The Maldives - Paradise part 2

Karen Dormady on 15 June 2019
Once in Male the seaplane check in desks are right outside the arrivals area. We were met and taken there to check in our luggage and then taken on a 10-minute bus ride to the seaplane terminal. The seaplane experience itself was amazing. It only seats 13 people, is a little cosy and noisy, but the views were absolutely stunning.

Niyama Private Island is spread over 2 islands, Play and Chill connected by a little bridge. Once again we received a very warm welcome and were taken to our amazing beach pool villa by our own personal Thakuru (butler). The room was a very generous size with a king-sized bed, private deck and pool with direct access to the beach, it even had a popcorn making machine. The outdoor bathroom was absolutely amazing, an indoor shower, an outdoor shower, a very large bath and lovely amenities. Each villa also had their own bicycles, which our Thakaru put our names on. I absolutely loved my bicycle. It was such fun just jumping on the bike and cycling to breakfast or the water sports centre or even just cycling around the islands!

After settling in, we headed to Dune for a delicious lunch after which we had some time to explore the islands and enjoy the beautiful weather and surroundings. Our dinner this evening was at the offshore restaurant call Edge, after which we went 6m underwater to Subsix, the underwater bar for a glow party.

Breakfast the following morning was in one of the other dining venues, Epicure, where they offer international cuisine in a casual chic setting by the infinity pool. After breakfast we were taken out snorkelling to try to find turtles – which we did! How amazing was it to be swimming with them!

The afternoon was spent around the islands finding out all the different array of accommodations that are available, from the beach pool villas which we were staying in to the crescent which comprises of 5 over water secluded villas with their own walkway, private chef and butlers as well as many other benefits. We also learnt about all the activities available and visited the Kids Club. After our tour of the islands it was time to try another of the restaurants for dinner. Nest is in a surreal tree top setting and serves Asian avant-garde cuisines.

The following day, we had the whole day to ourselves. We tried a bit of relaxing by the pool, took park in aqua Zumba, which was great fun followed by yet another delicious lunch in Dune, the open-air lounge bar on the beach. After lunch I went off cycling around the islands on my bicycle just to get more of a feel for the place. Our meal this evening was in Epicure, which again didn’t disappoint.

Our last day in paradise was for us to spend at leisure. We enjoyed out aqua Zumba so much the previous day that a few of us decided to have a go at the Zumba class in the Gym. Not quite the setting we are used to at home. We were in an open sided area with views of the ocean!

On our final evening we were treated to a Management Cocktail party in Fahrenheit, a rooftop bar with clear views of the Indian Ocean where there is also live music by night. We then enjoyed our last supper in Tribal restaurant, which as you can probably guess is African, Central and South American cuisines. This was by far my favourite restaurant, everything was superb, the food, the service, the atmosphere. A wonderful way to end the most amazing trip.

I always thought that the Maldives was going to be special, but my preconceptions that it was just for honeymooners and for laying on a beach, have been well and truly changed. It has so much to offer everyone, whether you just want to relax or if you want lots of activities. There really is an island and resort to suit everyone.