POST CARD
Beaches and seabed
The Maldives is famous for its heavenly beaches as well as for the richness and diversity of its seabed.
TRAVEL
We made a first stop (a few days!) in Abu Dhabi, since there are no direct flights from Europe to the Maldives and its capital, Malé.
In The Maldives, we stayed at The Four Seasons. We were met by hotel representatives as soon as we emerged from the plane who accompanied us through all the arrival formalities. They then took us, by boat, to the hotel. The boat trip itself (which takes about an hour) is already an experience which transports you through absolutely beautiful scenery.
TOURISM
The "resorts", also known as "island hotels", are located on different atolls and on one hundred islands, where natural beauty rivals the beautiful man made establishments and facilities. In terms of menu choices, there were few local delicacies, apart from the catch of the day! The property where we stayed offered several restaurants, with varying ambience; the main cuisine was European - notably an Italian gastronomic restaurant – as well as an Indian restaurant and another specializing in Japanese dishes.
BLUE
Turquoise lagoon, crystal clear water, multicoloured fish and blue blue skies. The water temperature is around 30 degrees.
MUST SEE
Diving (even though we didn't partake), snorkeling (underwater hiking) and sunbathing at the water's edge!
LOCAL LIFE
Alcohol consumption is permitted/tolerated in tourist resorts that are located outside Malé. Muslim culture also imposes certain rules, especially for excursions outside the hotel islands. On the shopping side, there is a detox on offer. But apart from buying a swimsuit and a pair of sunglasses, we didn’t find anything more tempting and imagine that this destination will not satisfy fashionistas addicted to shopping.
NEGATIVE
The death penalty was reinstated in 2014 although there is a moratorium on its use since 2017.
ANECDOTE
We had a very famous neighbour – Madonna – there with her tribe to celebrate the New Year. They were lovely and very discreet neighbours!
TODO
by Yo FLOC’H dilettante
& Philippe WINSBACK
To say goodbye to 2019 and welcome 2020, we decided to take this trip to the Maldives, with a stopover of a few days in Abu Dhabi.
We arrived a few hours before New Year’s Eve and settled into our room (at the St. Regis Hotel—44th floor), where we enjoyed an exceptional view of the Corniche (sort of the equivalent of the Promenade des Anglais in Nice) and the giant, spectacular fireworks display lighting up the sea for the occasion. On the agenda for the next two days were the must-sees: the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, the Louvre, and a desert excursion (to Al Ain and its region, the historic cradle of the Emirate) featuring endless dunes and a dinner organized as the sun set.
Here we are in 2020, heading to the Maldives! We had chosen the Four Seasons resort on Kuda Huraa Island (about an hour’s boat ride from the capital, Malé). The hotel takes care of everything from the moment we land until the very last seconds before our departure. We were lucky enough to stay in a “Water Suite.” A true little villa on stilts, with direct access to the lagoon and its private infinity pool… overlooking the sea. You get the picture: blue skies, water, plenty of sunshine—a truly laid-back lifestyle.
Unsurprisingly, a beautiful resort with top-notch amenities (facilities, staff, food…). We didn’t leave this little corner of paradise during our ten-day stay.
We’d like to round out our experience with this excerpt from the hotel’s description, which we fully endorse and which perfectly sums up our few days there:
In Kuda Huraa, amidst a palette of turquoise hues, it’s hard to tell the sky from the ocean. Captivated by the azure above our heads or beneath the waves, we’re immediately enchanted by this magical setting, drawing us closer to the ocean and its secrets. Come discover this welcoming retreat, with its lagoon, flower-filled gardens, and private island spa, nestled in the heart of a charming village that earned five stars in Forbes magazine in 2020
To wrap up these few lines: what better way to start the year?!
Link to the hotel’s website:
