There are only two ways to do Maldives.
Embrace the motto: 'dolce far niente' (Italian: sweetness of doing nothing) or take on the adventure of island hopping.
With over 200 of 1200 coral islands ripe for the plucking, being picky is key. The organisation-freak in me prepared an excel list of resorts, transport options, costs. Then five years worth of Italian influence won over. I put that research to rest and embraced nothingness - better described as star-gazing from the deck of a water-villa, floating in turquoise seas, lying on powdery white sand.
There's something to be acknowledged about lazing around - it's hard work; when your atoms are quivering with excitement to snorkel with reef sharks, chase sting rays, kayak and just explore. 'Tis also a fact that trying to digitally detox in Maldives is impossible - because optic nerves keep signalling the brain to click just one more photo of all that BLUE. If phones could talk...
To me, Maldives is currently synonymous with Sun Siyam Olhuveli, a private-island getaway, somewhere in the South Male atoll. A mere 45 minute boat ride from the Male International airport's jetty arrivals terminal, where we were met by resort representatives. They guided us to a store for local sim cards (30 USD for a 7 day package) and then deposited us at a food court to wait for the remaining guests to stream in. In hindsight, the sim was an unnecessary purchase, since all resorts are well equipped with wi-fi. Shades down, hats up, smoothies in hand, embodying the stereotypical tourist spirit, we climbed aboard the speed boat headed for the resort. Previous experience has taught me, it's best to ride at the tail end (stern) of the boat when in open sea, as bumpy waves are felt strongly at the bow (front). This bounce can cause nausea.
At first glance, the island was lush with greenery and teeming with colourful fish in blue water. This proved to be true at second, third and thousandth glance too.
Sun Siyam Olhuveli is built surrounding a natural reef and is divided into three mini islands, connected by bridges and buggies to cart guests around. They offer hotel rooms, beach villas and water villas, half board to all inclusive packages - accommodating every traveller's needs. Armed with a map of the island and a list of instructions catered to our all-inclusive package, we walked down the 'gangplank' of Dream Island towards our Premium Water Villa.
*Two minutes of silence for my soul that temporarily died and went to heaven*
We're no strangers to luxury experiences, but there's luxury in the real world and then there's luxury in Maldives. The view from the deck, the lounge bed, the magnificent bathroom had us under a spell. First thing my sister and I did: slipped into bikinis, descended from the deck into the ocean, swam across to our parent's villa and climbed onto their deck. The shocked faces are etched in my memory.
To detail our four days spent there, would take infinite paragraphs of one extraordinary moment after the other. Some things are best left to imagination or better yet, to be experienced..
Tips while staying at the resort:
1) Early birds get the birds - literally. At sunrise, not only does the view enchant, it brings with it baby parakeets in blue, purple and green who aren't afraid of humans. A pair landed on our deck, woke us with birdsong and then nibbled on our toes, sat on our heads and shoulders and posed for great pictures.
2) In the middle of the ocean, with no light pollution to dim the glow and the sound of waves in tune - stargazing is meditation. We opted for a night cruise into the ocean and literally felt the magnitude of darkness surrounding us, as we lay flat on the boat's open deck.
3) Sunscreen comes second only to your phone. Carry it everywhere and re-apply every two hours. Re'equil ultra matte sunscreen is like a mousse, leaving no patchiness on the skin.
4) Resorts with house reefs have sting rays, reef sharks and turtle viewing points. Staying at the water villas we spotted them right beneath our decks. Make note: do not forget your key card while running out of the villa chasing behind these fish. Being locked out of the room for half an hour while waiting for help to let us back in, raised many eyebrows and voices!
5) An all-inclusive packages save the day. From food and drinks across every island restaurant to rental equipment and marine experiences, the wallet stays hidden the entire trip. For those simply looking to swim, tan and sleep - half board deals with unlimited buffet breakfast and dinner are a great option too!
Tips on prepping for the trip:
1) The pandemic changed the face of travel. Visas were always a hassle but test reports, vaccine certificates and health declaration forms are a bellyful. Check out IMUGA website for all updated requirements.
2) Back-up your phone gallery or clear up space. I'm fairly reasonable with the number of photos clicked per travel - Maldives threw me off track and then some.
3) Pack two sets of clothes per day, one to sand and sweat in and the other for dinner, drinks and all things fancy!
4) May to October paints Maldives in monsoon rains, rough seas and means being cooped indoors. This can be infuriating when the view beckons you even in a storm. Shoulder periods like November or March-April are cheaper than Dec-Jan's peak season! Choose wisely
5) If you plan to stay at just one island - you don't need to work with an agency. But island hopping is best put in experienced hands. Thrillophillia and PickYourTrail have excellent an track record.