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Captivating Things to Do in Maldives

If you want a holiday to enjoy relaxation and exhilaration in equal measure, then the Maldives will be perfect! These are some things to do here that will be truly memorable.

Water Sports

Snorkelling can be tried by the whole family and those at resorts in places like the South Male Atoll can also enjoy this activity amidst whale sharks, nurse sharks or manta rays! Diving is popular as is surfing, while properties like Anantara Dhigu Maldives Resort also offer wakeboarding, jet-skiing, kayaking, flyboarding and parasailing.

Image Credit: Anantara Dhigu Maldives Resort

Island Getaways

During your stay in the Maldives, beach villa accommodation is ideal for spending time by the shore; however, for something special, some resorts offer access to private islands for just you and that special someone. You can enjoy snorkelling, sunbathing, savouring BBQ lunches and sipping sundowners amidst sublime serenity.

Dolphin Spotting

In the Indian Ocean waters that surround the islands, you will also find dolphins swimming wild and free. You can embark on journeys out to sea on a luxury yacht and encounter these adorable marine mammals including spinner dolphins that can be seen playing and sometimes acrobatically leaping out of the water!

Sunset Cruises

As the day draws to a close, the sun descends to the horizon and offers a most magnificent sight. One of the best things to do in Maldives is to set off on a sunset cruise during this time to catch this magical spectacle unfold. It’s a perfect activity to enjoy with your life partner while sharing canapés and a champagne toast.

Why You Should Visit Doha, Qatar

Doha, the capital of Qatar, is a cosmopolitan city rooted in its rich heritage. Here are some reasons as to why it should be on your holiday destination bucket list!

Enthralling Souqs

A “souq” is a traditional marketplace and amongst the most popular attractions in Doha is its Souq Waqif which is more than a century old. You will find all manner of items for sale here be it handicrafts, souvenirs, Bedouin weaving, clothing or spices; it’s also home to the Gold Souq and Falcon Souq!

Preacher lad, Souq Waqif, Doha (17), CC BY-SA 4.0

Water Sports

For some thrills in the ocean when in Doha, hotels by the beach offer plenty of opportunities for water sports. Such properties including the island resort of Anantara Hotels, Resorts & Spas feature banana boating, kayaking, stand-up paddleboarding, wakeboarding, fishing and diving to see marine life and underwater wrecks.

Museums & Galleries

If it’s culture you are after, you can visit the uniquely designed National Museum of Qatar which offers insights into the nation’s history and heritage. Art lovers will be captivated by the Museum of Islamic Art on the Corniche, while also of note are the Mathaf: Arab Museum of Modern Art and Fire Station art space.

Beaches & Deserts

Amongst the best things to do in Doha is to spend time at a private beach of a resort. There’s also the public Katara Beach which is a family favourite and Al Wakrah Beach that’s close to the city. You can plan trips to the desert too where everything from dune bashing to camel rides await amidst a sea of sand.

Snorkeling in The Maldives

The Maldives is one of the best destinations in the whole world if perfect snorkelling is what you are longing for! While you snorkel, it’s not just the coral reefs that you get to explore, but many more aquatic animals such as manta rays!

Best time for your snorkelling experience

If the visibility of the water is great, that’s what you need for an awesome snorkelling session. From January to April, you can expect sunny weather conditions and no / less rain means clearer waters.

Why the Maldives is the best for snorkelling?

Most of the Maldives luxury resorts the likes of Residence Maldives Falhumaafushi are located in secluded locations. These places offer the best snorkelling areas where the visibility of the water is very precise.

Tips for a great snorkelling session

Be mindful to rent snorkelling equipment only from certified agents. Since you are always provided with a guide/instructor, follow his instructions all the time. Don’t panic when you are in the water.

The average costs

This depends on the number of people you have with you and the number of days you require. Roughly the cost is around $8 per day and this does not include the applicable taxes.

Experience a Mekong River Cruise

The mighty Mekong River is one of the most magnificent sights for those travelling to East or Southeast Asia and the great things is, it is perfect for a captivating cruise.

Where is the Mekong?

