"Much travel is needed before the raw man is ripened."
-- Proverb from The Arabian Nights
Dubai
Travel presents rich opportunities, particularly when en route to exotic destinations like The Maldives. NAVIS earned the privilege of a Dubai stopover on the way to these sumptuous islands, reinforcing once again that luxury, refusing definition, truly has no limits.
Immersed in the culture, heritage, and lifestyle of the United Arab Emirates' crown jewel, we discovered the fascinating mix of ancient and modern that make Dubai a highly recommended destination.
Kempinski Mall of the Emirates
After a 13-hour flight, our MyDriver chauffeur greeted us at the Dubai International Airport, ready to take us to the Kempinski Mall of the Emirates Hotel. As the name indicates, adjacent to the Mall of the Emirates, the location was perfect and the transfer smooth and comfortable.
An array of delicious fruits, nuts, and sweets were set for our arrival, as well as a bottle of perfectly chilled Champagne, hinting at the feasts the hotel is known for. Boasting five distinctive dining options, gourmet breakfasts from around the world to local delicacies prove delicious options.
The Kempinski hotel's Aspen Chalets are cozy mountain style suites overlooking Ski Dubai, the indoor ski resort at the mall. Stocked with every luxury Hermés personal care amenity, guests enjoy the look and feel of a perfectly appointed alpine retreat. Alternatively, breezy Pool Chalets with private outdoor areas along the stunning infinity swimming pools inspire a beachy vibe.
An 11th-floor executive lounge offered breakfast, afternoon tea, evening cocktails, and canapés at the Noir Bar. Newspapers, laundry service, private check-in, use of the Executive Floor Business Center, and complimentary internet access are a few of the many perks.
The Mall of the Emirates and Ski Dubai
Adjacent to the hotel, the world’s first shopping resort with over 630 international stores, 80 of which are upscale designer brands in the Fashion Dome and Luxury Wing, awaited our arrival.
Just a few steps from the hotel lobby, the slopes of Ski Dubai bring skiing to the desert. A snow park, ski slope, professional ski school, and private lessons were ready to entertain. The snow bullet zip line offers a quick way down overlooking the slopes, while the chairlift moves skiers and boarders quickly to the top.
In addition to shopping and skiing, Mall of the Emirates has a live theatre, movie theatres, spas, and very good options for children in the Magic Planet Entertainment Center.
Jaw Dropping Ride: The Latest Lamborghini
The morning after our arrival, as we indulged on a nosh at the Salero Tapas & Bodega, Lamborghini delivered a gorgeous new Huracán Performante to our hotel. Excited for the planned excursion to Abu Dhabi, and now for the impressive supercar we would be driving, we devoured Salero’s truly authentic Spanish seafood and Ibérico dishes prepared by Chef Jordi Centena Figueras, thanked him for the wonderful feast, then jumped into the Huracán. It was an absolute joy to drive, stylishly taking us through city and desert, oblivious to the 40°C ( 104°F ) heat. Local Lambo drivers nodded their approval at several points along the roadway.
Remaining mindful of the 110 kmh (68 mph) limit and prompted by an advance warning, our decision to keep under the radar was reinforced by the roadside cameras posted every 500 meters. Sophisticated roadside cameras detect a multitude of infractions in addition to speeding. Also, if you are driving a super sipper, know that it is wise fill up the petrol sooner rather than later to avoid an empty tank in the middle of the desert. Additionally, Emirati law has zero tolerance for the combination of alcohol and driving.
All that considered, the Performante transformed the distance from Dubai to Abu Dhabi into a thrilling 90-minute trip.
The Louvre Abu Dhabi
Heading to one of Abu Dhabi's newest developments, we drove the Huracán Performante to the Louvre Abu Dhabi. Seeking to become a cultural, art, and education anchor, the leaders of the Emirate of Abu Dhabi, are in the midst of creating a cultural district on Saadiyat Island with the intent of becoming a top tourism destination in preparation for the post-oil age.
Preparing for the Dubai 2020 exhibition, the Louvre Abu Dhabi structure is a beautiful work of art. Contemporary in design with echoes of mosque, mausoleum, caravanserai, and madrasa, a 180-meter perforated, low-slung dome is delicately perched on four contact points. Inside, the museum's exhibits seek to make connections across time and geography, uniting civilizations from around the world in unique, insightful way, displaying works reflecting local cultural and historical influences.
