Paradise in the Maldives
After landing in Male, the capital, we were whisked off in a private vehicle to the seaplane departure lounge. We were offered food, drinks, even a shoulder massage, whilst we waited on our seaplane transfer, to make the process even more impressive and luxurious, they check in you in to the hotel from here before you have even left the mainland. Our seaplane was ready in less than 30 minutes (I didn’t even have time to try out the complimentary massage!) and off we go. A first for me, the sea plane transfer was exciting and offered spectacular views over the Maldivian atolls, more than just a necessary means of transport out to the islands, this was an experience all-in itself. Forty minutes later we arrive at the resort, are met with welcome drinks and as we walk from the jetty the water is so clear, we can see the friendly baby sharks below perfectly.
We are shown straight to our water villa. All I can say is I would happily live in one of these for the rest of my life, super spectacular! With all modern amenities, a huge comfy bed, a beautiful outdoor bathroom (yet still completely private), a fabulous rain shower, and a massive outdoor deck with day beds and sun loungers. Best of all, the private steps leading straight down from our villa into the lagoon.
Honestly, I don’t know where the time went during our stay. Our days consisted of eating three fantastic meals a day, taking our time over leisurely breakfasts and enjoying the free-flowing wine and cocktails over lunch. The staff, especially in the restaurants, were just incredible, so friendly and they went out of their way to cater for our every need.
A real hi-light for me was being able to snorkel straight from the beach over the house reef. I have snorkelled in many places all over the world but this was spectacular to see sharks, turtles, copious amounts of fish, all straight from the beach with barely another person in sight. I was so lucky that two days running I found a group of eagle rays gliding gracefully through the water. There was no one else around to disturb them and I got to swim side by side with them for about half an hour each day before they disappeared. Quite an incredible experience, my only disappointment was that I did not have a camera to capture it. Quite often when snorkelling things happen so quick that it isn’t possible to get great underwater snaps, but I felt so at ease and had so much time with these incredible creatures that I would have had a good chance at a ‘once in a lifetime’ shot. This of course means that I will have to return! Keen divers will find Maldives an absolute dream, and those wanting to learn to dive are well catered for, again because the house reef was so spectacular, you could learn in confidence in the shallows around the island.
The hotel put on some fantastic activities whilst we were there. St Patricks day was spent knee deep in crystal clear water surrounded by baby sharks and fish, whilst waiters and sommeliers guided us through a wine and cheese tasting. Another treat for us was cocktail making classes on the beach one afternoon. A DJ was on each evening, and there was also a beach side shack bar for those wanting something a little quieter. The week went so quickly that in hindsight I would have liked extra time there to spend more time enjoying the amazing water villa.
All the hotels are going to offer something slightly different to each other, larger resorts appealing to those wary about being bored on a tropical island or families, the smaller ones offering a more intimate atmosphere perfect for couples and honeymooners wanting more relaxation, but no matter which resort I can promise you the views and the setting will never disappoint. The sunrises and sunsets were stunning, being based on an island means getting to take advantage of the 360 degree view-points. Pure luxury.
Please contact me to find out which Maldivian resort is perfect for you.