Not only was this a wonderful opportunity to escape the city to a tropical Island for the weekend….. but this resort was rated #1 Hotel in Thailand, 2019 Travellers’ Choice on Trip Advisor! I couldn’t wait!

When organising a holiday, there are some important things that Mosaic Travel look for in accomodation before reserving it for you, and I’m pleased to say… Pimalai had the lot!

Service

One of the most important things to Mosaic is how our clients are looked after when they’re away from home. Service counts! We choose trusted suppliers to ensure you’re looked after when in our care.

From the moment we landed in Koh Lanta, Pimalai were they to take care of us! A representative met with us in the arrivals hall who lead us to the comfortable air-conditioned van to take us to the pier. It was now time for a speed boat to the Island!

As we approached the main pier, the long queues became visible and I thought with dread “this is going to take forever!”. Worry not! Our driver veered off the main road, down a small lane to the private, Pimalai jetty. The boat transfer was just for us and ready to go as soon as we were given our iced water! 

Now that’s great service!

Once on the Island, we found another air-conditioned van waiting for us and were briskly taken to the resort!

Location

Once you arrive at your destination, the last thing you want to do is trek back and forth from your hotel to the best parts of the area. The location of your hotel is something that can make or break your stay and something that we look into at great lengths.

Overlooking their own private beach and surrounded by lush, tropical jungle, Pimalai had the best of both worlds. It had everything you could want for a holiday on a tropical, Thai Island, complete with monkeys, geckos and other wildlife!

Facilities

The facilities at your hotel work together with other components to enhance your stay and ensure your time (and money) is well spent.

Pimalai featured an array of dining options, swimming pools, luxury day spa and sporting activities but none caught my eye quite like the beach activities! I passed by the stand up paddle boards and catamaran before deciding: it was time to go boogie boarding!

Giving guests access to these different activities is quite unique at a hotel, and made for an extremely fun and memorable experience.

Extra Touches

When a hotel goes beyond their duty of hosting, you can really feel the difference. It makes them stand out and you instantly feel welcomed, and at ease.

This is where Pimalai excelled!

-Iced water served by the pool and beach (perfect after a spot of boogie boarding!)

-A reusable beach bag for the duration of our stay

-Organic, relaxation tea and biscuits presented during turn down service

-Classes to learn local specialties including massage and cooking

-Eco minded touches throughout the resort

These were all very thoughtful gestures that align with how we want Mosaic travellers to be treated while on holiday.

This resort had gone above and beyond to ensure all guests had a luxurious stay here, and they certainly had a very happy Mosaic Traveller!

To book your next luxury escape, call Rosie at Mosaic Travel on (03) 5275 4583

The post What does Mosaic look for in a hotel? appeared first on Mosaic Travel.

I was able to learn a lot about the Islands, get up close with some ocean predators and find the best spots for Mosaic travellers.

Flying into the capital Male puts you just 465km’s from the equator which explains the strong sun from morning until late afternoon. Expect blue skies, over 10 hours of sunshine per day and temperatures in the low 30’s. It also puts you in close proximity to the 1100+ picture perfect Islands.

To transfer to your chosen Island, step out of the airport to find speed boats lined up like taxis at the airport dock, or fly via sea plane.

Yes, the water really is like this!

At first I couldn’t believe it. From the moment we set off from Male, passing local and resort Islands on our speed boat, I asked “is this real?? It looks like a swimming pool!”

Once settled on the Island, a swim was first on the agenda. Again, I was left standing in disbelief but this time on the shore where the water is so clear, a baby black tip shark and manta ray could be seen swimming in the shallows.

The sand is almost pure white and the water, a clear but vibrant turquoise. It really is as good as it looks in the (unedited and unfiltered) photos!

Whether you prefer a relaxing, slow paced holiday or an action packed experience, unique to the Maldives, there’s something for you here:

• Epic beach days
• Half and full day trips
• Sunset dolphin tours
• Island hopping
• PADI dive courses
• Big game fishing
• Reef snorkelling – these waters are said to contain two-thirds of the world’s species of reef fish!

Up close with wildlife:

Once I arrived in the Maldives, I was quick to notice “shark snorkelling tours” being promoted and booked myself a spot!

I’ve always been an animal lover and growing up by the beach, I’ve had an interest in sharks from a young age.

