Magical Maldives: A Tropical Hideaway
The Maldives is magical. Coral islands in the middle of the Indian Ocean where swaying palm trees fringed by sugary white beaches and turquoise water are so dreamy and idyllic. It is a perfect tropical hideaway.
Many moons ago, my then-boyfriend and now-husband and I were browsing around City Lights Bookstore in San Francisco and came across a beautiful photography book on the Maldives. The Maldives. Wow. Where is this magical place with bright turquoise water and blinding white beaches? I thought to myself: we must go one day. And so magical Maldives goes on top of our travel bucket list.
Little did I know then that nearly 20 years later, the Maldives would be the perfect family destination to celebrate our milestone birthdays. As our first international trip since Mauritius 2.5 years ago, we were beyond excited to be travelling again. And to the Maldives of all places!
The Maldives was the dreamiest of trips and definitely one of the most memorable family holidays for many reasons. Here are just a few.
Maldivian Atolls: Idyllic Location in the Indian Ocean
We have travelled to many tropical destinations such as Thailand, Sri Lanka, Bali, Dominican Republic, and Malaysia, but there is no place like the Maldives. The archipelagic nation in the middle of the Indian Ocean has a unique geography comprising 1,200 coral islands clustered across 26 beautiful atolls.
The natural formation of atolls is what makes the magical Maldives so different from other tropical islands. What are atolls, you ask? In a nutshell, atolls are formed from coral reefs developing around the rim of sunken volcanoes. Over time, dead coral and debris accumulate to form sandbanks and later deserted islands. In parallel, the coral reefs slowly transform into barrier reefs which enclose a shallow lagoon with crystalline waters. And with this is the birth of idyllic tropical islands dotted across the Indian Ocean called the Maldives.
Spectacular Scenery: Fifty Shade of Blue & Powder White Sand
The scenery in the Maldives is simply spectacular. The sparkling water is fifty shades of blue from bright teal, turquoise, Tiffany blue, sapphire, and midnight blue. The spectacular range of blue stretches as far as you can see in the horizon. Here you cannot distinguish between the sky and ocean; it all bleeds together in an explosion of blue on blue on blue.
It is no surprise then that the scenery in the Maldives is utterly peaceful and tranquil. Listening to the gentle waves lapping against powdery white sand on the shallow lagoon is so relaxing. There is a reason why the Maldives is a popular destination for newly-weds. But the Maldives isn’t just for couples, it is also an amazing family tropical destination. Everyday we spent time as a family in both the ocean and pool, making memories to cherish for a lifetime.
Swimming with a colourful array of fishes in the crystal clear water is fun, especially for children who love marine life. Unfortunately, most of the corals have been hit by “bleaching” in 2016, turning the corals white due to extreme warm temperatures caused by “El Nino.” Despite this, the ocean is still teeming with marine life with massive schools of fish, some sharks and even manta rays.
Along with the beautiful ocean, the beaches framed by palm trees are blinding white; so white it makes you squint. Like baby powder, your toes literally sink into the soft sand. It is what you call barefoot luxury. You can sit with a cocktail (or a smoothie for the kiddos) and enjoy the spectacular scenery and brilliant sunsets for days in the Maldives. It is simply magical and so peaceful.
One Island, One Resort: A Stress-Free Tropical Hideaway
The hardest aspect about going to the Maldives is choosing which island resort to stay for your tropical holiday. There are some 160 island resorts dotted around 26 atolls, each operating on a “one island, one resort” concept, meaning one resort occupies the entire island. Picking your island resort is all down to personal preferences, style, and budget.
Once in your tropical hideaway, I guarantee you your holiday is totally stress-free and hassle-free. As a private island, you won’t see beach hawkers peddling random trinkets or noisy crowds. The days are relaxed and unrushed as you settle into a slower pace of island life. Here in the magical Maldives, it is about rest and relaxation in your very own tropical hideaway. And it is utterly bliss!
Maybe for the next milestone birthday or special anniversary, we’ll find ourselves back to the Maldive because it is truly a one-of-kind magical destination.
