Theresa Marryshow is an organic farmer on an unlikely mission.
26.04.2024 - 15:49 / forbes.com
As the sun descended into the horizon, a Jumeirah Maldives Olhahali Island speedboat whisked us to a secluded sandbank that, at first sight, was deserted. Our arrival, however, revealed a solitary pergola draped in gauzy fabric and adorned with fresh flowers, moving in the breeze.
Under the pergola, we slipped into a treatment bed. A therapist’s gentle hands massaged in ginger and eucalyptus oil (said to be good for smoothing away stress and tension), beginning with our face and head. Soft piano chords of “The Sound of Silence” drifted from a speaker, harmonizing with the lapping of waves and the soft squawking of birds. It wasn’t long before we were lulled into a deep sense of tranquility. Once the full-body massage ended, we opened our eyes to reveal an endless night sky above.
The sandbank was illuminated by the soft glow of lanterns, and we headed to an elegant seating area steps from the shore. We were given a pink rose and sat down before a spread of salmon, chicken and caviar canapés, along with sweet confections like madeleines and macarons. Then a sommelier sabered a bottle of Taittinger so we could toast under the moonlight.
The Maldives hotel is one of the first in the region to offer this romantic sandbank rendezvous, perfect for couples whose proposal, anniversary or other special occasion calls for the ultimate setting. You can also add on a movie screening, picnic, dinner or live band to linger still more here.
This is just one way that Jumeirah Maldives, a relative newcomer that opened in 2021, has begun crafting memorable experiences. While the luxury hotel only has 67 beach and overwater villas, it has a deep well of offerings to make any occasion an event.
Water Offerings
From its vantage point in the North Malé Atoll, known for its pristine beaches and vibrant marine life, Jumeirah Maldives makes the most of its aquatic locale. Among its offerings is a powder-blue semi-submarine that plunges you three feet below the surface, but seemingly miles from the world above. Accommodating up to eight, the semi-sub is popular among families who want a window onto a panorama of sea life. You can also explore the aqua waters in clear-bottom kayaks, banana boats, jet skis, seabobs, stand-up paddleboards, catamarans and parasails. Or embark on snorkel and dive excursions to encounter the atoll’s manta rays, turtles and colorful fish up close.
Another way to experience — and help conserve — the aquatic surroundings is to attend a coral-planting workshop. On-staff marine biologist Andreia Tami Akaki spearheads sessions by underscoring reefs’ all-important role for local life, despite their precarious future. Although they make up about 1% of the ocean floor, coral reefs house more than 25% of
Theresa Marryshow is an organic farmer on an unlikely mission.
With summer just around the corner in the USA, you’re likely already dreaming of where to spend your vacation.
Summer is the perfect time to combine a road trip through Ontario with a jamming live music festival. Whether your passion is rock, jazz, blues, or trending pop, these five summer music festivals have something for everyone. It’s also an opportunity to discover up and coming local musicians and bands that will be performing against the backdrop of Ontario’s rugged natural beauty. This diverse east-central Canadian province borders the United States and the Great Lakes and is home to rich varied landscapes, vibrant multiculturalism, and fun events happening all summer long. So grab your dancing shoes and sense of adventure to experience the best music in Ontario for summer 2024.
Ontario is known for summer road trips and with warmer weather finally here it’s time to pick a small town and start exploring. Canada's second largest province covers over 415,000 square miles and borders the United States and the mighty Great Lakes. Toronto, Ontario’s capital city, is a fun and convenient home base with vibrant multicultural communities and endless adventures, so you may want to arrive early. Then get ready to discover Ontario’s diverse landscapes and rugged beauty on a road trip to one of these charming Canadian towns.
At Patina Maldives, Fari Islands, the tranquil beauty of the archipelago meets cutting-edge artistic and environmental consciousness. This year, the resort played host to Sassan Behnam-Bakhtiar, a master painter renowned for his dedication to sustainability in art. His latest project, "Life Energy", is a series of unique 'Living Paintings' developed during his residency, which vividly embody his artistic vision and his commitment to environmental care.
Are Saudi Arabia’s new tourism offerings too pricey? That’s the sentiment on the ground at the Future Hospitality Summit (FHS) in Riyadh this week.
Imagine a day jet skiing between islands accompanied by a pod of dolphins, then getting in a round of golf before your stress-relieving Ayurvedic massage, heading back to your overwater villa to enjoy sunset cocktails then ending the evening with a gourmet meal overlooking the Indian Ocean. All right — they can’t always guarantee the dolphins. But the rest is a sure thing at your stay at Velaa Private Island resort in the Maldives.
In case you missed it, luxury transporter Blade — which is best known for operating helicopters and private jets across New York, Europe and Canada — has expanded into the bus market.
When you think of Barbados, dreamy images of sun, sea and sand probably come to mind.
The traditional foods of Indonesia never quite get the credit they deserve. Thousands of islands spread across three time zones ensure a culinary diversity like no other nation.
Delve into Local Strolls, a series where writers reveal their favorite walks in their hometowns. Each route offers a snapshot of urban life, guiding you to lesser-known attractions and cherished local spots. Here, Alexa Moore takes us on a two-mile-long amble through the historic streets of Georgetown, Washington, DC.
Actress Samantha Pauly is starring as Jordan Baker in the hot new Broadway musical “The Great Gatsby,” based on the famous F. Scott Fitzgerald novel. The show opened April 25th.