4N5D at Maldives seems a lot more when you are booking the tickets and seems a lot less when you are actually there. Well, it’s worth all the way going up to the equator and crossing it to reach the second last island in Maldives - The South Palm. It can be reached only via a boat ride from GAN airport unlike other islands which can be reached via a seaplane too.
It’s really fascinating to see seaplanes above the sea, floating like birds at a distance and suddenly so close that it feels like you can almost touch them.
Day1- I stayed one night at Male which is where you land. Booked a stay at Lonuveli, Hulhumale a 15 minute drive from the airport with a spectacular view of the Beach. The city life is hustling with small cafes round the corner, offering some delicious baked goods, Italian & Chinese. Even happens to have Bombay Darbaar just down the road cooking up amazing kebabs and India food. I opted to have dinner at Lonuveli itself and to my surprise it turned out to be good. They have a tiny little balcony facing the Beach and you can do some amazing nighttime photography if you are attracted to the Moon , like me. The moon, The alfredo, Russian salad and drinks to go, my heart was full. (If you are a vegetarian, you won’t be disappointed)
Thing to be noted in Male is that it doesn’t allow any alcohol. Drinks are allowed at all the Tourist islands but not at the Local islands.
Day 2- checkout at 5 am to reach the airport to catch a ✈️ to GAN from where my boat ride would finally help me reach the southern most island. The tickets for both the things were arranged by South Palm Resort and it was quite a smooth ride there on.
The flight took about an hour and they even handed out a Equator crossing certificate which I think is the best memoir anyone could have. From there took a 45 minute boat ride to reach the breathtaking island.
Ranched just in time for the sumptuous breakfast spread that was.
Headed out straight for the green waters and I just couldn’t get enough of that. It felt like I had a private beach just to myself. Not a soul to be seen till the eyes could go and that’s just what I needed.
The lunch spread was humongous, they have a separate salad room with the best from the world, and a dessert room too; can you believe it ??!! Italian, indian, Chinese, live counters and a special regional cuisine counter for people to try out.
They have very mindful of keeping all the cuisines as they had tourists from all over the world. It was so refreshing to see people from different parts of the world gathered in one small tiny island, having the time of their life.
Post lunch headed out for the waters again. You can rent out a snorkelling kit as you are in for some amazing under water life watching. The pool villa has gateway to heaven stairs which go right into sea. If you are good dive, you will be able to spot quite a few of marine species. I happened to see two turtles, zebra fish and a lot of tiny little fishes. Well, if you are lucky you might be able to spot stingrays and baby shark like my neighbour did !
They also have a professional snorkelling session which is chargeable and recommeded.
Evenings are for the Bar. They even serve sheesha for the all sheesha lovers out there. The bar is right on the Beach so there’s nothing that you ll quite like except a few glasses of martini and soaking up the view.
The hotel staff is very friendly and go out of the way to make your stay pleasant.
Day 3- Have you imagined getting a spa done in the middle of the water. Hell, yes !!!! They have a small still water lake in the middle of the island and guess what ? How do you reach the spa point ? A small ferry driven by none other than the Balinese ladies who take of the spa. Small thrills !!
Opted for a 70 minute spa, i went straight to heaven and did not want to return. The aesthetics of the place, the flora and fauna, every tiny detailing is appreciable.
Be mindful of the time that you are booking it for, I booked for 11 am and it was quite sultry and dry for the open. Evenings are preferable.
Take a walk around the island or you could rent a bicycle as it can be quite a walk from the restaurant back to the room. You will get to collect some exotic shells on the way.
They have a pool, gym and also a small souvenir shop for those who wish to do some local shopping.
The dinner menu keeps changing everyday and it’s a delight to watch them set up the entire spread with a smile on their face.
They even organised a Dart tournament and the winner was to get a bottle of sparkling wine. Nah! I did not win it because I am not really into wine.
Day4- late breakfast, headed for the pool. Evening was booked crab race and DJ night. Yes, you hear it right. You buy a crab for 7$ and they race with their other crab counterparts and you win a gift if your crab wins the race.
DJ Ali really made our evening with some amazing music and Barmen Ali with the best cocktails
Day 5- the dreaded day of return, had to checkout early as there is only one flight from GAN to Male. The sunrise literally took my breath away, the calmness, the beauty and the sea hawk. It was picture perfect.
Landed at Male airport and took a boat ride to the island city on the other side- where all the business happens.
Had brunch at a local cafe, picked up some charms, a bag full of memories and left the dream lived, behind.
