Paradise on earth
Many rate the Maldives as their dream destination in the Indian Ocean. But how can you choose the perfect island for an unforgettable holiday among all the luxury resorts? I went in search of it for you and found paradise on earth.
Turquoise shimmering water, reclusive white sandy beaches, lines of palm trees and summer temperatures – these are the images floating through my head on the long-distance flight to the Maldives.
After roughly nine hours, I arrive and the first islands in the Maldives pass by my aeroplane window like emerald-green gems surrounded by white diamonds. These Maldivian pearls constitute in total 26 atolls and over 1000 coral islands, which lie embedded between countless blue and turquoise shades in the Indian Ocean in front of the southern tip of India. Roughly 200 islands in the atolls are inhabited and over 90 are available as a dream destination for holidaymakers from all over the world.
Many consider a holiday on the Maldives to be synonymous with high-class luxury coupled with that Robinson Crusoe island feeling. This is exactly the feeling I have when I arrive at the luxurious 5-star Anantara Dhigu Resort & Spa, situated in the South Male atoll and accessible in 35 minutes from the main island Male via speedboat or the resort’s own yacht. Fortified by a fresh coconut decorated with a pretty hibiscus flower – picked fresh daily by Omar, the beach guru, from the 20 to 25 metre high palm trees on the island – I begin my discovery tour of this unique destination. A particular feature of the Anantara Dhigu Resort & Spa is that it is connected to two other small islands. The Anantara Veli and the Picknick Island are only a short water taxi journey away and are characterised by their remoteness and even more tranquillity and privacy. Island hopping is made easy for guests and it guarantees a stay filled with diversity.
I immediately feel at home on my chosen island and my impulse to explore leads me past perfectly aligned palm trees, white sandy beaches straight out of a story book and finally I spy the symbol of the Maldivian dream: a hammock in the middle of the ocean, stretched between two aesthetic tree trunks that protrude from the sea like strong arms. While the waves of the warm Indian Ocean gently sway me back and forth and small single clouds pass by, the same thought occurs to me again and again and I am certain that I have arrived in paradise on earth.
Over Water or beach, that is the question
It is up to you whether you opt for an unusual Over Water suite or one of the picturesque beach villas. But rest assured – you cannot make the wrong decision!
While the elegant Over Water suites captivate above the sea with their iconic Maldivian architecture, you have the lush vegetation and the Indian Ocean in front of your tropically designed island home in the beach villas, including a private beach section.
My search for the holiday eldorado led me by seaplane to another Maldivian island, Niyama Private Island Resort. In my most beautiful fantasies, I could not have imagined such a beautiful dream island with private butler service. Both twin islands „Play“ and „Chill“ lie like breath-taking beauties in the water and offer 5-star amenities of every kind. The best and most befitting way to explore these is with one of the resort’s bicycles while enjoying the warm sea breeze along the way.
„Chill“
The oasis in the middle of paradise for quiet moments at the beach or Over Water Studios or in the beautiful Niyama Spa. The location for absolute relaxation in a unique seascape.
„Play“
The adventurous sister island. The Caribbean beach bar „Surf Shack“ with a breath-taking view of the sunset, the diving station „Float“ with a wide range of water sport activities and a programme for coral sponsorship or elegant Infinity Pools still the luxury holidaymakers’ desire for adventure.
My discovery tour continues to focus on the impressive culinary selection at Niyama Private Island Resorts. I can scarcely believe my eyes at the range of first-class and unique gourmet restaurants. The „Nest“ restaurant lies in the centre of the tropical treetops and offers Asian Avant-garde cuisine and Teppanyaki in a class of its own. In „Tribal“, the only African restaurant on the Maldives, you can experience African ambiance similar to exclusive lodges in South Africa or Botswana. For an exceptional cuisine experience submerge yourself and be at one with the marine life in the „Subsix“ underwater restaurant. Globetrotters can sample other special delicacies at six other restaurants with diverse dining concepts from all over the world.
At the start I told you of my thoughts when flying to this unique group of islands – turquoise shimmering water, reclusive white sandy beaches, lines of palm trees and summer temperatures. I discovered all of these things and so much more. The luxurious resorts do not only captivate with dreamy beaches and a breath-taking backdrop, but surpass all holiday expectations with exceptional activities, cuisine and service. Unfortunately, I have to confess that even with the best of intentions of describing this wonderful place in words and images, I cannot do justice to the beauty and unique character of this dream island. It has to be seen and experienced first-hand, paradise on earth.
ADAM’s travel tips for the Maldives
Barefoot Deluxe:
The dress code on the Maldives is barefoot! So do not be afraid to leave your Valentino, Louboutin high-Heels or sneakers at home, you will not miss them on the Maldives.
Fall asleep to the sound of the sea:
The Over Water villas are built directly over the sea and can naturally be somewhat loud when there are high winds and strong waves. Bear this in mind when choosing your room category.
The perfect time to travel:
the air and water temperature are consistently summerlike throughout the entire year and make the Maldivian islands a year-round holiday destination in a class of its own.
Sunrise Lover:
the Maldives are famous for their indescribably beautiful sunsets. But, try to watch at least one of the magical sunrises. You can catch up on your missing hours of sleep with a relaxing nap at the beach or the Infinity-Pool.
Star Gazing:
Be dazzled by the stars. You can even make out the Milky Way with the naked eye.
@topolindra – away we go.
They work where others spend their holidays. The Blogger couple Verena & Konrad from Vienna travel the length and breadth of the entire world to photograph and document their travel experiences on their Blog @topolindra. Beware, the travel bug will get you.
Photos Copyrights: Verena Lang
