Malahini Bandos

Yep, I have confirmed two things in the last two days 1) I am not an All inclusive person 2) Relaxation sickness is real.
Our first place all the food was included but there were five different restaurants, all a la carte.  And we didn't have to pay, so it was pretty amazing.  And maybe I am not an All inclusive person on a private island. (well unless I have an over water villa and private pool then it is okay!)  I have been to a few all inclusive resorts in the past where it is quite nice that you don't have to worry about paying but you can also get out and explore.  The difference here is there is no where to explore and one buffet restaurant that we all went too during feeding times.  For two days it was perfect but I have no idea how people stay here weeks.  The island is beautiful but you can walk around it in 8 minutes, so not much to explore.  But to each their own and I can see some people love it, especially families, so maybe one day I will eat these words!  
To be fair I also have not been feeling well, with a very annoying cold.  I call it a relaxation cold, happens to lots of teachers at the end of term, during term we are too busy to get sick.  Then once we slow down all those kiddie germs get us.

 So another beautiful island!

While I rested, Luis has what he says was an amazing dive.  To an amazing place, unique in the world.  Now we are getting ready to depart tomorrow, and I can't wait!  Got all our warm clothes ready, not that there is many of them to get ready!  No doubt the Maldives are super beautiful, I have never seen clearer water.  But ready for our next stop.

Underwater Restaurant

Last day in the super resort was spent much like the others, cycling, reading, eating and resting.  But we did have an exciting mid day event that broke up our routine.  We paid a visit to the underwater restaurant, one of the few in the world.  We got special permission to sneak in and have a drink as think it was clear we could not afford the set dinner menu.

To be fair we would not have eaten there even if we could have afforded it.  It was super nice to see all the fish, a bit like an aquarium but the fish were free.  What I thought was bizarre is people come to eat a big seafood dinner, surrounded by their dinners brothers and sisters.  It is like eating steak sitting amongst cows.  I just don't see how people don't make the connection, or guess they might but it just doesn't bother them.  This morning we moved to our next spot, a island close to the airport ready for our morning departure Thursday.

Fantasy Island

Fantasy Island was a TV show that played in the late 70's early 80's.  I remember it well, people went there and the staff made their fantasies come true (in a non sexual way!).  This place totally reminds me of it, not the fantasy part, but when people arrived on the sea plane they were always greeted by the staff and given a leis (here you are given a hat).  It totally has that fantasy island feel.   We have enjoyed another couple days of relaxing and eating, as really that is all there is to do.  I think it is a perfect place for a few days, but I am not sure I could do a couple weeks like some guests.  

 View from our pool, I mean it is quite something.

 We just need the island to be a little bigger for our cycle rides.

Today we kayaked around the island, taking all of 30 minutes (it is teeny tiny) and enjoyed some more relaxing, eating and reading. Tonight is our last night here and then we will move to an island closer to the main one, which is about 10% the cost of here (well if we had to pay), so back to normal life!

Anantara Kihavah Maldives

Our first day in paradise was as one would expect, pretty amazing.  The views around the island are spectacular and the water just so crystal clear. The icing on the cake is our villa bikes, as we do love cycling holidays (even if the island is super tiny).

 View of our villa from the water

 Just out for a swim from our villa

 The hats are gifts from the resort

 I love our bikes

 Cycling around

 A baby shark just outside our villa.  Actually you can see loads of fish even when on the toilet as they have glass floors throughout the villa.

 Dinner last night.  All our food is included, but not any drinks.  Last night two bottles of water cost 30 US, so now we will be filling up on water before dinner!! Behind us is the underwater restaurant, we are hoping to be able to stop in there for a drink and a look around.

The sunrise this morning.  Gearing up for another relaxing day in paradise.

Not a Bad Way to Start the Holidays

After what seemed like the longest week ever, Friday finally came and the super long and exhausting first term came to an end.  We wasted no time jumping on a plane to head to our first holiday destination, the Maldives.  Last year, we won a short holiday, in well, what turns out to be the most amazing resort ever.  It is definitely a glimpse into how the 0.0001 percent live.  From the minute we landed we have been treated like royalty.  Our over water villa is spectacular and we even have a villa butler that is 24 hours on call to look after us (I think we will be the easiest guests he has ever had).

 Our sea plane journey

 Amazing views

 Our welcome band

 A few pictures of the island

Now our villa

 The deck chairs at the end of the pool

 Our bathroom!

 With a glass bottom bath tub

 The outside shower

 The villa pool

The hammocks on the sea.  I mean really it is quite amazing.  I knew it would be pretty special but I really had no idea.  Now for some rest and relaxation :)