The day started with a gentle introduction to sea creatures as our speed boat neared a pod of dolphins swimming close to a near by island. The boat quickly came to a stop and we were told to jump in, I couldn’t believe what happened next: after 2 minutes of snorkelling over coral reefs full of tropical fish, a pod of 6 dolphins (with baby!) passed by directly underneath me! To observe them so naturally and close up was mind blowing to me.

Next up was the a stop at “shark point”! From our seats in the speed boat, we could see hundreds of giant trevally swimming close to the surface and after a few minutes, a large grey nurse shark appeared. Our guide gave us some instructions for these animals and assured us that it was safe to swim here – no one on his boat had ever been bitten. 

I was one of the first in the water and not long after, a nurse shark swam by not bothered by my presence at all. For me, I was a bit scared by his at first!

Soon, we were swimming among half a dozen 3 meter sharks all in close proximity to us. There were so many animals around our boat that it was hard to avoid being “bumped into” by one of these beauties before they continued to swim along unfazed.

The fear quickly diminished as we felt very safe swimming with these animals and loved to be able to see them in their natural environment.

Sting, eagle and manta rays were the last animals on our list to see. Although reassured that it was safe to be in the water with them, my memories of Steve Irwin kept me on land!

Best time to travel:

The dry season from November until April brings calm seas, clear skies with less frequent rains. During these months, few showers and winds are expected and the sea is extremely flat.

Beach days are perfect during this season with the water temperature sitting between 28°C to 30°C and drying off takes no time with the light sea breeze.

To find out where to stay and to book your trip, call Rosie at Mosaic Travel on (03) 5275 4583

The post Holly’s time in the Maldives appeared first on Mosaic Travel.

Best accessed by helicopter, the Islands only resort is “Orpheus Island Lodge”. Capping the number of guests at 28, this an exclusive escape – talk about private!

With a warm tropical climate, Orpheus provides an average temperature of 27°C year-round. The water temperature varies between 21°C in the winter and 29°C in the summer making it ideal for exploring the coral reefs at your doorstep.

The Island

Orpheus Island is one of the 13 Islands that belong to “The Palm Island Group” located 20km off the Queensland coast (between Magnetic and Hinchinbrook Islands).

Declared a national park in 1960, most of the island is controlled by the Queensland National Parks and Wildlife Service. It’s mostly made up of dry woodlands filled with wattles and huge Morton bay ash trees. Explore the island to find scattered rainforest, wetlands and mangroves and keep your eyes out for geckos and echindas!

Located in one of the seven natural wonders of the world, this Island is only home to Orpheus Island Lodge and a James Cook University research station and lab.

Researchers visit the “state of the art” lab to study the hundreds of species of fish and corals, and the stunning national park. They’re helped by VCE biology students who visit each year to learn about climate change, rising sea levels, and environmental impacts. They’re also open for visitors! Just contact the University in advance. 

How to get there

Take a 30min helicopter journey from Townsville over the picturesque coral-studded sea, or a 90 minute flight from Cairns.

Alternatively, join a day trip that cruises through the Palm Island Group and gives you plenty of time to swim, snorkel and explore.

The Reef

Orpheus is home to 1100 of the Great Barrier Reef’s 1500 species of fish and 340 of the 359 varieties of hard corals giving you the opportunity to see the best that the GBR has to offer! If you’re wanting to see even more, the Island is in close proximity to outer reefs where you can dive with green turtles, bull rays and reef sharks.

If you’re lucky, you may even see the Humpback whale migration from late June to mid September!

The Accommodation

Right on the beach, the Island is home to only one resort – Orpheus Island Lodge.

An all-inclusive, luxury resort (complete with infinity pool) with a focus on the environment: They actively minimise their footprint as much as possible, and have a sustainable veggie patch, solar hot water and a waste water treatment plant.

Staying here, all of your chef prepared meals are provided along with beer, wine, soft drink and snacks. Try yoga, fishing, kayaking, stand up paddle boarding, all on the house! Know how to sail a catamaran? Take one out for the day!

Everything you could want is provided here.

Convenience

Bordered by coral reefs, Orpheus is a haven for snorkelling and diving.

Want a change of scenery? Day trip to Australia’s largest Island national park “Hinchinbrook Island” and be wowed by beautiful waterfalls, secluded beaches and lush rainforest. And don’t worry, the Lodge can organise a chef prepared picnic hamper to take with you!

This luxury escape will make you feel instantly relaxed. Spend your days enjoying the wonders of the reef at your doorstep and soak in the tropical climate.

The post Australia in Focus: Orpheus Island appeared first on Mosaic Travel.