Adrift in the South Ari Atoll, there is a place where the dreamy sounds of azure blue waves lapping against coral dusted shores are your morning wake-up call. A place where one of nature’s great spectacles, a whale shark breaching the surface, is on the schedule of daily entertainment. A place where you are invited to do as much or as little as you like. This is Indian Ocean escapism at its best. This is Villa Park.
A lagoon pleasure-ground where guests are invited to embrace adventure, heed the call of the ocean and explore what lies beneath the surface with a snorkel or sail alongside dolphins and manta rays for the perfect way to mark sundown. Or venture further into the Indian Ocean’s vast blueness aboard a luxurious expedition to spot whale sharks who call the area home all year round.
For something a little more sedate, head to Araamu Spa for a session of rest and relaxation. Savour the ancient and deeply restorative bathing ritual of the signature Kawa bath (pot tub). As flames gently warm the comforting water adorned with fragrant petals, allow yourself to slip into a state of bliss as muscle aches melt away and the soul returns to a state of calm. When it’s time to quicken pulse rates, join an exhilarating workout where the resort’s instructors put guests through their paces on state-of-the-art equipment, to the sounds of techno beats and kaleidoscopic lighting.
Reconnect with nature and join Green Fingers’ passionate gardeners as they harvest and tend to fruit and vegetable gardens. Learn about the rich biodiversity of the island before marking the legacy of your stay by planting a tree. Then, discover the end product by travelling deep into the dense jungle at the heart of the resort to Zero, the split-level garden restaurant that serves up treetop dining alongside zero-food-miles plates. To round off the day, grab a sunset drink at the funky, La Tropicana, by the beach.
Book Villa Park’s Maldives Winter Escapes offer, and you will be gifted up to 20 per cent off on accommodation as well as a free upgrade from half board to full board, free snorkelling equipment, a complimentary fruit basket and chocolates, and early check-in and check-out, allowing you to experience those magical Maldivian moments for even longer.
