Where does one even begin to explain the beauty of somewhere like the Maldives? No words, pictures or bragging can do it justice, but let me try…

The Maldives are a world away from it all. Pure paradise, a little piece of heaven, positively breathtaking and by far a dream come true.

We arrived at Ibrahim Nasir International Airport (Male) and from the moment we stepped out of the airport, we knew we were in for a treat. Right before our eyes was the most magnificent turquoise water. It was so clear I’m sure you could see your reflection. For once, I wouldn’t mind if our return flight was delayed.

Sun Aqua Vilu Reef

Setting foot in the Maldives has always been high on our bucket list, in fact, it’s been a dream for years. Now, after 2.5 years of continuous travel, it was finally our turn to wake up to the sound and the sight of the Indian Ocean.

For the next 5 days, we would call Sun Aqua Vilu Reef “home”. A barefoot, no stress, outrageously beautiful island.

Sun Aqua Vilu Reef

Sun Aqua Vilu Reef

Sun Aqua Vilu Reef

Location

Sun Aqua Vilu Reef is found on Meedhuffushi Island, an intimate jewel in the Maldives’ South Nilandhe Atoll.
The island can be reached by seaplane 35-40 minutes from Male.

Maldives

For the entire duration of the flight, we couldn’t take our eyes off the sights below. It was indescribable. 1,192 coral islands lay scattered throughout the ocean with every shade of blue and green imaginable. We were giddy in our seats, the smiles couldn’t be wider and the anticipation to reach the resort was at an all-time high. This was one flight that could have lasted forever!

Sun Aqua Vilu Reef

The Rooms

The second our seaplane hit the water we couldn’t wait to start exploring. We’re here! Smiling faces greeted us from the jetty and an individual staff member was allocated to each guest. How’s that for service? Shammun, you rock.

Sun Aqua Vilu Reef

During the 4 nights, we were very fortunate to experience 2 different rooms and we can safely say we absolutely loved them both. Predominately the views and all the space!

The first room was the Sun Aqua Pool Villa. We slide the key in the lock, opened the door and our gasp was immediate. Surely this isn’t real life. Ocean views with our own private pool, a giant swing, an outdoor bathroom/bathtub and a giant bed facing the ocean. Could we ask for anything else? We were two snap-happy, very relaxed globetrotters.

Sun Aqua Vilu Reef

Sun Aqua Vilu Reef

Sun Aqua Vilu Reef

Just when we think it couldn’t get any better, we were moved to a Sunset Reef Villa. Holy Smokes! When you think of the Maldives, your mind is immediately drawn to the houses on stilts, with the ocean as your front door. Panoramic ocean views, open space, the ocean so close you can feel the salt in your hair and a private balcony with direct access to the lagoon. Morning, noon and night we were in the water lapping up these incredible moments.

Sun Aqua Vilu Reef

Sun Aqua Sunset Reef Villa

The only thing we advise… don’t jump from your balcony kids, it’s shallow and you will hurt yourself. Ouch…

Sun Aqua Vilu Reef

Sun Aqua Vilu Reef

Activities or Relaxation? 

Eat, sleep, swim, relax, breathe (this is very important) – repeat.

Sun Aqua Vilu Reef

If you come to the Maldives and choose to do nothing but that, you won’t be disappointed. However, for adventurous travellers, there is still plenty to do to keep you entertained.

Sun Aqua Vilu Reef

Sun Aqua Vilu Reef

There’s a huge variety of water sports, tennis/volleyball courts, boat trips, live music entertainment, a gym, paddle-boarding and why not a sunset fishing trip to catch your next meal? We managed to catch 12 fish between the two of us. Perhaps we need to take this fishing thing a little more seriously?!? Food tastes so much better when you work for it!

Sun Aqua Vilu Reef

Last but not least, let me touch on the subject of snorkelling. It was out of this world. Surrounding the resort is a protected reef with over 100 different species of fish. The water is outrageously clear and the colours of the fish are just stunning. I honestly didn’t think it was possible to have water this transparent.

Sun Aqua Vilu Reef

Sun Aqua Vilu Reef

Sun Aqua Vilu Reef

Room Service Anyone?

Apart from enjoying a delicious breakfast buffet with a stunning setting and exchanging “wow” every second sentence, ordering room service was just a whole lot of “yes”. Let’s just add to the luxury, shall we?

Sun Aqua Vilu Reef

Considering room service at hotels is usually 10x the regular price, it was surprising to see the cost of a room service meal was cheaper than eating at the buffet, pool bar or at the fine dining restaurant. This made for an easy decision each evening during sunset to dial the famous “In Villa Dining” and request our favourite bottle of rosé and maybe the occasional pizza. Ah, just reliving this makes me smile. This setting is just too much to handle!

Sun Aqua Vilu Reef

Sun Aqua Vilu Reef

When we were tired of the buffet (if that’s even possible) and looking for something a little more romantic, we ate at the “Well Done” restaurant located directly on the sand right against the water. The setting was just perfect and the meals were tasty (if maybe a little pricey, but hey, remember you are in the Maldives).

Sun Aqua Vilu Reef

Sun Aqua Vilu Reef

Top tips to get the most out of your stay

  • Allow 3/4 of a day to reach the resort. The time from your international flight landing + the seaplane/boat transfer will take up a good chunk of the day. We landed at 9:00 am and didn’t reach the resort until 2:30 pm. It’s the price you pay to stay somewhere so remote and wonderful.
  • If something isn’t right, ASK. The staff WILL fix it. If not then and there, within a very short period of time.
  • If you’re staying in a Beach Villa, request one facing the lagoon side. We felt the view was better.
  • If you plan to drink a lot of cocktails, be sure to look at the all-inclusive option. It will save you some dosh.
  • Honestly, the food was hit & miss but if you ask for something fresh, it will be given to you. No questions asked.
  • Snorkel to your little heart’s content. Jump in the water from Entry Point 1.

Would we recommend this hotel?

Sun Aqua Vilu Reef

Absolutely. I wish we never had to leave. Sun Aqua felt like a home away from home and by the end of the 5 days we felt like a family with all the friendly staff members. They knew our names, our drink orders and our likes and dislikes. We’re already jealous of anyone that gets to set foot in this resort. Please do us a favour and when you pack, pack us with you! And don’t forget your wallet, you may need it ;).

Thank you for having us Sun Aqua Vilu Reef!

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Sun Aqua Vilu Reef

Note: Our stay was made possible in partnership with Sun Aqua Vilu Reef. All thoughts, opinions and sunburn are, as always, our own.


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Married Days Survived: 727

 

Photos