Maldives has always been a place I've dreamt of going to ever since I was in high school and when I was in uni & completed my diving courses, it became more and more attractive.. And finally, after years of waiting, we've finally made our way there!
We've made a booking since late last year and was initially meant to stay at a liveabroad safari for a week and then at a resort, but due to circumstances from this year we've decided to skip the liveaboard.
The beautiful villa and waters
We've made our booking with Six Senses which is located at Laamu Atoll, about an hour flight south of Male and another 20 minutes by speedboat.
We arrived late into Male as our flight was also delayed for an hour by the very inefficient Malaysian Airlines (the flight was delayed by an hour, and yet the airline did not make any announcement of a delay. When we asked what the delay was, we were told 'Ground checks are still going on'. Fair enough.... until I see the two pilots walking in 30 minutes late into the gate!!!. So much for ground checks still ongoing). We only decided to take MAS because I could book the flights as a single booking for Syd-Kul-Mle-Kul-Syd... How I wish I went with a different airline! Okay, shall return to the happy bits of the trip...
So anyway, we arrived late into Male but still made it to the connecting flight *woo hoo*. Was exhausted when we arrived at the hotel - they gave us a very quick rundown of the resort and took us to our rooms immediately after that.
Can't resist taking a picture of the cute basins!
(Made with two suitcases externally) - so cute!!!
Our beloved bed for the week
And then we woke up to this!!
The view from bed
The most amazing shade of blue
Our villa
Outdoor shower - so open, yet so private
View from the outdoor rainshower
Stairway to the upper deck
View from the upper deck 1
View from the upper deck 2
Green book for local animals/insects etc
Blue book for marine life
Both surprisingly interesting reads!
We stayed in villa no 9 in Jetty A which is closest to the main area but still private enough. Many from trip advisor had actually recommended to stay in Jetty C which is furthest away for privacy.
Walkway to the villas
And our villa
Each villa comes with 2 bicycles which was a pretty nice touch. An old school type, with a little basket at the front - so cute! What I loved about it was the memories it brought back for me... It was ages ago that I last rode on a bicycle, more ever one that looked like that. It was the most amazing feeling!
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Our two bicycles *love*
The 'cycle parking'
It's only about a minute's ride from our villa to the main area, but it was always a ride that I looked forward to daily. The ride on the wooden platform, into the little 'jungle' before you reach the bicycle parking area. There were definitely times when I was pretty worried that the wind would push me and I would fall into the water, but still.. the amazing feeling when the seabreeze blows when you're on the bike.... Amazing!
Off we went for our breakfast at Longitude Restaurant - the only restaurant that served breakfast. Buffet style as expected, with free glasses of freshly made juice (of different mixes)
Longitude Restaurant
Private dining area at Longitude Restaurant
Tables with privacy in the restaurant
There are different seating areas in the restaurant.. all providing amazing views. On the last day we were there, I saw flying fishes from where we were seated!
At Six Senses, every guest is allocated to a GEM (guest experience maker) which I think is a very personalized touch from the hotel. The GEM would see to your every need, from making bookings for activities & restaurants, recommendations, all the villa needs and even getting medications from the doctor if you need any! Our GEM was Regina, a Russian girl who was most helpful and pleasant.
After lunch, off we went to Chill Bar's deck - where daybeds and hammocks are made available for snorkelers and guests wanting to sunbath. Free towels, mask and snorkels available! (mask and snorkels to be taken from the dive centre)
Chill bar - check out the waters!
The amazing deck
Daybeds to laze on, and if it gets too hot :
off to the over-the-water-hammocks you go!
We spent an hour or so snorkeling and then lazing on the daybed before heading back to our room - but not before we went to the dive centre : Ocean Dimensions of course! We weren't really planning on diving initially when we booked the resort but since we cancelled our liveaboard, we HAVE to do some diving. After all, we're in Maldives!
Sunset
Our villa faced the sunset but we only managed to look at it on our first day. The other days were either too cloudy or raining.
And soon it was dinner time!
We decided to have the grilled lobster dinner at Chill Bar which was the special of the day.
Bread rolls are amazing!
The olive spreads is a must try!
Selection of appetizers - 7 types!
And then the main lobster, grilled tuna and selection of desserts as well! *sorry, no pictures!*
The servings were so huge we couldn't finish them.. and lobsters - nothing like what we get at home. They were really really big - we had trouble finishing ours.
And then it was time for bed before we heading for the dives!
