Four Seasons Explorer

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Luxury sailing ship

North Male Atoll (960) 66-00-888 www.fourseasons.com/maldives

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At a Glance

One of the most comfortable ways to cruise various atolls in the Maldives is to book a cabin on the Four Seasons’ stylish catamaran Explorer.

Review

The smallest Four Seasons in the Maldives and the only one of the brand’s properties that cruises around. The Four Seasons Explorer is an eleven-cabin catamaran that travels between its two sister properties (Four Seasons Kuda Huraa and Four Seasons Landaa Giravaru) and to outer atolls for a truly water-based adventure into the Maldives less traveled.

Sailing between the North Male Atoll and Baa Atoll, the boat visits remote lagoons, deserted islands and virgin dive sites, giving guests the chance to snorkel, dive, surf, fish, water ski and sail in pristine waters where they may not see another boat or visitor for days. But the remote reach of the boat does not mean that guests sacrifice comforts. Among the twenty-five in staff who care for the twenty-two guests are a marine biologist, dive and surf instructors, a masseuse and gourmet chef.

The 129-foot sailboat features three decks that house the dining, lounge and bar areas as well as the cabins. Each of the ten staterooms has king or twin beds plus seating areas and bathrooms with shower/tubs. The best room is the Explorer Suite, with a view over the bow as well as dining and dressing areas. All of the staterooms feature yacht-worthy amenities such as air-conditioning, DVDs, LCD Tvs, even wireless internet that reaches up to one kilometer for use on nearby islands. Though the boat can be chartered out privately for large groups, it is also possible to book a room on three-, four- or seven-day cruises. The ideal combination for those who don’t mind packing and unpacking would be a few nights at each of the Four Seasons island resorts with three or four days on the Explorer in between.

Indagare Tip: In the summer months, the boat is chartered by Tropic Surf, so tends to attract surfers and their companions with a focus on finding the best waves.

Who Should Stay

Modern day explorers, sailors and surfers. Families should note that guests of the Explorer must be at least eight years old.

Author

Melissa Biggs Bradley

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