Maldives - The Aftermath

I decided that I need to do a trip review for this Maldives trip. I had my most wonderful holidays here. Not because I'm spending time away from work and going somewhere that I've long yearned to. But really, Maldives has been really magical.

It's all written over me when I returned. The word Maldives seems to be singing on top of my head. I start telling every single soul of this place, at every given opportunity. Till today, one could sense my excitement when I talk about Maldives. It does seems like I've been cast with some Maldives voodoo, or Maldives Tourism has engaged me as their spokesperson. Haha, how I wished!

Anytime I would return to Maldives. Simply for the following reasons.

1) Stunning Views
You look out of your villa, your bed facing the horizon. It's unblock, 360 degrees of oceanview. Where else, can you find a place with such peace and tranquillity?

2) Clear Sandy Unspoilt Beach
The fishes are swimming up to your feet as you pace on the sandy beach. As my earlier post, I'm no swimmer. But I get to see so many living sea animals for the first time of my life (other than on the dining table or wet-markets). Suddenly, I feel like the excited little girl attending science lessons.

Every evening, I would pray that the weather would be clear, as I await the nightly ray feeding session. This is one of the most exciting part of the stay where guests would gather at the jetty, to watch blood, I mean blood from the fishes, being poured into the waters to attract the rays. Giant eagle rays would swim up near to the shore for their feast.

3) People
Expect five-star service at the five-star destination. From the minute we touched down the airport, to check-in the resort, the people, are all well-trained in rendering 5-star service. Well-versed with English, the resort service staff from all over the world, including China and Korea. We even made friends with a Singaporean girl on attachment.
Don't be surprise, we were told that 90% of the guests for these In-Ocean Villas were Mainland Chinese. I guess they really know how to enjoy life. Don't forget, they are very loaded.

The staff are all warm and friendly. Professional in their job, they need not be told what to do. Indeed, they are well-trained, and carry the enthusiasm in their job. After all, they work in such an beautiful place.


So, in conclusion, I would return to Maldives again. We all agree that although the price tag is on the high side, but, the money is well-spent. This place, is really magical. No shopping, no historical sights, no mouth-watering cuisines. Nothing, but just the serenity. One have to visit to understand.



Related Posts:
Maldives - Once in a Lifetime Experience

The Journey

The Resort - Angsana Velavaru

The Beachfront Villas

The In-Ocean Villas

Food!





Goodbye Angsana Velavaru!

Food!

Like it or not, all the meals are taken in the resort. Don't forget, you're in the middle of seclusion. Unless you want to try what it is like in the 'Survivor' and spar your own shark, stingrays, octopus and thereafter, BBQ them for your dinner. Maldives is not Phuket, nor Bali where one can just walk around for cafe or beach bars.

At the point of reservation,, we are asked on the choice of meal plans - Breakfast only, Half-board (Breakfast & Dinner), or Full-Board (Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner). We chose Half-Board as we do not want to be stuffing our face during this vacation. The option of upgrading the meal plan upon arrival is also available. Drinks are usually not included in the meal plans.

Kaani - The main restaurant at the beach villas at Angsana Velavaru. It serves Maldivian buffet dinner. Buffet dinner includes a nice spread of BBQ meats option.

Buffet breakfast is also serve here.

Funa - A seafood and grill restaurant. It's a romantic fine-dining place built over the waters.

This restaurant is not included in the meal plan. So you will need to top up 50% if you decide to dine here.

Azzurro - Italian restaurant and bar catered for the In-Ocean Villas' guests.

This is the onlly resturant and bar located in the In-Ocean Villas.

Continue On....

Maldives - The Aftermath

Related Posts:

Maldives - Once in a Lifetime Experience

The Journey

The Resort - Angsana Velavaru

The Beachfront Villas

The In-Ocean Villas

The In-Ocean Villas

Impressed is not the word when we reached the In-Ocean Villas. We were completely blown away when we stepped into the villa.

Picture yourself in the middle of the ocean. Surrounded by nothing, but spectacular ocean views. The King-size bed overlooks the private infinity pool. People, it's real infinity pool! Not the "wanna-be" infinity pool on top of some 57th storey building, that draws so much hype.

