A holiday on board a vessel has a lot of benefits. In principle, this applies to whichever direction you choose. You can see lots of different places, essentially travelling in a “hotel”, without the unpacking-packing of suitcases and other hassles of moving around. Every day is a new landscape. However, in the Maldives, all this is complemented by some pretty significant ones. The inland areas of the atolls are protected from the ocean by a ring of islands that act as breakwaters. In addition, the boats offered by Scubaspa are equipped with stabilisers so that seasickness is avoided. It’s also a great way to combine the seemingly incompatible interests of a travelling couple: diving safaris in a variety of spots and relaxation in a comfortable spa.
All this is available on the 50m Scubaspa Yin and Scubaspa Yang (Yin and Yang). They’re equipped with both a dive station and a professional spa. Each contains 19 cabins, each with a maximum of 40 guests, offering the same comfort as a hotel suite: ten Sea Star 13 sq.m. on the lower deck and one Cowrie Suite, sleeping three adults, and five Manta Suites and three Dolphin Suites, measuring 16 to 22 sq.m., with panoramic windows on the upper deck.
The spa area on board covers an impressive 300 sq.m. and includes separate decks for Thai massage and meditation, a yoga area and sunbathing terrace with Jacuzzi, a gym and four treatment rooms with a full range of spa services.
Diving fans have excellent opportunities for diving and snorkelling. The options are limited solely by your training. For example, diving (up to 17 dives per week) is available for certified divers. By the way, Yin and Yang are the only boats in the Maldives with a PADI 5* Resort rating. The dive boats serve as auxiliary Dhoni boats. Their low landing makes it easy to dive from the platform. Beginners can take the Open Water Diving course during the cruise and receive the appropriate certification. Advanced divers will appreciate the nitrox formula which allows them to stay underwater longer and reduce the dive intervals without fatigue or health issues.
Meals on the yacht are three times a day, and during the week the menu never repeats: any gastronomic preferences will be taken into account and any cuisine of the world will be served here. And the wine list is not inferior to good “dry” restaurant.
The crew of 35 persons, including diving and sports instructors, spa therapists, chefs and waiters, won’t let you be bored for a minute: the “range” includes yoga at dawn to the sound of the ocean, the exploration of archipelagos with a landing on deserted islands, water sports activities, a movie under the open sky, and a romantic barbecue dinner in the moonlight.
Scubaspa itineraries vary depending on the season. For example, the “Voyage North” with a visit to the UNESCO biosphere reserve in Hannifaru Bay, where thousands of mantas can be seen during their migration, is available from June to August because of the monsoons. Adventurers love the “Far South”, which is recommended from January to April due to the currents. The “Best of the Maldives” itinerary around the central atolls is available all year round.
By the way, any of Scubaspa’s yachts can be chartered for two people or for the whole group.
Photo: press-office