A few nights in Dubai to explore some of its history and the lifestyle of the desert nomads, followed by relaxing for a week on a beautiful all-inclusive five-star resort in the Maldives.
What's Included:
3 nights Dubai, including breakfast and excursions; 7 nights Constance Moofushi, all-inclusive. Includes flights and transfers.
11 days from £5,200pp
who's been there
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On the beach - 8 days
Constance Moofushi
Contemporary accommodation, excellent food and outstanding service are key elements of a stay at Moofushi, one of the Maldives鈥� premier resorts. Set in an intimate location surrounded by lagoons, sandbanks and woodlands, this chic hotel offers pure escapism.
Carved driftwood, bamboo and wicker combine with blonde woods and the very best in interior design to stunning effect at Moofushi. The rustic yet sophisticated rooms, beachside restaurants and tranquil spa exude an air of effortless, laid-back luxury. You can choose your own pace here; simply relax on the stunning beach or by the pool and soak up the superb ocean views or explore the surrounding reef to discover some of the incredible local marine life. The resort is renowned for its diving and the reef is regarded as one of the best dive spots in the world. You can also try windsurfing, kayaking and snorkelling, take a sunset cruise aboard a traditional dhoni or visit some of the local villages for a real taste of the Maldives lifestyle.
With thatched palm ceilings, vast beds and beautiful bathrooms, the resort鈥檚 spacious villas are rustic yet sleek. The stilted Water Villas have steps leading directly to the ocean while the Senior Water Villas come with baths that seem to float above the lagoon.
Before the beach - 3 days
Dubai
Dubai is a fascinating city, and a guided walking tour reveals its stark contrasts. Away from the gleaming modern edifices you will discover Dubai鈥檚 old quarter with its textile market and Hindu temple, while across the Creek you can wander through the fragrant Spice Souk and renowned Gold Souk. Take a 4x4 trip to the Dubai Desert Conservation Reserve and join a caravan of camels across the dramatic terrain for a traditional Bedouin meal in the middle of the desert.
The Vida Downtown has an excellent location close to the Burj Khalifa, the world鈥檚 tallest tower, and the Dubai Mall, as well as a raft of other dining and shopping options. A relaxed, contemporary design flows through the 156 rooms and suites.
Constance Moofushi
110 rooms, 2 restaurants, 1 pool
Description
Part of the Constance group, Moofushi Resort quickly established itself as one of the premier resorts in the Maldives. When you arrive you鈥檙e informed of the 鈥榠sland time鈥� as the resort sets its own time zone: just to make sure that sunset鈥檚 at the perfect time for guests.
The 110 land and water villas are hidden in intimate locations between the lagoons, sandbanks and beaches. Each villa offers a castaway island experience 鈥� you鈥檒l find them so spacious that guests rarely leave them 鈥� and is ideal for those seeking seclusion.
The beaches are curves of ivory sand and underwater you鈥檒l find healthy coral villages. Gourmet dining, excellent service and some of the best diving in the world make this a special destination.
Location
Situated on the South Ari Atoll, a short and scenic seaplane transfer from Mal茅, the resort is in an intimate location on its own small island, with porcelain-white sands, thick palm groves, coral reefs and the turquoise waters of the Indian Ocean.
Beaches in the Maldives are generally smaller than in other areas of the world, although they make up for this with pristine sands and water so clear you can see the fish below. The soft-sand beach of Constance Moofushi surrounds most of the island, making it one of the larger beaches among the Maldives resorts.
Our opinion
This is the sort of island where you can remove your shoes on arrival, and not put them on again until you leave. Constance Moofushi offers tempting, fresh cuisine, luxurious accommodation and a first-class service, the combination of which has become synonymous to Constance Hotels.
Rooms
The spacious villas look like traditional Maldivian villas from a distance, with thatched roofs and wooden-slatted walls. Inside you鈥檒l find a laid-back luxury with carefully-crafted bamboo and driftwood furniture and a modern bathroom that wouldn鈥檛 look out of place in a design magazine.
There鈥檚 a choice of villas on the beach or over water, and all have air-conditioning, Mac Mini, minibar, television and tea and coffee facilities.
Beach Villa
Beach Villas are a spacious 57m2 with direct access to the beach and each has a hammock on its terrace that's a great spot from which to enjoy the sunset.
Water villa
Water Villas are larger than the Beach Villas at 66m2 and are set on stilts over the water. Each has a large terrace furnished with sun loungers and has direct steps down to the ocean.
Senior Water Villa
Senior Water Villas are the largest at the resort at 94m2. With a secluded over water setting, an extensive terrace and an outdoor bath, they offer a romantic escape. One side of the villa can be opened out completely to offer panoramic ocean views without compromising privacy.
Pictures of the rooms
Activities, diving & excursions
There鈥檚 a large outdoor pool, as well as snorkelling opportunities on the vibrant house reef, just steps from the beach. Just off the main house reef you鈥檒l find an underwater picture frame to pose behind. Visit the Marine Centre to watch informative presentations or participate in the coral adoption programme.
