THE LUXURY DHIGU RESORT, MALDIVES

THE LUXURY DHIGU RESORT, MALDIVES

Anantara Dhigu Resort & Spa is encircled by mystic lagoons and unspoilt crystal shores, the resort is a heavenly sanctuary on a secluded paradise island, offering barefoot elegance in one of the world’s most celebrated tropical havens. Here the sparkling turquoise waters of the Indian Ocean offer an endless horizon of aquatic allure and the evocative location is matched by a tranquil island design style.

Anantara Dhigu is a luxurious five-star resort hidden on tropical terrain on Dhigufinolhu Island in the Maldives’ South Male Atoll, a mere 35 minute speedboat journey from the island nation’s international airport, or a scenic five minutes by private chartered seaplane.

Male-based architect Mohamed Shafeeq from Group X Design Associates and Thailand-based interior design company, Abacus, headed by John Lightbody, have styled the resort’s distinctive environment as a creative complement to the natural beauty of the island.

Using age old techniques such as thatched palm roofs the 110 deluxe villas and suites are either poised over the water with sweeping ocean views or nestled along a pristine stretch of beach.  Comprising 103 one-bedroom villas and suites, some with private plunge pools, two inter leading two-bedroom family villas, and five outer leading two-bedroom pool villas, each building is a simple, natural sanctuary, belying the more intricate and significant design within.

Over water suites at the luxury Maldives hotel are suspended above the crystal clear waters  of the Indian Ocean. A king size bed faces the magnificent ocean view beyond an expansive private sundeck complete with sun loungers, outdoor shower and steps that make direct ocean access for snorkelling a breeze.

The resort’s over water dining experiences promise spectacular ocean and sunset views from the Fuddan Fusion Grill, Terrazzo and Baan Huraa restaurants.

Adelto loves the Fuddan Fusion Grill. Featuring an alfresco wooden deck that is suspended over the turquoise ocean, Fuddan Fusion Grill offers a crossroad of cuisines and cooking styles.

The luxury Maldives resort is ideal for a holiday of a lifetime in the Maldives islands. If you are looking for a luxury travel destination then Maldives has to be on your bucket list.

Anantara Dhigu, P.O. Box 2014, Dhigufinolhu, South Male Atoll, Male, Maldives, dhigu-maldives.anantara.com

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25 SECRET SMALL TOWNS IN EUROPE YOU MUST VISIT

25 SECRET SMALL TOWNS IN EUROPE YOU MUST VISIT

1. Cesky Krumlov, Czech Republic

There’s no other town in the world that I am more fond of than the quaint, charming, fairytale-like town of Cesky Krumlov in southern Bohemia. It’s as if you have stepped into a time warp – small cobblestone roads, bridges every which way you look, and no, there’s no McDonalds! It’s a great short day trip from Prague if you find yourself there but for the best experience, visit Krumlov in the summer season and raft down the Vltavy River.

2. Colmar, France

Situated in Alsace, Colmar is a unique blend of French and Germany architecture, culture and spirit. It’s as colourful in real life as it looks to be in the photos and is one of France’s true hidden gems.

3. Marsaxlokk, Malta

This town in Malta is the main fishing village for the entire country. It’s colourful, playful, and filled with Maltese spirit.

4. Hallstatt, Austria

The lakeside town of Hallstatt is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and has even been dubbed the prettiest lakeside village in the entire world. Whether you visit at summer or winter time, you are sure to fall in love with what will always be one of Europe’s most charming small towns.

5. Bruges, Belgium

Bruges has become incredibly popular for travellers looking to photograph the lego-like houses in the city centre (pictured above). It still remains to be one of Europe’s prettiest little towns, but is now more popular than ever.

6. Bled, Slovenia

There’s much to see and do in Bled, however the greatest attraction is undeniably Lake Bled – one of the world’s most stunning lakes and a favourite for visitors to Slovenia.

Image: handmade-saratov.ru

7. Bibury, England

This would indeed have to be the most photographed street in Bibury, England. This small town is filled with old world charm and could very well be the most charming town in England!

 Image: Wikicommons

8. Albarracin, Spain

Some would say Albarracin is the most charming village in all of Spain. It’s just a two hour journey from Valencia and a 30 minute train ride from Teruel.

