Island hopping and ocean sunsets
Part two
Read how our adventurers get to the Maldives here is the first part
However pleasant the atmosphere in our villa was, understandably we hardly stayed in it. Even though it was quite small and walking it from end to end took no more than 10 minutes, our daily walks on the island
lasted for at least an hour and a half, because there was always a view to admire or some little animal to examine more closely. The sand was silkily soft and almost white, reminiscent of sifted flour.
Wherever we looked along it, we noticed remnants of the calcium carbonate external skeletons of dead corals, multicolored clam valves, and shells of various sizes. In fact, the shells emerged from perfectly formed holes in the sand, representing the entrances to the hiding places of the small crabs that lived inside them, thus creating the illusion that the sand itself was moving. Lazily stretched out on the sun loungers so comfortably positioned right in front of our villa, we watched the shore and the house reef, and in the lullaby tune of the waves, we recognized the monsoon.
In numerous places across the islands amidst the dense vegetation, hammocks and wooden swings were hidden, offering wonderful views of the surrounding ocean. But the island's trademark and winner of the contest for the most photographed object there was a large hammock stretched between two poles near the shore and yet in the middle of the water. At one end of the island, separated from its main part, were the famous water bungalows, against the bases of which the waves crashed.
Holding hands and slowly walking along the wooden bridge that connected the bungalows to the island, we loved watching the sunset, and it was simply breathtaking. The sun at the equator sets in a matter of minutes, which is why romantic cruises on traditional Maldivian sailboats called „dhonis“ began half an hour before the expected sunset, in order to make the experience as impactful and utterly unforgettable as possible.
Tropical storms and sand spits
Several times during our stay, we also witnessed the iconic tropical storms, consisting of half an hour of torrential rain after which it was as if nothing had happened (even the temperature remained unchanged). The only hint of the raging storm was the battered leaves, but they too quietly vanished from sight, carefully gathered by the resort staff, and after the sand was raked, not a trace was left behind...
Another favorite moment of our day was the low tide – the water would recede almost magically on both sides of a not-very-wide sandy strip, running perpendicular to the shore and to the house reef, forming a path toward the reef. Similar waterless strips were also „the sandy hair“, although formed under the direct action of waves or coastal currents, which transport sediments from the bottom to the shore. They are an attraction for Maldivian tourists, who can enjoy a special picnic and a few hours of sunbathing on thin strips of sand in the middle of the ocean.
The underwater world of the Maldives
And yet, undeniably, our most incredible moments were experienced while exploring the underwater world during our snorkeling sessions.
Every time we entered the azure waters around the island, we observed the amazing life that the house reef abounded with, and once a day on resort-organized excursions we dove in shallows further out to sea, where we were fortunate to see graceful sea turtles and white stingrays, almost indistinguishable against the sea sand.
Among the most common inhabitants of the coral reefs were the turquoise parrotfish, the surgeonfish with their characteristically pointed tails, and the clownfish, playfully swirling around the colorful tentacles of sea anemones. On the surface, huge schools of small fish were visible, opalescing in the sunlight. It was fun to play the role of conductors, using our movements to determine the direction of their underwater dance.
Several times we managed to see small, harmless sharks that had entered the house reef, as well as large stingrays with long barbs that were too timid for us to approach and examine in detail. Along the bottom, giant Tridacna clams could be found, impressing with sizes unusually large for a mollusk. There were numerous coral formations with bizarre shapes, but alas – few of these fragile creatures, sensitive to any climate change, were alive...
Unfortunately, two events in the distant year of 1998 and the more recent year of 2016, related to the warming of sea water, have led to disastrous consequences. More than two-thirds of the Maldives' coral reefs were wiped out, and only the bleached skeletons of the dead corals served as a reminder of their former multicolored brilliance.
But right here, at a depth of 7 meters in „The Blue Lagoon at Summer Island Maldives, in the summer of 2018, the world's largest 3D-printed reef was installed – an innovative ceramic-concrete structure designed to serve as a foundation for the growth of subsequently transplanted, more resilient baby corals (or so-called polyps) in the hope of thus creating a new coral reef ecosystem, and until that happens – to offer an alternative refuge for all those marine creatures whose home has been destroyed.
A wonderful project by minds bold in their creative daring, which teaches us that we should not take nature for granted, but that we must care for it in order to enjoy its bounty for longer…
Life on the island
Not only was the ocean teeming with life – colonies of large red crabs crawled over the rocks and dikes, but scattered the moment they sensed our presence, hiding in holes carved into the stones amidst the sound of clicking claws and scuttling little feet.
The island was inhabited by a family of small black birds that made deafening noises—it turned out this species of bird is a symbol of the Maldives. Perched in the trees for their afternoon siesta, the beautiful green parrots were barely distinguishable, blending in with the huge palm leaves, while large bats flew over our heads, and more often than not we only noticed the shadow of their impressive wingspan.
