Relax - Honeymoon destinations: Maldives

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If white sand, aquamarine waters and endless sunshine are your idea of heaven on earth, then Maldives has to be the place to head for after wrapping up your nuptials. The kingdom nation right smack in the middle of the Indian Ocean, 700km south-west of Sri Lanka, is more a collection of close to 2,000 small islands – only 82 of which are resorts. And Kandooma, just 35km south of Male International Airport, is one of them. With a land area of only 13 hectares, the perimeter of which can be covered on a 20-minute stroll, the resort is as in-the-middle-of-nowhere as it can get. Water world Opened in the middle of this year, Kandooma is pure sand and palm trees surrounded by crystal-clear seawater, shallow lagoons and abundant marine life. This setting, plus its chic and spanking new Mediterranean-meets-the Bahamas-meets-Asia architecture and decor, makes a holiday here also a wonderful photo opportunity for honeymooners. What it offers is a getaway that relaxes and refreshes at the same time. In addition to usual water sports like diving and snorkelling, there are also activities for the less active, such as night fishing, campfire storytelling, and even intimate castaway picnics, where they set up a white tent on a sand spit, provide a picnic basket, and leave you to enjoy it for a few hours. Life's a beach... If these activities can't take the post-wedding stress off you, then the pampering treatments at the world-renowned Como Shambhala Spa will. Or chill out to a cocktail during sunset at The Deck on the rooftop of the resort’s swanky wine restaurant The Kitchen, where you can adjourn for dinner on the beach after. Out of the wide range of accommodation options, lovebirds will definitely like the water villas, which are large individual bungalows standing on beams over a waist-high lagoon with a romantic view of the sunset and the crashing waves afar. Whether you choose to spend your time jumping right off your private sundeck into the lagoon to explore the colourful variety of coral and marine life within, or lazing your afternoons away in the hammock suspended over the sea, you'll return home recharged and totally blissed-out. Singapore Airlines and SriLankan Airlines fly daily to Male. Roundtrip transfers via speedboat between Kandooma and the airport cost US$130 per adult. Go to www.kandooma.com or call 6235-2808 for reservations or enquiries. Guests enjoying the beautiful sunset on the deck of the resort. Must-Know Fact Maldives is an Islamic nation, so visitors are prohibited from bringing alcohol into the country. However, you are still able to consume alcoholic drinks in the resorts where they are readily available. Romance Tip The strong sunshine and balmy weather means you perspire a lot, so don't forget to pack a scented deodorant to keep yourself smelling fresh and desirable. What To Pack Everything you need for a beach holiday, swim shoes, bikinis, shorts and tank tops and waterproof sunscreen. The resort provides slippers, snorkel mask, fins and a large cloth bag in every room so you can do without these. Other romantic destinations: - Tembok, Bali: A blend of culture, spirituality, spa luxury and privacy - Greece: Culture and architecture This article first appeared in Female Brides, published by SPH Magazines.

Honeymoon destinations: Maldives

Female Brides | Tue, Aug 11 2009

For couples who dream of being marooned on a tropical island paradise, which destination could be more perfect?

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Readers' Comments

During our time, we could not afford a honeymoon .... we lived frugally and saved just enuf for marriage .... cannot even afford "zhuan ji" photos .... Good thing is that later when we hv children and could afford .... then did we hv holiday abroad, but as a family ....

I think most impt thing about honeymoon is to hv this special time together, in a world of Ur Own .... a quiet place to relax and romance .... feel that place may not be important .... can be Bali, Phuket or Switzerland, etc .... depending on how much 1 is willing to fork out ....

by harlym, posted on 12 08 2009, 22:25

A friend of mine, who was more adventurous, went to Mongolia, another South Africa. Many opted for the Europe or Japan. It really depends on your personality and preference.

by po jua girl, posted on 12 08 2009, 20:58

That makes it all the more special? Who can say they had such an experience?! Sometimes people go some far off place, plan this and that, spend so much money, in the end its just stress for the couple. what's the point!

by the silent within, posted on 11 08 2009, 17:36

I can only afford to go to Changi Beach...... :mad:

by bigstick, posted on 11 08 2009, 17:13

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