Pullman Maldives Maamutaa Resort
The Maldives, with its wide open spaces, remote islands and guaranteed sunshine, is set to be a popular holiday destination to visit next year. Pullman Maldives Maamutaa Resort is set amidst 18-hectares of tropical vegetation, beautiful seascapes and landscaped gardens, as well as surrounding a natural lake. The only resort on Maamutaa Island, it is totally secluded with its very own private beach that spans the island.
In addition to its seclusion, what sets the resort apart is the abundance of activities on offer, world class fitness and wellness facilities, a generous all-inclusive and diverse culinary experience, and two exclusive Aqua Villas, featuring underwater bedrooms. This beautiful island resort is home to some of the richest marine life in the whole of the Maldives and guests can witness the region’s thriving coral reef with Pullman Maldives Maamutaa Resort’s 5-star PADI certified Suvadiva Dive Centre. The resort is also thrilled to be the first and only dive centre to offer official PADI mermaid courses in the Maldives, making it a sought after bucket-list destination for families in 2022.
What’s more, in celebration of World Ocean Day 2022, Pullman Maldives Maamutaa Resort’s Aqua Week will be returning for the second year. An underwater extravaganza, this extraordinary week is spent mostly underwater and comprises a whole host of exciting experiences as well as special seafood menus. Some of the activities this year included submerged art, underwater photography as well as mermaid lessons. To mark the importance of World Oceans Day, marine conservation will be a prominent theme with activities available such as special snorkelling and diving sessions for guests to clean the surrounding reefs.
Pure Grenada
Grenada is the hidden gem of the Caribbean, boasting a wealth of unspoilt beauty, breath-taking waterfalls and 30 white sandy beaches – including the world famous Grand Anse beach. Famed for its aromatic spices, organic chocolate and unforgettable dive sites – including the world’s first underwater sculpture park and the largest shipwreck in the Caribbean; The tri-island destination of Grenada, Carriacou, and Petite Martinique offers the perfect haven for foodies, sunseekers and diving enthusiasts.
A unique array of reefs, marine life and shipwrecks can be found in the turquoise waters of both Grenada and Carriacou – making it a sought after dive and snorkelling location. With over 35 reefs to discover, those taking to the water will be sure to spot colourful reef fish, turtles and healthy corals. One of the most popular snorkelling sites is an underwater gallery of sculptures in the Molinere Beauséjour Marine Protected Area, acting as artificial reefs, the sculptures attract a stunning array of marine life.
Travellers looking to add a touch of luxury to their trip should stay at the award-winning Relais & Châteaux hotel, Calabash Luxury Boutique Hotel. The stunning family owned hotel boasts 30 designer suites, all nestled amongst beautiful gardens and offering unspoilt views of the secluded white sandy beach.
Regent Seven Seas Cruises- Island Life & Luxury Around The Caribbean
Guests can island-hop their way through paradise in 2022, with Regent Seven Seas Cruises ‘Island life & luxury’ voyage, departing from Miami. As the ultra-luxurious Seven Seas Explorer meanders around the tropical islands of St Lucia, Antigua and St Marteen (to name a few) guests can enjoy up to 100 free shore excursions as well as an unparalleled experience on board. The Seven Seas Explorer provides guests with the highest benchmarks of luxury, including personalised service, allowing them to sit back and relax as they take in the idyllic beaches, secluded bays and serene seas of the Caribbean.
Visit Finland’s unique Islands with Visit Finland
Finland’s coast boasts the world’s largest archipelago. With more than 40,000 islands running along much of its coastline, there is a wealth of island escapes to enjoy in Finland. Travellers can island-hop their way around Finland’s vast archipelago with a variety of boat tours and cruises – or even take to the sea in a private kayak. The famous Archipelago Trail offers a popular and accessible route, best explored in the Summer months. Below are some hand-picked and secluded island spots to escape to in 2022.
Finnish archipelago adventure at Villa Nagu
The beautiful Villa Nagu, is a two-and-a-half-hour drive from Helsinki and offers an idyllic getaway. Designed by architect Sigvard Eklund, the property is located high up on a hill and all rooms offer stunning views to the sea and surroundings with their floor-to-ceiling windows. The recently renovated villa comes complete with a separate sauna building, with unobstructed sea views and a private beach, just 200m from the villa.
Charming cottage on a desert island: Hermit hut
Located on Gyllenklobb Island, which is just 200 by 80 metres, Hermit hut is located at the island’s highest point. Suitable for 1-2 guests the hut has a fully equipped small kitchenette and an outdoor hot tub, perfect for taking in the tranquil surroundings day and night. The hut is powered with solar energy and drinking water is transported to the island, allowing guests to reconnect with nature at its most authentic level.
