9 things to book in the Indian Ocean now
From a Jurassic Park-inspired adventure to eco-friendly weddings, Andrew Doherty rounds up the latest news across the Indian Ocean.
UNIVERSALLY SPEAKING
Maldives-specialist Universal Resorts has opened a new luxury hotel, Faarufushi. Located on the Raa Atoll, it features 80 villas, a spa and a Padi dive centre with a resident marine biologist.
GRAND OPENING
JW Marriott Maldives Resort & Spa on Vagaru island on Shaviyani Atoll will welcome its first guests this July.
The 61-villa property has five restaurants, an adults-only pool and club, plus an open-air yoga pavilion and kids’ club.
CORAL CONSERVATION
The Hilton Seychelles Northolme Resort & Spa has created the first artificial reef in the Seychelles to help restore damaged coral.
Guests can adopt a piece of the reef, which will support future conservation projects in the area.
GOOD SPIRITS
Long Beach Mauritius has announced a series of renovations, including a rum academy. Slated to open in autumn, the bar will have Mauritian-style decor and serve rum-infused cocktails with mixology classes available too.
TOP TWINNING
From a guided tour of Yala national park in Sri Lanka to seven nights’ relaxation in the Maldives at various island resorts, Niquesa Travel’s new 12-night Lurking Leopard, Lazy Lagoon itinerary, from £9,500pp, offers the best of both worlds.
DINOSAUR TRACKS
Off the Map Travel’s new Like Nowhere on Earth itinerary takes clients through the jungles of Reunion island on a Jurassic Park-inspired adventure.
The eight-day tour, from £1,899pp, includes a helicopter ride and zip-lining.
GREEN WEDDING
Mauritius resort Salt of Palmar is introducing a new eco-friendly wedding experience (from £2,000) this summer.
Couples will be hosted at a tree-planting ceremony, while a no-buffet policy sees menus featuring seasonal ingredients.
MAURITIAN MAKEOVER
Club Med has unveiled the new-look La Pointe aux Canonniers resort in Mauritius.
Renovations include 108 additional superior rooms, a spa by Cinq Mondes and a new beach lounge. It also offers watersports for kids and teens.
UNDER THE SEA
Atmosphere Hotels & Resorts has announced a new Maldivian five-star property to open in October 2019.
Varu by Atmosphere on the north-west edge of the Male Atoll comprises 108 villas, and has a reef for diving excursions.
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