Pure Bliss: Kurumba, Maldives

The airport was scarce as I looked around at the almost empty room for the late-night flight. I think I saw only one other American couple in the blindingly-white-light airport waiting room. I had my ticket to paradise sweating in the palm of my hand. Finally, they called my flight number, and soon enough I was on the 1970’s style Sri Lankan plane all buckled in next to a Sri Lankan hipster who had been living out his life dreams in London. We chatted the small talk stuff, but soon I dozed off dreaming of deep blue skies, turquoise blue reefs, white sandy beaches, and palm trees that go on forever. I was ready for my first experience on a Maldives vacation!

I love the palm trees that have grown toward the sea and curve toward the sun.

✦ Dreams of the Maldives

I could just picture myself underneath that palapa with the fronds coming down close enough to the edge of my camera, that you could tell I was sitting right there in that lime green cushion on the lounge chair chaise sipping my coconut rum drink.

And just like that, bump, bump, thump, we landed on the hard black tarmac, although I could barely see a thing since we arrived in the late evening.

✦ Capturing a glimpse of the Maldives

I was hoping there was a guy with a sign saying “MALONEY”, otherwise I was screwed, as I had no idea where to go or what to do next… and then, there HE was. Not many airports can boast this view, right along the ocean waters!

✦ My Ride to Kurumba Island

And then, there it was, my private yacht, waiting for me, my ride to Kurumba Island and its resort. Isn’t she a beauty?

✦ Kurumba is Close to the Airport!

The closest island resort next to the Male Airport, which makes it easy to get into relax mode fast. I picked this resort specifically for this reason, as I only had a few days to get settled in for a relaxing holiday coming from Sri Lanka and with a short 20-minute speed boat ride to the island, I was checked in and laying in my king-sized bed in my beachfront bungalow in no time.

It was only later that I found out that Kurumba had been awarded the Traveler’s Choice Award by Trip Advisor as the #1 All-Inclusive Resort in Asia and #3 All-Inclusive Resort in the World! 

✦ I arrived in Kurumba!

So there I was, after a long journey through Sri Lanka with a whirlwind itinerary, and I had finally landed in my very own beachfront luxury villa. What to do first? Relax.

✦ What to do? Nothing!

Unlike many of my whirlwind trips, I decided for my own sanity to do… nothing. And so that is what I did. It is a funny thing for a gal on the go, to just sit there, lay there, unpack a few things, sleep a little, stare out the window at that gorgeous turquoise water and those chaise lounge chairs right out in front of me… and do nothing.

✦ Gorgeous Suite

Looking around the room, I was delighted to find an amazing amenity that I rarely use in any resort. I had the most fantastic bathroom you have ever seen, and since there was nothing to do but relax and it had been a long hard journey to get here, I went for it and decided to take an outdoor rain shower.  From there, I finished it off in my oversized, jetted bathtub.

✦ Time to Rest, then Spa

This what I did most of the morning and into the afternoon, dozing in and out of consciousness, owing nothing to no one, but, you can pretty much guess that it didn’t take long as my spa was scheduled for 2 pm in the afternoon and then a sunset cruise to chase wild spinner dolphins had previously been scheduled.

✦ Thai Massage

I chose the Thai massage at the spa since I was halfway around the world and don’t get this type of massage at home. You can pretty much guarantee that I was twisted and turned in ways that haven’t been moved in years!

✦ Boat Ride!

Then, there I was, right out in the front of the yacht, hanging on to the metal bar, my iPhone and my Canon DSLR for the ride of my life!

The boat driver had spotted a group of spinner dolphins and we were chasing them into the sunset. It was a fun afternoon, chasing dreams and dolphins and watching the beautiful sunset into the night sky. So if you get a chance, be sure to make room in your life for Kurumba Resort, it will give you relaxation and happiness if you let it.

✦ Perfection in the Maldives!

The perfect end to a perfect day in the Maldives. Sunset!

Disclosure: My stay in the Maldives was courtesy of Kurumba, however, all the relaxation, spa, and gazing at the turquoise waters I did all on my own.