Sea-view secluded cottages – Brännskär Cottages
The authentic and cosy log cabins have a sea view and beach for swimming, rowing and fishing. Ideal for families or smaller parties, the cottages consist of 6- 10 beds. As they relax in privacy and indulge in a calm quietness, guests can marvel at the view as the morning sun rises over the eastern parts of Brännskär.
Tagomago Private Island, The Luxury Travel Book
This beautiful and unique villa is situated on its very own private island just 900m from the north-east coast of Ibiza. In a stunning natural environment, guests of Tagomago will enjoy total privacy as well as breath-taking sunrises and sunsets. Guests can arrive on Tagomago by tender-boat in just 5 minutes from the bay of Pou des Lleo, situated in the North-East coast of Ibiza. The tender-boats are at the disposal of guests 24 hours a day.
This luxury island villa rental offers outdoor facilities including a spectacular swimming pool, a spacious sunbathing terrace, an impressive outdoor fitness area and a jacuzzi. The terraces are furnished with sunrise and sunset chill-out areas for relaxing outdoors, and there is a barbecue. There is also a private jetty for mooring as well as many water sport activities including jet skis, wakeboard, paddle surf, canoeing, fishing, snorkelling and sailing. Land activities include a long jogging course to Tagomago’s lighthouse, nature walks and hiking.
For those keen to explore further afield, Ibiza town can be reached in 35 minutes and the famous hippie market of San Carlos in 15 minutes. This island paradise provides the ultimate location for those looking for a unique holiday with family or friends.
Valentia Island – Co Kerry, Ireland
One of Ireland’s most westerly points, Valentia Island is situated off the South West coast of Kerry and it’s an island of great beauty and contrast. It is joined to the mainland by bridge via the Portmagee Channel. The western part of the island is dominated by the barren, dramatic cliffs of Bray Head which command spectacular views of the Kerry coastline while the mild effect of the Gulf Stream results in Valentia’s balmy climate and lush, colourful vegetation.
For those visiting the island, the Royal Valentia hotel provides an idyllic place to stay. Tucked away in one of Co. Kerry’s most beautiful setting, this charming, family-run hotel is perched on the quayside, overlooking Valentia Harbour. The Royal Hotel Valentia comprises 30 rooms and suites, with stunning views out over the harbour. No trip to Valentia Island would be complete without a visit to O’Neill’s The Point Seafood Bar. The restaurant sits in a spectacular location overlooking the harbour and they serve delicious, fresh locally sourced seafood, from the months of March to November.
Wild Northern Ireland – See nature thrive on Rathlin Island
Rathlin Island is the most northern point of Northern Ireland, off the coast of County Antrim. Rathlin may be home to only around 150 people, but it is bursting with curious residents, as a conservation area, tens of thousands of seabirds call Rathlin their home. Head to the Rathlin Seabird Centre, and from the spectacular viewing platform observe the magic of puffins, razorbills and kittiwakes in their natural habitat. Visit in the spring or summer months to see the full colonies, and you might see birds raising their chicks on the cliff edges! And while the birds steal the show here at Rathlin, there are plenty of other residents who may catch your eye – colonies of seals love to lounge on the rocks, and you may even spot an Irish hare or minke whale if you’re lucky! Visitors can take a day trip to the island or choose to stay at Kinramer Cottage, an old farmhouse that makes a comfortable base from which to enjoy walking and watching the island’s wildlife.
Explore the secluded Aran Islands with a visit to Inis Meáin
The quietest and least visited of the Aran Islands, Inishmaan (officially known as Inish Meáin) is truly an escape from the modern world, a place where beauty, tradition and culture combine in a rugged windswept landscape. The small 5km by 3km island off the coast of County Galway is also home to the award-winning Inis Meáin Restaurant and Suites. This extraordinary restaurant has recently been awarded the Michelin Green Star award in the Michelin Guide 2021, highlighting the incredible work that the restaurant does when it comes to their sustainable practices. The chefs create a four course dinner menu that changes nightly, depending on the best ingredients that the island has to offer at any given time. The main ingredients used in this restaurant are sourced on the island itself, including lobster and crab caught by local fishermen from currachs, the traditional island fishing boats, as well as home-grown vegetables, salads, herbs and fruits from the greenhouse and gardens outside the restaurant. The availability of quality produce, both wild and cultivated on the island is entirely dependent on weather, seasonality and practicality, however each year they aim to develop their knowledge and skills to cultivate, harvest and preserve more island food.
The restaurant space sits looking out at the wild landscape and ocean surrounding the hotel, offering a taste-the-view dining experience. The suites at Inis Meáin similarly embrace the natural beauty of the island to create a remote refuge for guests visiting the island. There are five private suites, each with panoramic views of the island and sea, and these expansive views are reflected in the suite interiors which feature wood, lime, stone, and wool. This promises to be a truly special experience for anyone visiting the secluded island, and the property can only be reached by ferry or by plane.
