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June 23, 2015
Feature: An Idyllic Isle in the Indian Ocean, Chapter 4: Family Resorts Where Nature Feels Closer
Feature | Shall We Enjoy Resorts Again?
An Idyllic Paradise on the Ocean That Fulfills Every Wish
Chapter 4: "A Family Resort Where You Grow Closer to Nature" (Part 1)
Leaving "Jumeirah Dhevanafushi," located near the southern tip of the Maldives, we headed to Jumeirah Vittaveli, a property with a completely different atmosphere, also part of the Jumeirah Group.Jumeirah VittaveliVittaveli, built just a 20-minute speedboat ride from the capital, Malé, is an ideal family resort with abundant activities such as a kids' club and cycling, making it very welcoming for families with children.
Photographs by JAMANDFIXText by JUNKO TANAKA (OPENERS)
A Resort That Grants the Wishes of Both Adults and Children
Jumeirah Dhevanafushi, whose charms we've conveyed from both its physical and service aspects,.Approximately 24 hours from Japan. For those who can only take a few days off, this travel time alone might be daunting. Moreover, for families with children, it seems like a distant dream...
After all, isn't the Maldives often perceived as a resort for adults? In fact, some hotels do have age restrictions, so it's understandable why some people might think that. It's more likely to be mentioned as a honeymoon destination than a family vacation spot.
However, at Jumeirah's two hotels, Dhevanafushi and Vittaveli, we saw more families enjoying their stay than honeymoon couples. Upon inquiry, we learned that while it can get fully booked with honeymooners depending on the season, the number of family guests, especially at Vittaveli, which is well-equipped for children, has been increasing year by year.
For families with children, traveling abroad is a major event, regardless of the destination. Starting with the flight, followed by transfers, the hotel, and how to spend time there... We hear that simply being in an unfamiliar environment can be quite stressful for children. Adults, on the other hand, are constantly worried about whether their children will behave themselves in close proximity to strangers.
Each room is equipped with two adult bicycles and one child's bicycle, for a total of three.
Furthermore, adults and children have different desires for activities. Children might want to swim freely in the vast ocean or explore the forest while listening to the birds. More than anything, they might be content just spending time with parents they don't see often due to busy schedules. They might occasionally miss their toys, picture books, or games left at home, but the environment surrounded by rich nature is the best playground for children.
However, for adults, it's not so straightforward. Some are the 'relaxed type' who come seeking refreshment away from daily life, while others are the 'active type' who want to experience marine sports, visit the spa, dine at reputable restaurants, and go shopping.
When opinions differ within the family, someone inevitably has to compromise. If you wish to put an end to such trips, consider adding Jumeirah Vittaveli to your future options. Here, children who want to play in nature, adults who seek a tranquil environment, and adults who want to experience various activities can all have their wishes fulfilled. No one needs to compromise.
There are two types of rooms: beach villas built on land and lagoon villas built over the water.
Like Dhevanafushi, all rooms come with a private pool.
Feature | Shall We Enjoy Resorts Again?
An Idyllic Paradise on the Ocean That Fulfills Every Wish
Chapter 4: "A Family Resort Where You Grow Closer to Nature" (Part 2)
An Environment Incorporating the Essence of the Maldives Throughout
While closer than Dhevanafushi, the approximately 13-hour travel time from Japan is still significant. However, once you overcome this 'first hurdle,' a dream-like, stress-free environment awaits, where you don't have to worry about disturbing others (though basic consideration is still necessary), no matter how much the children run around.
Lagoon villas, built over the water, offer the convenience of direct access to snorkeling from the terrace.
With only 89 rooms spread across a vast island 750 kilometers in diameter, you can easily imagine the sense of spaciousness even if you haven't visited yet. All rooms are suites of 184 square meters or more and come with a private pool. An emerald-green beach stretches out just behind the rooms. The garden of the beach villas, built on land, is also equipped with a wooden swing and bathtub, enhancing the paradise-like atmosphere.
While building designs vary, from single-story bungalows to maisonettes, they all share a commonality: construction adheres to traditional Maldivian architectural styles. This style is characterized by steep, triangular roofs thatched with straw. Jumeirah Vittaveli is reportedly the only hotel in the Maldives that still employs this construction method.
The Maldivian character is not limited to the building design; it's also a feature of Vittaveli's restaurants, such as the all-day dining "Samsara," the Mediterranean cuisine restaurant "Finesse," and the grill restaurant "Mu Grill & Bar." The menu is rich with dishes using local Maldivian ingredients, like seafood grilled by local fishermen and desserts made with coconuts grown on the premises.
Particularly noteworthy is the presence of the Kids Club. This facility, staffed by dedicated personnel, offers a variety of programs every hour from breakfast to dinner, most of which are free. In addition to abundant activities like snorkeling, swimming lessons, face painting, movie screenings, and cooking classes, there are also educational sessions on the unique Maldivian ecosystem.
Among these, "Treasure Hunt" is a program highly recommended by General Manager Graham Key. Children use a provided map to search for treasure chests hidden throughout the island. When we tried searching for one ourselves, we found a placard with animal illustrations inside the chest. It explained about rare trees and birds that inhabit only the Maldives. As we marveled at the unique 'treasures,' Mr. Key explained with a gentle smile, 'The reward is knowledge. We started this program a few years ago so children could learn about the island while having fun.'
General Manager Graham Key, who is actively involved in environmental conservation on the island.
The screw pine, a wild tree native to the Maldives. It is characterized by its roots growing upwards and bears pine-like fruit.
About a year ago, they also started an organic herb garden. Their dream is to serve these herbs in the hotel's restaurants in the near future.
Incidentally, Vittaveli means 'spaciousness.' It's a very fitting name, and if one word could describe this hotel, it would be its overwhelming spaciousness in every aspect. With a pizza shop that bakes pizzas one by one in a wood-fired oven, a small souvenir shop, and a handmade ice cream parlor, the entire island feels like a village, offering endless exploration opportunities throughout the day.
While Dhevanafushi, visited earlier, is for those who prefer a modern, high-end style, Vittaveli is recommended for those who appreciate a more grounded approach. It retains Jumeirah's signature first-class service from the butlers, while bringing you closer to nature and allowing you to experience Maldivian traditional culture and history. Most importantly, an environment where both adults and children can spend their time stress-free is sure to strengthen family bonds even further.
Jumeirah Vittaveli
Bolifushi Island, South Male Atoll, Republic of Maldives
Tel. +960-664-2020
https://www.jumeirah.com/en/hotels-resorts/maldives/jumeirah-vittaveli/