There is no place quite like Maldives to enjoy the good life
BY RUPALI DEAN
To begin with, Maldives is a one island, one resort country and all resorts. Ewith visa on arrival for Indians, it makes things less cumbersome.
AWE-INSPIRING KANDIMA
(Dhaalu Atoll)
I have divided my stay into two resorts, a 40-minute seaplane ride and 20-minute speed boat ride later, I am at Kandima. My first stop is an awe-inspiring island resort in Dhaalu Atoll surrounded by an enormous natural lagoon.
It’s then a rapid golf buggy ride to my room – absolutely appreciated on a resort which is about 3.2 km in size. And yes, I only receive my exclusive water-proof bracelet key once I am pronounced asymptomatic.
Accommodation at Kandima arrays from villas to studios, with isolated porches, buoyant bedrooms and gigantic bathtubs with ocean views. Ocean Pool Villas have their own out-of-the-way infinity pools overlooking the Indian Ocean.
My Aqua villa comes with a Jacuzzi, incredible ocean views with a spacious bathroom, living space and an alfresco deck with an unswerving access to the ocean. It is all I ever imagine an over-water villa to be; immaculate for a dip before breakfast.
Kandima offers an extensive variety of activities from aerial yoga to an art studio for people who love being in the sea. As for me, I spend a lot of time making a beautiful painting, a reminiscence that I will cherish forever.
Adjacent to the art studio is my favourite spot for coffee; I love it for its freshwater lake sweeping with a fountain, sculptures and mangrove trees, an inspiring shift from the tropical atmosphere anywhere else. The food is decadent throughout Kandima. My preferred one is ‘smoked’, offering meat, fish and vegetarian dishes from an open BBQ kitchen and Teppanyaki grill.
Also exceptional is the food at Sea Dragon, posing genuine Asian cuisine with a modern touch. The bars are remarkable, especially the breeze bar which is open till when the last guest leaves. I enjoy sitting by the poolside, watching the sun dip with a glass of Prosecco in my hand.
I equally enjoy a massage at the spa next to the shoreline with the sound of the waves mingling with the chirping of birds like music to my ears. As for heading to my room later, one can use the buggy that regularly taxis visitors around the island. I also validate loaning a pretty blue or yellow bicycle – it’s the perfect chic way of getting around. There is something delightful about biking along beneath the palm trees in beachwear, sensing the heat of the isle on your skin.
UNWINDING AT HERITANCE AARAH
(Raa Atoll)
I head back to Male to catch yet another seaplane and this time to this all-inclusive resort that would never make you sneer; it’s a bit of a luxury not having to reflect about prices and extras, and where every aspect is taken care of.
Everything about my ocean water villa thrills me – the comfortable bed, the spectacular continuous views of the Indian Ocean, the sit out, the day beds, everything is as it should be. Ever the epicurean traveller, I love trying local fare. The remarkable Ambula is where the cuisine of The Maldives with Sri Lankan essentials turns into culinary delights using seasonings such as curry powder and the chilli in most of its fiery avatars, revealed to me by Chef Amila via a cooking class followed by lunch.
Haathi, which is next to it, seats only 10 guests and interchanges among Thai and Japanese set menus. It has the chef’s table vibe.
I take in the beautiful setting with its windswept open-air space as the Sky bar on the first floor as mixologists take the experience to another level with irresistible cocktails infused with local fruit, spices and herbs, and a stimulated Sri Lankan-Maldivian tapas menu.
My other meals are well catered for at the Ginifatu restaurant offering seafood grills. But what catches my fancy is Baani, the Middle Eastern restaurant on stilts. It is one of the countless benefits I get as a valued guest of the Ocean Suite.
Heritance also has a very fashionable ‘infinity pool bar’; just the place to ease and indulge in energising tropical drinks and a bite of recently caught fried calamari. I have a floating breakfast here too one morning.
However, Ranlu is my favoured meeting point at breakfast.
Heritance Aarah makes for the immaculate station to take novice dive courses and get certified. I go for delicate adventure and hire an exclusive boat and enjoy an excursion to experience dolphins and turtles in their steady habitat.
I delight myself to a sunset champagne cruise one of the evenings. Should you be curious about the local island life, sign up for a tour of the traditional Maldivian village that has been created for that purpose within the property.
I spend my days trying not to scald myself on the beach, chilling in the hammock, downing lots of prosecco and eating well. Life on the island is amazing and easy. In the resort bubble, I didn’t have to strain about getting around, meals, or what to do, wearing a mask or even Corona.
As I set out to return home one thing is clear: for the smart international traveller there is no place quite like Maldives to enjoy the good life!
