I was lucky enough to spend a week at the fabulous Six Senses Laamu in the Maldives last year, and loved it so much I am going back this year! It really is one of the most beautiful places I have ever been. The island itself is stunning; the villas are, quite frankly, jaw-dropping, the food delicious and the staff excellent, but there is also such a vast array of things to do here that even the most reluctant of beach bums will find plenty to keep them occupied. And to give you a flavour of what you can do, here is my 'Perfect Day in Laamu'...
Wakey Wakey
I love setting my alarm early when in the Maldives, watching the sunrise is beautiful and the house reef comes alive; you can spot dolphins off shore and turtles swimming under the jetty. After you have spent some time ogling at the marine life, hop on your bike and cycle to breakfast. Be sure to grab a pod by the edge of the water, where there is a lovely breeze, so you can continue to fish-spot during a sumptuous breakfast, complete with sparkling wine should you wish.
Activities In Paradise
After filling your boots at breakfast, it's back on the bike to the main pool area for a spot of relaxation before heading out for some watersports. Choose from kitesurfing, windsurfing, hobie cat sailing or kayaking. There is even a surf break nearby should you want to go surfing - yes that's right, surfing. After some 'exercise', I would then head to the ice cream parlour where complimentary ice cream is served throughout the day - choose from a whole array of delicious flavours and toppings. Walking back from the ice cream parlour, stop by at the Dive Centre and head out on a boat trip to other coral reefs around the Laamu atoll to spot sharks, larger turtles and a whole variety of colourful fish. If you are very lucky a pod of dolphins will swim next to the boat, guiding you back to the island where a private lunch has been setup for you. Enjoy delicious fresh fish as the lagoon's waves lap against the shore.
Spa, Anyone?
All this proactivity calls for some serious relaxation so head to Six Senses Laamu's fabulous spa. The spa has individual spa pods which are open to the elements so you can listen to the waves and feel the sea breeze as you have your massage. After your treatment, enjoy a yoga class in the outdoor pavilion, easing you back into reality after your spa session.
Dinner On Your Own Private Island, You Say?
Head back to your villa, throw on something floaty and head out on a boat to a private sandbank in the Indian Ocean just in time for a sundowner as you watch the sunset. Dinner will be served here on your very own private island and, for something truly spectacular, make sure you glance upwards, the stargazing here is amazing.
Movie Night Under The Stars
You will then head back to the island in time for Cinema Paradiso, the island's outdoor cinema. Here, you can hop onto a wonderfully comfy bed, snack on popcorn and watch a movie under the stars, before cycling back to your villa and enjoying an outdoor bath and then settling in for a deep sleep. The tough part, repeating it again tomorrow!