Wow factor – the Maldives
As a backpacker, those dream destinations have always been on my list, the transition from backpacker to flashpacker may well happen one day and if it does, I’ll be heading to the magical Maldives. I’ve already experienced a tropical paradise at Xanadu in Belize.
Vivanta by Taj in the Maldives is one such paradise. The panoramic views of the waves touching the shores are all you need to be at peace. The pure white sandy beaches, blue water, lagoons, tropical vegetation and reefs are not a dream, but a reality here.
Vivanta by Taj in the Maldives
Here’s a short report on it from my friends who were there recently: “We landed at the International Airport in Male, the capital city, on a bright Sunday morning. We reached the main city by water on the boat privately owned by Vivanta by Taj at Maldives. Maldives is a string of islands which is why it is also known as the “Necklace of Pearls”. The temperature was perfect as it never rose above 25∘Celsius.
Maldives – paradise
Some Play, Some Culture
We visited an ayurvedic spa at the Cocoa Palm Island and then took a walk on the golden beaches of the Kuredu Island, wrote in the sand, made a dome castle, became kids again.
Seeing the blue water, I was determined to indulge in water skiing, jet skiing, windsurfing, catamaran rides, water surfing, snorkeling, para sailing and speed boating. Our plans were set in motion when the cordial staff at the Vivanta by Taj arranged for a scuba-diving guide. Snorkeling in the waters of Komandoo Island was probably the most memorable. It took us two days to cover almost all the water activities!
On the fourth day we visited the National Museum and wandered around the Sultan Park. We visited the Hukuru Miski, the oldest mosque in the country. Our day ended with shopping at the Singapore Bazaar where my shopaholic nature surfaced seeing the numerous stores featuring Maldivian products and imported products. My husband surprised me with an exquisite necklace made out of authentic black coral and pearl.
Quite the Stay!
I am glad we chose to stay in one of the best holiday resorts in Maldives, the Vivanta by Taj managed to fulfil all our expectations and more. One of best surprises by the hotel was when they us a beach villa as a part of their seasonal offers. The villa had a breath-taking view of the sea. Amongst the offers presented were free additional nights and exclusive lavish dinners. Stocked with amenities like organic food and beverages in our minibar, comfortable cotton robes, exquisite toiletries, and the best of all, a 32″ LCD TV with home theatre system, and an exclusive iPod docker & DVD player, were all that we needed. Apart from these, one of the best amenities we received was the villa-attached spa treatment that completely revived us.
A pleasant night stroll in the moonlight after a fairly scrumptious meal, was the cherry on the top of memorable stay at the Vivanta by Taj in Maldives. As we approached the ceremonial pavilion, we witnessed an elaborate wedding, which made me think of the way of magical moments are weaved to last a lifetime, all in an exquisite place like the Maldives. After returning back from there we realized that we left a part of us right there on those lovely beaches caressed by the brilliant turquoise waters. Any guesses to what our anniversary destination will be?”
Thanks to Carol for this short report today and as I prepare my backpack for my 100th country, I won’t be doing Maldives just yet but it’s on “the list”.