Take a dip in the glistening infinity pool initial point in the morning, and next savour a floating tray of goodies served suitable there as you get pleasure from the water. ‘Floating’ meals have been all the rage not too long ago on social media, mainly encountered through posts by influencers enjoying Maldives’ concerted efforts to lure vacationers back to the island nation.
While it all began with floating breakfasts on luxury resort menus six-seven years ago, it has picked up through the pandemic as people today favor to keep away from crowds and opt for personalised trays in their secure cocoons, in this case a private pool overlooking the sea, mountains or a valley.
The bonus is the absence of a dress code, or dress altogether. And the beautiful backdrops and scrumptious meals experiences present some fantastic views, not to mention clicks and likes on social media. Celebrities like Sara Ali Khan, Parineeti Chopra and Taapsee Pannu have also posted holiday pictures of floating breakfasts through the pandemic, flaunting their sun-filled holidays.
Private and luxury resorts in destinations like Bali, Maldives, Sri Lanka and Thailand have been all more than social media as preferred tourist destinations. As more and more people today get vaccinated and travel restrictions are lifted in phases, the pent-up demand for travel is emerging with closer-to-home destinations, staycations and road trips, but at the similar time, travel intent steadily resumes for international travel. A list of the major searched domestic and international destinations on Booking.com by Indian travellers in the month of August indicated an intent to travel. USA, Russia and Maldives are amongst the 3 most searched international destinations for August. Closer home, destinations like Lonavala and Leh are amongst the major most searched domestic destinations.
Breakfast is usually served as a buffet and is a not-so-private affair but the concept of floating meals or breakfast in this case is obtaining common. According to 2021 Booking.com analysis, 66% Indian travellers assume that breakfast delivered to their area is a quite essential feature of an accommodation for an enjoyable keep, although search information shows that ‘breakfast included’ was the major filter applied in searches so far this year.
Ritu Mehrotra, regional manager, south Asia, Booking.com, says, “Floating breakfast is becoming a popular travel trend in 2021 as travellers are looking forward to pampering themselves by lounging in and around their private pools while breakfast trays with delicacies float peacefully on the water. Many travellers want to indulge in leisurely experiences and are willing to go that extra mile for a relaxing experience.”
Many resorts locate the floating solution quite common as it delivers privacy, comfort and wellbeing. “The breakfast experience is unique and allows you to immerse yourself in the waters at the comfort of your own villa or suite. The idea is to relax, take your time, and enjoy this unique floating indulgence. It is creative and scrumptious, and guests absolutely love it,” says Roshan George, common manager, Cape Weligama, a luxury resort in Sri Lanka, exactly where a floating breakfast is a common option amongst guests.
Kandima Maldives, a private island resort in the Maldives, this year added a Maldivian floating lunch as a new practical experience to lend an experiential dimension to private dining. It’s a sumptuous feast with a cultural twist at the villa’s private pool with beautiful views of the Indian Ocean.