Maldives
Not even those living under a rock can resist the lure of the Maldives’ siren call; especially when this one’s ending is called unrivalled bliss.
Not even those living under a rock can resist the lure of the Maldives’ siren call; especially when this one’s ending is called unrivalled bliss.
There’s a delightful dilemma this impeccable 1,200-island archipelago keeps posing, and it all drifts away with deciding which atoll to choose. Each being a palm-fringed meeting point for superlative indulgence and wholesome consciousness, we can attest to the fact there’s no need to compromise on the Vitamin-D, out-of-this-world dining and marine biodiversity that you came here for.
Meaning that traditional types and celebrity spotters are likely drawn to the sophisticated resorts, while the nomically inclined prefer the full reign of the place on their own islets. And with innovative and quirky lodges becoming somewhat a trend, the likes of underwater villas and treetop daybed bubbles might just send every insta-lover flocking. Just expect an air of carefree living (with most islands adopting a ‘no news, no shoes’ policy) and the rest becomes all too easy.
In pursuit of…
… sheer unadulterated water baby delights
Turning somewhat subaquatic is a must in these waters – from dawn scuba dives at Shark Point to gourmet dining in underwater restaurant, Ithaa – a trip here is not complete without a foray below the waves. Its ocean being the Maldives’ pride and joy, consciousness about the environment is a priority and all visitors (especially the younger generation) are encouraged to join locals in their efforts; from rehabilitating turtles on a marine conservation programme to meeting the underwater residents between the sculptures of a Coralarium.
We can attest to the fact there’s no need to compromise on the Vitamin-D, out-of-this-world dining and marine biodiversity that you came here for.
Its essence...
SOPHISTICATED
CAREFREE
PEACEFUL
Passages from a journal A week spent here
Day 1
Day 2
Day 3
Day 4
Day 5
Day 6
Day 7
Day 1
Day 2
Day 3
Day 4
Day 5
Day 6
Day 7
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![Nemo clownfish in its host anemone with sun rays coming down in the background]()
7am
Off for an early swim before breakfast. Yesterday a little clownfish swam straight up to my goggles to say hi, and then just as it left, we saw two manta rays dancing around each other. It really is like another world down there. Apparently, it’s a great spot for the locals, so we can get a real feel for this island life. Any excuse for a dance on the beach with a rum in hand.
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![The marine biologists of Gili Lankanfushi, Maldives at a wooden table on the beach]()
9am
Already made up the energy we lost swimming down at breakfast. We’re sat by the beach watching the waves lap the sand, eating Mas huni and roshi flatbreads - just how the locals like it. Cycling back to the overwater villa in five, then we’re off to see a marine biologist. The kids are so excited!
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![Marine Biologist holding a small turtle]()
1pm
It seems we’ve all turned into budding herpetologists! We’ve learnt about all the ways they’re protecting turtles in this part of the ocean, from looking after the turtles to their nesting grounds. And the marine biologist even managed to answer all the kids questions – thankfully, we might have a better chance at it too now.
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![Outdoor comfy chairs around a wicker table at One&Only Reethi Rah]()
1pm
Headed over to a new restaurant for lunch this afternoon – the variety really is spectacular for an atoll so small. Better still, we’ve been chatting to the locals that work here and they’ve been telling us all about their upcoming basketball competition. We’re thinking of going along to watch for a bit of fun one afternoon.
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![Private sandbank yoga at One&Only Reethi Rah Spa]()
4pm
Enjoying a few hours of relaxing by the poolside while the kids have started their first diving lesson. I’ve been watching the yoga class on the beach and I’m thinking I might join in tomorrow – if there’s anything to get me back into it, this scenery will certainly do.
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![Traditional sunset cruise at One&Only Reethi Rah]()
6pm
All back together again for an evening of sundowners and great food. We’re trying out the chef in residence this evening, who’ve got a speciality in Japanese cuisine. Afterwards we’re going to head onto a yacht for some sundowners – we’ve heard it’s the best way to experience the ocean from above.
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9pm
I can’t believe I’m writing this! We’ve just spent the most incredible hour watching a little pod of dolphins chasing our boat. The kids were laughing away and waving to them, and they even did little leaps of excitement. It felt like such a nice moment of connection – all with champagne and canopies in hand. We’ll be sure to do that again before leaving…
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The leading line-up
Maldives
Destination essentials
SEASON
Flight
Time difference
Currency / Language
FROM THE READING ROOM
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