A wide range of water sports are also available. Non-motorised activities, such as windsurfing, kayaking and pedal boats, are included, as is sailing (although there鈥檚 a compulsory orientation cost). Big-game fishing and night fishing can be arranged for an additional charge 鈥� the resort operates a responsible catch and release policy.
Moofushi attracts hundreds of divers each year 鈥� its waters are often so thick with fish it feels like a fishbowl. The house reef, situated on the South Ari Atoll, is regarded as one of the best diving spots in the world, and plays home to a rich and diverse marine life.
Migratory ocean species, such as mantas, whale sharks, dolphins and sea eagles, all pass by, along with an array of fish including stingrays, sea cucumbers, lionfish, snappers and eels.
Staff at Moofushi will be happy to talk guests through all diving options, and there are over 32 well-reputed dive sites within 30 minutes of the resort. Visibility is generally very good, and there are sites suitable for both novices and experienced divers.
Food & drink
The main restaurant, Manta, offers laid-back, yet elegant, dining, with tables set on the sand. The theme changes daily, from Maldivian specialities to wood-fired pizza, and there鈥檚 an extensive wine cellar with a sommelier on hand.
Some tables are set on an overwater deck, which is particularly picturesque at night when the water is lit to show the fish swimming below. During the day, staff will also be happy to serve you by the pool.
Alizee restaurant is a relaxed and casual beach grill, open for dinner. Set on the beach, just a few metres from the ocean, it specialises in fresh fish caught that day, as well as meat dishes, all cooked to order. One dining experience here is included in the Cristal All Inclusive package, and further dinners can be booked at a local cost.
There are also two bars at Moofushi. Manta bar, a lively and friendly bar, located next to Manta restaurant, has a resident DJ in the evenings, and an open layout to make the most of the ocean views.
Totem Bar is a sand-between-your-toes bar set on the beach, shaded by trees, serving smoothies, juices, cocktails and drinks, as well as lunchtime snacks and afternoon tea.
Please note: Constance Moofushi does not offer room service.
Spa Facilities
With eight overwater treatment rooms, the luxurious spa is a picturesque spot for a relaxing treatment, with glass panels set in the floor, so you can watch the fish swimming in the ocean as you enjoy your massage.
There鈥檚 a wide choice of pampering treatments available as well as a range of yoga activities.
Dubai
Location: Dubai
On the shores of the Arabian Gulf, Dubai was, until recently, an oil rich desert state with little tourist infrastructure, but in only a few decades it has transformed itself into one of the world’s leading beach destinations.
If you are travelling to the Musandam Peninsula in Oman or flying to Muscat with Emirates airlines you will be landing in Dubai and it makes for a natural break for a few days’ relaxation. Dubai’s hotels are renowned and include some of the most lavish properties in the world, either on the beach, around Dubai Creek, or in the splendid isolation of the desert.
Never understated, Dubai makes a bold statement with an extensive list of activities including excellent restaurants, shopping, championship golf courses, and an indoor real snow ski slope.
Vida Downtown Hotel
Accommodation: Vida Downtown Hotel
Set in the heart of the area known as downtown, the Vida is a great base for those who like plenty of choice on their doorstep.
There is a wide variety of restaurants and shops within walking distance of the hotel, including the enormous Dubai Mall, the Souk al Bahar and the Dubai Fountains.
A fresh, contemporary décor of crisp whites and neutrals give the hotel a sophisticated yet casual feel. A small courtyard pool as you enter the hotel is surrounded by cabanas and in the evenings transforms to a modern bar with comfortable lounging cushions in the cabanas. There is a great choice of dining at the hotel with four restaurants ranging from French bistro to modern Oriental cuisine.
The 156 rooms and suites are set over six floors and have a smart, modern décor. Deluxe Rooms are a reasonable size for the city while Junior Suites are almost double the size with a separate lounge area and bedroom.
Itinerary
Day by day
Day 1
This morning you will fly to Dubai. After your arrival you will be driven to your hotel in the Dubai city area.
Day 2
You have some time at leisure after spending part of your day doing a walking tour of Dubai's old quarter which is the best way to get acquainted with the city's heritage.
Day 3
Leaving your hotel early in the morning, you will travel in four-wheel drive vehicles to the Dubai Desert Conservation Reserve for a breathtaking journey over the rolling dunes. After this enjoy a camel ride before partaking in a traditional 'Futoor' breakfast in the middle of the vast Arabian desert. The afternoon is at leisure.
Day 4
This morning you will be transferred from your hotel to the airport for your flight to Mal茅. On arrival you will be met at the airport and transferred by seaplane to Constance Moofushi where you can settle in and start to enjoy the fantastic beach.
Day 5
Today you have the day at leisure.
Days 6 - 10
Day at leisure.
Day 11
The seaplane will take you back to Mal茅 so you can catch your flight back to the UK via Dubai.
Start planning your trip with Audley
Tailoring your trip
This itinerary is designed to give you a flavour of what is possible.
We can tailor this trip to suit your specific requirements
Any aspect of the itinerary can be altered, from excursions to accommodation
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