With climate change threatening to drown the tiny archipelago nation of Maldives, your chance to explore a soon-to-be extinct getaway bang in the middle of the Indian Ocean, is slimming
With climate change threatening to drown the tiny archipelago nation of Maldives, your chance to explore a soon-to-be extinct getaway bang in the middle of the Indian Ocean, is slimming
When housing and environment minister Mohamed Aslam announced how in couple of decades, Maldives might no longer exist, he must have thrown a whole population of tour operators in serious panic. The tiny archipelago nation is one of the most popular and ethereal holiday destinations, but dangerously rising sea levels threaten to drown the islands.
While authorities are racing against the hasty hand of time to make the nation "carbon-neutral" by 2020, the idea of 1,200 islands in the Maldives disappearing, is reason enough to nudge you into making a quick trip.
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Take along
The resort provides snorkeling gear but make sure you carry a towel. For women, slipping a shirt over their swimsuit makes sense to prevent the life jacket from slipping off. Snorkeling is part of the package, and organised at 9.30 am and 2.30 pm daily.u00a0
Go swim with fishu00a0u00a0
The dreamy setting, beautiful bodies (some belonging to the GOs aka Gentle Officers as the club staff is called) makes it irresistible to lose yourself with a loved one. But for those of you in the mood for solitary exploration, how about a swim with fish?
I stood in the queue to claim my snorkeling gear, while jabbering Japanese couples carrying their own personal kit, waterproof watch and camera included, zipped past me. In the sparkling white boats you sail in, spitting with vengeance is routine. It's an effective way to clean snorkeling gear, before they hand out fins and a life jacket to slip on.
For the athletic GO Vaea, it was just another day at sea. As the groaning boat engine came to a halt, it was cue to jump. Allow yourself a few moments to adjust the gear, but don't make it your pre-occupation because a life-altering experience awaits you three feet under water, where the sound of silence is gratifying, periodically uplifted by the sight of a shoal of Malta fish going about their chores and Hawksbill Turtle and Yellowspot Emperors hanging out in pairs. I lost track of time, and before I could comb out completeness from nothingness, I was reminded that it was time to get back to land.
The writer's stay was hosted by Club Med Kani
3 Hot Watersports to Try
Kayaking: Unexpected winds turned the water choppy, with us struggling unsuccessfully at the safe boundary of the shore. Otherwise, this sport is easy, we were told. All you need is better coordination with your activity partner and blessings from the weather God.
Sailing: Disappointed with my first try at paddling, I decided to let the GO take us out sailing. It's always appropriate for a lady to be driven around. There are set geographical and time boundaries; don't expect too much.u00a0u00a0
Windsurfing: Active reflexes are key here. The GO acquainted our group with navigational must-dos with regard to the following terms: sail, rig, mast, boom, extension and universal. Sounds easier than done. It will take a few embarrassing somersaults, but if you are relentless, you'll come back having learnt a new sport.
Rate card
At Club Med Kani, all rates are per person per night (all inclusive package).
Between December 19 and January 1 (peak season)
Superior room: Rs 17,000 per person per night
Beach Villa: Rs 34,000 per person per night
Lagoon suite: Rs 70,384 per person per night
January 2 to February 12 (low season)
Superior room: Rs 11,800 per person per night
Beach Villa: Rs 23,600 per person per night
Lagoon suite: Rs 55,112 per person per night
Two way airport transfers by speed boat are at extra charge of Rs 4,000 per person
The Club Med Premium All Inclusive Package includes:
}Accommodation in a twin sharing room
}Buffet breakfast, lunch and dinner with unlimited red and white wine, beer and beverages during lunch and dinner
}All sports activities with expert tuition
}Sundown entertainment
}All day bar and snacking inclusive
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