Are there any other outdoor must-sees?

On our island “Orivaru”, we are completely alone with ROBINSON NOONU and virtually hidden in a jungle atmosphere. But there is another highlight in the water in front of our sundowner bar: two large swings where you can enjoy the sunset. A picture-perfect scene.

What can the little islanders look forward to?

We recently opened our new playground, which is open around the clock. A play ship and a nest swing await the kids there. We also go on excursions, such as our pirate boat trip, which involves conquering a neighboring island and searching for treasure.

What can parents do in the meantime to pass the time?

As well as numerous relaxation options such as massages and sauna sessions, we offer a wide range of courses for sports enthusiasts. Hot Iron, Aqua Tabata, Zumba, HIIT-Fitness and Yoga on the jetty are particularly popular.

So much activity builds up an appetite. Where to find indulgence at ROBINSON NOONU?

You’re spoilt for choice: the main restaurant with its terrace, the speciality restaurant or the Teppanyaki restaurant. By lunchtime, fabulous sushi creations are already waiting. Barbecues right on the beach add even more flavour to the day. And then comes the real question: lobster or Wagyu special? Not to be forgotten – the floating breakfast in your private pool. There’s simply no better way to start the day.

How do you end the day in style?

I would recommend a round of parasailing at dusk, when you get a breathtaking view over the island. After dinner, the sundowner bar, shows and parties beckon. Depending on how exuberant you want to get.

Respectful treatment and protection of nature is a top priority here. How can this be noticed?

Our philosophy is characterized by a healthy ecosystem and clean beaches. That’s why, among other things, we produce our own drinking water and have a water bottling plant for glass bottles, which saves the transportation and disposal of over 480,000 plastic bottles every year. We also work with the “Parley for the Oceans” initiative to collect washed-up plastic and recycle it into clothing, shoes, bags and much more. On special occasions, our guests also receive coconut tree seedlings to plant even more trees. I could go on about this forever …

That almost sounds like ROBINSON MALDIVES is a guarantee for happiness, doesn’t it?

You could say that. That’s why this year, for the first time, we have bestselling author Marcus Lauk as our guest, who has researched the recipes for success of 100-year-olds on his travels around the world and found out how to live a long, healthy and fulfilling life.

What do you need to know about the surrounding nature?

We are located in the Mondrago National Park and our club is nestled between the cliffs of two bays. This means that even in winter we find beautiful vegetation of daisy, poppy and clover fields and olive, almond and carob trees create a unique Mediterranean flair.

When I arrive at my holiday destination, I’m often initially ‘overwhelmed’ by the huge variety of activities on offer. What should I do first?

Recovery takes time, and our minds need a little while to adjust to the new reality of being on holiday. It’s important not to let yourself get overwhelmed by everything on offer and, if necessary, to approach it with a flexible plan. Just go with the flow and do what you enjoy. If your daily life was very hectic prior to your holiday, it feels good to maybe do a little less for a while and create a contrast during your time off. If you’ve been underchallenged and bored up until now, this might be the time to get out and be active. It’s all about maintaining the right balance.

So is a change of pace from everyday life the key to success?

In part, yes. You have to ask yourself how you can break out of your daily routine, and experiencing new things is often the answer. So try out new things, learn, and enjoy experiences – and then bring those lessons back into your everyday life. By nature, our brain tends to be economical (if not downright lazy) and isn’t necessarily open to change because that requires effort. However, when we are inspired or discover new strengths and the change is a thing of the past, we automatically become happier and more self-confident.

Can this philosophy also be applied to human relationships?

Of course. We are social beings and, by nature, want to be with other people. Social interaction, eye contact or physical contact trigger the release of oxytocin, the ‘love hormone’, which induces feelings of happiness. But you should still keep in mind what you need right now and what your daily life was like before. For example, if you had to communicate and interact with a lot of people, it’s perfectly acceptable to take some time just for yourself while on holiday.

Do you have any practical tips for this?

Sure – it can help, for example, to keep a journal or a ‘happiness journal’ in which you consciously record the positive experiences of the day to enjoy them again at a later time. Photos, souvenirs or mementos from your holiday can also bring back happy memories if you take two to three minutes to look at them. You could also listen to music from your holiday or drink the house wine your favorite taverna served and try to recapture the feeling. By the way, when I’m on holiday, I personally like to leave my mobile deep down in my bag, because it’s full of ‘old stuff’ that makes it hard for me to open myself up to new experiences.

What do you personally do to be happy?

Thoughts lead to feelings. So I make sure that the ‘5 factors of positive psychology’ are met: 1. Evoking positive emotions, 2. Ensuring a high level of commitment, 3. Maintaining relationships, 4. Finding meaning in life, and 5. Celebrating successes.

What advice can you give families for their holiday?

Don’t take on too much. Every family member may need something different to relax. Some people need more social interaction, sports or cultural activities, while others need less. Not everyone has to do the same thing at the same time. That’s why it’s a good idea to discuss your expectations for the holiday before you leave. This is the best way to prevent frustration and disappointment.

To wrap things up, here’s a more in-depth question: can a holiday be the start of a happier life?

Yes, it can! Because when I’m on holiday, I have new experiences, learn new things and even develop new routines during that time. The challenge is to incorporate this into your daily life. Regardless of whether you’re experiencing good times or bad, the point is to step outside your comfort zone and try something new. The experts at our clubs provide excellent support and ensure that you can take pride in your achievements. That’s how a snowball effect begins – one that can open a new chapter in life.

What does the slogan ‘Share the moment’ mean to you personally?

In our daily work, my colleagues and I strive to make the whole experience just a little bit more appealing for our guests. We want to delight our guests with surprises and offer them an experience they haven’t had anywhere else. To that end, we remain ‘hungry’ and stay in tune with the spirit of the times.

Can you explain in more detail what sets a speciality restaurant apart?

The unconventional! There’s an incredible number of things taking place on a culinary level, and the head chef stops by in person. You can experience this in a different way at every club.

How do you come up with new ideas, for example, for sporting events?

We often sit down together and think about what our guests like and what has worked well in the past. We take a closer look at that, optimise it and offer the end result to our guests. From time to time, we also try out new things. Our many years of experience have taught us what everyone enjoys. One highlight, for example, is photos and videos of the events on the water. I always have my GoPro with me; I surf behind the participants and then edit the footage. That way, they have something to show off when they get home.