the deep sink holes sometimes found in reefs. The most expansive hydrotherapy pool, which is located on the sheltered terrace and commands picturesque ocean vistas.

Swim with Mantra Rays and Dolphins. Create an unforgettable experience on one of the resort’s excursions where guests will get up close and personal to the underwater wildlife, photograph the colourful corals and admire the rich marine life of Vommuli Island.

Women’s Bp. Zandra Beaded V-Strap Sandal • BP • $59.95

Roberto Cavalli 55MM Round Mirrored Metal Sunglasses • Roberto Cavalli • $395

Quay After Hours Sunglasses • Quay • $38.50

Chloe Carlina Round Wire Metal Sunglasses • Chloé • $396

Melissa Odabash Classic Pareo • Melissa Odabash • $110

9seed Tulum Cover Up • 9seed • $136

Halter Tie One-Piece • Diane von Furstenberg • $137–228

Solid and Striped – The Anne-marie Striped Swimsuit – Light blue • $119

Kimchi Blue Riley High-Rise Brief • Kimchi & Blue • $19.99

BOWER Dream Baby One Piece • $135

 

Maldives’ Different Kind of Luxury

by Swati Jain, posted in maldives

Nestled on one of the Maldives’ most generously proportioned and picture-perfect islands, LUX* South Ari Atoll delivers a different kind of luxury. Inviting adventurous epicureans to effortlessly walk the line between beach relaxation and active adventure, the resort offers everything from cutting-edge spa treatments to the hottest trends in water sports in the ultimate beach chic setting.

Dotted at the water’s edge along two miles of powder-fine beach and perched on stilts above a crystal-clear lagoon teeming with colourful fish, reside LUX* South Ari Atoll’s 193 pavilions and villas. On land or water, sunset or sunrise facing, the top-to-bottom redesign of these super-spacious rooms and suites by renowned design studio P49 Design add a cool nautical vibe. Award-winning landscape architect Stephen Woodhams has also ensured that the tree and plant life abounds with fragrance everywhere.

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Once settled, food and drink quickly becomes a way of island life at LUX* South Ari Atoll. The resort’s unparalleled offering of seven restaurants and five bars make every mealtime a thrilling experience.

As for wellness, the LUX* Me spa is a sanctuary within a sanctuary. Incorporating a traditional Chinese teahouse, a dedicated zone for brand new skin and body care experiences, a Zen wellness pavilion and lagoon-view relaxation area, the spa offers treatments for the mind, body and soul. There’s also a Zhengliao treatment specially designed for LUX* Me Spa and daily activities such as yoga, meditation, Pilates, Taichi and Qigong overseen by an expert wellness concierge.

Located at the core of one of Maldives’ largest marine protected areas, LUX* South Ari Atoll is a perfect place to dive into underwater delights. Climb aboard one of the daily boat trips guided by the resort’s Marine Biology Centre to search and swim with resident whale sharks, manta rays and sea turtles. Or take a traditional dhoni or luxury catamaran to be part of the unforgettable experience of getting close and personal with marine life while helping to protect it.

 

Why are Banyan Tree properties the most instagrammable?

by Swati Jain, posted in Inspirations and Stories, maldives, Wanderlust

I was looking up for the most instagrammable resorts around the world, and Banyan Tree Hotel and Resorts seemed to be a recurring recommendation. To do a little more research, I looked up pictures of influencers or even normal guests who’d visited the properties, and it’s true, they are really instagrammable.

They have beautiful properties scattered around the world, providing everything from the stunning sandy beaches of the Maldives to the Truong Son Mountain Range of Vietnam, there are so many striking aspects to capture and post.

With dramatic vistas spread across a rugged landscape, unspoiled nature and a plethora of historical attractions nearby, Banyan Tree Lang Co is an all-pool villa resort which has magnificent views of the Truong Son Mountain Range, pristine coastlines and tropical forests, the perfect combination for creating stunning snaps. Within touch of three UNESCO World Heritage Sites – the Imperial City of Hue, charming old town of Hoi An and My Son’s historical ruins – culture aficionados will be satisfied with the amount of historical influences at their fingertips.

