Overview
Surf, sun, sand and ice skating? It's not as far-fetched as it might seem. While most holidaymakers headed for hot climes plan to cool off with a dip in the ocean — and not with a roll around the ice — one Maldives resort is offering a little from column A and a little from column B.
Now open at the Jumeirah Vittaveli, it's the Maldives' first ice rink, which is hardly surprising given the South Asian country's year-round 25 to 31-degree weather. When it is warm and sunny every single day, the only glistening white surface you'd expect to see by the sea is made of sand; however even folks in the tropics need a dose of winter fun.
Due to launch just before Christmas — aka, in the coming days — the rink is comprised of special artificial ice plates that stay cool regardless of the temperature. Made by a company by the name of Glice, the synthetic surface also functions without water and doesn't use any energy.
While Sydney has its own beachside ice-skating rink in Bondi Beach each winter, no one would ever have contemplated going for a dip, strolling across the shore and hitting the ice in the middle of a blazing Australian summer. Of course, that's not the only bright idea the Maldives boasts when it comes to novelty beachside activities; think floating golf courses and a waterslide straight into the ocean.