Since the Maldives is known for being a huge destination for
couples, I was worried about the lack of things to do, as I was travelling by
myself. Fortunately, the Park Hyatt Maldives offers numerous free activities
for guests who don’t want to spend all day lounging on the beach or their villa.
Snorkeling
One of the major draws of the Park Hyatt Maldives is its
house coral reef which surrounds the entire private island. Since the sun can
get a bit intense during mid-day, I would usually time my snorkeling sessions
right after sunrise and in the late afternoon.
The hotel provides complimentary snorkeling gear including
fins. However, they do charge extra for rentals of wet suits and life jackets.
The snorkeling gear provided was decent enough, so there’s no need to bring your
own set from back home.
My snorkeling experience was incredible and I found the
house reef as good as advertised. I saw plenty of fish, and even the occasional
shark lurking around.
My favorite place to snorkel though was the water underneath
the sunset jetty, as there’s usually a huge school of sardines swimming in the
vicinity.
I’d also recommend swimming to the area outside of the
middle part of the water villas, as the reef there is particularly picturesque.
Sundowner Cocktails
Every day between 5-7 PM, Hyatt diamond members receive one
standard cocktail on the menu and a few light canapés (appetizers).
However, if you want something a bit more filling, the bar
has generous complimentary servings of salted peanuts.
You also get to meet and mingle with quite a few fellow
mileage enthusiasts, most of whom are on their honeymoon or celebrating their anniversary.
Managers Cocktail
Reception
If you happen to stay over on a Saturday night, then you are
in luck as the general manager throws a cocktail reception for all hotel guests,
with complimentary drinks and canapés.
As the sun sets over the Horizon, a Maldivian cultural show
is put on complete with drummers and dancers.
If you’re a Hyatt Diamond member, you can double dip and
have your sundowner cocktails / canapés beforehand.
Back of the House
Tour
If you’re curious to see the inner workings of the Park
Hyatt Maldives, the hotel offers a free back of the house tour a couple of times
a week. You’ll be able to see how a remotely located hotel is able to run day
to day operations.
As an added bonus, you’ll get to meet other hotel guests who
are looking to mingle. During my stay, I actually met a lovely couple from New
York and we hung out a few times. On top of that, I picked up a few pointers on
night photography from the gentleman.
Kayaking
If you are into kayaking, you can rent a kayak for free up
to an hour each day. I personally don’t kayak much, so I didn’t use this
benefit.
Gym
If snorkeling doesn’t cut it for you and instead you feel
like working out, Hyatt has a decent sized gym.
Stargazing
At night when all the lights are dimmed, the skyline is lit
up by thousands upon thousands of stars. Coming from a big city where stars are
usually drowned out by light pollution, it was breathtaking to see so many
stars in the sky.
These activities were more than enough to keep me busy
during my stay, but the highlight among my free Hyatt Diamond benefits was the
sumptuous Park Hyatt Maldives breakfast.
