Many people around the world have entered the new year having lost someone near and dear to them, as the COVID-19 pandemic has devastated countless lives around the world. Why not celebrate the new year with a much-deserved vacation, or ‘friendcation’ with your closest friends and family?
If you’ve always had dreams of spending the day lounging around on a tropical island, the idyllic island destination of the Maldives if the perfect destination for you. Here are five reasons why you should consider the Maldives as your next holiday destination, once travel restrictions allow you to do so of course, according to Urban Espresso.
1. It’s perfect for sharing
There’s something about sharing a beautiful place with people you love that makes the experience even more memorable. The picturesque setting of the Maldives with its superb beaches, sparkling turquoise waters, palm trees, and amazing weather, provides the perfect backdrop to share this special place with friends.
2. It allows time and space for uninterrupted reconnection
Heading to the Maldives isn’t just a physical break – it’s a mental one too, as you’re able to reconnect with friends away from your normal (homebound) routine. Think lazy days on the beach where conversation can flow, dreamy coastline walks and spectacular sunset dinners where your stress and anxiety can melt away.
3. It’s got all the bonding activities you could hope for
The Maldives is the ultimate playground for sea fanatics and watersports lovers. Whether
you’re a couple looking for an active island getaway or a small group of friends looking for
adventure, there are a number of exciting options to choose from. These include wakeboarding, diving, snorkeling, kite surfing, parasailing and more. If however, you’re more excited at the thought of slowing down and doing less, the plethora of luxury accommodation options will allow you to bond over gourmet cuisine, luxury spas and a choice of some superb wellness retreats.
4. It’s great value for money
The island offers many resorts to suit all budgets and tastes. Resorts like Club Med are all-inclusive, meaning your trip is paid for ahead of time, so there are no nasty surprises for your wallet at the end. With these all-inclusive resorts, all meals, drinks, snacks and activities like kayaking, sailing, snorkelling and yoga are included. Should you book a last-minute trip to the Maldives in January there are great deals to Club Med’s resorts, and you will enjoy the benefit of fewer crowds and more space that is synonymous with off-peak seasons.
5. It’s safe from a health perspective
While the point of your friendcation will be to forget about the global pandemic that’s hit us, it’s still comforting to know that there are strict health and safety measures in place in the Maldives. When travelling, you’ll need to provide a negative PCR test taken no more than 96 hours prior. Certain resorts have also implemented health and safety measures with strict sanitisation measures in place. processes. If you stay at a Club Med resort in the Maldives, they can assist you in booking a *PCR test to be done in the resort to ensure you don’t have to go scouting for a clinic, and will be sorted with your PCR test ahead of flying back to SA after your island break.
According to the Maldives Ministry of Tourism guidelines, which was last updated on January 14, 2021, a number of Tourist Resorts, Tourist Hotels, Tourist Vessels, Tourist Guesthouses, Yacht Marinas, Transit Facilities and Foreign Vessels are in full operation. So once South Africa opens its borders, you can get to planning your next friendcation!
Picture: Supplied
