Sunny Side Up: Why more Australians are heading to the Maldives

MALDIVES, SOUTH ASIA: At sunset, the domed, almost sculptural roofs of Club Med Finolhus overwater villas blend seamlessly into the horizon. These fluid, organic shapes—52 of them to be exact, and all spread out in a fan-like pattern over azure water—punctuate the evening light. To my left, a lone paddle boarder glides his oars through the still water. To my right is a bucket of ice and champagne at the edge of the pool. This motion view of the Maldives is one you’ll often see in your social media feeds – and like all good things, they rarely measure up to the pixelated hype. I can tell you that Club Med ‘s offer in this part of the Indian Ocean exceeds all expectations. And it seems more and more Australians are flying to experience them in their flirty flesh.

“You only have to look out the airplane window to see the endless turquoise playground that is the Maldives,” says Rachael Harding, managing director of Club Med’s East, South Asia and Pacific region. “The blue hues of these beautiful natural surroundings automatically create tranquility and breed the most incredible marine life. Whether it’s swimming, snorkelling, sitting and enjoying a drink with friends or simply watching the sunset… You feel like you’re in a paradise.

“Also, the Maldives is far enough away (from Australia) to feel exclusive and elusive,” she adds. “It’s a bucket list destination.”

Club Med has two offers in the Maldives: The Finohlu Villasa quiet, modern and exclusive hideaway for couples and children over 12. There are private butlers and free-flowing champagne from and Kania large, established all-inclusive resort for couples and families with children of all ages. The latter, which first opened 24 years ago, hosted hundreds of journalists from around the world in November showcasing its exclusive and exclusive experiences.

A story of happiness

Founded in the years after the Second World War by Belgian entrepreneur and inventor of the all-inclusive holiday Gérard Blitz, Club Med was born into the understanding that people in post-war Europe longed for relaxation and sunshine – an anti-urban utopia designed to absorb everyday stress. For the past 75 years, Club Med has applied the same understanding to changing trends and global shifts, thus adapting its offerings accordingly, while never wavering from its core values ​​of freedom, happiness and kindness.

“The purpose of life is to be happy,” goes a famous quote from Blitz. “The time to be happy is now. And the place to be happy is here.”

It was this idea that made the company emerge as one of the big winners of the 2020 pandemic.

“In today’s world, there will always be a ‘post-something,'” says Harding. “Now we’re post-COVID, which were some dark times. There will always be a need for people to take vacations.

“Maldives used to be a honeymoon destination. Club Med Kani came here 24 years ago and the company chose this destination because of our pioneering spirit. We were the first family-focused resort here. And really the first all-inclusive resort in the islands,” she continues. “There’s competition now, but we really like being the first here – and we’re continuing to evolve.”

So how does the all-inclusive resort measure up in today’s world? Well, it seems.

“We’ve definitely seen an increasing trend year-on-year of people booking all-inclusive holidays,” explains Harding. “The definition of it is value. When you book, it’s convenient. You don’t have to go to multiple platforms to book restaurants, activities and accommodation. It’s a one-stop shop. Second, it’s really good , if people need to understand what they spend on a holiday, there are no fluctuations in currency and there are no unpleasant surprises when it comes to budget.

“But you need to choose an all-inclusive company that provides a deep dive into the destination.”

The food! The food! The food!

Most nights, Club Med hosts Aperitivo Hour, where really delicious hors d’oeuvres and wine are served before dinner. Usually arranged on the beach, a DJ will always mix a beat and if you’re lucky, a saxophonist will serenade you. Be sure to stay on a night when the resort hosts its weekly White Party. Guests are asked to dress in white and gather for a buffet dinner on the beach under the stars. On our tour, acrobats swung from giant fixtures and there were plenty of champagne towers. It’s a great way to meet other guests. If you stay at Finohlu Villas, you are also welcome to join in the fun on Kani Island.

“The beauty of Finolhu is that you can have that relaxation and that downtime, but if you want to dive into Club Med Kani, you can,” says Harding. “It’s an advantage compared to other resorts in the Maldives: you have two islands to choose from.”

Whether you crave global favorites or local delicacies, the restaurants at Club Med Kani and The Finohlu Villas offer indulgent and varied dining experiences. At Kani, Kandu Restaurant offers a perfect view for late breakfast or lunch on the lagoon’s foredeck and open al fresco setting. There is literally any cuisine you can think of to choose from. Go for the omelette and/or chia pod for breakfast and the seafood or veggie burger for lunch. The Manta Exclusive Collection Lounge Bar is located on an overwater deck and offers an elevated cocktail experience. Head to The Sunset for a more relaxed vibe and look out over the lagoon.

Couples and honeymooners should head to The Moto at Finohlu for a great dining option. A short five-minute boat ride from Kani signals its idyllic setting for a romantic evening. And if the humidity gets the better of you, go inside and sit at the glass-bottomed bar! Treat yourself to a glass of chilled champagne at The Poolside Bar at sunset before your fancy dinner.

For the love of the sea

It doesn’t matter if you stay at Kani or Finohlu, you must book in for a lobster picnic; a grilled lunch on a private island bookended by some snorkeling on the reef. Although this activity costs extra, it is worth every cent to see the marine life up close – turtles! Colorful fish! – before sitting back with a sumptuously served grilled lobster feast and a glass of wine. It was probably the part of the holiday where I completely disconnected from my noisy working life.

There are over 30 activities to enjoy in Kani: Snorkeling, diving, paddle tennis, paddleboarding, kayaking, Pilates, meditation, football, tennis, surfing, sailing, table skiing and trapeze.

“The definition of lluxury travel has shifted from materialism and opulence to something that is more experiential,“ says Harding. “Even the most grandiose hotels are starting to talk about luxury in a different way. It used to be chandeliers, sweeping staircases, soft cushions and gold taps, and it just isn’t anymore.

“Luxury is defined by time, by an experience, by a feeling, by freedom,“ she continues. “At Club Med Kani, we like to say that we offer informal luxury.“

Like the floating rooftops of Finohlu Villas, stay a while and you too can begin to become one with the horizon of the Indian Ocean.

The details

Club Med Kani
North Male Atoll Kani Kanifinolhu, 20000, Maldives
+960 664-3152
Order now

Club Med Finohlu Villas
N 2051, Gasfinolhu, Maldives
+960 664-4040
Book now