Magical Maldives

“A stunning world of beauty, serenity and wonder”, was a definition that I feel best described this tropical paradise. Our first family venture since our move to Berkshire, we were hoping simply for a good break away from the hectic world in which we live. But wow, it turned out to be so much more. It’s a destination that I recommend without a moment’s hesitation and one of the few places to which I could return over and over again and still be amazed every single time; it was undoubtedly the most unforgettable holiday we have had. The whole experience from start to finish has left memories that will last a lifetime.

Truly the ultimate getaway, the Maldives are made up of a group of thousands of coral islands of which only a handful are inhabited. Often mistaken as being a highly exclusive destination, the Maldives offer everything from those seeking simple accommodation to those wanting the full, five star luxury treatment in amazing beach and water villas.

The moment you step off the aircraft at Malé and you’re dazzled by the sun reflecting off what seems like nothing more than a landing strip built on the ocean itself, you feel like you’re in another world. The clincher, as I recall, is the transfer to the resort. We had the fortune of being escorted in a 10-seater twin propeller seaplane, and let me assure you, the view, once airborne, is simply breathtaking. Luscious jewels of Maldivian paradise scattered in the endless blue sea, the sun blazing in the sky above…incredible.

An experience that was intensified by the arrival at our resort for the forthcoming fortnight: Hilton’s (re-branded Conrad Maldives) “Rangali island”. An often underestimated part of a good holiday is the hospitality of the staff where one stays. In regards to the Maldives, it’s simply incomparable. Warm, friendly and welcoming was the immediate feeling we got when checking in, and perhaps the best demonstration of this was the fabulous “no shoes, no news” policy; the resort was built in an “au-naturel” style, using the sand of the island as the flooring for the majority of the facilities (villas were the exception, we noted somewhat gratefully). Indeed, a very welcome change from the stuffy hustle and bustle of reality!

The walk to our beach villa showcased the secluded nature of the island, with beach villas carefully interwoven with groaning, coconut-laden palm trees (between which swung hammocks; perfect for the avid reader), and a few paces from the gleaming white sand of Said beach. The water villas, connected by a small bridge to a separate island, offered even more exclusivity, boasting access to a glass-floored spa set over sparkling coral reefs, and steps straight from the villa into the truly crystal-clear ocean, which moved from the ankle-deep azure of the coastline waters to the deeper, royal blue of the snorkelling territory, teaming with rich sea life from the beach itself. Indeed, one of the highlights was the incredible opportunity to watch giant manta-rays feed on phosphorescent plankton at night, an experience that can rarely be had. The very culture of the islands centres on the respect for the inhabitants of the sea, and with sea turtles, dolphins, and surprisingly friendly reef-tip sharks at your doorstep, it is clear to see the logic.

Quite simply, it is a place of dreams. A place to truly escape from the worries of the world and just let yourself wind down to extremes I never would have thought possible, and it’s easy to understand why this destination very frequently features at the top of wish-lists.

Paradisiacal to the very letter, the Maldivian experience is one never to be forgotten, and one to be revisited over and over again.

Here, heaven truly is a place on earth!