Visiting Maldives like stepping into a new life

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Visiting Maldives like stepping into a new life

By Fu Rong (Shanghai Daily) 08:21, November 20, 2013

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Boat excursions around the island are invigorating experiences sought by many guests. There are over 100 villas of four different styles and sizes.

One of the most beautiful island countries in Asia is comprised of 1,190 islands, some of which are just a meter above sea level.

The Republic of Maldives, or simply the Maldives or the Maldives Islands, is sometimes called a string of pearls that God left in the human world. For vacationers, itÕs a heaven on Earth. ItÕs a place between some of the worldÕs clearest skies and cleanest water, a place to spend time in sync with the birds and fish, to put away troubles and revel in nature.

You may have heard of its beauty, but if you have not put your feet on the spongy white sand beach, had a cocktail watching the romantic sunset, or explored the colorful coral reefs and their marine life, it would be difficult to fully appreciate the experience.

The over 1,000 islands in the Indian Ocean also form an archipelago of 26 natural atolls. Covering a total area of about 90,000 square kilometers, about 99 percent of which is water, the islands stretch more than 800 kilometers from north to south. Some 200 islands are inhabited while 87 are developed as tourism resorts.

The reefs of these islands, while formed by fragile living creatures, act as a barrier to protect the islands from storm-driven waves. These reefs also help create sand for the beaches and shelter marine species.

Tourism is a major source of income for the Maldives, and the industry follows a “One Island, One Resort” policy. Hospitality is the nation’s lifeblood, so no matter whether they offer luxury, seven-star suites or a more economic hotel, the resorts are built upon leisure and nature.

Coco Bodu Hithi

After a flight of more than seven hours from Shanghai, we arrived at the Malé International Airport on Hulule island, one of the islands closest to the capital island of Malé. With a total area of 2.5 square kilometers, the city is one of the world’s smallest capitals.

Hulule is a busy port. Tourists transfer to speedboats or seaplane here to get into their final dreamy destinations. It took 40 minutes via speedboat to arrive at our destination, Coco Bodu Hithi, one of the resort islands owned by hotel group Coco Collection.

The island has a secluded shoreline where boats gently bob and nature minds its own business.

Resort staff, most of them locals, give you a Maldives-style welcome with folk songs and drum dances on the dock.

The day we arrived is overcast, with clouds low overhead. The breeze offers a gentle kiss of sea spray, and our eyes are filled with different hues of blue and green — coral and marine life is clearly visible beneath the water. For those of us from a concrete world of a hustle and bustle, the surroundings and natural peacefulness suddenly purifies our minds and wipes away the weariness of the long flight.

There are superb ocean views everywhere.

The operator of the island tries to keep the island’s original flavor. The forest grows naturally, with small paved lanes among the plants. From the outside, the island looks primitive. It’s only when you enter the specially designed villa, enjoy their spa and taste their cuisine that it becomes clear the resort has done a good job weaving the modern and comfortable life into the natural environment.