Kerry's Escapes

30/04/2024

TRAVEL TIPS TUESDAY

Being ill away from home is never fun! and some countries have a higher risk of certain diseases than others.

Do your research in plenty of time before your travels as some vaccinations need time to develop immunity and vaccinations certificates may be required for entry into certain countries.

The following travel vaccines are available free on the NHS if your GP practice is signed up to provide vaccination (immunisation) services.
- polio (given as a combined diphtheria/tetanus/polio jab)
- typhoid
- hepatitis A
- cholera

You'll have to pay for travel vaccinations against:
- hepatitis B
- Japanese encephalitis
- meningitis vaccines
- rabies
- tick-borne encephalitis
- tuberculosis (TB)
- yellow fever

For further advise see the NHS link below or visit a travel vaccinations centre like Boots.

https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/travel-vaccinations/

28/04/2024

BEST WATER VILLAS IN THE MALDIVES

Always dreamed in staying in a water villa, check out these options:

1. Ozen Reserve Bolifushi

2. Baros Maldives

3. Cocoon Maldives

4. One and Only Reethi Rah

5. Emerald Faarufushi

Would you like to book one of these resorts?

25/04/2024

EMERALD FAARUFUSHI

Important info that you need to know:

☀ A 5 star Deluxe All Inclusive and a member of Leading Hotels of the World
🌴The resort has a 1.2km sandy beach and is surrounded by 100 hectares of lagoon
✈️Seaplane journeys to the resort takes 50 minutes
🌻There are 38 beach villas and 42 overwater villas
🐟There is a world class PADI dive centre and access to a fully equipped water sports centre.

Would you like to book this resort??

23/04/2024

TRAVEL TIP TUESDAY

Photos and videos preserve all our wonderful details of our trips away and jog our faded travel memories when we look at them again.

If you have ever lost files/pictures etc before you will know that sinking feeling knowing that they cant be retrieved.
That is why it is so important to make up your photos and videos. The easiest way to back them up is online for example Apple iCloud.

Another top tip: Keep digital and physical copies of your passport, driver’s license, birth certificate, health insurance card, serial numbers, and important phone numbers ready for an emergency.

21/04/2024

MULTI ISLAND RESORTS IN THE MALDIVES

Want some variety and more to explore? check out these Multi Island resorts.

1. Crossroads - Hard Rock Maldives, Saii Lagoon and SO Maldives

2. OBLU Select Lobigili and OBLU Xperience Ailafushi

3. Naladhu Private Island, Anantara Dhigu and Anantara Veli

4. Fari Islands: The Ritz Carlton, Patina Maldivces and Capella Maldives

5. The Residence Maldives and The Residence Dhigurah

Would you like to book one of these Resorts?

18/04/2024

MEERU ISLAND

Important info that you need to know:

☀Meeru is one of the largest islands in the Maldives covering 80 acres.
⛵You can reach the island in 55 minutes by speedboat
🌴Meeru was one of the first islands established in the Maldives and has over 40 years of hospitality experience
🌻The island has designated adult only and family only areas
👨‍👩‍👦‍👦Its rated as a top all inclusive choice for families
🍓The resort has 2 buffet restaurants and 4 a la carte

Would you like to book this resort?

16/04/2024

TRAVEL TIP TUESDAY

No one ever expects to end up ill or injured whilst on holiday but it does happen.

Don't buy the cheapest because it saves you money!
Make sure you have adequate cover for delays, lost luggage, cancelled flights or any pre-existing medical conditions.
Also make sure your GHIC is in date. 'The UK Global Health Insurance Card (GHIC) lets you get state healthcare in Europe at a reduced cost or sometimes for free.'

We have always used StaySure Insurance as a family as one member has a pre-existing health condition. But I would also recommend Journeys Insurance.
See link below:

https://www.journeystravel.co.uk/?promo=UK44332890

14/04/2024

ALL INCLUSIVE RESORTS IN THE MALDIVES

Want to travel to the Maldives and have everything included? Check out the top All Inclusive resorts below:

1. Siyam World
The Premium all Inclusive resort and a must stay resort for those who are active and love water sports

2. Oaga Art Resort
This resort includes return transfers and three excursions per person per stay; Sunset Cruise, Sunset Fishing, Guided House Reef Snorkeling.

3. Varu by Atmosphere
VARU includes all fine dining options plus Sunset fishing ONCE per guest during the stay

4. Emerald Maldives
The ultimate Deluxe resort and a A proud member of The Leading Hotels of the World

5. Cora Cora
A premium resort and perfect location for those who love diving

Would you like to book one of these resorts?

