Travel Venue of the Week: Maldives Scubaspa

Have you ever wanted to sail the Maldives on a private yacht? We thought as much. If you have your heart set on a travel incentive EVERYONE will want to talk about then this is what you need to book. It’s not too pricey for what it is, but it really is luxe. Well, it’s hardly the British seaside, is it?

If you’ve got someone who is really worth it, read on as we ask all the details!

What is the scubaspa?

A unique luxury resort combining exceptional diving with luxury spa facilities.

Is this best for groups of travel incentive winners, or pairs? 

With the option of an itinerary focused on scuba diving, spa, or a combination of the two, Scubaspa allows for group travel where each guest can tailor their holiday to themselves meaning all members of a family or group of friends can enjoy sailing the best spots of the Maldives together. Scubapsa can also design bespoke itineraries according the requirements of the group.

How big is the spa and how many can it host? 

The largest liveaboard boats in the Maldives, Scubaspa’s Ying and Yang can each host 40 guests in 19 luxurious suites. Whether a small group wanting to enjoy the privacy of a private yacht experience, or a larger group celebrating a wedding, big anniversary or birthday, benefit from a highly-qualified crew which includes four spa therapists, yoga master and four chefs.

Can we scuba or do we need to moor up? 

Luckily you are based at one of the finest diving sites across the Maldives! Ying and Yang are the only vessels in the Maldives with a 5* PADI rating equipped with state-of-the-art diving gear and an accompanying 20m dive dhoni boat with the latest Bauer Nitrox compressor. PADI qualified divers on the full-scuba package embark on 15-17 dives as standard per stay, with additional dives and beginner’s courses also available.

What about the spa experiences? 

For those more interested in being pampered whilst away, revel in the biggest on-board spa in the Maldives. The two upper decks on the identical Ying and Yang are dedicated to the signature wellness facilities which include six treatment rooms, a secluded deck for open air massage treatments or meditation and a shaded spa lounge and daily sunrise yoga led by Indian masters. With a holistic philosophy, a menu of more than 20 treatments includes Balinese, Thai and Filipino Hilot massage; warm bamboo, lava shell and stone therapies; Ayurveda; and beauty treatments based on Asian and Western traditions.

What does the night hold? 

After a day of diving or spa relaxation, come together to enjoy the beauty of the setting in the Jacuzzi, on the forecastle desk with a sunset cocktail, listening to a live concert or making the most of the open-air cinema. Also available on board is the complimentary use of fishing rods, paddle boards and kayaks. Budding chefs in the party can pick up a new skill with a Maldivian cooking class.

What’s the cost and what is included? 

Charter Floating Resort by Scubaspa exclusively from $96,342* (approx. £75,137) based on a seven-night stay, excluding Green Tax. Guests choose from a Scuba Holiday package (including 15-17 dives per week), a Spa Holiday package (eight spa treatments) or a combined Scuba & Spa package including six dives and four spa treatments. Bespoke itineraries and packages can be created for guests chartering Scubaspa exclusively.

Each itinerary includes: full board accommodation, all meals, excursions, snorkelling equipment and daily trips for non-divers, sunset cocktails, daily yoga and meditation classes, cooking classes, complimentary Nitrox, two night dives a week, a Boduberu local drummer’s performance and complimentary internet.

*25% discount is offered for full charter, bringing the rate to $72,256 (approx. £56,413)

* The price is not dependent on the number of participants.

*Domestic flight tickets for Far South tours are not included.

For more information, please visit the new Scubaspa website, www.scubaspa.com