SIX SENSE LAAMU, MALDIVES
“In these pristine waters you will see more sea life thriving in its natural habitat than in any other place in the world. The Maldives has been a long-standing TSS favorite because it provides unforgettable waves as well as countless other opportunities to become one with mother nature. An outstanding honeymoon destination as well as a great family destination, the Maldives will allow you to enjoy marine life and as much surfing as you desire.”
– Terry Simms
THE LOCATION
Far out in the Indian Ocean lies a truly unique aquatic paradise. Think of the Maldives as a floating nation comprised of 26 atolls that house 1192 coral islands, 200 of which are uninhabited. This rare ocean setup creates a truly pristine playground for aquatic and beach-going activities. Threaded along these atolls are numerous reefs to explore. Many of these reefs produce glassy grade-A waves.
THE VILLAS
Located in a very secluded area of the Southern Atolls, the Six Senses Laamu is a true luxury property that stands apart from other hotels in the area because of its commitment to being eco-conscious. With creative use of wood and glass for construction, this five-star resort has been purposely designed to blend in with and complement the island’s natural beauty. Spread across the atoll, the resort offers a diverse collection of rooms built on water or on sand.
The over-water villas are the top-shelf experience in privacy and comfort. Watch the tropical world go by and soak up the bliss that is the Maldives. Sitting directly over the water, watching the sunset and sipping your drink of choice is nothing less than a perfect moment. Cool breezes at night and the sound of the waves lull you to a deep wonderful sleep, giving you the rest you need to do it all over again the next day.
The beach bungalows scattered throughout the compound are a Terry Simms personal favorite. Six Sense does a real luxury version of the classic Robinson Crusoe beach style. The rooms just off the beach are very private and separated by beautiful foliage. The architecture is truly artful, combining rustic beach bungalow with modern features, including entertainment systems and mini-bars all hidden behind beautiful wooden walls. Given the outdoor and indoor bathrooms, private plunge pools and top-end beds and linens, you may never want to leave your room.
THE SURF
There are several high-quality breaks in this area. The most famous one is the appropriately named “Ying Yang.” This unique break has two distinctly different faces. On the more westerly swell, it is soft, easy, fun and safe. On a more southerly direction, it becomes a perfect barreling right from the start to the end bow. Located approximately five minutes from the hotel, this is a boat-only spot. But, no fear, the resort has several boats to deliver you right up to the doorstep of this magic break. The resort has a world-class private outfit onsite that handles all aquatic experiences from surfing to diving to kite sailing. Directly in front of beach bungalows #80-90, there is another sweet spot. An easy peeling left, “The Corner,” sits just off the pristine white sand. It is a perfect wave for kids and parents alike and guaranteed to put a smile on everyone’s face.
There are five other breaks in the immediate vicinity, including Ying Yang: Jetty C (Intermediate, Left); Maamendhoo (Intermediate, Left); Petrol Head (Intermediate, Left), and Gaadhoo (Experienced, Left). The local onsite boat guides are very knowledgeable and always willing to take you to the right spot on the right day.
The waves in the Maldives are usually small, from chest high to head high, but on good occasions, the waves go well overhead and the swells will hit with some power. The best time for surfing is from April to October when wind and swell are at their optimum. The biggest advantage of this region is the water: clear, warm, uncrowded, clean, full of life and not to be missed by any adventure-loving person. Come sea for yourself and experience the magic of the Maldives.
Experiences
This list of guest activities at Six Senses is diverse and exciting. The main attraction is the experiences around the reefs and water. The top-notch sports outfit that manages surfing also offers numerous water sports: diving, snorkeling, wakeboarding, windsurfing, and sailing. Outside of these experiences, guests can island hop to the islands in the area, discovering deserted beaches and empty reefs. Those wanting a more cultural experience can make day trips to islands that are home to local Maldivian villages.
There is also a children’s center that hosts a huge range of indoor and outdoor activities for kids of all ages. The center is fully supervised, and special babysitting services can be arranged.
Getting There
Six Senses is beautifully remote yet easily accessible by plane and boat from Malé. Malé (MLE) International Airport is serviced by many international carriers via the major Asia hubs.
Once guests arrive to Male, they will transfer to the Island Aviation Lounge, which is just a two-minute stroll. A 35-minute flight gives you a bird’s eye view of the beautiful Maldives archipelago. Upon landing, a representative from the hotel will meet guests and take them on the final leg, a high-speed boat ride straight to the sandy shores of the hotel.