MALDIVESMAY 2018 | NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC TRAVELLER INDIA 75
PHOTO COURTESY:MERCURE MALDIVES KOODDOOGetting There The norm in the Maldives, by and large, is
one resort to one island. Of its 1,190 islets, 130 are home
to resorts and 400 to locals. The rest are uninhabitable.
From the capital Malé, Mercure Maldives Kooddoo is a
55-min flight. The reception is another 5 min by buggy.
Doubles start from $380/`24,200, inclusive of breakfast.
All meals come at an additional charge of $148/`9,400
per person per night. There are 68 villas, some are
scattered on the beach, others are water-facing.What to do Water sports such as pedalos and kayaking
are complimentary for guests. Besides dolphin, diving and
snorkelling expeditions, the resort also offers motorised
sports like jet skiing ($60/`3,820 for 15 min) and tube
rides ($25/`1,600 for 15 min). Sunset fishing and trips to
the local islands of Maamendhoo and Villingili, both 10
min by speedboat and 20 min by dhoni, cost $60/`3,900.
Other highlights include a culinary class ($25/`1,600),
where you can learn to rustle up mas riha (fish curry)
and mashuni, a breakfast staple loaded with tuna, onion,
coconut, chilli, and a healthy dose of fresh lime juice.It's powder blue facade brims with murals promoting Islam,
hygiene and computer literacy, all in the same breath.
On our way out, I spot a young man on a motorcycle
who I had earlier seen as a staff member in the hotel. I wave
out to him and he returns my gesture. Trailing my action,
Alice then tells us how after fishing it is the hospitality
industry that generates maximum employment in Maldives.
I leave having learnt a lot more than I’d thought I would.
Marginal as it may have been, Maamendhoo succeeds in
offering as much a glimpse into the life of locals—away from
the glitzy resorts—as it does into the economy unique to only
island nations.
On our last night, the weather turns tumultuous once
again, stalling artistes from reaching Kooddoo for an evening
extravaganza of Boduberu. Mildly dejected at the turn of
events the seven of us decide to chill in my room one last
time. The property, however, seems fairly equipped to tackle
these periodic climatic assaults, and, much to our surprise, it
activates Plan B. Staff members Ismail and Ibrahim charge
in with dhols, beers and an infectious energy, cheering us
up instantaneously. Ismail drums like a pro, Ibrahim is a
novice, and both of them, like most Maldivians, love Hindi
songs. Since I am the only Indian in the mix, I must prompt
chartbusters for them to play and I’m astonished at how well
they do, everything from classics like “Ae meri zohra jabeen”
to Varun Dhawan remixes.¾
Essentials
The island is a haven for water
sports lovers and there is a
plethora of options to pick
from, jet-skiing being one.