If I was to recommend just one thing in a life time it would be to visit the Maldives with a special person, every one should be made to go. We went over in February 2003 and stayed at Ari Beach (now White Sands). We travelled on an all inclusive package for 10 days and flew with Emirates from Manchester changing at Dubai. We arrived at Male (Maldives capital) after a 12 hour flight, the first thing I noticed was the amazing colours of the fish in the sea. I’d only seen fish like this in pet shops before, they were absolutely beautiful. We transferred to White Sands by sea plane which was novel.
The island was more magical than I could have hoped; we stayed in a Water bungalow out on stilts in the sea. However I wouldn’t do this next time we go as I have since discovered that coral was ripped up and killed in order to build the bungalows. We were greeted by friendly staff and presented with a coconut which had been specially opened to drink the milk.
The first few days were spent just chilling out snorkelling, and swimming. However we also had access to sail boats, dhonis (wooden boats) and speedboats, we went water ski-ing and night fishing on Valentines day, which incidentally was the day we got engaged, (very romantic) then we had dinner on the beach with our catch. I managed to get a Barracuda and my fiancée caught a Unicorn. We bought a bottle of Champagne (not in the all inclusive) and celebrated our engagement. We met fantastic people who we keep in touch with.
We also went island hopping which includes a trip to one of the local islands and a resort island. It was good but next time we go I think I’ll opt out and stays closer to the resort and chill.
We are going back for our honeymoon next year to Baros however we have chosen to go half board and stay on the beach as we didn’t think all inclusive was necessary or financially beneficial and don’t want to support water bungalows as it is endangering the coral.
In terms of total relaxation, cool people, fantastic visibility under water and amazing marine life, a must. It was a first class resort with the best service I’ve ever received anywhere ever.
We stayed over in Dubai on the way back, however I wouldn’t do that again as I would prefer more time in the Maldives.