Beginning in China’s Tibetan Plateau, the river travels over 4,000 km, flowing through six countries including Laos, Thailand, Myanmar and Cambodia. A Mekong River cruise is an ideal way to traverse these waters which support rich biodiversity and offer insights into local culture and livelihoods.

Best Way to Travel

The best way to explore the river is to enjoy cruises offered by operators such as Mekong Kingdoms which have their own fleet of luxury boats. You get both day journeys and sunset dinner cruises as well as more intimate overnight experiences amidst the finest comforts as you visit places in Laos and Thailand.

Diverse Destinations

Each destination along the Mekong River has something different to offer. You can explore the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Luang Prabang in Laos, take in the lush beauty of Chiang Khong and the Golden Triangle, witness temple ruins in Chiang Saen and venture to Chiang Mai in the ancient Lanna Kingdom.

Unique Experiences

Depending on the type of cruise, you will be able to enjoy plenty of activities be it stopping by hill-tribe villages, sampling local cuisine, encountering elephants or seeing historical sites. Key attractions to visit along the way include the sacred Pak Ou Caves, Wat Dhon Kuhn, Khamu village and the idyllic Kuang Si Waterfalls.

Must-try Water Sports in the Maldives

The beautiful atolls of the Maldives offer so much more than it meets the eye. Apart from the fascinating village excursions and the diverse cuisine it offers, the array of activities in Maldives – particularly water sports hold a massive attraction for its visitors.

Jet Skiing

Jet skiing is the ultimate treat for those who love speed – and nature! Set yourself free with this adrenaline-fuelled activity when you choose to stay at properties such as The Nautilus Maldives.

Snorkelling

Slip beneath the azure waters around the Maldives islands for an experience of a lifetime; explore the colourful reefs and the vibrant lives that thrive around them.

Banana Boat Rides

Here’s a fun activity to be experienced with your friends or family – get on an inflatable banana-shaped boat and get towed at high-speed into the shallow sea.

Parasailing

Attach yourself to a colourful parasail wing and be gently lifted into the sky (with the help of a speedboat, of course!) With this activity, you can experience the thrill of flying like a bird while revelling in the breathtaking views of the surrounding landscapes.

Unusual Things to Do in Sri Lanka

Not many know of the off-the-beaten-path adventures that Sri Lanka hides within – so they often end up travelling in touristy places and miss out on the best of what this country has to offer.

Experience Village Life
Ditch the rich towns to seek the true essence of Sri Lanka – ask your travel guide to introduce you to rural village life. You’ll even be able to enjoy the authentic Sri Lankan cuisine while striking up a conversation with the friendly villagers.

Fly Over the Clouds

Vnonymous, Penang Hot Air Balloon, CC BY-SA 4.0

No, it doesn’t mean plane rides – prepare yourself for a breathtaking bird’s-eye view of Dambulla, Sri Lanka with hot air balloon rides! It is an unparalleled experience to which you can look forward during a stay at a property such as Heritance Kandalama.

Climb Pidurangala

This is a lesser-known alternative for Sigiriya, but many tourists are only made aware of the Sigiriya Rock Fortress. Climbing Pidurangala will help you to avoid crowds that make their way up in Sigiriya.

Discover Stilt Fishing

The fascinating sight of fishermen perched atop branched poles is something you have to witness in Sri Lanka. Visiting Koggala, Ahangama, or Kaththaluwa will let you experience this unique method of fishing.

Wildlife Safaris in Mozambique

In the African nation of Mozambique, wildlife safaris are not only land-based but can be experienced in the water too! Here are some of the best spots for such experiences.

Bazaruto National Park

Home to a protected marine reserve, the Bazaruto National Park covers an archipelago with several islands. Those staying here including at the property of Anantara Hotels, Resorts & Spas can explore the waters of the park and encounter dolphins, whales, sharks, manta rays, sailfish, turtles and endangered dugongs too.

Quirimbas National Park

Enjoying water-based safaris at the Quirimbas National Park is amongst the best things to do; Mozambique gives travellers a chance to explore this UNESCO Biosphere Reserve which has thriving wildlife including turtles, migrating humpback whales, bottlenose dolphins, leopard sharks, crocodile fish and more.

