The Maldives Pearl 111
Just a short flight from Colombo we find the tropical archipelago of The Maldives – with 1200 magical Islands forming 26 atolls.
We board beautiful Pearl 111, a newly launched three masted 99 foot wooden schooner which is going to take us on a voyage around the islands. With six comfortable cabins and an attentive crew, Pearl 111 has a varnished wooden décor and an elegant relaxed ambience which conjures images of sailing trips of an age gone by.
The Maldives is known for one of the best places in the world for scuba diving with large fish, sharks, whales and dolphins. Pearl 11 can arrange diving and snorkelling, surfing and paddle boarding. Some of our group were encouraged to go fishing and the chef cooked up their catch that evening. Others were content to sit on the luxurious deck looking out at the islands we passed until it was cocktail hour. The teak deck has large spaces at stern and at front for lying or sunbathing on deep cushions.
For further information: www.secretsofceylon.co.uk
Sri Lanka Airlines flies to Colombo from London Heathrow. www.SriLankan.com