Romantic evenings at the resort
We could gaze out at the ocean like that all day, organizing „scientific research expeditions“ in the water and along the shore. We could simply be happy with the beauty and life that filled our souls...
And yet, dear readers, let me not leave you with the false impression that the spiritual food we consumed by the handful was enough for us. The gluttons within us awoke as early as the first dinner at one of the two restaurants the resort has to offer.
Although breakfast and lunch were in no way inferior to it, we waited in eager anticipation of dinner. After reflecting on the day's experiences with a cocktail in hand, sitting around the small table in front of our villa, the thought of the upcoming pleasure settled within us.
After sunset the island plunged into darkness, but the main sandy avenue was dressed in its discreet island-style Christmas decorations – formed by the tall palm trees, around which lights were wrapped like vines in all sorts of colors.
Guided by their light, we passed the island store, the library, and the fitness center, stopping briefly to look at the Christmas tree made entirely of wooden panels and decorated with wooden balls painted in the colors of the ocean.
And on the threshold of the huge hall housing the restaurant, we would take a deep breath, knowing that we were about to sin…
We were greeted by the always-smiling Mahesh (we could tell by his eyes, because the mask was constantly on his face) – our personal waiter for our entire stay (one of the many precautions during the pandemic, thanks to which the resort has well-deservedly earned an award as one of the safest places in the Maldives).
The small, charming waiter was originally from Sri Lanka and had been working here for nearly 5 years, but instead of feeling bored by the monotonous island life, it was evident that he loved his job and took pride in it. As you might guess, this was also reflected in the way he served us, or—as he more correctly called it—„cared“ for us.
Right from the first day, he remembered our preferences and always tried to seat us at one of those tables on the veranda with the dimmed light that created an intimate atmosphere.
Maldivian cuisine and unforgettable evenings
With mandatory disinfected hands and protective masks, we entered the hall and immersed ourselves in the aroma-saturated atmosphere.
There was continental as well as local food, with the typical cuisine harmoniously combining Indian, Thai, and Arabic traditions, in other words – oriental flavors. Curry, served in various variations, predominated; a variety of sea fish dishes, mainly tuna and barracuda; sushi; rice – plain, spiced, or with a divine lemon-coconut dressing.
Fresh fruit, often sliced thin, was always present at the buffet: bananas, mangoes, passion fruit, papaya, pineapple. The desserts, featuring delicate creams made from various local fruits, also offered variety and tempted with an exquisite look and delicate taste.
Our second day on the island coincided with my husband's birthday, so at my request, Mahesh had arranged a special surprise dinner – true romance on the beach, meters away from the ocean, at a secluded table surrounded by lanterns emitting a warm glow.
They served us a three-course menu, specially crafted personally by the restaurant's head chef, and for the birthday person, there was a cake with an inscription and a choir performance of „Happy Birthday to you” from Mahesh and two of his colleagues.
Another unforgettable dinner was offered by the barbecue night: grilled squid, skewered shrimp, baked tuna, and all sorts of other delicacies were prepared on the spot in an improvised beach restaurant under the starry sky—a spectacular attraction that hypnotized and inevitably increased the appetite.
New Year under the stars
But nothing could compare to the „cornucopia“ that overwhelmed us during the New Year's festive gala dinner.
A platter overflowing with diverse food that teased every single receptor; a whole pyramid of fragrant, fluffy rolls straight out of the oven; roast piglets and geese worthy of gracing the table of some medieval ruler; countless other main dishes and side dishes; a fairy tale of colorful desserts; a Christmas tree made of French macarons; marshmallows on sticks; chocolate fondue... and in the whirlwind of this feast, speechless resort guests, so dumbfounded amidst this visual-olfactory-gustatory explosion that we wandered around like in a trance with empty plates and cameras in hand.
Following the substantive lesson in gluttony, we continued the celebration at the resort bar—once again under the starry dome, at a small table on the beach, with a bottle of prosecco, listening with delight (and some dancing to) the live music and the subsequent DJ party.
Exactly at 00:00 a beautiful light inscription shone in the water: Happy New 2021 Year!
With our feet dipped in the ocean, in a summer dress/shorts, for the first time we welcomed the new year as if it were the middle of summer.
Whether because of the satisfaction of all successfully overcome obstacles to get here, whether because of the intoxication that was felt in the air, or whether because of the special charm of the „Paradise on Earth“, this greeting was more unusual, more special than any other before it.
A greeting-promise that the new year will be better and filled with more hope, happiness, dreams come true, and above all – once again with exciting adventures in even more magical places, shared with the one you love...
Edge!
See more The author Vladimir Krastev here
A few photos from the gallery, check them out here