 Image: Wikimedia.com

9. Pucisca, Croatia

 Croatia has well and truly opened itself up to tourism in recent years so it may not be as much a secret as it once was, however a visit to the Dalmation coast once in your life is an absolute must. It’s little gems like Pucisca that explain why!

10. Eze, France

 Not too far from Nice is the Southeast town of Eze, France – a great little getaway!

11. Annecy, France

Annecy is built around a 14th Century Chateau and is arguably more charming than any other French town you will find. The town is also surrounded by the French Alps, making it even more picturesque!

 Image: twicsy.com

12. Manarola, Italy

The image says it all – Manarola would have to be one of Italy’s most charming little towns on the coast. But there are so many more! Italy is filled with hidden gems to discover – be sure to take your time in this beautiful country!

13. Ittoqqortoormiit, Greenland

Think it’s difficult to say? It’s just as difficult to get here. This small town in Greenland can only be reched by taking a once-per-week flight from Iceland, then a helicopter ride to this small galacial town in Greenland. But of course, it looks to be worth it!

14. Reine, Norway

This small fishing village in Norway is SO picturesque – if a picture tells a thousand words, this would have to tell double. Stunning!

15. Mostar, Bosnia & Herzegovina

 The small town of Mostar in Bosnia & Herzegovina has got to be one of the most underrated destinations in Europe. If you find yourself here, be sure to visit nearby Blagaj – another charmer!

16. Odense, Denmark

 Although it is the third largest city in Denmark, Odense has a small town charm that can’t be found elsewhere in Denmark – a true treasure!

  Image: Dooneyscafe.com

17. Freiburg, Germany

Freiburg is home to around 230,000 people and is located in the Southwest of Germany – the picture says more than enough.

Image: reversehomesickness.com

18. Goreme, Turkey

This town was first built by the Romans and was carved into the hard rock – truly incredible!

19. Ghent, Belgium

Ghent is one of Flanders’ two hidden delights (alongside Bruges). Just a short 20 minute train ride from its’ more popular neighbour, Ghent is equally charming however in a completely different way – be sure to visit to see why!

20. Ljubljana, Slovenia

Ljubljana is indeed the capital of Slovenia and thus a city as opposed to a small town, however it simple has to be included due to its’ small town charm – it is one of Europe’s most understated capitals!

21. Toruń, Poland

Situated in Northern Poland, this is one of the countries’ most charming towns (indeed, there are many of them). If you’re looking to get off the beaten path in Poland and away from popular Warsaw and Krakow, this would be a good place to start.

 Image: Berthold Werner/Wikimedia Commons

22. Rothenberg, Germany

Look familiar? Walt Disney used Rothenberg as the inspiration for his film Pinocchio!

23. Arosa, Switzerland

Arosa will indeed always be a special place to me as it is where I shot the cover of my book, “The World of Wanderlust Story”. The reliatively small town in the Swiss Alps is a hot favourite of the English Royal family, so if it’s good enough for them I’m sure it’s good enough for all of us!

24. Bergen, Norway

Bergen is arguably Norway’s most charming, picturesque town. Situated on the West Coast of the country, Bergen was established before 1070 AD!

25. Leavenworth, USA

I just had to throw this one in for good measure. Yes, you read correctly – Leavenworth is in fact in the United States, not in Europe. The town is modeled on a Bavarian village and thus, I decided to include it in the list. If you’re in the States and craving a little European culture without the price of an airfare ticket, perhaps this one is for you!

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11 Amazing Places You Need To Visit Once In Your Life

Everyone likes to travel, but it becomes really hard to choose a destination for your next visit. Despite the saying “It is a small world,” there is an enormous amount of opportunities to see something really exciting, and this is why choosing one destination may be a bit challenging. This makes compiling a list of 11 Amazing Places You Need To Visit Once In Your Life even tougher, but we’re up for the task.

1. River of Flowers, Keukenhof, Holland.

A fantastic floral display of grape hyacinth and tulips going down almost like a river through Keukenhof park in Holland.

 2. Melissani Cave in Greece

The Melissani Cave which is also called the cave of the Nymps is a favorite adventurous  spot for global tourists. The cave has a lake in between which is absolutely invisible from the outside. The current cave formation is in the shape of the English alphabet ‘B’ with two large water filled sections and a small island in between.