Dinner in Dubai: Nathan Outlaw's Signature Tasting Menu
Returning to Dubai, we dined at Nathan Outlaw at Al Mahara in the extraordinary Burj Al Arab Hotel. Directed to a private elevator reserved for guests with reservations, we arrived in awe of the entry and reception area, a tunnel with arches of gold leading to walls of deep blue.
Posh beyond privilege, dinners are for adults only, although children are welcome to enjoy lunch. We sipped delightful cocktails, then entered the dining saloon, resplendent with a large, central aquarium featuring Indian Ocean reef fish, sharks, morenas, and reef fauna.
Our plates included Lobster & King Crab with Caviar and Hand-Dived Scallop & Mushroom Risotto. A bottle of 2015 Roux Père & Fils Grand Vin de Bourgogne Chassagne-Montrachet Les Chaumes completed the perfect pairing. The final course of Dark Chocolate Hazelnut Torte with Cocoa Shortbread & Orange Marmalade was perfection.
A Few Last Adventures
Refreshed the next morning by an epic rest atop a heavenly bed in the Kempinski Mall of the Emirates, we enjoyed a satisfying breakfast in the Olea restaurant. We then hopped into the Lambo and drove to the Burj Khalifa, the world's tallest building.
Invited by the development company Emaar, we were greeted on the ground floor lobby of the Armani Hotel by a guide who quickly took us to a private elevator. Our first stop at level 125 opened to At the Top at Burj Khalifa. A separate lift took us to level 148 to revel in the sights from the Khalifa Sky viewing area.
A special invitation to visit the largest shopping mall in the world, the Dubai Mall, was next on our itinerary. The new Luxury Avenue section was a highlight underscoring the finest luxury goods available today, with 200 distinctive brands conveniently collected in one location.
Entertainment for the children appeared both intelligent and engaging. Kidzania encouraged imaginative play while parents shopped or dined. The VR Park virtual reality center provided teens with hours of exciting games and adventures.
And, of Course, Beautiful Yachts
A visit to the Dubai Marina Yacht Club at the invitation of Director Philip Sather put us in the midst of Dubai Marina district. Yacht Club services included access to the fabulous pool at The Address Hotel Dubai, as well as berths, maritime services, rally programs and concierge services.
The club's 300 members can dock yachts at berths up to 65 meters, with expansion plans to go to 100 meters. We were treated to a sail around the 3.5-kilometer canal, then set out to sea for a look at The Palm and Atlantis Resort.
Traditional Iftar at the Olea Restaurant
Visiting in May during Ramadan, cuisine appropriate for the Muslim holy month introduced us to a wide variety of local favorites. The Suhoor and Iftar meals, served pre-dawn and after sunset respectively, presented a feast with a purpose. Nourishing cuisine embracing meats, cheeses, vegetables, and grains were finished with lovely sweets to sustain through the fast.
On our last night in Dubai, we dined at the Olea Restaurant, celebrating with the Muslim community in a traditional Ramadan Iftar feast. Ending the evening on a sweet note, dessert enjoyed while listening to live music, consisted of a delightful selection of sweets, candies, and traditional ice cream. Full to the brim, we reflected on an amazing travel experience. Ahhhhh, Dubai, we will be back!
Elegant and Easygoing Maldives: The Soneva Fushi
"Simplicity is the ultimate sophistication."
-- Leonardo da Vinci
Departing Dubai at 4 am, our MyDriver chauffeur cheerfully gathered us from the hotel and delivered us to the airport. Headed for Malé, the capital of the Maldives, we flew for four hours over the Arabian Sea. We were treated to glorious views of shockingly blue water dotted with verdant islands rimmed in sugar sand.
With an average elevation of just 1.5 meters across the archipelago of 1,192 coral islands, Maldivians understand the challenges they face should the earth's climate continue to warm. Guided by simple principles of sustainability and elegance, Soneva Fushi considers itself the guardian of the Baa Atoll, prepared to deliver the simplest of luxurious pleasures in the most beautiful, natural settings.
Enriching the lives of all who work and play on this stunning slip of an island, Soneva strives to please, to educate, and to inspire guests to enjoy the slow life, ensuring the most is made of every resource in luxurious castaway style and leaving as small a footprint as possible upon nature's fine handiwork.