First of all, there's no "ah pek" (aka old man) ogling at you in your bikinis. The only people who can peep at you is your next door villa neighbour, from their roof top pavilion. But who cares? You probably would be doing the same to them.
Secondly, you don't need to wake up at 7am to make sure that you don't squeeze with tons of other guests in the pool. Over here, it's all yours! You can even swim nude if you dare.
Lastly, you have the REAL Oceanview 360 degrees. It doesn't overlooks some tall concrete buildings and call that a magnificent view.



First-Storey - Bedroom

First Storey - Private Pool, Open-Air Hammock & Direct Access to Ocean

Second-Storey - Roof Top Pavilion with Open Deck

These In-Ocean Villas are probably the only 2-storey villas in Maldives. Prior to my arrival, I thought that the In-Ocean villa doesn't have the resort feel. I thought it was too concrete-looking. I was totally wrong. Everything is designed with utmost quality in mind. Even Capella at Sentosa couldn't match up to it. Needless to say, being new do have its advantage. It's only more than a year-old when we visited.

The roof top pavilion provides a bird's eye view of the entire Ocean surrounding, and the Angsana resort. Below photos are the kind of views that you get. By the way, I did not edit any of the photos below. They are shot using the foolproof dummy Iphone Camera.

It's a pity that we did not spot any dolphins or whales from the In-Ocean Villas. My friends caught sight of a school of dolphins swimming from the open deck pavilion. Hoping very much to catch sight of this, I even brought binoculars, and stare into the waters every evening.  Perhaps when you least expected it, it will appear. Perhaps, the weather is not right. Well, I guess, just no luck. *Sad*

Anyway, with such stunning views, we did not touch the DVDs that we brought here. We just spend the time staring into the open ocean. The tranquillity, the peace is all you need. During that point of time, all you hope for, is, time would just stop right there.

The only drawback at the In-Ocean Villas is that there aren't much sea animals around. There isn't much corals around, hence, not much fishes or other animals. Perhaps, it takes time for the corals to "re-locate" themselves here again after the construction of these villas. Or was it a season thingy? I'm not sure.

Continue on...

Food!

Maldives - The Aftermath

Related Posts:

Maldives - Once in a Lifetime Experience

The Journey

The Resort - Angsana Velavaru

The Beachfront Villas

The Beachfront Villas

We were impressed. Infact, very impressed when we stepped into our beachfront villa.

The colourful and spacious villa very much exceeds our expectation. We have seen Angsana Bintan and have a certain standards in our mind. However, when we stepped into the villa, it far exceed our expectations. One thing for sure, the villas are very well-maintained. It looks new. We were told the last refurbishment was after the 2004 Tsunami. Opps, taboo word.

Facing the ocean, we are able to access the sea directly. No wonder someone could even pull their deck chair out and enjoy the shallow waters below.

Beachfront Jetpool Villa

The beach villa that we are staying is not just a beachfront villa, but one that comes with a jetpool. It's a private jacuzzi pool in the villa! 
The shower and restrooms are infact located outside. But don't worry, there's lots of privacy. Nobody would be capable enough to climb walls just to peep at you, for unless he is Spiderman J


















Continue on...
The In-Ocean Villas

Food

Maldives - The Aftermath



Related Posts:
Maldives - Once in a Life Time Experience

The Journey

Angsana Velavaru - The Resort

The Resort - Angsana Velavaru

Velavaru - means "Turtle Island" in Dhivehi, the national language of Maldives.

Angsana Velavaru consists of 79 beachfront villas on Velavaru island and 33 exclusive In-Ocean water-villas. The newest addition is the In-Ocean Villas, built entirely over water 1 km away from the island and accessible by boat. In-Ocean Villa guests enjoy the exclusivity of this overwater haven and in addition have complete access to the facilities and services available on land villas.

Location
Angsana Velavaru is located at the South Nilandhe Atoll, some 146km and a 40-minute seaplane ride away from Hulhule Airport.


Beach-lovers who love the sand, beachfront villas allows a direct access to the beach. For those who love to experience of the feeling of being secluded "in the middle of the sea", the two-storey In-Ocean Villas would be ideal.
We have the best of both worlds, with 2 nights each at both type of villas.


