Some people just like to get in when they arrive at a hotel, so imagine the impact you would make if you skydived in?
Thrill seekers can do just that at the newly opened Ifuru Island Maldives resort. Guests have the chance to enjoy panoramic views of the sublime archipelago as they free fall over coral reefs and onto the shiny white soft sand. Ifuru has its own airport and worked with world champion skydiver Will Penny to create the Maldives’ first permanent skydiving drop zone.
The resort is located in the serene Raa Atoll, a 40-minute flight north of the capital Male. The elegant barefoot luxury resort offers not only dazzling adventure, but also plenty of tranquility.
Because Ifuru likes to welcome families, I am visiting with my husband and seven-year-old Amelia. At first we wondered whether it might be difficult to keep our little one occupied, but we were pleasantly surprised by the range of activities for children.
There’s an all-day play center with table tennis and PlayStations, plus two kids’ clubs (Coconut Kids Club and Little Explorers Club) for children aged three to 12, with activities galore, ranging from treasure hunts and face painting to marine biology lessons. That means “we time” is on the table for tired parents.
Carol Driver of MailOnline Travel checks into the Ifuru Island Maldives resort (above) with her husband and seven-year-old daughter Amelia
Ifuru Island Maldives is located on the ‘serene’ Raa Atoll, a 40-minute flight north of the capital Male
Ifuru Island Maldives guests can skydive to the resort – see the four images above. Ifuru has its own airport and worked with world champion skydiver Will Penny to create the Maldives’ first permanent skydiving drop zone. The skydiving season runs from early November to late March
Other activities on offer include sunset cruises, scuba diving, snorkeling and water sports including stand-up paddle boarding.
One morning we take a 40-minute boat trip to snorkel at sea and see bannerfish, surgeonfish and clownfish. And on the way back a friendly group of dolphins accompanies us.
The resort has 147 rooms, perfectly positioned to enjoy breathtaking sunsets over the Indian Ocean.
Carol and her family checked into a “beautiful traditional-meets-modern sunset beach villa.” The photo above shows a version of her room type with a private plunge pool
Beach life: Carol describes the sand at the resort as ‘powdery and pristine’
Seas the day: the resort ‘has 147 rooms, perfectly positioned to enjoy breathtaking sunsets over the Indian Ocean’
The resort has an all-day games center with table tennis and PlayStations, plus two kids’ clubs (Coconut Kids Club and Little Explorers Club) for children aged three to 12.
Carol reveals you can enjoy seafood tempura, Black Angus beef and chocolate mousse cake at The Waterfront [restaurant]’ (above)
Our room is a beautiful traditional and modern sunset beach villa – with a king size bed and a small sofa bed for Amelia. There’s plenty of space and storage, and it features a large outdoor bathroom, complete with a freestanding bath, shower and toilet (expect a few friendly lizards).
The sliding glass doors lead to a secluded daybed area, from where we can walk with our toes in the warm, powdery, pristine white sand to the sparkling sea. All that can be heard is the sound of the crystal clear water – bliss!
For some pampering, Amelia and I head to the exquisite Xanadu Spa, where we both get massages in dreamy surroundings. I also book in for my very first sound healing therapy session, which leaves me feeling completely relaxed.
Carol writes: ‘We spend hours swimming, walking along the perfect beaches and enjoying ‘I never want to leave’ moments
Above is Ifuru’s striking Barbie-style lifeguard station. Stays at the resort start at £750 per night, based on two people sharing a Sunset Sky Suite and including an ‘Exclusively Yours’ premium all-inclusive offer
The dining options at Ifuru are as varied as the activities, with a choice of four bars and six restaurants. Most are located around the lively area surrounding the resort’s large beachside pool, complete with sun loungers and bean bags, and are set among lush gardens lined with palm trees (look out for the fruit bats).
We were booked on Ifuru’s Exclusively Yours dining plan, which means all meals and soft drinks, as well as wines and cocktails, are included.
At the Social House we enjoy a fresh fruit breakfast with yoghurt, eggs, pastries and toast baskets, and a delicious Maldivian ‘mas huni’ breakfast – tuna with onion, coconut and chilli.
It’s handmade pizzas and milkshakes in any flavor around the pool for lunch, or salads and wraps with mojitos (and great tunes) at the laid-back The Beach Club, located on the island’s best beach.
For dinner, Palm Grill’s talented chefs prepare rich flavors of prime beef and locally caught fish, cooked on a charcoal grill. Alternatively, you can enjoy seafood tempura, Black Angus beef and chocolate mousse cake at The Waterfront, which is on the pier, so make sure you book for sunset.
Unfortunately, our stay coincides with a break for the skydiving team (Ifuru has its own airstrip) so we cannot make a grand entrance.
Instead, we enjoy a lower adrenaline break, spending hours swimming, walking along picture-perfect beaches and enjoying ‘I never want to leave’ moments.