Gorongosa National Park

For wildlife safaris in Mozambique on dry land, a popular choice would be Gorongosa National Park. Apart from guided safari drives, there are canoe and boat safaris here too; on your adventures, you may spot elephants, lions, impalas, warthogs, baboons, crocodiles, hippos and not forgetting more than 500 bird species.

Niassa Reserve

The country’s largest conservation area, the Niassa Reserve is another wildlife hotspot with thousands of elephants, buffalos and sables along with many zebras and Lichtenstein’s hartebeests. Smaller populations of wildebeest, kudu, hippo, leopard, lion and African wild dog can also be seen for an unforgettable safari.

Cruise Around the Maldives

There are many ways you can enjoy a cruise around the Maldives – be it from boarding a traditional boat called dhoni to sailing around in a luxury yacht – and you can do so during a holiday spent at a resort on one of the private islands Maldives has to offer such as Naladhu Private Island Maldives.

The Best Times

Between November and April, you’ll find the driest months of the year when there’s plenty of sunshine and clear blue skies; this spectacular weather brings the ideal conditions to go on a Maldives cruise.

Image Credit: Naladhu Private Island Maldives

Why Go on a Cruise?

This is the best way to see the many islands that make up the Maldivian Archipelago while accessing numerous diving sites and accessing some of the most-coveted beaches all in one package.

Boat Options

You may be offered several boat options for your cruise around the Maldives. It is possible to embark on this journey on a dhoni, a sailboat, a yacht, or a ship.

Types of Cruises

From catamaran cruises and multi-day cruises to shore excursions and whale watching tours, there’s a range of cruises out of which you can opt for one depending on your preference.

Swim with underwater giants in Africa

Many travellers love Africa for its rich wildlife. They often talk about the lion, elephant, leopard rhino, and the Cape buffalo living here, but not about the spectacular marine life available.

Mozambique – an underrated underwater paradise

Did you know that Mozambique is home to over 1500 miles of amazing coastline? Diving opportunities offered by this coastline is not known, which shouldn’t be the case. The world should really discover this treasure!

The underwater life

This is indeed the place to go to meet the underwater giants. Be its whale sharks, whales, or the mantas, divers meet every one of them in their natural habitats during diving sessions.

Image Credit: Anantara Hotels, Resorts & Spas

Diving. Is it the only way?

No- Mozambique underwater explorations are also open for the non-divers out there. Snorkelling with the experts offers them the chance to meet the cheerful dolphins, and of course the whale sharks.

Bazaruto – the archipelago worth visiting

You may also head to Bazaruto during your holiday and enjoy the luxury offered by Bazaruto Island Resort managed by Anantara Hotels, Resorts & Spas. An exotic experience awaits you here while letting you enjoy many other places to visit in Mozambique.

Discovering the Culture of Botswana

While Botswana may be well known for its wildlife reserves and safaris, don’t forget this southern African nation has a rich heritage and culture too that are equally enthralling.

A Great Place to Start

For those planning a holiday here, a great place to learn about the local culture is the National Museum and Art Gallery close to Avani Gaborone Resort & Casino. Those staying at such hotels in Gaborone, Botswana can easily visit this museum which features exhibits on history, arts and crafts, culture, wildlife, nature, paintings and more.

Diverse Local Tribes

The people of Botswana are made up of various tribes, though the majority are from the Tswana ethnic group; in fact, the country is named after the Tswana people. The Basarwa, Babirwa, Bayei and Kalanga are amongst the many other tribal groups in the country, each with a unique set of customs and traditions.

Indigenous Music

Those on cultural tours in Botswana should also look to hear indigenous music which has its own identity. Passed along over generations, this form of traditional music incorporates rhythmic clapping and singing; also popular is folk music which features traditional lyrics and stringed instruments for a memorable auditory experience.

Traditional Dance

Very much a part of the local culture is the various traditions of dance to be found here too. These often expressive dances can vary from tribe to tribe and are performed at festivals and religious ceremonies or even for storytelling. Examples include the distinctive rain dance of the San people in Botswana.