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The FinesT Travel worldwide
The FinesT emiraTes 02/2014 33
Foto
: K
an
do
lhu
Isl
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Un
ivers
al R
eso
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Mald
ives
Paradiese im Indischen OzeanDie Universal Resorts
Maafushivaru und Kandolhu
Island versprechen Malediven -
feeling pur.
Paradises in the Indian OceanThe two Universal Resorts
Maafushivaru and Kandolhu
Island deliver the true feel
of the Maldives.
Hideaway am HimalayaTropische Wälder, weitläufige
Reis terrassen. Die Lage des
Uma by COMO, Punakha in
Bhutan ist einzigartig.
Hideaway in the HimalayasTropical forests, extensive
rice terraces. The location of the
Uma by COMO, Punakha in
Bhutan, is unique.
60 Jahre Relais & ChâteauxRelais & Châteaux verkörpert
seit 1954 exklusiven Genuss
für Seele und Gaumen.
Weltweit.
60 years of Relais & ChâteauxSince 1954 Relais & Châteaux
has embodied exclusive
enjoyment for soul and palate.
Worldwide.
Travel worldwide
THE FINEST
in paradiseTaking a break
THE fINEST EMIRaTES 02/2014 43THE fINEST EMIRaTES 02/201442
Maafushivaru und Kandolhu Island, Maldives
here. A far greater challenge is the choice
of restaurant. four à-la-carte restaurants,
a bar, beach dining and in- villa dining are
a multitude of options for such a small
island. We begin with the Olive, which
tempts us in with Medi terranean cuisine.
An excellent choice. We pass on our
compliments to the chef, Marco, when he
comes to our table. We reserve a table
for the Banzai the following evening.
We have heard that the chef of the
teppanyaki restaurant is not only a superb
cook, but also boasts entertainment
qualities. We take a digestif in the bar,
with our feet in the sand. The firmament
sparkles above our heads, we count
shooting stars – and make a wish that
we do not have to wait too long for
our next break in paradise.
Text: Petra dietz
UNIVERSAL RESORTS
reservations@universalresorts.com
www.universalresorts.com
Maafushivaru
info@maafushivaru.com.mv
www.maafushivaru.com
Kandolhu Island
info@kandolhu.com
www.kandolhu.com
on Kandolhu. Resort Manager Marc
LeBlanc and front Office Manager Laura
Robinson run the resort professionally,
but with warmth, which also rubs off on
the team and, of course, the guests at the
resort. Maximum privacy is guaranteed on
Kandolhu. 200 times 150 metres in size,
the island in the North Ari Atoll is a perfect
paradise. There are only 30 villas, all with
ocean views, skilfully arranged in a way
that makes guests feel they are alone on
the island. There are five categories to
choose from. Whether it is Jacuzzi Beach
or Ocean villa, with or without pool, single
storey or two storey – each resi dence is an
eye opener. There is no doubt about it,
Kandolhu is luxurious, but in such a plea-
santly leisurely way. Everything is relaxed
here. There is no need for shoes, maybe
just a pair of flip-flops for the wooden
jetty, which can get very hot in the midday
sun. The underwater world of Kandolhu is
equally paradisiacal. We don snorkelling
gear and plunge into the radiant water.
from our villa we can snorkel directly on
the reef and after a few metres we dis -
cover two large turtles, nibbling un -
hurriedly at the coral. They appear to be
unimpressed by our pre sence. I have no
real desire to leave the water, there is
simply so much to see. But snorkelling
makes you hungry. We are ready for
dinner in a trice, styling takes a back seat
day being pampered and cared for – and
end it in the same manner. A feeling that
can only be topped in one place: The spa.
In the beauty and wellness oasis I expe-
rience one of my best ever massages,
courtesy of my therapist, sidhu. After-
wards I feel reborn. Chill in the jacuzzi
with a glass of tea, gaze at the ocean
and relax. Again. You can get used to this,
this heavenly feeling of perfect relaxation.
Leaving Maafushivaru is no easy task for
us, but our journey continues. The next
morning we head to the newly-opened
sister resort of Kandolhu which, like
Maafushivaru, is part of the Maldives
hotel group Universal Resorts.
KANdOLhU: stylish relaxation in paradise
Kandolhu is only one hour from Maafushi -
varu by speedboat. from Malé, you can
reach the island in about 25 minutes by
seaplane. At the sight of the five-star
resort, which opened in february 2014,
we can do little else but beam joyfully.
And how. The beam transforms into a
permanent smile as we enter our Ocean
Pool villa. 90 stylish square metres, with
glazed luxury bathroom, private infinity
pool and direct access to the sea – every
wish fulfilled. A dream setting, attentive
service − blissful happiness comes easily
fushivaru. My husband and I have half a
day completely to ourselves in this Garden
of Eden in south Ari Atoll. Apart from
lunchtime, when chef Gomez arrives by
boat to delight us with a delicious seafood
platter. Time flies by with swimming, snor-
kelling and sunbathing. Now the dhoni
arrives to take us back to Maafushivaru.
Lonubo is exclusively available to guests of
the resort, for a few hours or a night, for
a couple or a group. A few minutes later
we are lying back on the sundeck of our
pretty Beach Bungalow. No longer alone,
although it feels as if we are. Our accommo -
dation is so skilfully embedded into the
natural surroundings that we do not
notice our neighbours at all. The sea is just
a few feet away, with the fish-filled resort
reef only metres further. snorkelling or
diving is an absolute must here.
Maafushivaru was opened anew at the
end of 2010, following a complete reno-
vation. There is no resting on laurels at this
charming Maldives domicile, with efforts
made continuously to ensure that the high
standards of the barefoot island are main-
tained. This is thanks to Resort Manager
Ronald schweighardt and his wife, Marie,
who always have an open ear for the
requirements of the guests and the team.
Wellbeing comes easily on Maafushivaru.
As soon as you set foot on the island you
have the feeling of having arrived. In every
respect. The atmosphere here is plea santly
tranquil. No wonder, with just 48 villas in
three different categories. There is no
partying or loud action – and we don’t
miss this for a minute. Instead we enjoy
the beautiful location, the superb food
and the incredible service. We begin the
In reality they are far more beautiful
than any postcard motif. The two
Universal Resorts Maafushivaru and Kan-
dolhu Island embody the true feel of the
Maldives. All those in search of perfect
relaxation will find themselves at the
destination of their travelling dreams in
these luxurious island hideaways.
MAAfUshIvARU: a Garden of Eden in south Ari Atoll
A tiny island in the Indian Ocean. My toes
are buried deep in the snow-white sand.
hypnotised, I stare at the ocean, drinking
in the shades of blue, almost unreal in
their intensity. It is not possible to be more
relaxed than I am in this moment. The
magi cal island of Lonubo shares a pictu-
resque lagoon with the resort of Maa -
Kandolhu Island hat nur 30 Villen. Eine schöner als die andere. Hier will man nie mehr weg.
Kandolhu Iceland has only 30 villas with one more beautifulthan the next. You’ll just never want to leave here.
Genießen auf Kandolhu Island: Exzellente Restaurants mit Traumausblick.
Enjoy Kandolhu Iceland: excellent restaurants with dream views.
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