Extra Special Package Holidays

When you think package holidays, you tend to think of holidays to Spain, Turkey or Malta…your typical package holiday countries! There are plenty of destinations you can choose to travel to on your package holidays other than the stereotypical few. When I travelled on my last package holiday I went to the stunning and elite Kuredu Island in the Maldives. It was one of my favourite holidays and the most beautiful place I have ever been fortunate enough to visit. With pure, white sands overlooked by the glistening Indian Ocean, the odd coconut tree lucky enough to be perched on this enviable beach and classic wooden villas dotted around, each holding the key to your comfort.

Kuredu Island is one of the largest islands in the Maldives, standing aloof in the Lhaviyani Atoll. Being one of the largest islands definitely has its perks. For those who want the isolation and privacy the Maldives has to offer mixed up with some entertainment and plenty of sporting activities, Kuredu will be right up your street. With the Sangu restaurant serving sensational cuisine buffet style accompanied by a chef station where you can watch and admire them making your fresh, homemade special of the day. They do like to feed you up so be warned, you may find yourself being a few pounds heavier on return!

Due to the size of Kuredu, people may think that they may not get the true Maldives experience…this couldn’t be further from the truth. When I was there in May’2008, I could walk from one end of the island to the other and not come across a single soul! Where everyone else went I don’t know, but this was great for us. The pinnacle of the island, for me, lies on the tip of the island, the sand bank. The sand bank stands firmly out of the waters and when gradually becomes covered, goes no deeper than a foot or two deep. As you walk along the sand bank, you’ll discover unspoiled, untouched sand islands, you can drift away and take in the beauty that surrounds you. When sitting out there in the shallow waters, you’ll feel like you’re sat in the middle of the ocean, all alone, not a sound can be heard and not a person can be seen. The peacefulness is indescribable and I’ll treasure my moments out there for as long as I live.

I stayed in a Jacuzzi beach villa and cannot describe how fantastic my experience was. To wake up in a modern, rectangular villa, sit up in my huge four poster bed and open the doors to soft, crisp white sands with crystal clear blue waters lapping the shoreline, it was an unforgettable experience (and has definitely spoilt me for life!). With my own private sunbed and a good book in hand, relaxing wasn’t such a hard task. When feeling slightly more energetic, grab your snorkel gear and head for the sea. You’ll see stunning tropical fish and if you’re really lucky, a few sea turtles and sting rays. The wildlife on the island doesn’t just end at the ocean, fruit bats wallow in the banyan trees and wild rabbits can be seen running riot when the sun goes down.

Standing alone like a deserted cloud in a summers blue sky, glowing like a rainbow on a tempestuous eve and immersed by so much beauty its reflection dazzles from the stars. Kuredu lies only in most people’s dreams… but this island does exist, your dreams can come true if you set your standard and make it happen. Package holidays to the Maldives are possible for us ‘normal’ people, so set your mind to it and make your dreams become your reality.