Ice skating in the Maldives
Think of the Maldives and sun, sand and surf will undoubtedly be the first things to pop into your head. But aside from this well-known beachy character, the Maldives also has a much cooler side, namely in the form of its first ever ice rink. Recently opened at the Jumeirah Vittaveli resort and set against a beach and ocean backdrop, the rink was manufactured by Glice, a company that creates artificial ice plates, resulting in an eco-friendly ice rink that requires no water and functions at a zero energy level. A two-hour session costs US$75 and includes skate and protective gear rental, as well as an ice cream sundae to finish it all off.
Relaxing on the rocks
Enjoying a spa treatment doesn’t have to mean shutting yourself inside a dimly lit room for the better part of an hour. At Ayana Resort and Spa Bali, for instance, guests can enjoy treatments at one of the the resort’s two newly redesigned Spa on the Rocks villas, each of which sits on a large boulder standing in the Indian Ocean and is only accessible by crossing a wooden bridge. Each of the villas feature two treatment beds, a changing area, bathroom and shower, as well as an ocean-view bathtub. There is also a terrace for an outdoor foot washing ritual prior to the massage. Spa treatment price starts from US$315 for single.
Sleeping with the fishes
Ever dreamed of living in an underwater home? Well soon you may be able to, at least for a few days. Conrad Maldives Rangali Island is currently set to introduce an underwater Muraka suite in the fourth quarter of this year. The two-storey structure has a section located above the sea along with an undersea suite situated about five metres below sea level offering views of the surrounding marine environment. The suite will have a king-sized bed, a living area and a bathroom, all connected to the upper-level living room via a spiral staircase.
Swimming in a pool within a pool
You know what’s better than having a pool? Having a pool that’s sitting inside another, even larger pool. That’s what Laucala Island in Fiji has done, building its 25-metre-long lap pool as an elevated box that protrudes into the larger lagoon-style swimming pool below. But the pool’s most notable feature is arguably the glass wall at the very end that allows guests outside the pool to get an underwater view of those inside (a feature that undoubtedly would be popular with people wanting to take fun, perspective-twisting photos with friends). But it’s not just the pool that’s impressive. The water within the pools itself is from a salt-water chlorinated system that makes it less irritating to sensitive skin.
Kids’ paradise
Even if you don’t plan to stay in the resort all day, that doesn’t mean you have to drag your kids everywhere with you, especially if they are more than happy to spend their holiday within the resort. Shangri-La Hotel, Singapore has developed a new 2,150sqm kids’ playground called Buds by Shangri-La on the first floor of its rejuvenated Tower Wing. The kid-friendly space has a number of themed activity spaces, including Muddy for those who like to make a mess; Stage, a music studio; Bake, a cooking classroom for both children and parents; and a Party Room for, well, parties. Children under four years old can also spend time in the Toddler Zone that has swings and slides, a piano floor, a ball pit and vintage children’s rides. Outside, a giant pirate ship structure is there for kids to climb up and slide down, as is a water play zone with splash pads. And even if you don’t feel like leaving the resort, there’s always the Recharge café located right next door.