11/04/2024

HARD ROCK MALDIVES

Important info that you need to know:

🚤Hard Rock Hotel Maldives is a 20-minute speedboat ride from Malé
⛵️The round trip airport transfer is USD 178 for an adult, USD 89 for a child (6 - 11 years old) and free of charge for children below 6 years old.
🏠178 spacious guestrooms including family suites, beach villas and one and two-bedroom overwater villas,
☀Located only 500 meters across a footbridge from the resort, the Marina @ CROSSROADS Maldives,
🍓children 17 years old and below enjoy complimentary meals from the kids' menu or receive a 50% discount on the regular menu and meal plans.
🥨4 on site restaurants and 7 more restaurants and 1 beach club located in The Marina that bring you the very best of the world's flavours.

Would you like to book this resort?

09/04/2024

TRAVEL TIP TUESDAY

Get yourself a Travel Credit Card for Rewards!!
My husband and I have a British Airways American Express® Premium Plus Card!. Every time we make a purchase on this card we are earning Avios points.

More Avios points earnt, the more we save on our flights!! Winning!
But in the words of - make sure you pay off your credit card 'IN FULL' to avoid any interest charges.

Use our referral code below for additional points:
https://www.americanexpress.com/en-gb/credit-cards/referral/prospect/jASONLJq5N?CPID=100432323

07/04/2024

ADULT ONLY RESORTS IN THE MALDIVES

For the perfect honeymoon or a luxury holiday for two; take a look at my top Adults only options in the Maldives!

1. COMO COCOA ISLAND - an intimate resort with only 33 over water villas. Perfect for a peaceful idyllic escape.

2. MILAIDHOO - described as 're-invented luxury' and set in the heart of the UNESCO Biosphere Reserve. Perfect for couples seeking peace and privacy

3. YOU AND ME - This resort is a great spot for honeymooners set on a rustic and romantic island with 99 overwater villas.

4. SUN SIYAM OLHUVELI - Spread across three islands with contemporary design and only 40 mins away from Male.

5. CENTARA RAS FUSHI - This resort is only 20 minutes from Male and suits couples who love a variety of cuisine and those who love watersports and sailing.

6. HURALWALHI ISLAND - My go to choice for adults only, featuring its own iconic house reef and underwater restaurant.

04/04/2024

HURAWALHI ISLAND

Important info that you need to know:

🏖adult only all inclusive
✈️Based in the pristine Lhaviyani Atoll 40-minute seaplane flight
☀️Super stylish villas 90 villas, including 60 Ocean Villas and 30 Beach Villas
🐠The hotel's star attraction is the world's largest panoramic underwater restaurant, called '5.8 Undersea'
🥂Dont miss out on the champagne pavilion

Would you like to book this resort?

02/04/2024

TRAVEL TIP TUESDAY!!

Whether you like to be super organised with your packing (like me!) or if you need to travel light.
Invest in packing cubes!!!
What are they you may ask?
Lots of mini suitcases in your suitcase!!

These nifty bags allow you to keep your swimwear separate from your dirty clothes. Saving you time and space.

31/03/2024

FAMILY RESORTS IN THE MALDIVES

Fancy taking the kids with you on a trip of a lifetime; take a look at my top family resorts:

1. SIYAM WORLD - featuring the Indian Ocean's largest floating water park and non stop activities for the whole family

2. FINOLHU - a piece of paradise and a luxury location for the whole family; The Oceaneer’s kids club hosts a full schedule of activities including a pirate cruise treasure hunt

3. ATMOSPHERE KANIFUSHI - An excellent value for money Premium all inclusive resort. Many activities and excursions are included in the All inclusive tag so your family don't have to worry about any additional cost

4. ANANTARA DHIGU - families have access to some of the most spacious villas in the Maldives

5. MEERU ISLAND - This is one of the largest resorts in the Maldives and family have their own corner of the island. An affordable destination with endless activities

6. HARD ROCK MALDIVES - The first integrated resort in the Maldives with access to the Marina @ Crossroads. Children 17 years old and below enjoy complimentary meals from the kids' menu or receive a 50% discount on the regular menu and meal plans

Which resort would you like to book??