Prices per night for Banyan Tree Lang Co start from AED 1,468 per villa.

The Seychelles and Instagram go hand in hand, and there is no shortage of inspiration on this cluster of islands. A place where tropical forests bloom, Banyan Tree Seychelles offers an exquisite slice of blissful island living, with panoramic views of the best beach in the Indian Ocean from every vantage point. Guests can sail into serenity with an afternoon on the resort’s lake, sample a range of cuisines at one of five restaurants or simply soak in the vibrant vistas from the comfort of their hillside villa complete with private plunge pool.

Prices per night for Banyan Tree Seychelles start from AED 3,427 per villa.

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Surrounded by nothing but clear skies, sandy beaches and blue seas, far from the glare of city lights, Banyan Tree Vabbinfaru is home to some of the world’s most romantic dining destinations. After a day of waterborne activities including diving, snorkeling and sailing, followed by pampering in the award-winning Banyan Tree Spa, guests can head to the sandy shores to sail away on their very own ocean adventure.

Prices per night for Banyan Tree Vabbinfaru start from AED 1,585 per villa.

Needless to say, I’m booking my tickets to Maldives, Seychelles and Vietnam. Is there some kind of a round trip that I can do?

Postcard: Maldives

by Swati Jain, posted in maldives, Wanderlust

You always wonder if there’s a place that could look like it’s been lifted straight out of a painting right. A painting where the blue waters meet the blue sky and perfect white clouds are spread in the affinity, and from a far away distance you can’t tell which is sky, and which is the ocean. Well, Maldives was pretty much like that.

The sunsets and sunrises were pretty, but even the normal sky was a sight. Here’s a little postcard that doesn’t even come close to doing justice to the picture Maldives paints every day.

 

Have you been?

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6 Most Romantic Places

by Swati Jain, posted in Inspirations and Stories, Wanderlust

If you haven’t guessed it already- I love romance. While it might be currently non-existent in my life, a girl can still dream, right? I thought why not share the top 5 places on my list for a little romance! So, if you’re booking your little getaway to catch up on the looo-uve, here’s 5 places you can go! (Future Mr. Swati Jain, if you’re reading, take notes!)

  1. Venice, Italy
    This is actually my dream honeymoon destination. In the many romance novels I’ve read, Venice has always been romanticized- even in movies. All those bridges, gondola rides, cheese, wine, sunsets, and the singing gondola rider. The city’s gothic architecture and the little alleyways are literally inviting you and your SO to lose yourselves!
    I mean, come on, picture this- both of you, snuggled together on the gondola, while it sails through the little bridges during the sunset and just as you two are about to kiss, somewhere far away Church bells start to ring… Nice, right?
    And since you’re already in Italy- maybe spare a day for Verona? See the inspiration behind Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet!
  2. Paris, France
    Don’t I know this one is a total cliche? Yes, I do. Then why am I still adding this? Because it is the perfect place for romance and here’s why: where else will you get the Eiffel Tower, the Louvre and Disneyland in the same place? With its beautiful lanes, exquisite macaroon flavours from Laudree or Pierre Hermes, and Hot Chocolate from Angelina, the city’s views from the Eiffel Tower after a stroll down the path with the most celebrated painting, Mona Lisa- what’s not to love and about love?
    Picture this- walking, nay running, in Disneyland to your favourite ride with Mickey Ears hat and your partner in tow!
  3. Maldives
    There’s a reason why people keep talking about the never-ending waters and beautiful water villas in Maldives. It’s peaceful. Mind you- I went there with my family and I couldn’t help but wonder how amazing it would be to visit with a beau. The blue ocean, the colourful corals, the fun water sports and of course the option of completely disconnecting with the world.
  4. St. Moritz, Switzerland
    Well.. you’re literally on top of the world feeling top of the world. What could be better? Nothing better than to cozy up in the original winter wonderland with a hot drink, good book, a blanket and the SO.
  5. The Greek Islands
    Whether you’re jetting off and running around in Santorini, Mykonos, Nafplio, or Corfu- every single island has its own story, and a unique enchantment. Whether you’re exploring the sandy beaches, running up and down the stairs around the city or siting in a little cafe wondering what food you’ve been served- Greece calls for romance!
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  6. Egypt
    You only really have bollywood to blame for this. Ever since I K3G, this one’s been on the list. But, who wouldn’t like endless sands, oldest of the world’s architecture and a lot of romance?
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6 Small Getaways if you live in the UAE

by Swati Jain, posted in Inspirations and Stories, United Arab Emirates, Wanderlust

It is easier to plan small getaways when a bunch of long weekends are around the corner (read- the whole month of December), but when it’s not December and you don’t have more than a day off you can take- small getaways are the necessity for not hitting your head on the wall.