Landing at Malé
Sprinkled along an Indian Ocean ridge southwest of India and Sri Lanka, the Maldivian archipelago is one of the most pristine, secluded destinations on the planet. A nation of islands, even the airport is located on Hulhule Island, nestled up next to North Malé Atoll and the capital city, Malé.
Upon landing at Malé's Velana International Airport, we were escorted by a Soneva Fushi concierge to the private resort lounge at Maldives Hydroplane Airport. Comfortably accommodated in the posh space, we nibbled on fresh fruits and snacks while exploring the information on the supplied iPad. Curious about the hundreds of options available to us, we eagerly began customizing our stay with exciting experiences and divine details like pillow choice, room fragrance, and favorite ice cream flavors.
A Most Beautiful Flight
Readying for takeoff, we boarded the cheerful red and white seaplane with checkered propellers. The palette made a striking contrast against the beautiful turquoise water below. Crew dressed in crisp white shirts and dark Bermuda shorts wore flip-flops as part of the uniform, while pilots went barefoot.
Splashing along the liquid runway, we were soon pontoons up, gazing out onto the most glorious view. In an expanse of deep sapphire ocean, the bright turquoise of the shallows framed each small burst of land. Pale blue lagoons of astonishing clarity gleamed like diamonds in the sea. An incredible geographic work of art, the incomparable view is often described as the most beautiful flight in the world. After a first-hand encounter, we certainly concur.
Forty minutes after takeoff, we arrived at Soneva Fushi Airport -- a floating dock lazily rocking in a pristine lagoon of a diminutive atoll. In a quick transition from seaplane to speedboat, staff welcomed us with a fresh coconut and straw at the ready. We also received a small cloth bag announcing "Welcome to Soneva Fushi: No News, No Shoes," and were instructed to stash our footwear until departure. It simply wasn't needed on the island.
The Soneva Fushi
Greeted by the island manager and our assigned Ms. or Mr. Friday, not unlike Robinson Crusoe's famed assistant, our indispensable aide was the beautiful, smiling Reena. Dedicated to our every whim, every second of our stay, Reena led us on a pleasant five-minute walk to our villa, perched amid lush foliage and direct access to the beach.
The resort has 23 types of villas, each one so carefully designed for privacy with beautifully tended vegetation, each one seems the only structure on the island. Our family villa was large, open, and appointed with tasteful, elegant, island-style decor. Two bedrooms, a living room, kitchen, private swimming pool, walk-in closet, and an enormous open sky bath proved perfect for our stay. A pair of bicycles were parked beside our door, sporting special pedals designed for bare feet. An outdoor cinema, a yoga house, a children's center, and winding pathways to hidden beaches like Dolphin Beach, invited us to explore.
An exciting clutch of restaurants serving a variety of local, oriental, and continental cuisine served feast after feast. The resort's Fresh In The Garden treetop restaurant, Mihiree Mitha fine dining, Out of the Blue overwater oriental restaurant, and Sobah's Restaurant located on an uninhabited island 15 minutes away by boat all earned our approval.
Unique self-serve culinary features made guests feel at right at home. The cheese cellar, the So Cool ice cream bar serving delightful ice cream flavors, chocolates, and confections all day, and the variety of restaurants offering fresh, local ingredients established Suneva Fushi as foodie forward. On Tuesday, drinks and light fare were served on a sandbank that traced the island. In a dreamy setting, small lamps were set out on the beach as the sun set, creating a magical scene as the sun met the horizon and the stars emerged.
Exquisite Link in the Chain: The Soneva in Aqua
Not all the accommodations at Soneva Fushi are in villas. Indulgent, exclusive, and private, the Soneva In Aqua yacht is equipped to deliver an extraordinary on-water experience. Cruising the waters around Soneva Fushi, and linking to sister property Soneva Jani, this delightful excursion encouraged private exploration of some of the Maldives' most pristine waters and unspoiled atolls known only to experienced captains.
Two bedrooms sleeping four adults, the yacht also had accommodations for two children. The 19.25m by 6.40m Soneva In Aqua was outfitted with beautifully appointed cabins boasting a glass-bottomed spa tub in the master, en-suite showers, sun decks, and posh socializing spaces including a dining area, sun deck, outdoor Jacuzzi, cozy library, lounge, and Wi-Fi.
During our stay at Soneva Fushi, we accepted an invitation from Soneva In Aqua Captain Aaron Sale to discover the details that make this such a popular trip option. Years of sailing throughout the Maldives have given him an appreciation for the beauty of the archipelago and UNESCO Biosphere reef. Scores of trips over the years have added to his unparalleled knowledge of the waters.
