We’re all holding our breaths over COP26, and few more so than in the Maldives where it really is an Atoll target of 1.5 or die.
The 1500 Maldivian islands only exist because of a delicate balance between Man and Nature.
And we’re reminded by the Maldivians ahead of the climate change conference that their critical time has arrived.
The prognosis is not helpful though that we can keep the rise in the world’s temperatures down to 1.5 degrees.
And it all looks like a hollow promise as the mission statement from COP26.
A Maldivian speaks
‘The difference between 1.5 degrees and 2 degrees, for us, really is a death sentence,’ Aminath Shauna, the Maldives’ minister for environment, climate change and technology, warned ahead of Glasgow.
Tbs Maldives are, of courset, caught between a rock and a hard place.
Reliant on us tourists to keep the economy alive it’s that very influx of visitors which is threatening their very existence.
Ingrid spoke passionately about sustainable tourism when we met far away from our Irish and Black Forest, Germany roots.
Marine Research
Vanessa, or Mother Turtle as I christened her, had come to the islands to lead the marine research there in Kuramathi.
And that means protecting the coral.
And so when you’re snorkelling around its neighbouring island of Kandolhu be careful where you put your feet.
The advice is to relax, be floaty, and take in the marine life.
And resist the temptation to take a breather by standing on the coral seabed.
The thing though is that not all of us are born with fins on their back.
And some of us, the swarthy ones, come into this world with hair on our lips.
And that’s what will keep you back as my guide in the Red Sea informed me as it blocks your nasal ducts.
Modern Maldives
None of which will stop me returning to either Jordan or the Maldives.
Nobody knows bette than the Maldivians of course in how to progress their islands.
And the hotly anticipated island resort Siyam World is being flagged up as a game changer.
Siyam World islanders had an opening ceremony before the arrival of the first guests,
A different world
The first arrivals were warmly welcomed with a traditional Maldivian dance and bodu beru.
Guests are invited to make the most of the resort’s WOW! 24hrs Premium All-Inclusive with an ever-expanding A-Z of WOW! experiences.
From mastering the waves with unlimited access to the Indian Ocean’s biggest floating water park, Siyam Water World…
To finessing their footwork on the resort’s international FIFA-standard football pitch.
The resort offers a dozen restaurants and bars.
Just eat
Breakfast is served at beachside buffets Tempo and Baraabaru, while Jungali, Mint, The Orchid and Together form a quartet of all-day pool bars.
As evening falls, guests can dine their way across culinary continents, with à la carte Spanish, Japanese, Indian and Thai cuisine at Andalucia, Arigato*, Kurry Leaf and Takrai.
All of is complemented by Siyam World’s signature contemporary Maldivian restaurant, The Wahoo Grill.
Night owls
Night owls can head on to the island’s 24hr sports bar KulhiVaru, while underground wine cellar and fine dining room, Barrique, is also available at an additional charge.
Veyo Spa, a natural haven set within the lush tropical jungle, is the jumping off point for a journey of continual healing.
Spacious treatment villas, relaxation areas, hydro facilities and self-service health bar Himeyn Bageecha which translates to relaxing garden form a nurturing space in which to restart, refocus and reconnect.
Guests can test their limits with the ultimate beach gym workout, Seashore Bootcamp.
Or soothe body and mind with sunset meditations, Asana yoga and Pilates.
Beach life
Exuberant adults meanwhile can live their best lives at Siyam World’s epic beach pool and foam parties,.
Or get wet and wild with exhilarating seabob and banana boat rides, electric jet surfing, flyboarding, snorkeling and diving at the resort’s watersports centre,
Shipwrecked. Kids will be in their element with an array of excursions and activities at the Little Explorers Kids Club, for children aged 3 to 11.
So, to sum it all up, this is a 54-hectare haven blessed with more than four kilometres of white sandy beaches and six kilometres of house reef.
How to get there
Siyam World, Maldives is located in the popular Noonu Atoll, a mere 40 minutes’ direct seaplane ride from Velana International Airport.
It is also accessible via a 30-minute domestic flight to Maafaru Airport followed by a 10-minute speedboat trip.
For more information, visit Siyam World or follow on Instagram, Facebook, Twitteror TikTok.
For booking enquiries email: stay@siyamworld.com or check out the latest offers at www.sunsiyam.com/siyam-world/offers. –
So, back to the Messres (or should that be Messers) in Glasgow this next month it’s Atoll target of 1.5 or die.
