After several glasses of delicious wine I headed to dinner in the main buffet restaurant where you are spoiled for choice with a large selection of international and Maldevian dishes. There are also a number of themed evenings spread out throughout the week, including Asian and Sri Lankan cuisine which provide more variety and the opportunity to try dishes I had never tried before. The Sri Lankan curries and butter naans enjoyed at my table on the sand were a particular highlight. Following a couple of scoops of freshly made pistachio ice cream, one of over 100 flavours made on the island, I gathered my things and made the short walk back to the villa trying desperately not to topple into the water while staring up at the magical star studded sky.
The following morning, after a quick dip in what felt like my own private ocean and a quick hello to George, Moofushi’s resident Heron, I decided to venture out of the villa and explore the island a little more. First stop, the gym. Hidden away amongst the palms the small but fully equipped gym has everything you need to ease any guilt you may have before a day of tropical indulgence. There is even a PT on hand to provide extra assistance or private sessions if required. Post gym I wandered to breakfast with the island soundtrack of birds and faintly crashing waves all around me. Again, there was a large and varied selection of dishes from all over the world which would satisfy even the fussiest of eaters but if you do have any special requests the team will try to accommodate as best as they can with particular attention paid to any allergies or intolerances. Before I even departed the UK the team from Constance had been in touch to double check if I had any allergies, intolerances or special requests and remained very attentive throughout my stay.
I took the long route back to the villa, strolling through the surf taking in the endless blue waters blending into the equally blue skies. Soon enough it was time to make the most of another island amenity perfect for a solo traveller, the spa. Constance Moofushi’s charming spa is set on a wooden jetty over the tranquil waters of the ocean. I opted for a full body relaxing massage using oils scented with lemongrass to soothe and detoxify. To my delight when I lay down on the table, wrapped in fluffy white towels I was faced with a window onto the ocean bed where I could watch the various colourful fish and baby sharks swimming below as the skilled masseuse removed any lingering trace of tension from my body.
The following morning, just as the sun was beginning to rise, a small group gathered at the beach pavilion for a complimentary sunrise yoga session. I can safely say that with the rhythmic sounds of the ocean, gentle tinkle of bells and the soothing tones of the instructor guiding us through the gentle practice, I have never felt more relaxed in my life. I practically floated over to breakfast. Next on the agenda, a Maldives must, a ‘snorkelling extravaganza’. After a 30 minute boat trip out into the Indian Ocean with the island’s resident diving expert, we hopped into the water above the reef. Below was a truly magical scene – Giant Porcupine fish, clouds of orange Anthias, Napoleon fish and most special of all a Hawksbill Turtle swam around us in the sundrenched waters. While out on the ocean our guide explained that all Constance resorts prioritise respecting and preserving the natural surroundings. Since 2013, an environmental sustainability program has been in place at Moofushi, leading to Green Globe Certification, recognising the commitment to local communities and environmental prosperity and through various eco-initiatives and sustainable practices they are now Green Globe Platinum certified. After an afternoon spent floating around in such a beautiful but delicate ecosystem it’s reassuring to know that the staff at Constance prioritise protecting it above all else. On our way back to shore we even took a peek at the new coral reef that has been planted by the team at Moofushi, one of their many successful conservation efforts.
After such an adventurous afternoon it was time for a little treat, dinner at Moofushi’s A La Carte Beach grill Alizee Restaurant. During your stay all guests are entitled to one complimentary meal at Alizee and it should not be missed. As you would expect, the seafood is the star of the show with the tuna tartare amuse-bouche and the scallop 3 ways starter a real highlight. The main course of lobster was as delicious as it was impressive to look at and paired delightfully with a crisp Chardonnay. I held off on dessert, even though they all sounded delicious, as for my last evening on Moofushi I was headed to a group movie screening on the beach topped off with bubbles, popcorn and ice-cream. The resort offers both group and private screenings under the stars with an extensive collection of movies to choose from alongside the aforementioned delicious snacks. With the waves crashing gently in the distance, the warm breeze and thousands of stars sparkling above it was the most magical way to spend my final evening in Moofushi.
The next morning, after a quick breakfast I headed down the jetty to the awaiting speedboat, whisking myself and a handful of other guests on the 30 minute journey to our second Constance resort. As our boat pulled up to Constance Haliveli, the slightly more sophisticated big sister of Moofushi, and the waving staff greeted us like old friends, I was once again left speechless by the beauty of the island. Larger than Moofushi, but with fewer guests, Haliveli is a more contemporary and spacious resort with sleek glossy interiors flowing seamlessly into the ever present white sands and turquoise waters. The majority of Haliveli’s 86 luxury villas are situated above the water on one of the longest jetty’s in the Maldives. Each spacious villa comes with its own infinity pool plus direct access to the ocean and the plentiful marine life. All the villas are in the process of having their interiors updated but I was lucky enough to stay in one that had already been completed. The new decor was in keeping with the rest of the resort, fresh, contemporary and clean with large glass doors covering one whole side of the property ensuring unobstructed views of the seemingly never ending ocean. For those in need of a little more space, perhaps travelling with family, there are a number of beach villas of varying sizes with their own private pool and section of the beach.
After a lazy afternoon spent making the most of my private terrace and infinity pool, devouring a book I had been falling asleep to for months, I headed further out along the jetty to the island’s Asian fusion restaurant Jing. Open to the ocean along one side with an impressive terrace, Jing blends Asian and European flavours paired with rare wines from the Jing Wine Cellar, which is of course the main reason I’m here. In a private room, lined with bottles of wine from all over the globe, myself and a few other guests enjoyed a private wine tasting, sampling several delicious wines with guidance from the excellent sommelier team. Dinner on the terrace followed, accompanied by the sound of the black tipped sharks feasting below. Once again, the food was outstanding with the crispy prawn served with a red curry ‘cappuccino’ designed by Executive Chef Hameed Siddiq, a real stand out.