As the seaplane begins to descend, the brilliant contours of the pearl-like coral reef emerge, with a resort complex consisting of nearly a hundred villas on it.
Departing from the capital, Malé, after just a twenty-minute flight, we catch a glimpse of the oceanfront villas of the Constance hotel group's Halaveli resort. A few moments later, landing on the water's surface, we step out onto the pier and, among the swaying palm trees on the sandy beach, arrive in paradise.
Not long after, we dive into the pool of our villa to escape the scorching sun. Emerging from the water, leaning on the edge of the pool, we gaze in awe at the seemingly endless turquoise ocean. Next to us, a private sunbathing terrace ensures complete discretion, where, over the next few days, we can indulge in the tanning sunrays and the scent of the salty air.
The sea is within arm's reach, just a few steps from our terrace to the silky waters of the Indian Ocean, whose temperature is almost identical to that of the air. We swim in the crystal-clear water, with fish of various sizes swimming around us and beneath us, when suddenly, a large blacktip reef shark appears... There is nothing to fear; in the rich wildlife of the Maldives, there is almost nothing that poses a serious threat to us.
Floating luxury villas
Our lavishly equipped, spacious villa is built on the water. In our 100-square-meter temporary home, flooded with light, the living room is integrated with the bedroom. Standard amenities include an entertainment center with a flat-screen TV, a coffee machine, minibar, wine cooler, Wi-Fi, air conditioning, ceiling fan, and a safe. Our villa also comes with 24-hour room service, and most importantly, from every corner, there is a perfect view of the ocean.
We feel like the entire island is ours. The hotel is five-star, and so is the island itself—just a few football fields in size—where everything is designed for the comfort of the guests. Sandy beach sections and shores surround the island, with a cocktail bar in the shade of palm trees, sunbeds by the pool, and gently swaying, comfortable hammocks. The landscape is like something out of a fairy tale, no matter which direction we go, we are surrounded by a postcard-worthy natural environment.
Most of the 86 villas at Constance Halaveli are located along the Maldives' longest pier, standing on stilts in the sea. On the sandy shore, one- and two-story villas, as well as family beachfront villas, are available for guests traveling with children, each with a well-maintained private garden and a private pool. The 700-square-meter presidential residence, located in the northern corner of the island, offers comfortable and discreet relaxation for up to six adults and three children.
Sharks, turtles, manta rays
The island is easily walkable, and we quickly get familiar with the surroundings. The large pool is centrally located, and the diving center can be reached with a short walk to the pier on the western side of the beach. Anyone visiting the Maldives cannot miss diving, whether they are a pro or a complete beginner. Let's explore the underwater world—there is no need to fear the dive, the vibrant fish, or the frequently appearing reef sharks. They are all here, and there are quite a few of them. They aren’t afraid of humans, so we shouldn't be afraid of them either.
If we don't want to dive with a breathing apparatus on our back, we can still explore this tropical world by floating on the surface. Snorkeling in the Maldives is particularly worth it! Our expert guide will lead us into the diverse world of fish that inhabit these waters, and by the end of our short tour, we’ll be able to distinguish between different fish species and learn some interesting facts about their lifestyles.
Beyond the lagoons surrounding the island, we can take a boat excursion, ranging from short trips to longer adventures. If desired, the resort's professional photographer or videographer will accompany us to capture underwater footage of our encounters with creatures we’ve never seen before. Among these, the manta ray stands out with its size and striking appearance. The largest population of manta rays lives around the Maldives. From November to February, it's common for these graceful, diamond-shaped, mystical creatures to swim close to the surface, following plankton, their food source. Their wingspan can reach up to five meters, and the locals aptly call them "flying carpets." The sheer size and the experience of being so close to them would leave us speechless, even if we weren’t holding a snorkel in our mouths...
If we prefer to stay above the water, we can rent a surfboard, SUP, kayak, canoe, or even a small catamaran. Craving more adrenaline? Let’s switch to motorized vehicles: jet skis, wakeboarding, monoskiing, and jet blades are all available. In addition to water sports, we can also enjoy land-based activities. We have access to the illuminated tennis court, beach volleyball, and ping-pong, and we can use the professionally equipped gym at any time. Those who have tried it know that one of the greatest experiences is jogging barefoot along the beach, especially in the warming rays of the rising sun...
Local and international specialties
In the restaurants of Constance Halaveli, the fresh seafood dishes, straight from the ocean to the table, are a must-try. Tuna and shrimp are the highlights. The Maldivian flavors are influenced by the nearby Indian and Sri Lankan cuisines, so it's no surprise to find intense, curry-based seasonings in the dishes. Be sure to try garudhiya, a local tuna soup. The flatbread (chapati) served alongside also shows Indian influence.
At any time of the day, the Jahaz Restaurant, located right next to the large pool, offers delicious dishes, with a terrace that provides a sea view. The restaurant also has a wine cellar, boasting an impressively rich international wine selection of over 20,000 bottles.
The smaller Jing Restaurant, as well as the Meeru seafood restaurant on the sandy beach, are open in the evenings. The latter is one of the most atmospheric dinner spots in the Maldives, offering an à la carte menu along with regular themed nights featuring seafood dishes for those who visit.
It’s truly a special experience to enjoy a private breakfast prepared to our liking while gently rocking on a traditional Maldivian fishing boat. However, at any time of the day, we can also request that our chosen dishes be served on the terrace of our villa. It’s guaranteed to be a memorable experience if we order our breakfast to the villa and enjoy the delicacies served on a floating tray (floating breakfast) while relaxing in the pool, lost in the view of the ocean.
Paradise in the Garden of Eden
One of the most captivating features of Constance Halaveli is its wellness section, an oasis for both physical and mental rejuvenation. A sauna, steam room, and cold and hot plunge pools invite you to unwind. From the spa rooms, the view of the ocean is magnificent, and in addition to massages, we can enjoy professional facial and body treatments using aromatic, natural products inspired by the plants of the Indian Ocean.
And while we recharge under the skilled hands of the spa therapists, trained animators at the Constance Kids' Club take care of our children. They can enjoy a playhouse, a small pool, activities introducing local handicrafts, and interactive games. Additionally, internet access and computer games are available to entertain the younger guests.
