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When you think of the Maldives, images of overwater bungalows, sun-drenched white sands, and impossibly clear waters most likely come to mind. And while this postcard-perfect vision is undeniably accurate, you’d be remiss to think it’s all the country has to offer.
This spectacular island nation is rich in history, art and cuisine — not to mention the marine wonders waiting to be explored.
If you’re looking for somewhere to immerse yourself in Maldivian culture while experiencing the country’s iconic, world-class luxury, then we recommend taking your pick of two standout resorts: Mercure Maldives Kooddoo and Pullman Maldives Maamutaa. Here’s everything you need to know to help you make your choice.
Experience Maldivian culture at Mercure Maldives Kooddoo
Kooddoo Island, in the southern Maldives, is home to the intimate, adults-only boutique hotel Mercure Maldives Kooddoo, where serene relaxation meets cultural immersion.
Throughout the resort you’ll find interior designs inspired by Maldivian traditions — giving you your first taste of culture upon arrival.
There’s an array of 68 villas to choose from, including beachfront and overwater options atop the crystal-clear waters — where you can dive straight in for some snorkelling.
Thanks to a PADI-certified dive centre and its idyllic location in the Gaafu Alifu Atoll, whose waters are rich in marine life, Mercure Maldives Kooddoo is the perfect starting point to head out to sea in search of rays, sharks, turtles and dolphins. And don’t worry if it’s you’ve not dived before, here you can learn the skills you need and experience scuba diving for the first time all in one trip.
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If you prefer your one-of-a-kind excursions on solid ground, you can experience local culture and traditions at Mercure Maldives Kooddoo while learning of the country’s history and heritage. If you’re feeling adventurous, the resort can also arrange visits to local islands, allowing you to get acquainted with the heritage first-hand. For example, across the neighbouring islands of Villingili, Maamendhoo and Maamutaa, you can witness unique Maldivian craft-making techniques and cooking demonstrations.
Food is, of course, fundamental to any culture, and Maldivian cuisine can be experienced in a variety of ways not just on nearby islands but from within the resort itself. Across the dining options, you can taste Maldivian delicacies, and private dinners can be organised in your villa or on the beach with the sand between your toes.
If eating alone won’t satisfy your curiosity, perhaps a cooking class or a visit to the chef’s garden will. In the garden, you’ll see and learn about herbs and ingredients that are local to the Maldives and essential to the cuisine, and you’ll be taught how to cook with them and create authentic dishes to savour for a lifetime.
And for a little rest and relaxation in between it all, at the Suvadiva Spa you can experience techniques local to the Maldives as well as those found across the continent and worldwide. Whether it’s a massage with Asian healing techniques or a facial to nourish your sun-kissed skin, it’ll give you a moment of serenity amid your local discoveries.
Experience unrivalled at Pullman Maldives Maamutaa
If you’re searching for utter indulgence, with all your needs met, then look no further.
The magnificent tropical island of Maamutaa, in the Gaafu Alifu Atoll, is made up of 44 acres of greenery adorned by turquoise waters. Here you’ll find Pullman Maldives Maamutaa where service, amenities and experiences are taken to the next level with the most generous five-star all-inclusive offering in the Maldives.
This unique luxury resort aims to inspire your mind and energise your body with a host of holistic wellness activities alongside enriching cultural programmes.
Across the island you’ll find 122 villas, including beachside ones and the iconic overwater designs, as well as a phenomenal underwater option for a once-in-a-lifetime experience, from which you can gaze into the crystal-clear waters from the comfort of your bed.
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But, of course, this isn’t the only way to experience the atoll’s vibrant underwater ecosystem (which includes 13 species of shark). As well as snorkelling around the island, there are 26 dive sites to explore in the Gaafu Alifu Atoll, and the resort’s five-star PADI certified Suvadiva Dive Centre is the perfect starting point for experienced divers and beginners alike.
Alongside the dive centre, you’ll find fitness activities, workout programmes and wellness taking centre stage. Take your pick of the Fit Trail — an outdoor exercise and bootcamp-style circuit — as well as Zumba, volleyball, tennis and yoga while floating on a paddleboard or on land alongside the sunset.
You can then recover at The Pullman Spa, which sits atop a white sand lagoon. The treatments feature local, Asian and worldwide techniques spanning massage, facials and an array of beauty treatments, too — there’s even the Kids’ Spa for ages four to 12.
Fuel yourself throughout the day with three dining options (and three bars) across the resort to choose from. With a standout option being Phat Chameleon — the first organic, vegan and vegetarian restaurant in the Maldives, where live cooking demonstrations turn eating into an extraordinary experience. You can take things up a notch with private dining, too. Whether it’s in your room, on the beach or even in your pool with a floating breakfast.
If this array of activities, experiences and moments of indulgence weren’t already enough, Pullman Maldives Maamutaa goes beyond expectations once again with its calendar of themed weeks each year — Fit Week, Art Week, Food Week, and Aqua Week — celebrating the best of Maldivian culture and lifestyle.
Whether you’re drawn to the unparalleled luxury of the Pullman Maldives Maamutaa or the intimate cultural charm of the Mercure Maldives Kooddoo, both resorts offer an unparalleled opportunity to experience the Maldives far beyond its beauty and beaches. From diving into its marine wonders to indulging in its rich cultural traditions, these destinations invite you to create once-in-a-lifetime memories. Ready to explore? Visit pullmanmaldivesmaamutaa.com and mercuremaldiveskooddooresort.com.
Words: Rebecca Crowe