Check-In
We were warmly greeted by the staff who whizz us through seamless check-in procedure. A personalized orientation of the resort and our villa was given. Our luggages were delivered without much instructions given. Indeed, a 5-star resort service.

Facilities & Amenities
Although one may feel that they are leaving in seclusion, as the island is in the middle of oceans. All around, it's only oceans, water, oceans. But you'll be surprised by how advance the facilities and amenities are. You get access to free Wifi in both the land and ocean villas.

Someone told me that beverages cost US$7-10 per bottle. Yes, if you are drinking soft drinks, juices. Prices of food and beverages are high. But if you are just a plain water drinker like me, you can just ask the housekeeping to refill the bottles of water found in your room. There's also coffee and tea making facilities in the room. So, unless you are very much a soft drinks, juice person, you don't need to pack drinks in your luggage. *Hint*

There's a safe for you to keep your valuables as you go snorkeling or other water activities. Don't panic, or wonder strangely when you see life-jackets in the room. They are meant for emergency use, which I shall not repeat what type of emergency it is. There's always life-jackets for loan, totally free of charge, for the water activities.


Dive Centre
The dive centre provides dive excursions to many different dive sites. Courses are available for beginners to experience divers. I can't comment much on the great dive experiences as I did not go, but I can already imagine the stunning views from the ocean..  I have heard from fellow guests that they saw gigantic rays, a huge as a mini cooper, reef sharks, so on and so on

But, to be honest, I don't think one needs to dive to admire the beautiful marine animals. The water is so clear. Almost transparent. Even from my very novice snorkeling and leisure stroll on the beach, I've already seen many sea creatures that I have never seen in my life time, except, probably in the wet-market back home. I was so excited when I first saw, and was "chased" by the moray eel.  I didn't even know how a actual squid looks like, except when being served on the dining table. Imagine the excitement I was, when I saw one in near the jetty one of the nights. OK, don't laugh at me.

Weddings
We've heard so many wonderful stories of celebrities couples, "who's who" who hold their wedding in Maldives. Now, I finally understand what's the hype about. Imagine bringing your wedding entourage to a secluded island, you and the love of your life walk into a glass pavilion that's facing the Pacific Ocean. The wind blowing at you and the sun shining into your face and everyone is looking at both of you. Beyond words? It's really that Once in a Lifetime moments, that you'll be gleaming with joy, and happiness, written all over your face. How I wish I could have that opportunity.

Spa
Angsana Group of Spa is renowned for its therapy. There's no wonder why we enjoyed the massage therapy so much that we booked for 2 sessions within our short 4-night stay. There are 2 spas. One in the land, and the other in the ocean villas. Of course, the one in the Ocean villas has a stunning views beyond words. Imagine having your spa treatment with unblock Ocean views.

Activities
Scared of boredom? There are so many activities to choose from. Some activities are free, while others comes with a fee.
































As part of the conservation efforts to protect the corals, water sports activities are limited to non-invasive activities such as snorkeling, night fishing and so on. Needless to say, you would not be able to find motor sports activities in this island.

I was deeply disappointed that the night fishing and sunset cruise that we were booked on, were cancelled due to bad weather, for two consecutive nights. One of my close friends came here for her honeymoon a year ago and saw dolphins. A school of wild dolphins! Picture that! And because of that, I felt a great compulsion to return to Maldives again one day. I have not seen enough of the sea animals to leave this amazing place!

Continue on...

The Beachfront Villas

The In-Ocean Villas

Food!

Maldives - The Aftermath

Related Posts:

Maldives - Once in a Lifetime Experience

The Journey

Maldives - The Journey

There are probably close to a hundred of resort islands in Maldives. Infact, there are slightly over a thousands of such coral islands, where only about 200 are inhabited.

An Atoll, according to Wikipedia, is a coral island, that encircles a lagoon, partially, or completely. Facts: There are a total of 1,190 coral islands, grouped into 26 Atolls.

Some of the resort islands in Maldives are just a couple of minutes boat ride away from Male City. Resorts with Sea-Villas (aka water bungalows) or In-Ocean Villas are usually located further from the city.

Angsana Velavaru is located 45 minutes by Seaplane from Male City. Upon arrival, we have to re-check-in our luggages at the Seaplane counters for the journey to the island resort. We were also transferred to another terminal for the Seaplane flight.

