We’ve all seen the photos and read the marketing copy in the glossy travel brochures, but a questionI often get asked is “what are the Maldives really like”?We know they look amazing but surely they can’t be as good as all that? So when I get asked “what are they really like? You know, REALLY?I know exactly how to reply. After all there’s a lot of time to reminisce on your Maldives holiday between the Indian Ocean and Heathrow.
The Maldives are like a deep warm candle lit bath with a glass of chardonnay in one hand, a great book in the other, and the knowledge that nobody will disturb you for at least a couple of hours.
Sounding good already?
But it is more than that. The Maldives are like that perfect moment we all get once every year in spring when you just stop what you are doing because the sun is shining. After months of overcast wet and wintery days you suddenly feel the sun on your face for the first time in forever. The sun’s heat makes you suddenly remember that summer is coming and that the world will be lovely and full of possibilities. Being on the Maldives is like experiencing that moment; but it goes on for a whole two weeks.
Then there is the scuba diving. You have to try it. It’s like going to a different planet. Millions of rainbow coloured fish and amazing corals of different shapes and hues all around you. All within easy reach of the soft white shores of your island. It’s totally mind blowing. Or if you’re really lucky you get to see manta rays – majestic creatures that move with a balletic ease through the water.
Did I mention the snorkelling? The water is so clear. We saw wild dolphins, sting rays and even small reef sharks from the balcony of our water villa every morning. As well as the awesome experience of being accompanied by flying fish on an early evening fishing trip as a spectacular sunset marked the end of another gorgeous day.
And how about the food. Wow, what food. Fresh fish feature highly on the menu as do these fantastic curries that were like heaven in the mouth. It’s a good job so many different water sports are on offer to wear off those few extra calories. Or you can try your hand at a yoga class, visit the well equipped gym, play a few sets of tennis or simply bliss out with an Ayurvedic treatments in one of the most tranquil spas you’ll ever visit.
Put simply, the Maldives really is like escaping to a paradise on Earth.
