Memories of The Maldives

Of all the destinations I have travelled to since starting my blog, The Maldives is the closest I have ever come to finding paradise. Nothing can prepare you for the incredibly beautiful scenes and the feeling relaxation that hits you as soon as you arrive. Before going, I had browsed through endless photos of The Maldives online and on social media. Was it computer generated imagery or just very clever photoshopping? Either way, I couldn’t comprehend how a place so perfect could exist on earth. But trust me, it does.

I travelled to The Maldives with my friend Katie in June 2015 and it has been on my mind ever since. Whenever we get together we always reminisce about moments from our incredible week in The Maldives (and we ponder how our own honeymoons will ever be able to beat it!). Our time in The Maldives was spread across two resorts; Four Seasons Kuda Huraa and Hideaway Maldives. Both resorts were stunning but each very different in style. Staying at two resorts allowed us to see two different sides of The Maldives (check out my review of Hideaway Maldives for more Maldives content).

I’m now itching to return to paradise for a second time and I am planning a January-blues busting trip in January 2018. But for now, let me share with you 7 of my most vivid memories of The Maldives…

1. Flying Over Atolls by Seaplane

I remember clambering into the 10-seater sea plane at Male seaport and wondering how that tiny plane would ever get off the water. Low and behold, it did, and we were soon soaring above a scattering of tiny islands fringed with turquoise waters. 

2. Waking Up on Day 1

I will never forget how I felt the first morning I woke up in The Maldives. Katie and I rolled up the blinds of our sea villa and screamed! How was this real life? We ran down the steps next to our private pool and jumped straight in the sea. It was the best feeling knowing we had the whole week ahead of us.

3. Scuba diving with 9 Reef Sharks

I remember the feeling of pure adrenaline pumping through my veins as I stepped off the back of the dive boat and into the dark blue ocean. The aim of the dive was to spot some mantarays, but the diving instructor told me that it was highly likely we would see sharks too. We ended up seeing 9 reef sharks on that dive and although the instructor told me they were harmless, I was frozen in fear at the time. I remember feeling on such a high afterwards.

4. A Post Spa Sundowner

After a heavenly massage at Hideaway Maldives, we took the bottle of champagne from our room with two glasses and headed to the beach for sunset. With sandy toes, salty hair and coconut oil sinking in our skin, we sipped champagne on the beach and watched the sky turn from blue to pink.

5. Swimming with Sea Turtles 

I remember seeing a sea turtle for the very first time in The Maldives whilst snorkelling off the beach. We spotted one within minutes of getting into the ocean, which was an incredibly lucky sighting. I will always remember how the turtle effortlessly and fearlessly glided right past us.

6. Being Make Up-Free & Care-Free

I remember feeling so relaxed in my own skin during my time in The Maldives. I didn’t wear any make up all week and embraced my frizzy beach hair. I felt no pressure to look or act a certain way. Everyone was there to relax and break from their busy routines. I could have lived in the same bikini and beach dress all week without judgement.

7. Frozen Daiquiris at Happy Hour

Every evening at Hideaway Maldives we would head to the Sunset Pool Café for happy hour. I remember sipping on the most delicious frozen fruit daiquiris right by the ocean and watching stingrays swim underneath the decking we sat on. We had to pinch ourselves every night.

I flew to The Maldives with Emirates via a 7-hour flight from London to Dubai and a connecting 4-hour flight from Dubai to Male. The Maldives is 5 hours ahead from The UK and the best time of year to visit is between December and February. Find out more about Maldives Holidays with Emirates Holidays.

What did you think of my 7 memories of The Maldives? Are you dreaming of heading to The Maldives like me? What is your favourite memory of The Maldives? If you enjoyed this post, please leave me a comment in the box below. Jess x 

This post has been sponsored by Emirates Holidays. All views, words and photos are my own.

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