Develop your sea skills in the Madlives
Combine a holiday with a taste of something new in 2013 and enlist on a lesson in paradise. With beautiful calm lagoons ready to be enjoyed by thrill seekers and amateur explorers alike, Olhuveli Beach & Spa Resort in the Maldives is the ideal destination for those looking to pick up a new skill on holiday.
Visitors hoping to tan and tone will soon be reaping the benefits after some kite-surfing lessons. Located on the tip of South Malé Atoll, the four-star Olhuveli is home to one of the only registered kite-surfing schools in the Maldives. Surrounded by a naturally shallow and sandy bottom lagoon, it is the perfect place for beginners to try their hand at the exhilarating watersport. Once up to speed, guests will be treated to the ride-of-a-lifetime as the specially-designed board glides across the turquoise water, giving kite-surfers the ultimate feeling of weightlessness. Private lessons start from US$80 per person and add an enviable skill to boast about on return.
Water Sports World at Olhuveli holds the supreme antidote for speed enthusiasts, with waterski experts on hand to deliver adrenalin-pumping courses that will leave guests wanting more. Once balance is achieved on the water, glide around the island and take in the breathtaking views of the swirling lagoon and gleaming sandy beaches. Beginner lessons start from US$55 per person and don’t forget to take home this new found skill as there are plenty of places to practice in the UK.
But if the idea of peacefully cruising the underwater world sounds more appealing, then picking up a PADI diving qualification in the Maldives could be just the answer. Olhuveli’s thriving water life is the perfect escape from the sun’s rays and offers a captivating journey through colourful reefs and corals. Teaming with incredible species from octopus and the majestic green sea turtle to manta ray and elegant lionfish, there’s plenty to discover in these tropical depths. The resort’s five-star PADI Sun Diving Centre is fully equipped to support all diving abilities and offers a range of courses including tailored training for beginners from US$175 per person.
After a session in the sea, guests can bask on the white sands that await their return or head to the one of Olhuveli’s restaurants for a much needed, freshly prepared meal. The resort also boasts two large pools, a Sun Spa and a free, daily children’s programme and babysitting service on request. Only 45 minutes by speedboat from Malé airport, Olhuveli is nestled amid tropical vegetation and boasts a vast award-winning beach.
British Airways (ba.com/maldives) offers seven nights for the price of six at Olhuveli Beach & Spa Resort from £1,349 per person (saving £75 per person), based on two adults sharing. Valid for selected departures between 1 May and 14 July, the price includes return flights from London, accommodation in a deluxe room on a half-board basis, speedboat transfers, taxes and surcharges.
Prices correct at time of publication and subject to availability.
