Island Destinations recently hosted an exclusive post-ILTM Asia Pacific ‘ID Insider Educational’ experience to the Maldives for five Australian and New Zealand Virtuoso travel advisors.
The trip was hosted by Belinda Layt, Island Destinations’ Associate Director, Asia Pacific and the luxury advisors who joined the trip were Nicole Grant, Destination HQ; Simone King, Simone King Travel; Brendon Mahony, Savenio; Julia Enders, Out and About Travel, and Kerry Graham, The Private Travel Company.
Over six nights, the advisors experienced an immersion at three beautiful resort properties to gain a deeper understanding and appreciation of the unique offerings.
Subscribe to LATTE’s free eNewsletter to keep up to date with everything in the luxury travel industry.
On the secluded island of Bodufushi in Raa Atoll, the group were welcomed on a journey of revival at JOALI BEING, the first dedicated wellness resort in the Maldives. The group was excited by the range of experiential offerings for their clients and took part in a private Herbology Workshop, making and naming a personalised perfume and a Sound Bath Meditation session. They also enjoyed signature Four Pillars Massages to appreciate firsthand the ethos behind the Four Pillars: Mind, Skin, Microbiome and Energy.
Heading South to Ari Atoll, staying at Conrad Maldives Rangali Island, the advisors were thrilled to swim with three whale sharks, the ocean’s majestic gentle giants. This is one of the only places in the world where its possible to view whale sharks year-round. “It was not only an incredible ‘once in a lifetime’ experience but emotional to be sharing the water alongside these magnificent creatures…” commented Layt.
The Muraka, the world’s first undersea residence, with integrated living, dining, and entertaining spaces and 3 stunning bedrooms, one bedroom being located under the ocean provided a perfect location for cocktails and viewing the vibrance of a magnificent Maldivian sunset.
At COMO Maalifushi, COMO’s largest private island resort in the Maldives in Thaa Atoll, the advisors experienced re-energising COMO Shambhala Signature Massages that use gentle rhythmic movements to calm the mind and body and nurture overall wellbeing.
A luxurious sunset cruise took the group in search of spinner dolphins. There was much excitement when they were spotted performing their graceful acrobatic and surfing
moves. As the sun went down, it was time to reflect on shared life experiences, new friends, and the diversity of an inspirational Maldivian journey.
Although the Maldives has long been a magnificent island destination, Kerry Graham of The Private Travel Company, explained that her expectations were exceeded throughout this trip. “I knew the atolls were going to be stunning, but the azure colours of the water and pure, crystalline beaches were absolutely breathtaking”.
ID has been selling the Maldives for 17 years, and counting. The Virtuoso and Signature Travel Network preferred operator is known for its high-touch service including: a 24/7 service line, no hold times, no cancellation fees, destination expertise as they frequent the destination multiple times a year, and SPF 24/7 “Cancel for Any Reason” waiver with money back, commission protection + Post-Departure Insurance included on every booking.
For assistance with your next Maldives booking, contact belindal@idtravelgroup.com and joannen@idtravelgroup.com.
Lead image: Nicole Grant, Destination HQ; Kerry Graham, The Private Travel Company (NZ); Brendon Mahony, Savenio; Belinda Layt, ID Travel Group; Simone King, Simone King Travel and Julia Enders, Out and About Travel.