Maldives is one of the most memorable places I've been to, it literally looks like paradise on earth with blue lagoons, white sandy beaches and tropical trees. Tourism and fisheries are predominant economic activities for this Island Country. It's also one of most geographically dispersed sovereign stages as well as smallest country in Asia. The Maldives are hot and sunny all year round, with average temperatures of 23ºC-31ºC. The best time to visit the Maldives is between November and April, that's when we decided to go in during early February of 2014.
We've planned a two leg 10 day trip from Hyderabad where first leg of journey was a 5 day trip to Maldives and second one a 5 day trip in Kerala. I was very stoked about this trip as I've never been to any tropical island before and spending quality time in such a set up was really exciting.
Journey to Male from Hyderabad was about 4 hrs with a connecting flight at Kochi airport which is not bad at all, however to reach our final destination 'Royal Island Resorts & Spa' we had to catch another flight + speed boat transfer, there is also a direct sea plane option to reach the island but it's much expensive.
Royal Island Resorts & Spa
Right from the moment you land on the island the first thing you notice is that, it's a small island half a mile long surrounded by shallow lagoon & white sand beach. There are about 150 beach facing villas including 2 presidential suits which are on the opposite side of the island.
Inside there are network of well laid and maintained pathways surrounded by lush tropical vegetation to navigate across the island.
The island is surrounded by lagoon which is great for snorkeling where you can always spot lots of colorful tropical fishes and manta's too if you're lucky!
Our beach villa was in the north west side of the island, it is compact but quite comfortable to live in for 2. This side of the island is know for sun set views where you can enjoy the view right outside the villa.
There's a pool & swim up bar near the main entrance of the island which is beautiful, well maintained and always thronged by guests.
Apart from snorkeling, scuba diving is available at this resort where even first timers can learn and experience it thanks to great instructors. Our instructor Olivier Dauxais was very experienced diver with lots of patience and great knowledge about diving and marine life.
Here are few snaps from the diving trip in Indian Ocean.