Day: September 19, 2009

Medhufushi Island Resort

Medhufushi is a newly reconstructed five-star resort, back in action since January 2007 and rebuilt after the tsunami with a near-identical design as when it first opened in December 2000. Situated on a long, thin island full of mature greenery, it is one of only two resorts currently in Meem Atoll. You walk in from the jetty over the lagoon and into the lounge by the bar and restaurant. The area sets the tone for the resort – beautifully constructed sturdy wooden buildings with high palm thatch roofs, grand chandeliers and a natural finish.

The resort’s staff, numbering around 150, are friendly and diligent without intruding and the island offers unadulterated relaxation. It is not for partygoers and works instead to offer a totally relaxing environment, to pamper guests and allow visitors to indulge in the laid back pleasures of the sun and the sea.
The Vilu bar and Al Fresco restaurant are both situated above the lagoon jutting out from the island.

The restaurant offers an alternative a-la-carte menu, separate from the buffet, which charges between $50 and $60 for exquisite and filling three course meals.

Move onto the island and you will see the freshwater infinity pool, a few yards in front of the grand Malaafaiy restaurant, both overlooking the lagoon. It offers buffet style breakfast lunch and dinner, with a massive variety of finely prepared foods ranging from sushi, to salad, to steak.

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A symbol of hope

After hearing numerous criticisms over the past few months about Dhuvaafaru, I went to the inauguration ceremony on Monday, pen in hand, prepared to bombard the pages of my pad with corrosive words about what a disaster the project had been.

As the seaplane circled above the island, the rows of utilitarian houses did nothing to dispel my scepticism, so far away were they from my vision of a home.

How wrong I was.

The inauguration of Dhuvaafaru was unexpectedly touching and my cynicism soon gave way to an enduring optimism. From the play that re-enacted their tsunami experience to the banquet islanders had prepared, the spirit of warmth and gratitude that filled the air was one of real sincerity.

Wearing an International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) hat, islanders bounded up to me to shake my hand and thank me for their new home. Having played no part in the reconstruction efforts of the IFRC I felt like a fraud…a proud fraud.

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Riding the waves

While one surfer rides a wave with apparent ease, another does an elaborate 360 degree turn on his body board. This is enough to draw a throng of onlookers to the Surf Point in Male’. Many of the young men who circle the capital on their motorbikes before break fast are brought to a halt by the mesmerising waves and those riding them.

With Ramadan drawing to a close, Wataniya and the Maldives Surf Association have teamed up to host four-day surfing competition, Wataniya Virasee. “We wanted to hold an entertaining event for Ramadan and have fun with the public,” said Maryath Mohamed, public relations officer at Wataniya.

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