Maldivesit’s no stress atoll
switches off her phone and finds herself in paradise...
If you leave the Maldives with any regret, it will only be that you didn’t get to stay longer. This was my first proper holiday in three years and, as is always the case, it came and went too fast. That said, they say you should never be sad that it’s over, but glad that it happened.
Running my own PR company and being responsible for, and actively involved in, every aspect of the business, there’s almost never a good time to take a step back and even if I give myself the odd weekend, it’s never enough time to fully switch off and come back to zero. Something I’ve learned for me, and anyone for that matter, is that if you are to work to the best of your ability, adequate time to rest is key and there’s no better place in the world for that than the Maldives.
I was lucky enough to visit the Kuramathi Maldives beachfront resort, situated in the diminutive Maldivian archipelago of Rasdhoo Atoll, it’s just 1.8km in length. The first few days were dedicated to work: we chose this tropical heaven as the location photo shoot for Bellamianta’s new 2018 campaign shoot with top UK model Chloe Lloyd, but here it didn’t feel like work at all.
We certainly didn’t have to worry about overcast days, it was sunshine from sunrise to sunset. When you find yourself looking out a grey rainy window in the middle of winter dreaming of a break in paradise, this is it. It doesn’t get better and for me, this part of the world has long been on my bucket list.
Once the shoot was wrapped, my partner Denis joined me and the rest of the team flew home. It was finally time to switch off and step away from the laptop and mobile and take in those breathtaking sunsets. We had seven full days here to do whatever we pleased, and I would recommend the seven days as a minimum.
If you’re anything like me, it always takes a few days to get into the holiday groove. Once you stroll along the white beaches with sand in your toes and you meet with the friendly locals, who live and work on the island, any modern-day stresses just wash away. Your need for timekeeping goes out the window. There’s no rushing, there’s no sense of urgency, it’s utter relaxation. Each islander stops to say hello and welcome you, they’re genuinely delighted to have you there and there are no complaints.
The thing is, with such a tropical, unearthly destination, you’d expect it to be overrun, as can happen with lots of destinations like this, but here it never felt busy as the whole island is a resort.
While we were there, there were 500 people also holidaying, along with the 1,000 staff living on the island, yet it only ever felt as though there were about 50. It was totally peaceful and the island itself is so well protected and spotless. There are no cars, only little golf buggies zipping up and down the island. There are several beaches and they’re all secluded, as well as plenty of exotic gardens that you can while away a few hours. The spectacular accommodation is all villas, scattered throughout the island (some water villas jut out into the sea with their own steps down into the turquoise waters) and integrated into the natural habitat. No high-rise horrors here.
Most people think of Maldives as just a honeymoon destination. Kuramathi Maldives on the other hand caters for everyone. There’s even a kids club tucked away in the centre of the island. Honeymooners don’t have to worry as you’d hardly even know it’s there and for families, the facilities are fabulous. There’s even two-bedroom duplex villas that sleep up to six people. Prices are not bad either!
We stayed in the most beautiful water villa surrounded by lush vegetation where the bedroom leads out seamlessly to the Indian ocean. If you dream of being at one with nature and bathed in tranquility, this is it. What really appealed to me, being a busy PR woman who always has to look professional and presentable, was the fact that there is absolutely no need for high shoes here or formal dressing. There is white pure sand everywhere and a very relaxed dress code. Maxi dresses were my go-to, and sandals at a stretch.
We spent our time here exploring the island snorkelling among the coral reefs for which the island is famous and visiting the extraordinary Banyan tree which was an incredible highlight. Though there’s lots to do if you want to get active, the sunsets on this island were the
pièce de résistance for me. In fact they were the best I’ve seen in the world. Oh, and let’s not forget the food; from the herbs and vegetables grown on the island, to the fresh fish caught and served on your plate on the same day, all of which you can eat surrounded by panoramic views. I doubt if an Irish Sunday roast will ever compare.
We opted for the Select All-Inclusive option with our booking which offers dining at the nine a la carte restaurants at the resort – the Indian, Tandoor Mahal, and the Thai, Siam Garden, were firm favourites.
YOUR NEED FOR TIMEKEEPING GOES RIGHT OUT THE WINDOW