The ultimate itinerary, Aaron noted, was one that enjoyed a week at Soneva Fushi, followed by four or five days of sailing the islands, closing with a few days at Soneva Jani. Bookend stays at the stunning resorts, with leisurely cruising, diving, snorkeling, surfing, and five-star cuisine on board Soneva in Aqua filling the pages in between, it remains the intent of the crew to ensure every care is put to rest.
Should anyone on board need a little help establishing their sea legs, we carried a solution in the electronic wearable ReliefBand. Stylish and sleek, looking for all practical purposes like a high tech timepiece, ReilefBand uses tiny electric pulses to control unpleasant feelings while at sea, making the trip enjoyable for all. While we did not experience any discomfort at sea, it was reassuring to have a solution in hand should the situation occur.
A Resident Biologist, Kids' Corners, and an Observatory
Honoring the sustainability of the island, every effort is made on Soneva Fushi to use waste through recycling efforts, from composting food scraps for the vegetable gardens to blowing glass art from bottles. Spending her days teaching guests about the resort's conservation efforts, Italian Marine Biologist Federica Siena reinforces why conservation is important. On a two-hour swim along the reef, Federica pointed out sea turtles, Mobula Manta rays, giant clamshells, clownfish, and an array of colorful reef residents.
The resort offers a number of creative spaces aimed at entertaining younger guests, including a library, huge swimming pool with slides, cinema, theater for dramatic arts, art center, nap room, and even a kids' kitchen for developing culinary talents. Special events like the sunset cruise featuring spinner dolphins, astronomy cruises, observatory viewing, and castaway picnics contributed to this valuable, luxurious learning excursion.
With a heavy sigh, we prepared to leave this exclusive paradise. Boarding the boat, we waved goodbye to a number of new friends, as the staff returned our shoes at the floating dock prior to departure on the waiting hydroplane. Another seamless transition from Soneva Fushi to our next stop via Malé found us headed for Coco Bodu Hithi on board a speedboat. ReliefBands strapped on, we stepped from the plane to the speedy craft for a breathtaking 40-minute trip.
Connecting with Nature: Coco Bodu Hithi
"In all things of nature there is something of the marvelous."
-- Aristotle
Smaller in size than the island of Soneva Fushi, Bodu Hithi on the Kaafu Atoll is populated with small palms and trees surrounding one of the Maldives' prettiest resorts. The Coco Bodu Hithi team welcomed us at the dock, checking us in at the open-air lobby, then whisking us quietly to our island home during our stay aboard an efficient electric cart.
Four Types of Villas
Guests may choose from four types of villas on Bodu Hithi, all with beautiful appointments focused on connecting with nature in elegant comfort. The largest and most sought out reservations, the Coco Residences, are where we tucked in, appreciating the peaceful privacy and overwater location. One of 24 residences set apart from the island by a long boardwalk, the villas are set in a large oval around a central lagoon. Some face east, but ours faced west, giving the most glorious perch for watching Bodu Hithi's splendid sunsets.
With private wine cellars, 184 square meter living areas, split-level decks, infinity pools, waterside dining, indoor and outdoor showers, and dedicated butler service, we felt truly pampered. The Coco Residences have their own restaurant, lobby bar, and concierge, which made it one of the most private and most luxurious choices at the resort.
The Island Villas are set right along the beach fringing the main island. While the Coco Residences have bedrooms looking out upon the water, the Island Villas are designed to face inward toward a private pool and garden, offering the utmost in privacy. The Water Villas and Escape Water Villas stretch out on their own extended boardwalks over the beautiful blue Maldivian waters, making the most of the views. One as luxurious as the next, the difference is in the size of each villa's physical footprint.
Brilliantly designed to maintain privacy between villas, our only constant companions were the sharks, rays, and marine life playing in the water below. Guests of the Coco Residences are welcomed to an al fresco breakfast at Stars Restaurant, serving picture-perfect bakery goods, fresh fruits, and heavenly cappuccino. Protected dining is available should nature decide to refresh the day with rain showers, but dining on the deck is simply superb.
A Gentle Swim, As Active As You Want to Be
A reef just offshore provides crystal clear viewing of marine life. About twenty meters from shore we discovered a giant clamshell, along with sea turtles, Manta rays, and small reef sharks. We were also charmed by the clever hermit crabs scurrying along the beach inside their beautiful shells. A delightful water temperature between 28 and 30 degrees C allowed us to spend as much time as we wished exploring the wonders of this marine playground.