The 6 best places you can travel to if you live in the UAE and are in dire need of just a weekend and a day’s getaway:

Georgia
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In December, on a rather impulsive trip, I ended up in Georgia. It was a four-ish hour flight and is the easiest getaway. I spent a total of three days- which included flying out on Thursday night and landing back on Monday morning. It was cold and snowing and was just what I needed to getaway from Dubai. (I have already written a long itinerary of stuff that I did there- should you need some inspiration! Three days is plenty to see Tbilisi, Gudauri and the old city of Mtskheta.

Maldives

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You can actually go to Maldives in 3 days and back. It will fill up your itinerary, but the three days won’t fill up your heart with enough ocean breeze – especially if you are crazy about the water as I am. It’s beautiful, blue and just reminds you how beautiful the ocean and nature is. You can chill and do absolutely nothing – or you can do tonnes of water sports and run around the whole day and dance the night in the little island disco!

Delhi (India)

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While 3 days isn’t enough for Delhi, you could try it. But, don’t try to rope in Agra, Jaipur, Amritsar, etc- because that will be extremely tiring and you won’t be able to really see Delhi! I’m actually planning to go with a weekend and a day with a few friends later in March just to eat and shop. Delhi’s the best place to do some amazing bargain shopping and eats lots of delicious street food (and fine dining). I’ll be sharing my “tourist” itinerary for Delhi soon!

Oman

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I haven’t been yet- but it’s definitely on my list of places on one of the weekends. It’s only an hour’s flight away and you can even just drive to it. Besides, there’s so much to do. You could be camping, trekking, swimming, chilling on the beach- the options are limitless!

Jordan

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I am one for longer breaks – and while I went to Jordan and stayed for a good 6 days, you might want to go and come back in 3! Land in Amman and you could head straight to the Dead Sea and then to visit Petra. A Little tip- if you are there, do visit Bethany. It was where Christ was baptised but the Cathedral is beautiful!

Azerbaijan

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In all fairness, there was a sign in Tbilisi that said the road goes to Baku and I was very tempted. But, Azerbaijan isn’t far from Georgia and the UAE. It’s not Europe’s most popular destinations (yet), but its a beautiful country, with lots of admirable architecture and the Caspian sea. It’s on the books for one of the weekends for me.

 

 

What would you recommend for me? 🙂

Postcards from Maldives

by Swati Jain, posted in maldives, Wanderlust

The perfect getaway, and not too far from the UAE, Maldives is beautiful. From the second the plane reaches close by, the never-ending waters will take your breath away. The landing strip is probably the most brilliant- a strip of land with the Indian ocean on both sides.

It doesn’t end there! There are no taxi drivers looming right outside the airport to take you to your hotel, Maldives plays it a little different. Several speed boats and captains await to take you to your destination.

I stayed at the Paradise Island. All most all resort islands have a similar theme- a coral to scuba dive near, parasailing and other water sport activities, live entertainment and feeding stingrays.

Unfortunately, when I traveled, I was struggling with the worst case of warts on both my feet- so much that I couldn’t walk a step without a padded bandage and socks. But, luckily, the salty waters actually helped soothe the pain and cure the warts.

And since I couldn’t feel any pain while I was in the ocean, I did first scuba dive in Maldives, and I’ve never felt more calm and peaceful, as I did in that hour under the water. It makes us think, everything around is so beautiful and soulful, why don’t we spend more time in quiet and wonder (I mean that is something coming from me, considering I’m never quiet, but still).

More words of adventure and advice to follow later! Enjoy the pictures!