Letters to Wanderlust: A piece of paradise

The Maldives is a destination, where waking up before the dawn, feels like an indulgence. Waiting to witness the first break of sunlight spread across the horizon and reflect over the pristine blue waters, that's peacefully lapping beneath your feet - a non-guilty pleasure. Feels somewhat like a dream, yet it's the true definition of 'heaven on earth.'

Sunrise in the Maldives

Sitting on the edge of the over water villa

This speckled piece of paradise is located in the Indian Ocean and is made up of over 1000 coral islands, of which only about 200 have been populated. Planning a holiday here, means choosing the best resort for you. Each resort occupies a small island, far from anything else, where you'll be spending most of your time. Depending on what your holiday desires are in the Maldives, there are many resorts to choose from. Whether you plan on doing as little as possible and just relax or plan on making use of the resort facilities and going on excursions, there's a resort in the Maldives to suit. There are also different types of accommodation, but nothing beats your own over water villa with private balcony and direct access into the ocean.

A holiday in the Maldives is a lavish one and can be very costly. Resort accommodation can cost a pretty penny and on top of that, there are additional charges such as airport transfers, to and from your selected resort. Transfers can cost anywhere between USD$200-$800 per person, depending on the resort islands distance and the mode of transport. For islands closer to the Ibrahim Nasir International Airport, transfers can be made by speed-boat. Other resorts, which are further, will require travel by sea-plane, which will obviously be on the higher end of the cost scale. Other charges you can also expect to see, is the 6% government tourist tax and 10% service charge, added to every bill for things such as dining, mini-bar beverages, spa services and excursions.

The coral islands which make up the Maldives

Over water villas at the Olhuveli Beach Resort & Spa

Direct access into the ocean from the water villa

The Olhuveli Beach Resort & Spa is a 45 minute speed-boat ride from the Ibrahim Nasir International Airport. This resort has the best of both worlds. It is sizable enough for you to find an alluring secluded place to relax and has plenty of activities, excursions and facilities to keep you occupied. Whatever your desires, this island is your little slice of heaven - http://www.olhuvelimaldives.com/

Surrounded by white powdered sand, crystal clear waters and tropical greens, low tide reveals secluded sand banks, that make for great escapes. Equipped with two infinity pools, four restaurants & four bars, a fitness centre, resort activities and evening entertainment, Olhuveli Resort has it all. It also has it's own house reef, a modest area for snorkelling to visit the Maldivian sea life. If that's given you a taste to explore the greater ocean, go on a snorkelling safari to see more.

The Olhuveli Beach Resort & Spa water villas

The Olhuveli Beach Resort & Spa water villas

The water villa balcony view

Water villa bathroom view

Revealed sand banks at low tide

The Olhuveli Beach Resort & Spa infinity pool

Intimate beach dining at the Plankton Grill at the Olhuveli Beach Resort & Spa

The snorkelling safari is a worthwhile excursion to go on. The coral reefs are breathtaking and are home to some of the most vibrant, colourful and stunning Maldivian creatures. Immerse yourself in the underwater world and swim side by side with the rainbow of fishes. You may even cross paths with some turtles or playful dolphins. The experience is truly thrilling, underwater on a grand scale.

Click on the following link to see the dolphins we came across and had a swim with, while on a snorkelling safari in the Maldives. Certainly a magic Maldivian moment - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=feKlbsYYL4M

Maldives coral reef

Snorkelling at the Olhuveli Beach Resort & Spa reef

Visitors on the snorkelling safari

Don't let the premium prices deter you from a holiday in the Maldives. It's worth every single penny. And if you're going to visit the Maldives once, do it in deluxe style and stay in an over water villa. Surrounded by the warm clear waters of the Indian Ocean, you'll meet some of the swimming sea life, going about their business. Restore your soul or fall more in love, the Maldives is truly a placid piece of paradise, right here on earth. Eye-catching surrounds at every turn, you'll have a permanent smile anchored across your face the entire stay, it's called the Maldivian affect. It's impossible to feel anything else, but pure bliss!

Enjoy the Maldives - Love Tran

On a sand bank at low tide