Festive Frolics in the Tropics

With the ‘halhongu’, or rainy season out of the way, the Maldives is once again a tropical paradise; its pristine sandy beaches, clear turquoise waters, verdant flora, and abundant sea life make it a visual feast for the festive season. For those of us who celebrate through the end of December and into the new year, the cutesy appeal of wrapping up against the cold, wandering through Christmas markets, eating rich seasonal foods, and making mad dashes for last-minute gift items, the idea of waking up to the sounds of the ocean, and the feel of powder-like sand beneath our feet sounds too good to be true, right?

Well, November and December are popular holiday times for the Maldives, and while it’s not a backdrop you might be used to, resorts in the archipelago go the extra mile to bring in the festive season with unique Maldivian twists and traditions that really will give you a global yule fee.

With the luxury to do as you please, activities that you can drop in and out of without obligation, and the option to be as involved with the resort’s plans or craft something for yourself, you can let your festive imagination run wild.

Food and drink tastings, tree decorating, themed dinners, live music, fun children’s activities or family-based events or water sports, blended with Maldivian performances and crafting sessions, are on offer, all set against the exotic nature of the islands.

When it comes to creating the perfect atmosphere, Constance Hotels & Resorts properties; Constance Halaveli and Constance Moofushi are inviting guests to indulge in luxury and privacy with their loved ones, from dining barefoot with partial sand floors to relaxing in ultra-comfort on their private terrace overlooking the vast Indian ocean.

For those that have not visited before, Constance Halaveli is a magical place that enables you to experience the essence of sheer luxury, which is exactly what a trip to the Maldives is about. Constance Halaveli is a floating dreamscape of a hotel shaped like a dhoni, the traditional Maldivian boat, and located in its own sparkling lagoon in the North Ari Atoll. The hotel itself consists of 86 villas dotted across the tiny private island, each with a refreshing plunge pool and either terrace or balcony, making the most of the spectacular 360 views of these villas, 57 are over water, and the rest are nestled on the sands of the beach catering for both families and couples alike. A real treat for the festive season would be a visit to the Spa at Constance Halaveli, which evokes a world of serenity; resting on stilts overlooking the ocean, you can feel the tension leaving your body as the water flows around you.

Gourmets can enjoy fresh seafood and meat at Meeru restaurant or a perfect fusion of Asian and European cuisine at Jing restaurant. At the same time, Kaika Sushi features a sand-floored sushi bar and an open counter to watch the chef prepare the best sushi, sashimi and traditional Japanese maki, as well as the all-day dining Jahaz where international fare is always available. For an extra special meal for the season, allow the culinary team to craft a destination dining experience choosing from the island’s picturesque locations.

For a more all-inclusive hideaway, Constance Moofushi is located in the South Ari atoll. As expected, the sand is powder white, the water warm, and the diving and snorkelling here rank as some of the best in the world. A slightly larger resort with 110 villas split between beach and overwater accommodation; it extends into the lagoon on two frond-like strands making for quite the aerial spectacle.

The hotel design has used the beauty of the ocean and the vivid colour palette of the surrounding nature to give the resort a new and natural freshness. From turquoise colours harmonised with fawn and ivory in alternating stripes, fish patterns and cut coral designs to exude an atmosphere of calm. While the collection of contemporary furniture, inspired by travel pieces from around the world, decorates different hotel spaces and brings freshness, modernity, and novelty.

For authentic barefoot chic, the sandy-floored main Manta restaurant is the epitome of fine yet casual dining. It serves nightly themed cuisine from a variety of countries, with an emphasis on chef interaction and theatrical live cooking. The Alizée beach grill is found just a few metres from the sea, as is the driftwood-designed Totem Bar, beneath a cooling canopy of trees for a total tropical island experience.

A trip to the Maldives starts from the moment you land to the moment you depart, and Constance goes to extra lengths to ensure its guests experience a complete holiday. Guests travelling to either resort can enjoy the new Constance lounge at the recently inaugurated seaplane terminal, Noovilu, at Velana International Airport. Designed over 270m², the lounge provides guests with facilities for comfort, including two restrooms, bathrooms, and private areas for showering. The fantastic sea views from the new lounge ensure that guests can enjoy the landscape and seascape from when they arrive in the Maldives. With a selection of refreshments featuring a variety of snacks and drinks, free internet connection, and a massage chair, in addition to a separate corner for kids to keep the little ones occupied, including TV and games, guests can unwind and wait for their next flight peacefully.

A tropical world awaits you this winter season, it’s time to shake off the cold, and to check out what you and your family can share together, check out constancehotels.com