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MALDIVES, SOUTH ASIA: At sunset, the domed, almost sculptural rooftops of Club Med Finolhu’s overwater villas seamlessly blend in with the horizon. These fluid, organic shapes—52 of them to be exact, and all splayed in a fan-like pattern above azure waters—puncture the evening light. To my left, a lone paddle-boarder glides her oars through the still water. To my right, a bucket of ice and champagne sits at the pool’s edge. This motion view of the Maldives is one you frequently see in your social media feeds—and like all good things, they rarely measure up to the pixelated hype. Well, I can tell you Club Med ‘s offerings in this part of the Indian Ocean go beyond expectations. And, it would seem, more and more Australians are flying to experience them in their flirty flesh.
“You only have to take one look out of the airplane window to see that endless turquoise playground that is the Maldives,” says Rachael Harding, CEO of Club Med’s East, South Asia and Pacific region. “The shades of blue in these beautiful natural settings automatically draw calm and breed the most incredible sea life. Whether it’s swimming, snorkelling, sitting and having a drink with friends or simply watching the sunset…You feel like you’re in a paradise.
“The Maldives is also far enough away [from Australia] to feel exclusive and elusive,” she adds. “It’s a bucket list destination.”
Club Med have two offerings in the Maldives: The Finohlu Villas, a quiet, modern and exclusive hideaway for couples and children over 12. There’s private butlers and free-flowing champagne from 6pm; and Kani, a big, established, all-inclusive resort for couples and families with children of all ages. The latter, which first opened 24 years ago, played host to hundreds of journalists from around the world in November showcasing its upscale and exclusive experiences.
A History Of Happiness
Founded in the years after World War II by Belgian entrepreneur and inventor of the all-inclusive holiday Gérard Blitz, Club Med was born into the understanding that people in post-war Europe longed for relaxation and sunshine–a counter-urban utopia designed to absorb everyday stresses. For the past 75 years, Club Med has applied this same understanding to changing trends and global shifts, and thus adapted its offerings accordingly while never wavering from its core values of freedom, happiness and kindness.
“The purpose of life is to be happy,” a famous quote from Blitz reads. “The time to be happy is now. And the place to be happy is here.”
It’s this notion that saw the company emerge as one of the big winners of the 2020 pandemic.
“In today’s world, there is always going to be a ‘post-something,’” says Harding. “Now we’re post-COVID, which was some dark times. There is always going to be a need for people to have a holiday.
“The Maldives used to be a honeymoon destination. Club Med Kani came here 24 years ago and the company chose this destination because of our pioneering spirit. We were the first family-focused resort here. And, really, the first all-inclusive resort in the islands as well,” she continues. “There is competition now but we really hold dear that we were the first here—and we continue to evolve.”
So how does the all-inclusive resort measure up in today’s world? Well, it seems.
“We certainly have seen an increasing trend year-on-year where people are booking all-inclusive holidays,” explains Harding. “The definition of that is value. When you book, it’s convenient. You don’t need to go to multiple platforms to book restaurants, activities and accommodation. It’s a one-stop shop. Secondly, it’s really good if people need to understand what they’re spending on a holiday. There’s no fluctuations on currency and there’s no nasty surprises when it comes to budget.
“But you need to pick an all-inclusive company that provides a deep-dive into the destination.”
The Food! The Food! The Food!
Most nights, Club Med will host Aperitivo hour where really delicious hors d’oeuvres and wine are served pre-dinner. Usually hosted on the beachfront, a DJ will always be mixing a beat, and if you’re in a luck, a saxophone player will serenade you. Be sure to stay on an evening where the resort hosts its weekly White Party. Guests are asked to dress in white and gather for a buffet dinner on the beach under the stars. On our trip, acrobats swung from giant fixtures and champagne towers were aplenty. It’s a great way to meet other guests. If you are staying at the Finohlu Villas, you are also welcome to join in the fun on Kani island.
“The beautiful thing about Finolhu is you can have that relaxation and that down time but if you want to dip into Club Med Kani, you can,” says Harding. “It’s a benefit compared to other resorts in the Maldives: You have two islands to choose from.”
Whether you’re craving global favourites or local delicacies, the restaurants at Club Med Kani and The Finohlu Villas provide indulgent and varied dining experiences. At Kani, the lagoon-front deck and open al fresco setting of the Kandu Restaurant offer a perfect view for late breakfast or lunch. There is literally every cuisine you could think of to choose from. Go for the omelette and/or chia pod at breakfast and seafood or the veggie burger for lunch. The Manta Exclusive Collection Lounge Bar is situated on an overwater deck and offers an elevated cocktail experience. Head to The Sunset for a more relaxed vibe and look out over the lagoon.
Couples and honeymooners should head to The Moto at Finohlu for a fine dining dinner option. A short five-minute boat from Kani, its idyllic setting signals a romantic evening. And if the humidity gets the better of you, head inside and sit at the glass-bottomed bar! Indulge in a glass of chilled champagne at The Poolside Bar at sunset pre your fancy dinner.
For The Love Of The Ocean
No matter if you’re staying at Kani or Finohlu, you must book yourself in for the lobster picnic; a barbecued lunch on a private island bookended by some snorkelling on the reef. While this activity does cost extra, it’s worth every cent to see the marine life up close—Turtles! Colourful fish!—before kicking back with a lavishly served grilled lobster feast and glass of wine. It was probably the part of the holiday where I fully disconnected from my noisy work life.
There are over 30 activities to enjoy in Kani: Snorkelling, diving, padel tennis, paddle boarding, kayaking, Pilates, meditation, soccer, tennis, surfing, sailing, eater skiing and trapeze.
“The definition of luxury travel has shifted from materialism and opulence to something that is more experiential,” says Harding. “Even the most grandiose hotels are starting to speak about luxury in a different way. It used to be chandeliers, sweeping staircases, fluffy pillows and gold taps and it’s just not anymore.
“Luxury is defined by time, by an experience, by a feeling, by freedom,” she continues. “We like to say at Club Med Kani that we offer informal luxury.”
Like the fluid rooftops of the Finohlu Villas, stay a while and you, too, might start to be at one with the Indian Ocean’s horizon.
The Details
Club Med Kani
North male atoll Kani Kanifinolhu, 20000, Maldives
+960 664-3152
Book now
Club Med The Finohlu Villas
N 2051, Gasfinolhu, Maldives
+960 664-4040
Book Now
