Blog 11, N&N – First wedding anniversary 14th-17thJuly2022, Part 2

With all Preparations done, N&N journey started on 14thJuly morning by Indigo landing at Male Velana international airport around 11.30AM local time. Maldivian time is 30mins behind IST.

They were transferred to the hotel by road, which was 10mins by car. The hotel was a well-maintained 3-star inn, located next to the beach. They freshened up and started a walking tour of Hulhumale island, having light lunch of vegetable sandwiches, fish curry and rice. As the festival was just nearby, the vast central park was showcasing a musical fountain, where they spent some time. The island has loads of friendly stray cats roaming around as well as local chickens. People are kind, soft-spoken, and helpful. Infrastructure is top-notch in this man-made island and in general overall Maldives. There are white sandy beaches with crystal clear turquoise water everywhere, with swings lined across the beach. They had dinner at the hotel and ended the day to be ready for the next day’s adventure trip.

The next day, they were picked up for the jetty, from where the beautiful boat along with other 6 adults, and 2 kids left exactly at 10AM towards the sea. Around 45mins of the ride, they reached at Sandbank. It was closer to a famous resort island, yet decently isolated. The small sand body popping out of the sea, they walked from the boat towards it crossing crystal clear water on the white soft sands touching their feet. They saw one fugu fish and sting ray as well in that shallow water. Sandbanks are great for shallow water viewing, dipping without a swim, and great photography. For the first time, N&N found themselves posing for some romantic pics suggested by their trip guide. There were small corals found buried in the sand and rare sea moss. They headed back to the boat after spending an hour of noon time there. There was a decent lunch buffet offered to them, which they enjoyed while sitting near the mast of the boat.

They headed towards the snorkeling point, with another 30mins boat ride from there. It was a full moon day before and there were heavy waves in the sea, especially near the island. It was deep sea and was difficult to stay still even with the life jacket on. However, they could see loads of marine life including sting rays swimming near their feet and happily eating the food offered by the guide. Snorkelling is best enjoyed on a bright sunny day with restful weather and water. The water depth should be ideally under 10 feet with lots of coral beds underneath, where maximum shallow water creatures can be seen. It is a great activity for everyone, who does not even know about swimming. After spending an hour, the group headed for the evening Dolphin site. The point was quite close to the main island, where dolphins regularly show up. After patiently waiting for some time, they could spot a few dolphins jumping out of the water at far. Dolphins are friendly animals and they like human company. Two of the dolphins swam quite close to the boat, hearing the noise the group was making to attract.

It was an exquisite sight to behold. Tanned by the Maldivian sun, devouring the vast beauty of the ocean and lots of memories to last forever, N&N returned to Hulhumale island. The hotel was prompt to transfer them back to the airport pickup point, where they met a Sheraton resort representative. The next two nights’ stay was confirmed with “Sheraton Maldives Full moon resort and spa” at Faranafushi island, only 15mins boat ride away from the airport. They were transferred in a marvellous small yacht-like boat to the resort, where the staff received them waving. Everything was on time and arranged well. The reception staff briefed them upon arrival there, and have also sent a letter explaining details about our departure. The staff receives and sees you off at the resort jetty, waving at the boat.

N&N were upgraded to an overwater bungalow, which most people prefer to stay. One can have a feeling of living on top of the ocean, with a staircase from the patio dropping inside the shallow water bed. Overall, the design of the bungalow was large and exquisite, all elements were maintained clean with the bathtub looking over the ocean. They provided sealed filtered water bottles as per the green initiative. Every Friday, the hotel management meets the Elite members for an evening cocktail with canapes between 5.30-6.30 PM. N&N attended this, and the setup at Seasalt restaurant was excellent. The resort manager Mr. Emilio is from Italy and they had a good conversation with him. Back at the room, the couple received some amazing desserts and a bottle of sparkling white wine, to celebrate their first wedding anniversary on 15th July. The late evening hours were spent listening to Spanish guitar instrumental amid the ocean wave, gazing right into the sea from the room. Midnight rain took them by surprise, which continued till breakfast.

The resort staff at every section were too helpful may it be at the reception, housekeeping, restaurant, etc. They have throughout the day, complimentary activities like morning meditation, crossfit training, coconut plucking, a visit with Botanist, musical chair, water volleyball, etc; to keep everyone engaged. The pedal boats and canoes are also complimentary to use.

The breakfast is an extensive Indian, east Asian, and continental menu with loads of fruits, salads, nuts, and bakery products. Must-try items were hash browns. gluten-free banana bread and daily detox juice. They have a sunrise point ahead of Shine spa, which was the show stealer. N&N thoroughly enjoyed the walk across the resort enjoying the view of the flora and fauna of the Orchid Garden, and tall trees. The property has Loads of hammocks, and swings for use. Ocean-facing villas are located at a far distance from the lobby and are quiet. The swimming pool is centrally located close to the restaurants and is beautifully designed. N&N had a good swim in the sunny afternoon, in a long time. Their evenings were spent walking along the beach in the resort and relaxing in the hammock. Their short stay was quite exciting and they left the Maldives after 3 days with memories to last a lifetime.