ALL-SEASON SPLENDOUR

At Four Seasons Maldives' twin properties of Kuda Huraa and Landaa Giraavaru, conservation and opulence go hand in-hand, allowing guests to immerse in a responsible holiday

-  POOJA NAIK

KICKING BACK IN KUDA HURAA

 I've never been on a shark safari before. The Indian Ocean growls angrily and hurls me from one end of the boat to the other. Bethany, an employee with Reefscapers-a Maldivian outfit that works with a team of marine biologists and consultants, and operates in association with multiple resorts, including the Four Seasons Maldives-preps me for the events that follow. I memorise her hand signals that indicate the presence of different sea creatures.

The boat halts and Bethany plunges into the water. I follow suit along with two of her colleagues, Shona and Zahir. We stay close and swim away from the oceanic void toward a nearby reef in Lohifushi -home turf of endemic marine life, including the dark-finned blacktip reef shark. I adjust my snorkelling mask and grasp the magnitude of the scenery. Clownfish, butterflyfish, damselfish, and angelfish play peekaboo with the corals. A school of parrotfish toss sand around whilst dancing in circles. I learn that the species, which I had earlier made acquaintance with from my water villa in Four Seasons Kuda Huraa, is responsible for generating sand throughout the Maldives. Nearby, a triggerfish reveals it sharp teeth and erects its dorsal fin, a warning for us. Zahir slams the water forcefully with his fist, sending a wave of ripples. The triggerfish-especially aggressive during mating season-retreats to its nest. Just then, a blacktip reef shark, not more than 200 centimetres in length, scuttles at the edge of the reef. I strive to sneak a better glimpse, but the sight is as magnificently quick as a thunderbolt. Contrary to popular belief, sharks are shy and far from dangerous; I recollect Bethany's words preceding our quest.