28/03/2024

MILAIDHOO

Important info that you need to know:

☀As an adult-only resort with peace and privacy vibe
✈️30 minutes by seaplane from Male or a 15 minute domestic flight followed by a short speedboat ride.
⛱A cleverly designed hotel will make you feel like you really are miles from anywhere (including other guests)
🏖50 stylish private and secluded pool villas and residences
🐠Hanifaru Bay, which supports the world’s largest, natural Manta Ray feeding station is located very close to the island./
👓‘reinvented luxury’. This means the simple life on a small island where guests can become part of nature, going barefoot and exploring the beauty of the country in style
🍲home to the first and only fine dining restaurant in the world serving exclusively Maldivian cuisine

would you like to book this resort?

26/03/2024

TRAVEL TIP TUESDAY

We've all been there, lovely day out enjoying the sun and scenery and boom badly sunburnt!! And we all know that sunburn increases your risk of skin cancer and premature ageing.

Important tips to remember:
- avoid sun exposure between 11am and 3pm
- over up using clothing such as wide brimmed hat and long sleeved tops
- wear sunglasses with wraparound lenses or wide arms
- use sunscreen properly

Its important to find one a sunscreen that suits you. What suits one person might not be right for another.
However, last year I bought Paediatrics Atopic Lotion Spray. I would definitely recommend this for all the family.

24/03/2024

DIVING RESORTS

1. Vilamendhoo is a divers paradise and one of the top diving resorts in the Maldives. It features its own house reef and is in close proximity to 50 other dive sites. Euro-Divers offers a vast amount of packages for diving and water sports.

2. Hurawalhi Island's Prodivers dive centre is the fifth in the Maldives and the third one in the Lhaviyani Atoll. The team adapt the dives to suit all levels and have access to 60+ Dive sites accessible from Hurawalhi.

3. Kuredu Island house reef is situated about 15 metres off the jetty and is also home to a shipwreck. Kuredu Island also offer night dives for a once in a lifetime experience.

4. Lux South Ari Atoll is an action seekers paradise. The 5* Dive centre is run by Euro-divers and offers a range of courses from beginner to expert. Most dive sites are within five minutes to one hour from the resort; they also offer manta and whale shark trips.

5. Baros has one of the original dive centres in the Maldives; which opened in 1979. They were the 'first EcoDive Centre in the Maldives to be certified by International Reef Check, which scientifically monitors, restores and maintains the health of coral reefs around the world.' They have access to over 30 dive sites in the North Male's protected areas.

6. Constance Moofushi has a beautiful sheltered lagoon in front of the resort, packed with marine life and has access to the 20+ dive sites all easily accessible with the on-site dive centre. The Blue Tribe Moofushi arrange daily diving, snorkelling, whaleshark trips and sunset cruises for all to enjoy.

Which resort would you pick??

21/03/2024

LUX SOUTH ARI ATOLL

Important information that you need to know:

The resort is designed with families in mind
They have eight restaurants and five bars
193 pavilions and villas
Its only a 30 minutes trip by seaplane to the resort
The South Ari Atoll, a Protected Marine Area, remains one of the best places in the world to see whale sharks, which are spotted year-round on the outer reef

19/03/2024

TRAVEL TIP

The most simple and versatile item ever!
It’s great for a blanket, sun protection, a makeshift towel, carrying stuff around, an eye mask, a wrap for conservative countries, and much more.

Lightweight and easy to fit into your hand luggage

17/03/2024

NEWEST RESORTS!!

1. Amari Raaya Maldives opened in May 2023. Situated in the Raa Atoll, you can reach the island via seaplane from Male in under an hour. The resort is within 15km of two diving/snorkelling resorts and is suitable for the whole family.

2. Emerald Faarafushi opened in October 2022 and is a member of the Leading Hotels of the World. This 5 star Deluxe All Inclusive and exudes 'barefoot elegance'. The Deluxe package includes non motorised sports, guided snorkelling and excursions.

3. Oaga Art resort opened in January 2023 and features over 160 pieces of art from nearly 40 local artists. A relatively small resort with only 60 beach and water villas.

4. OBLU Select Lobigili opened in March 2022 and is the sister resort to OBLU Select at Sangeli. This adult only retreat island is named Lobigili, which literally translates as 'the island of love'

5. Jawakara Island in the Lhaviyani Atoll opened in October 2023. Described as 'two islands - one resort' as the a 650 metre bridge over the Jawakara House Reef connects the islands Mabin and Dheru into one resort.

6. Hilton Amingiri opened in July 2022 and is the fourth Hilton property in the Maldives. Its only a 20 minute speedboat ride from Male airport. All 109 villas have their own pool and amazing views of the lagoon.