3. Dunnottar Castle, Scotland

Dunnottar Castle is a ruined medieval fortress located upon a rocky headland on the north-east coast of Scotland, about 3 kilometres (1.9 mi) south of Stonehaven. The surviving buildings are largely of the 15th and 16th centuries, but the site is believed to have been fortified in the Early Middle Ages. Dunnottar has played a prominent role in the history of Scotland through to the 18th-century Jacobite risings because of its strategic location and the strength of its situation.

4. Rocamadour, France

Rocamadour is a commune in the Lot department in south-western France. It lies in the former province of Quercy. Rocamadour has attracted visitors for its setting in a gorge above a tributary of the River Dordogne, and especially for its historical monuments and its sanctuary of the Blessed Virgin Mary, which for centuries has attracted pilgrims from every country, among them kings, bishops, and nobles.

 5. Foss a Sidu, Southern Iceland

Foss a Sidu is a waterfall to the east of Kirkjubaejarklaustur in southern Iceland. It is located near the Ring Road, and tumbles down cliffs near an isolated farm. This waterfall does have one unique aspect, however, in that it is known to regularly flow uphill during strong winds from the sea. The waterfall is only a single, narrow stream and quite light compared to some of the raging torrents elsewhere in Iceland.

 6. Green Fly Geyser, Nevada

Located about 100 miles north of Reno, Nevada, is the tiny town of Gerlach. Twenty miles north of that is Fly Ranch, home to one of the most unique geysers in the world.

The most striking aspect of the Fly Geyser is its vibrant colors, which are caused by thermophilic algae. The erupting water leaves behind calcium carbonate deposits that have accumulated over the years and have formed the large geyser mound and multiple terraces. Thermophilic algae thrive in these conditions, creating the brilliant red and green hues that give the geyser its unforgettable look.

7. River House, Serbia

The world is full of unusual places, sites that are both intriguing and mysterious. House on the Drina River in Serbia has captured both qualities, attracting curious travelers from across the globe, who want to see a house that seems to be floating on water. The Drina River runs the border between Bosnia Herzegovina and Serbia.  The Drina is the main kayaking and rafting attraction of the Balkans.  When you go on a river trip, you expect to see beautiful pastoral countryside. What you don’t expect to see is an oddly placed house in the middle of the river!

8. Strokkur, Iceland

Strokkur (Icelandic for “churn”) is a fountain geyser in the geothermal area beside the Hvítá River in Iceland in the southwest part of the country, east of Reykjavík. It is one of Iceland’s most famous geysers, erupting about every 4–8 minutes 15 – 20 m high, sometimes up to 40 m high.

Strokkur and its surrounding areas regularly attracts tourists to view the geyser, as it is one of very few natural geysers to erupt frequently and reliably.

9. Potato Chip Rock, California

Potato Chip Rock is located in Lake Poway Park near San Diego. It’s a famous local attraction. There is always a line to take a picture on the rock.

10. Tat Kuang Si Waterfall, Luang Prabang, Laos

Clear and beautifully blue-green, the waters of the Tat Kuang Si Waterfall in Luang Prabang, Laos are enticing, especially in the Laotian heat. You can either swim at the base or climb to the top and lounge in a swimming hole between tiers of the falls. The Tat Kuant Si Waterfall is located in a national park along the Mekong River.

11. Jacob’s Well, Texas

Jacob’s Well is one of the most significant natural geologic treasures in the Texas Hill Country. It is one of the longest underwater caves in Texas and an artesian spring. Jacob’s Well surges up thousands of gallons of water per minute and acts as headwaters to the beautiful Cypress Creek that flows through Wimberley, sustaining Blue Hole and the Blanco River, recharging the Edwards Aquifer, and finally replenishing estuaries in the Gulf of Mexico.

Jacob’s Well has been integral to the cultural and historical character of the Wimberley Valley. The location has been a beloved swimming hole for generations, a gathering place for Native Americans and early settlers, and a rich habitat for aquatic species. Through the creation of the Jacob’s Well Natural Area, the land around the well has been unified to restore and protect this sensitive area for future generations.

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