Maldives
It all began with a dream: huts suspended over tranquil, coral-filled waters, with gentle waves lapping against the steps below. Imagine waking up to a vibrant display of tropical fish, visible from every window of your luxurious villa. It’s a dream that resonates with many of us.
When the opportunity arose to visit the Maldives—the place where this dream is often envisioned—I was both thrilled and cautious. Could the water really be that astonishing shade of blue? Could reality match the stunning images gracing the pages of glossy travel magazines? Each time I mentioned my trip to the Maldives, I was met with a wistful look, a shared vision of paradise.
Eagerly, I embarked on my journey. After a brief stopover in Singapore, I found myself on the final leg, bound for this island utopia. Hours of endless ocean rolled by, until suddenly, like a six-star feast for my eyes, the Maldives appeared—more breathtaking than any picture could capture.
As I descended, I was fortunate enough to experience a 30-minute delay in landing, giving me an aerial tour of the islands. “Fortunate?” you might ask. Absolutely. The plane circled, offering a mesmerising view of the countless shades of blue, white sands, and lush greenery. Each island, a strip of paradise, was either home to a luxury resort or a local village.
Upon landing, I was whisked away on a 20-minute speedboat ride to Adaaran Huvafen Fushi Resort. There, a golf buggy awaited me, ready to transport me through the beachside huts nestled just 20 meters from the water's edge. As we turned a corner onto a private pier, I caught my first glimpse of the overwater villas. The sight was breathtaking—an instant WOW moment under the bright sunshine.
I received my key from what I can only describe as the best office view in the world: a fully glassed hut at the pier’s end, surrounded by serene beauty. My butler, Deepak, was the perfect host, guiding me through the features of my Ocean Villa. A seamless blend of Asian and island décor adorned the villa, complete with sliding bamboo blinds, wood-grain floors, and a waterfall shower offering the best bathroom view imaginable. Stepping out onto my private deck, I was greeted by the sight of turquoise waters stretching endlessly before me. The deck, equipped with a breakfast table, deck chairs, and private stairs leading into the ocean, felt like my own little piece of paradise. As I dipped my toes into the water, vibrant yellow and black tropical fish swarmed around the steps—a greeting I would come to cherish daily.
The Ocean Villas had their own breakfast restaurant at the pier's beginning. I was already in a state of bliss, but the delightfully bite-sized island breakfast, paired with “the dream” view, took it to another level. The water, shifting from turquoise to royal blue, was alive with a vibrant aquarium of fish and sea creatures. But what truly elevated my experience were the Maldivian people, always warm and smiling, eager to share stories of their lives growing up on these sand atolls.
My days were filled with an idyllic mix of relaxation and adventure. There was snorkeling, diving, banana boat rides, jet skis, speedboat hires, fishing trips, and even a submarine ride. It was a perfect blend of serenity and excitement, set against a backdrop of stunning natural beauty.
The Maldives is a unique experience that defies description. If you ever have the chance to visit, I wholeheartedly recommend splurging on an overwater villa. It’s an indulgence that will stay with you forever—a dream that surpasses every expectation. This trip was a bucket list moment for me, and it exceeded all my wildest dreams.
Hayley x