The gentle hum of the engine, the subtle jolt, the quivering butterflies in my stomach - the plane's landing is what often gives one the feeling that 'this is real, this is happening'; everything else up until that point feels like a dream. From Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport to Changi Airport, airports are this writer's favourite destinations as they mark the beginning of a new adventure; it was Velana ?nternational Airport this time.
We have always envisioned the Maldives as this exotic, luxurious destination - private islands with unmatched privacy, secluded beaches, high-end butler services, everything posh, sassy, and romantic, not to mention very expensive, which is true.
But the country also has a whole, different contrasting aspect to it beyond the brochures. My husband and I would consider ourselves fortunate that we chose to experience both the Luxe Allure of Maldives Private Islands and the less known adventurous, budget-friendly side of this mesmerising tropical paradise.
We stayed at several destinations: a local island called Maafushi for 3 days and our much-anticipated private Island Siyam World for 5 days, with one extra day at another island, Robinson Noonu, at the dreary end of March. The plane fare from Bangladesh to Male and back to Dhaka was Tk 84,000. Our time at the local island cost us 25,000 Tk overall per night, and at Siyam World, over 1.25 lacs per night and a quarter of a day at Robinson Noonu, mostly free of cost. There were many uncalculated additional costs, such as unexpected seaplanes, food, water activities, etc.
The plane landed on the runway of Male City, surrounded by the clearest cerulean water body. Next, we boarded the speed boat to our local island - Maafushi, befriending and merging our plans with an Egyptian duo. The day was spent exploring the small island and shopping; one could walk from one end to another.
The restaurants served pretty much everything. However, it's a big miss if you don't try Maldivian Roshi paired with tuna fish. The following day was packed with water activities, which were to be chosen from several packages ranging from USD 10-100.
Our boat took us to the heart of the Indian Ocean, and as avid non-swimmers, our fear subsided with the help of life jackets and lifeguards. I learned to swim in the process, engulfed by the most exquisite fish, corals, and eventually sharks - one wrong move, and you are shark food! Surviving that was a miracle and an experience of a lifetime as the glorious Sandbanks approached us. Drone shots of individuals were taken, and they cost approximately USD 10 per clip.
On our way back to Maafushi, we snorkelled with sea turtles and dolphins and the advent of an enormous swordfish while we were on the boat. Naturally, our friendship with fellow tourists flourished, and we planned other activities together.
The following day was enhanced by more activities - paragliding, banana boarding, diving, kayaking, etc. The starlit nights were spent amicably exchanging our stories, our varying cultures, and lifestyles. Sadness engulfed us as we left Maafushi and our newfound travel buddies behind for Siyam World, but the ultimate private island experience amalgamated our timid souls with anticipation.
Of course, what's a trip without missing a flight? And we surely did miss our only domestic flight for the day. Anxiety gripped us as we had only 5 days to spend on our private island; missing even one single day was disastrous. Fortunately, with urgent management of dollars, we could board our seaplane. The entire seaplane was to ourselves.
Unlike a traditional aeroplane, it flew slightly above sea level, and the land could be seen as more distinguishable. The seaplane costs around USD 450-500 per person. Heaven on earth graced us as we landed on Siyam World - an entire secluded island with different types of villas, 8 different restaurants, spa and wellness centres, a dive centre for watersports, recreation centres, sports bars, etc.
The most enticing features were the different villas, especially over-the-water villas, and we took the most adventurous one - a lagoon villa with a slide down the slide for 3 days. We also stayed at a beach villa later on, staying there for a day.
We took the 'WOW!' -- an inclusive package with unlimited drinks and buffet breakfast, lunch, and dinners throughout our days. Non-buffet restaurants needed to be paid for. We also had free transportation access - buggies throughout 54 hectares of wonder. One may be unable to count the number of dishes and drinks because there were so many.
The water was crystal clear but also pretty deep. Sliding down without a life jacket would have been a nightmare. Our blissful days were activity-filled; every second was made use of. Butlers served us all the time. We splurged in indulgence, and our drinks were constantly refilled. Words are not enough to note down this surreal experience. Our breakfast in the pool was every girl's dream, costing about USD 250. They even had a couple of photo sessions by the beach and a horse riding session, too, along with photos.
Our beach villa and a sunset cruise marked our final day at Siyam World. The beach villa was just as beautiful and exhilarating, with an open shower under the trees. The best part? There were no insects!
As we waved goodbye to our beloved staff, our last stop was Robinson Noonu, another private island resort. We did not stay the night here but only half the day as our seaplane on our way back to Velana had some timing issues.
Yes, we took a seaplane as we enjoyed the experience dearly and saved a lot of time despite the costs. It was not all rainbows and butterflies, but we would not take anything back.
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