AsiaSpa - July-August 2017

July/August 2017 AsiaSpa 123

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during your stay

At the beginning of monsoon season, the
sky can go from sunny to stormy in minutes;
but the lagoon is a constant, mesmerising
robin egg blue. It’s a soothing sight even
when dark clouds approach. If you look
closely enough, you can see different marine
creatures zoom by below the villa, although
it’s difficult when the sea is rough.

FINDING NEMO
With little wildlife on land (aside from bats,
geckos and egrets), the spotlight is on the
rich sea life here. Strolling around the island
we frequently spot fish and blacktip reef
sharks swimming near the shore; but the real
treasure lies deeper under the sea.
Thousands of fish species thrive around
the island, so grab your snorkel or scuba
diving gear and get in the water. There
are half-day and full-day trips to discover
the atoll’s colourful reefs where you may
encounter sea turtles and manta rays, and
the resort’s house reefs are also not to be
missed. With regular introductory sessions
and snorkelling sites for different levels, even
less confident swimmers can get a glimpse
of the mysterious world below the surface.
A knowledgeable instructor will guide
you through the basics and accompany you

during the tour, ensuring safety and showing

you what to look for. There is nothing more

peaceful than the quietude underwater,

and nothing more exciting than swimming

alongside a reef shark. The farther out to sea,

the more you will see: funny-looking sea

cucumbers, majestic stingrays and all sorts

of exotic fish – if you’re searching for Nemo,

the colourful sea anemones are where the

orange clownfish call home. Remember

to capture some of this magic through the

lens (you can rent a GoPro from the diving

centre).

UNDERWATER DINING

Can’t swim at all? Visit the 5.8 Undersea

Restaurant and you will be able to appreciate

marine life up close without getting wet, all

the while indulging in an exquisite meal

with your loved one. It’s currently the

world’s largest all-glass undersea restaurant,

located 5.8 metres below surface where

colonies of coral gather.

Dining here is a multisensory enjoyment.

Look to the left to see flamboyant damselfish

leisurely minding their own business; on the

right a few small fish playing hide-and-seek

in a shipwreck decoration; look up and you