Maldives - 100 shades of Blue
I was lucky to spend three weeks experiencing what the Maldives has to offer. Our first destination was the Amari Havodda - so far south and secluded that it took a domestic flight and speedboat to get to, but it was well worth it. I easily took 50 photographs on the way. This little island, that you could walk round in less than 20 minutes, felt untouched and a million miles from anywhere. It was impossible not to be in awe of the beautiful surroundings. We stayed in a beach villa and felt like the whole beach was ours alone. The sand was so white and the crystal-clear sea so enticing that we didn’t even dip a toe into the beautiful infinity edge pool. I never wanted to leave.
Our next atoll was almost as far south as the last and couldn’t be more different, who knew! The Six Senses Laamu is barefoot luxury – literally, and I fully embraced the ‘no shoes’ concept for the 5 days that we spent here. This atoll was much larger than the last and the way to get around – bicycle! This place felt like a jungle paradise and the many beaches surrounding it wild and exotic. The overwater villa we stayed in was amazing, from the glass bath in the outdoor bathroom to the upstairs sun deck and main sun terrace it was complete understated luxury. The snorkelling here was fantastic – our first venture out was in search of turtles in the seagrass that grows between two of the water villa jetties. We only saw the turtle, but it was huge! Our second snorkelling adventure was with the marine biologist on the house reef, our expectations where exceeded when she pointed out a family of four Manta rays gracefully circling below us where, to our delight, they happily stayed and so did we.
Onwards to the Huvafen Fushi, a luxury resort on an island much smaller in size but just as beautiful. The absolute highlight of my stay here was seeing the Stingrays every evening as they came close to shore for feeding by the marine biologist. A surreal and once in a lifetime experience to wade in the water surrounded by these beautiful, tame and graceful creatures. The fantastic house reef here also attracts reef sharks which makes for an exciting snorkel or dive trip!
I have never seen so many shades of blue or so many amazing sunsets, this truly is a place of paradise and a destination that everyone should visit at least once in their lifetime! If the Maldives appeals to you and you would like more information, please get in touch!