Maldives Promotion House – Situated on the tip of the watersports haven South Malé Atoll, Olhuveli Beach & Spa Resort has just launched a brand new canoe safari, ideal for those wanting to step off the island and enjoy its sparkling, shallow lagoon, deep channels, numerous sandbanks and even a private island!

Suitable for both active families and adventurous couples, this self-guided safari offers the ultimate day out. It includes canoe hire, a picnic to enjoy on neighbouring Dream Island and snorkel and fins – for intrepid water-babies who want to dive into the deeper blue waters and explore the resort’s house reef.

Larger than many Maldivian resorts, the circumference of Olhuveli Beach & Spa Resort is the perfect size to navigate, taking approximately an hour to paddle a circuit. En route, guests have the chance to race huge rays, exotic fish and even baby reef sharks through the lagoon, while further out to sea the shadows of the house reef’s colourful corals can be glimpsed from above the surface. What’s more, for experienced canoeists, the ridges and sandbanks create ideal conditions for ‘canoe surfing’ on the shallow waves.

In addition to first-class watersports including the first registered kite-surfing school in the Maldives, Olhuveli offers plenty of facilities and activities to keep guests entertained when they return to dry land. Whether a deep tissue massage (ideal for tired arms post-paddling), a relaxing game of pool, or a delicious meal in the resort’s à la carte restaurant is the order of the day – the island is your oyster! While those with die-hard sea legs can explore the underwater world further on a scuba dive, or spot dolphins on a luxurious sunset cruise.

Only 45 minutes by speedboat from Malé airport, Olhuveli is nestled amid tropical vegetation and boasts a vast sandy, award-winning beach. Facilities include a selection of restaurants and bars, two large pools, a five-star PADI dive centre, excellent watersports, a Sun Spa and a free, daily children’s programme and babysitting service on request. The resort’s beach-fronted deluxe rooms are tucked away in idyllic seclusion and boast a four-poster double bed with an en suite bathroom, and either a balcony or terrace.