Maldives meandering

THE ONLY WAY TO TRULY REMOVE YOURSELF FROM THE WORLD’S BURDENS IS TO HOP ON A SPEEDBOAT EN ROUTE TO 1,200 CORAL ISLANDS, SURROUNDED BY NOTHING BUT THE INDIAN OCEAN.

- EMILY PIDGEON

Scooting across the deep-blue ocean towards a golden sunset as pods of dolphins gracefully glide through the water just metres away from our jetski is a spectacle that could easily be mistaken for a scene from a glamorous Hollywood movie.

Rather, it is just another day revelling in the magical reality that is the Maldives, languishing in the azure Indian Ocean.

Experiencing the beauty of wild dolphins leaping from the ocean and flipping over fellow pod members, snorkelling with sharks, superyacht sunset cruises and gorging on beautifully authentic meals on the beach with only the stars and flaming torches for light makes up for the lengthy transit time.

We arrive at Anantara Dhigu Maldives Resort in the dead of the night, after two Singapore Airlines’ flights and one speedboat transfer. A bottle of Champagne and a cheese and fruit platter awaits us in our over-water villa – the epitome of a Maldivian holiday.

But it isn’t until the dawn breaks that I can truly admire the breathtaking allure of Dhigu.

Suspended over crystal-clear turquoise waters, waking up in my sunrise suite is awe-inspiring. From my private timber deck with a staircase leading straight into the ocean, to the freestanding bath with an uninterrupted sea view and the glass floor at the foot of the toilet, it is easy to see why the destination has become synonymous with opulence.

A short stroll down the boardwalk, lingering over the luminous water and through the palm tree-lined sandy walkway, leads me to Fushi Café, where it becomes apparent that the islands aren’t just popular with loved-up newlyweds, but also increasingly with families wanting to rekindle their accord with sleep and relaxation, and to create a memorable, once-in-a-lifetime holiday.

ISLAND LIFESTYLE