Seaplane, as the word describes, takes off and lands on water. Depending on the size, it usually carries a comfortable capacity of 8-20pax. Fear not, they are very safe and are driven by professionals with good service who painlessly takes care of your well-being. Ear plugs are provided as well! J

The seaplane flight was slightly delay due to the bad weather conditions. No worries, we were entertained at the cosy lounge of the Banyan Tree/ Angsana Group. Overlooking the docking bays of the seaplanes, we relaxed and enjoy the refreshments while waiting for the pilots to get weather clearance. IPads were also available for loan.

The funny thing is, the staff insisted that a photo of us taken at the lounge... and using their camera. Till today, we still wonder what they want the pictures for? The only explanation that I can think of is... in case we were victims of an impending Tsunami, they would have a picture of us to account for. Oh Choy! Touch Wood!

Finally, after 80 minutes of delay, the weather was clear... and off we went on our seaplanes, with our earplugs!

Here is a peep from the windows of the seaplane...

Continue on...

The Resort - Angsana Velavaru

The Beachfront Villas

The In-Ocean Villas

Food!

Maldives - The Aftermath

Related Post:
Maldives - Once in a Lifetime Experience

Maldives - The Once in a Lifetime Experience

Maldives - One of the places that we all have to step our feet on, once in a lifetime.

You may have heard great reviews, read about the magnificent views - the clear sandy beaches, the crystal clear waters, and the unspoilt coral reefs. Or you may have even watched beautiful videos.  But really. Seeing is believing. I mean, being there and seeing it for yourself.

I'm no diver. To begin with, I can't even swim.The great stories and my love for the deep blue sea, the peace and tranquillity are the motivations for this choice of holiday.

So, there we are, booked our dream holidays.


22Apr - 26 Apr 2011
It was just the very beginning of the monsoon season. Angsana Velavaru was running a promotion  - Stay 2 Nights at In-Ocean Villa, Get 2 Nights at Beach Villa free. Done Deal. Booking was done through all time Favourite agency - PriceBreaker.



Flight
Singapore Airlines flies direct to Male - the gateway city, in just 4.5hrs (from Singapore). As there's now a day flight, you no longer need to worry about spending a night at Male City before proceeding to the island resort.

Maldives is located in the Indian Ocean, just below India and Sri Lanka, (in case you're wondering where this amazing place is).


Weather
Maldives has a tropical wet and dry season. The wet season starts from May, lasting through till November, with June & July the wettest months. The best season to go is December to March, but those are also the most crowded and most expensive months.


Preparation
As we will be spending our entire trip in the resort, our expenses were "cashless". We only need to pack some US$, in case of emergency and for tipping. The other expenses were either pre-paid or settled via credit cards.

Our luggage were packed with:

• Sunblock and Sun-tanning Lotion
• Beach Wear & Swim Wear
• Flip Flops
• Magazines & a book to laze and read
• A few DVDs. Yes, we found out that there's a DVD player in the In-Ocean Villa.
• Snacks
• Some cup noodles (for the hungry boy)...

A note, Maldives is a Muslim country. No alcohol can be brought into the country. The customs officer will stop you if you do.and ask you to store it with them during your period of stay. They'll issue you with a slip for collection on your departure.
The good news is,  they do serve alcohol in the resort, but of course, at a premium :)



Our Journey to the Ocean begins....

1. The Journey


2. The Resort - Angsana Velavaru


3. The Beachfront Villas


4. The In-Ocean Villas


5. Food!


6. Maldives - The Aftermath

1st Day 2012

2012. A New Year. A New Beginning.

Blogging. One of the things that I want to begin my new year with, and one of the things that I want to do for 2012. Something which I didn't have the chance to do during my hectic work life.

No time? Perhaps. Or was that an excuse? I didn't give much thought to blogging until recently. Everyone that I know is asking me what I would be doing since I left my job. Hmmm.... I don't have the magic answer.

There's 101 things that I want to do. Travelling was my greatest passion. Organsing all my travel phots, starting a travel journal was something that I need to do. Hence, I decided. A travel blog would be what I should be doing.

Maldives. California, USA. Paris. Italy..... Stay tuned.