When Nature Meets EXCELLENCE

OHLALA was invited to visit one of the newest properties in the Maldives, Avani+ Fares Maldives Resort. A unique nature-blessed destination that Fernanda Langhammer had the pleasure to experience –it was much more than a regular stay. Check it out!

One of the meanings of paradise, according to Oxford Dictionaries, is an ideal or idyllic place or state. I would say that another short description would represent this word well: the Maldives – more specifically, Avani+ Fares Maldives Resort. I had the opportunity to experience the resort’s hospitality, incredible facilities, exciting activities, delectable dining and relaxing environment. A picturesque destination with energetic staff, always ready to go the extra mile to make you feel comfortable and pamper you in all possible ways.

To get to this piece of heaven on earth, you have to hop in a seaplane. I have to say, I was not excited about this part of the trip, but sometimes you have to go through not-so-nice things to reach wonderful outcomes. As soon as we landed at Velana International Airport in Male (Maldives capital), a team was waiting to help check our luggage into the seaplane and take us to the Minor Lounge (the Avani brand is part of Minor Hotels, a Thai multinational company based in Bangkok). The lounge was very comfortable with bites, warm coffee and tea. I needed buckets of coffee after my overnight flight, and it just hit the spot. In no time, our seaplane was ready for us!

It looked a lot less scary when we got closer. What caught my attention was the pilots wearing flip-flops, shorts and caps – suitable to the hot and humid weather and, as I noticed later, to all the hopping out and back into the plane. They are known as ‘barefoot pilots’ as the flip-flops are abandoned as soon as they start operating the flying machine. The flight was incredibly smooth (but extremely noisy), and the views were to die for! In 35 minutes, we were landing close to the shores of Avani+ Fares. A boat awaited us and, as we approached the resort, we could see some of the staff making a heart shape with their hands close to their chests while traditional drums sounded. Such a lovely reception! Riaan, the General Manager, and his team were there to introduce themselves while we sipped a cooling drink.

We hopped on one of the island’s buggies and headed straight to our rooms. The check-in was done smoothly from the comfort of my private Beach Pool Villa. Kritika showed me everything I needed to know and explained how to use the room’s facilities. I was in a state of awe with