Location: Delhi
Day 1 - 20 Feb 2020
Delhi Airport
Content: Been dropped by a friend to Delhi airport, to take a flight at 0620 hours by Sri Lankan airways to MLE via CMB. Booked the Sri Lankan Airways for precise arrival timings & fastest connection from home airport.
Location: Male
Day 1 - 20 Feb 2020
Male Airport
Content: Arrived at a rather small Male airport, a quick pit stop at the immigration counter where our visa on arrival was stamped for free, we head to the counter of Bandos Island Resort which we had pre booked where they arranged a speed boat 30 minutes transfer to the Island.
Bandos Island Resort
Content: A traditional welcome at a breezy Hotel Lobby, we were quickly allotted our room which was a Superior beach villa. A lavishly spacious villa with two decks & a Jacuzzi in the back yard. A electric buggy took us to our room & the concierge team was on the toes to make sure we have an effortless experience.
Location: Bandos Island
Day 1 - 20 Feb 2020
Bandos Island Resort
Content: Since we were there for our 1st wedding anniversary, we were given a hamper with a bottle of wine as a freebie. Had some rest after checking in, & the room had a indistinct smell which was getting us heady. Requested the reception to change the room but unfortunately every room in the similar category had the same smell. They showed us the beach villa which was a category lower than the one we booked & it was newely refurbished & really closer to the beach. We decided to downgrade without any compensation & occupy the beach villa. A decision, we are forever grateful for.
Bandos Island Resort
Content: Went to the Sea Breeze restaurant for dinner, where there was live music. We booked the accommodation with breakfast since we are pure veg, there was a different buffet section for the ones who opted to book with Dinner. Nevertheless, we recommend booking only with breakfast since you have more options to choose from. Highly recommend the pizza at Sea Breeze.
Location: Bandos Island
Day 2 - 21 Feb 2020
Bandos Island Resort
Content: Had a hearty breakfast & the spread was wide & multiple options to suit all the taste buds. The plan today was to have no plan. Just blue sky, white sand & unwind. We just did that over a couple of cocktails & endless conversations.
Bandos Island Resort
Content: Had a delicious dinner at Huvan Restaurant on the sundeck with stunning sunset views. Recommend the same for variety of international cuisines prepared to perfection.
Location: Bandos Island
Day 3 - 22 Feb 2020
Scuba Diving at Bandos
Content: After the breakfast, once again we headed to the beach. Decided to go for Scuba, booked the same for USD 60 per person for 1 hour dive. It was a splendid experience to witness the various colorful fishes with crystal clear water.
Bandos Island Resort
Content: Had a tummy full of snacks after scuba & we weren't so hungry. Just settled for a dish of Thai Curry with wine at Sea Breeze to call it a day.
Location: Bandos Island
Day 4 - 23 Feb 2020
Bandos Island Resort
Content: After a light breakfast, headed to the beach where we meet our instructor for Scuba. A quick briefing session & some training we were off to our Scuba dive which was for 30 Minutes. Paid 100 USD per person & regret not spending that USD 50 extra for the photographs. My wife was a little anxious but the trainer really made us feel at home. Speechless & immensely mesmerized to witness the Aquatic species in their natural habitat. Highly recommend for any one visiting Maldives. AND, its not essential to know swimming to go for the dive.
Bandos Island Resort
Content: After a great time at Sand bar over Karaoke & choosiest of cocktails, we decided to try Umi Yaki open air grill restaurant which served live food. Though the veg food options were limited we enjoyed the time there. Oh, they even offer a private candle light dinner by the sea of which they charge USD 300 for decor. We thought that was way too much & decided to skip that.
Location: Male
Day 5 - 24 Feb 2020
Male Airport
Content: After a hearty breakfast, it was the time to check out and bid a good bye to an experience which will go down to our memory lane forever. We are glad we had booked the accommodation with Speed boat transfers, if not, they would charge USD 93 per person for round trip. Reached airport at 11 & we were quickly checked in for our departure flight at 1430 hours.
Location: Delhi
Day 5 - 24 Feb 2020
Home
Content: Arrived back after a delay of 30 minutes of the connecting flight from Colombo. The chaos never seemed so unusual at the home airport. Well, that's where it begun & that's where it ends.