We were fortunate enough to join Sofia, the marine biologist, for a diving and snorkeling tour on board the majestic dhow style boat. An expert in Maldivian currents, Sofia knew just where to put us into the water to begin an effortless drift along the atoll. We spotted turtles, sharks, rays, clownfish, and swarms of colorful fish darting around the pure coral reef as the boat followed our lead.
All types of water sports were available as well, including power boating, jet skiing, waterskiing, surfing, parasailing, fishing, sailing, paddle-boarding, and kayaking. For less strenuous pursuits, a spa with Jacuzzi, cold plunge sauna, steam room, and boutique provided interesting choices. Yoga Nidra, Hatha Yoga, Pranayama, and Silvanda Yoga classes, led by the Coco Bodu Hithi resident yogi, and a fitness center stood ready to continue workout regimens for the truly dedicated. After a workout, Thai masseurs in the Raa room, or inspired Indonesian and Indian techniques were ready to remove any tension that lingered.
Dinner at Stars Restaurant
On a big balcony overlooking the water, we enjoyed an evening repast as sunset transitioned to a star-filled sky. Embracing the chef's recommendation, we ordered a large seafood dish featuring the bounty of the sea, with lobsters, crabs, and local fish, beautifully presented and prepared. The rhythm of the waves served as background music and gentle evening breezes coming in through the open walls made the evening sheer perfection. The paired wine for our seafood feast was exceptional.
We also had the pleasure of dining at both Air restaurant and Tsuki restaurant during our stay. Air is the main restaurant at the resort, located close to the lobby. Offering daily buffet breakfast, lunch, and dinner, a fabulous view of the ocean was also a staple on the menu. Diverse dishes from India, Arabia, China, and Japan filled the air with sumptuous aromas. Maldivian music was also in the air on celebration night, accompanied by dancing to African and Indian drum rhythms.
A quick feast at Tsuki on our last day found us enjoying a beautiful sushi selection at this open kitchen restaurant on the first floor above the Latitude Bar. Precision, balance, color, and texture made the presentation as wonderful as the taste. The Latitude Bar, with its sand floor and expansive deck over the large infinity pool created the perfect excuse for relaxing with a cocktail or snack, simply to enjoy the view.
Preparing to Depart
Following an easy check out courtesy of the concierge, we boarded the speedboat back to Male International Airport. Having just finished a delicious meal, and boarding the boat in the evening without benefit of the horizon line, it seemed a good time to again test the Reliefband 2.0.
Charged up via a USB cable earlier in our villa, I donned the wristwatch-style band and moved to an area of the boat with a minimal view, waiting to see if any seasickness followed. While I did not experience any symptoms, I am certain they would have been mitigated by the small pulse of energy sent out by the band upon command. Better to be safe than sorry, we were comforted by the solution being at hand.
As we boarded the plane home, we knew we had invested our time wisely while in The Maldives, imprinting its beauty in our memories until we planned our next trip. We have a terrific photo collection to remember and illustrate this extraordinary adventure. Know, however, that due to privacy concerns, drone imagery is not permitted so if you go, don't forget your DSLR or your favorite videocam to keep memories fresh.
It is a pleasure to thank those who made this article possible:
- Automobili Lamborghini
https://www.lamborghini.com
- Kempinski Mall of the Emirates
https://www.kempinski.com/en/dubai/mall-of-the-emirates/
Tel: +971 4 341 0000
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- Soneva Resorts
https://www.soneva.com
Tel: +960 660 0304
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- Coco Collection
https://www.cococollection.com
Tel: +960 333 6611
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- Dubai Marina Yacht Club
http://www.dubaimarinayachtclub.com
Tel: +971 4 436 7777
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- Restaurant Nathan Outlaw at Al Mahara in the Burj Al Arab
https://nathan-outlaw.com/restaurants/nathan-outlaw-al-mahara/
Tel: +971 4 301 7600
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- Olea Restaurant Dubai
http://www.olea-dubai.com
Tel: +971 4 409 5111
-The Dubai Mall
https://thedubaimall.com
Tel: +971 800 38224 6255
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- MyDriver Chauffeur Service
https://www.mydriver.com
- Relief Band
https://www.reliefband.com