1. Getting there in style Reaching Maldives is where my adventure began. International flights generally arrive at Male Airport on Hulhule Island, but it's the transfers that happen in style. The journey to your - often private - island could be by speedboat (where you'll be welcomed by staff with fresh towels and cold beverages) or some resorts even fly you in by 13-seater seaplane, à la James Bond. However when you travel, you can bet on attentive service like you've never encountered before, and some of the biggest smiles. My direct flight to Male was from Bangalore

 

Photo by MorviImages

2. Pack for just fun! What to pack? Not much! I was going to be in a warm, reliably sunny climate, and one of Maldives' great pastimes is simply basking on the beach. It’s a great excuse to don that sun hat - but don’t forget the sunscreen, including when you are snorkeling, as you'll hardly notice the sun on your back (burnt by the end of it) when you’re chasing fish along the sea floor. A snorkel suit and gear are needed which you can carry on your own or hire it from the resort. Come evening time, all you'll need is a bit of sparkle on your strappy dress and bling chappals to accompany those romantic sunsets . Accessories are minimal and better if acrylic.

 

3. Five-star service There is one stand-out reason why people treat themselves to a holiday in the Maldives: it means a different type of break altogether. Your every need is anticipated, from bath salts, open air  showers- and rose petals are arranged in different shapes on your bed with towel art. Hotels are typically located on individual islands, so you never have to walk too far. My villa had its own beach, hammock and a cabana to start my day with my chai! Physical effort? What’s THAT?

 

 

4. Natural beauty It's very easy to connect with nature when you are constantly surrounded by it. It starts with spectacular sunrises, which you can admire from your terrace, with shades of coral and turquoise lagoons that stretch out for miles. The water, even in the sea is surprisingly warm. When you’ve enjoyed the perfect temperatures both in the water and out, you can head out to enjoy a magical sunset between swaying palms. You can also catch the school of stingrays heading to shallow water for an evening feeding.

 

This is your place to read, meditate, recharge.....
Landscaped swimming pools, paradise-level surroundings and endless varieties of pampering make for a supremely relaxing visit.

 

 

If you do want to stir yourself and get the blood pumping, you’ll never be short of an activity to suit your mood. Wind surfing, kite boarding, kayaking, beach volleyball - the list is quite literally exhausting. But it's underwater where the real treats lie here: go snorkeling and enjoy the luminous rainbow coloured corals, or dive deeper with the shipwreck scuba services. The variety of marine landscapes here is what turns the Maldives from a honeymoon destination with frills into a fully-fledged professional diving destination. Expect to see whale sharks, manta rays and even hammerheads down below, and if it all gets too much like hard work - there's always the infinity pool and the private lagoon.                                    

 

7. Luxurious gastronomy      

 

Enjoy personalised dining experiences, from sunrise breakfast on your own private beach a beach BBQ with your own personal chef and server. Round everything off with a tailor-made sunset cruise or a paradise picnic at resorts. Else stick to the elaborate buffets and varied menu.