10 bite-size product updates for the Indian Ocean
From a new boutique hotel collection in Sri Lanka to an attractive solo package for the Maldives, here’s a serving of news from the region to help keep you informed.
AUTHENTIC SRI LANKA STAYS
The Pearl Portfolio is a new collection of boutique hotels and villas in Sri Lanka. All have distinct character, such as Amba Estate, a community-run organic farm – staff are all local and produce comes from its own gardens or from neighbours. thepearlportfolio.com
HOT AND COLD: MAURITIUS SNOW ROOM
Fresh from a $60m refurbishment, Le Meridien Ile Maurice now has Mauritius’s only snow room, part of the new-look Explore Spa. The 261 guest rooms and suites have been revamped, and cuisine includes Mauritian, Italian and Indian. marriott.com; book with destinology.com
SOLO MALDIVES PACKAGE
Gili Lankanfushi is targeting solo clients with a new Gili Solo Experience package including yoga, photography and Maldivian cookery classes, snorkelling with a marine biologist, and a sensory supper in the sand.
HEALTHY DINING AT BOLIFUSHI
Ozen Reserve Bolifushi has new plant-based menus across all its restaurants, to enable guests to achieve their wellness goals. These options are all covered by the Maldivian resort’s all-inclusive RESERVE plan. theozencollection.com
MAURITIUS ADD-ON FOR SOUTH AFRICA
Newmarket Holidays has added a 15-day On Safari in South Africa with Mauritius Beach tour, from £3,938pp including flights. The Mauritius extension includes a visit to a lychee winery and the chance to help at a wildlife foundation. newmarketholidays.co.uk
TEARDROP VILLAS
Sri Lanka’s luxury hotel group Teardrop Hotels has launched Teardrop Villas. The first two properties in the portfolio are 41 and 42 Lighthouse Street in the heart of Unesco World Heritage site Galle Fort. 41lighthousestreet.com; 42lighthousestreet.com
LUX OUT OF THE ASHES
Lux Belle Mare, Mauritius is due to reopen on 1 October after major renovations due to a fire, with reimagined suites retaining the minimalism-meets-tropical vibe. Inspiring Travel has seven nights from £2,579pp departing October/November. inspiringtravel.co.uk
SWAN CRUISING IN PARADISE
Expedition line Swan Hellenic’s 11-night Paradise Islands of the Indian Ocean cruise, from Port Victoria, Mahe Island to Mombasa, departs 24 October, from £5,279pp. Seychelles stops include Poivre, Bijoutier and Aldabra. swanhellenic.com
ZANZIBAR WHITE SAND UPGRADE
Relais & Chateaux property Zanzibar White Sand, featured by Kuoni and Classic Collection, has added four new Garden Villas with private garden, hot tub and outdoor shower. The hotel is on Paje beach, one hour from the airport. whitesandvillas.com
Benefits of the big blue
Kuda Villingili has partnered with UK-based charity The Wave Project to bring surf therapy to the Maldives. The resort has one of the best locations in the destination for surfers, being moments away from ’Chicken Break’, where a reef stretch produces 10-second barrels. Families are encouraged to participate in a three-day surf programme, based on evidence that having fun in the water makes a measurable difference to young people’s mental health and wellbeing. kudavillingili.com; book with hummingbird.travel; find out more about surf therapy waveproject.co.uk
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