Maldives. I know that this country is already very famous, and that pictures of its major resorts are everywhere. However, I want to share the beauty of the smaller but equally splendid resort we stayed at, because.. those 5 days were too much of a gem not to share!
Before heading out to the resort, we spent a few hours in the morning strolling on our own around the capital city, Male, and having a glimpse of another part of the country's reality.. you know.. life outside the turquoise waters ;)
Here are some of what we saw..
Masjid-al-Sultan Muhammad Thakurufaanu Al Auzam, the largest mosque in Maldives.
A 17th century cemetery surrounding the Hukuru Miskiiy (Old Friday Mosque).
Jumhooree Maidhaan (Republic Square), where the most important government buildings are located.
And a school :)
Now, from this port, we took the public ferry from Male to the Hulhumale Airport.
The colours of the water? They are real!!
It was not easy for me to choose a resort in Maldives because most of them were really amazing.
So after all my confusion, I ended up listing down 5 requirements to guide me through.
1. The resort MUST be accessible by a Seaplane.
It must be far enough to need a Seaplane transfer instead of just a Speedboat transfer.
Aerial view of Male.
Aerial view of a resort.
The atolls.
I guess I don't need to explain why the seaplane is a must ;)
30 minutes after.. We landed in the middle of the sea.
The resort speedboat picked us up.
Paradise.
2. The resort MUST offer a lot of privacy.
The whole island has only around 35 villas = 70 guests.
I really liked it that there were very few of us, and that we rarely saw each other.. except at the restaurant during breakfast and dinner.
3. The resort MUST have water villas within our budget of max USD 1,000 per night.
Believe me, the water villas of the other resorts that I like are way more expensive!
Oh yeah, it was that private that we could set up our tripod everywhere and be crazy, without any audience :D
Sacrificing my skin, waiting for the sunset.
Beautiful.. it was worth the extra freckles! haha!
4. The resort MUST have an excellent House Reef.
This school of baby swordfish was just swimming around our water villa.
Happiness. Seeing a turtle while snorkelling around the resort :)
And baby Blacktip Sharks by the beach.
The jetty in its summer splendour.
There's nobody around. So it's ok to go crazy again!
How to relax. Or how to pretend that it's candid. Haha! :)
Twilight and its colours.
The view while waiting for dinner.
5. The resort MUST have delicious food.
If we are going to be stuck at one resort for 5 days, the food better be good!
The sailing yacht. On our way to find the Whale Sharks.
We were really blessed to have seen them.
And I was seriously blessed to be with an awesome tour guide who pulled me all throughout the Whale Shark chase. I swam too slow, but he made it possible for me to be swimming at the animal's pace.
Low tide, and the corals are out.
Inside the water villa. Loved it!
The bathroom had two entrances. One from the room, and one from the balcony.
And it was overlooking the sea.
The balconies were all angled in a way that nobody would see neighbours.
The water villas at night.
And during full moon.
Mirihi Island Resort.
One of the best choices we have ever made.
Time to say, Thank you.
Well again, why the Seaplane is a must!! :D
Also check out: Shangri-La's Mactan Resort in Cebu, Philippines and Outrigger Laguna Resort in Phuket, Thailand :)
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References:
Our Budget for 6 Days for 2 Persons sharing the Room ;)
Plane Fare from Singapore - USD 600 x 2 = USD 1,200
1 Night Accommodation in Male which I won't recommend - USD 100Plane Fare from Singapore - USD 600 x 2 = USD 1,200
May - 4 Nights Off Peak Accommodation at Mirihi Island Resort, inclusive of Seaplane Transfers, Breakfast, and Dinner - USD 3,100
Activities (Whale Shark Cruise) - USD 400
Total for 2 Persons = USD 4,800