Which resort do you like??

14/03/2024

14/03/2024

FINOLHU

Important info that you need to know:

☀️ Finolhu, which means “sandbank”
🏝It boasts the longest (1.8 km) sandbank of all the famous Maldivian resort islands
⛱125 private villas, four restaurants and array of activities complementing the island’s natural beauty,
🐠Finolhu’s island is as varied as the coral reef landscape of the Baa Atoll, a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve.
⛵️The resort is only a 30-minute boat ride to the famous Hanifaru Bay to swim with the manta rays and whale sharks
❤️The resort does not buy drinking water in plastic bottles and the staff encourage our guests not to bring plastic bottles with them
👨‍👩‍👦‍👦It is the ideal option for active families and couples who love entertainment, night parties and diving

12/03/2024

TRAVEL TIP TUESDAY

Ear plugs and Eye Mask. Two very small items but also very handy!
Have your ever experienced that unpleasant pressure change feeling whilst flying? Did you know that earplugs are very effective at reducing that feeling, as they help to slowly equalizes the pressure against your eardrum during ascents and descents

If you’re trying to catch a few z’s on the plane an eye mask will help by blocking out the ambient light that wreaks havoc on your circadian rhythm.

10/03/2024

BEST MONTHS TO VISIT THE MALDIVES

1. Peak season is December to March. You will expect to see a drier climate, less wind and hot hot hot weather with at least 8 hours of sunshine every day.
2. Shoulder seasons are November and April. You are more likely to get better prices on flights and accommodation across the Maldives in these months however there is a chance of rain
3. Surfing season in June and July coincides with the monsoon season; Producing higher swells. The best surfing resorts are around North Male Atoll.
4. Best Diving time is January to March. During this time you will find the clearest blue water. Head to the Baa and Raa Atoll for best snorkelling and scuba diving spots.
5. October time is the best for spotting Manta Rays and whale sharks. Head to the Baa Atoll UNESCO World Biosphere Reserve or the Ari Atolls.

When would you like to visit??

07/03/2024

SIYAM WORLD

Important info that you need to know:

✈Located in the popular Noonu Atoll
✈40-minutes direct seaplane flight (USD470 per adult/usd240 per child)) or via a 30-minute domestic flight to Maafaru Airport, followed by a 15-minute speedboat trip.(USD320 per adult/USD165 per child)
🍓11 of our restaurants and bars, including four specialty à la carte venues for dinner
👨‍👩‍👦‍👦Kidz world Complimentary for children aged 4 – 12 years
🤿 All non-motorized activities are included in the WOW! Premium all-inclusive privileges
🛝South East Asias' Biggest Floating Water Park
📱download the Siyam World app to know about daily activities, excursions, events and restaurants reservation

DM to book this resort

05/03/2024

TRAVEL TIP TUESDAY

Travelling is one of life's greatest gifts.
Take a step back and get a feel for the area. Explore your surroundings and Immerse yourself in the culture, language, customs and cuisine.

Travelling is one of the most rewarding things you can do!

04/03/2024

You can also follow on Instagram to see more.

03/03/2024

THINGS YOU NEED TO KNOW

1. Did you know there are over 165 different resorts featuring brands like Marriott, Hilton, Jumeirah, OBLU, One&Only and many more
2. UK residents do not need to apply for a prior to travel
3. You can fly direct from London with BA and Virgin. There are many alternative indirect options; with the most popular being Dubai and Abu Dhabi
4. The Maldives is 5 hours ahead of the UK but did you know that Island time can differ 1-2 hours from Male time to make the most of sunset hours
5. There are three different options for transfers to your resorts. Resorts closer to Male are by speedboat; those further afield involve a seaplane or domestic flight.

What else would you like to know about the Maldives?
Pop your questions below


#

02/03/2024

SO/ Maldives

Maldives, Maldives

10 Nights - 2 Adults

The price is based on 2 adults sharing an Ocean Water Pool Villa Collection on a half-board basis. Flights are with British Airways in Premium Economy (via Doha) and depart London Heathrow on 21 June 2024 for 10 nights (plus one night on the outbound flight) and the price includes complimentary speedboat transfers, a free room upgrade from a Lagoon Water Pool Villa to an Ocean Water Pool Villa and a 35% saving off the hotel rate!



Upgrade to All Inclusive from +£4635pp.

Offer code: 1194128

Full payment needed at the time of booking

Travel: 21JUN24-03JUL24
Book by: 15MAR24