I think it’s fair to say, we all experience a case of the January blues. The first month of the year is always slightly challenging, the days drag on – that nine-hour work shift feels like 20 hours – and the weekends seem shorter.
In my case, the New Year melancholy was a result of the festive period – overindulgence, countless lie-ins, too many parties and one mammoth, but fabulous, family wedding. However, any glum feelings I had quickly vanished when my Senior Editor, Sophia Serin, stopped by my desk to surprise me with a trip to the Maldives in celebration of Flydubai’s inaugural flight to the Island.
Three sun-filled days on a tropical island at an uber-luxe resort? Er, yes, please!
Here are my holiday snaps…
The 4.5 hour flight went by in a flash thanks to a stack of glossies, some light chick-lit and the HD entertainment system.
Touchdown in the Maldives! Enjoying a refreshing coconut water in the airport VIP lounge.
Access to the resort is via speedboat – beats a humid taxi any day!
The Jumeirah staff warmly welcomed us to the Vittaveli Resort with traditional Boduberu dancing and bongo beats.
My new home away from home: a spacious thatched-roof villa sitting on stilts above the sea, complete with an infinity pool and private steps to the ocean.
Jumeirah’s motto is: “Stay different” and that they do with this stunning resort. It’s the antithesis of a big chain hotel. The Vittaveli feels intimate and has incorporated the local culture with design details dotted amongst the resort.
The pièce de résistance for me was the bathroom, boasting amazing sea views, waterfall showers and a bathtub bigger than a king-sized bed!
The child in me still gets excited by hotel toiletries. These Molten Brown goodies were the perfect post-flight treat.
A fruit basket and bottle of local grape awaited my arrival. One of my favourite parts of the villa was this amazing glass-bottomed window in the floor of the living room.
Soaking up the picturesque scene. It’s so peaceful: the only sound is of waves lazily lapping beneath your terrace. No car horns or noisy neighbours here!
My island beauty essentials: Bobbi Brown’s Pot Rouge for Lips & Cheeks, Laura Mercier’s Secret Camouflage, Sodashi’s Jet-Lag Recovery Gel, Diptique’s roll-on fragrance, hand sanitiser, Dior’s moisturising lipstick and big shades.
With such an amazing view, there’s no excuse not to hit the treadmill.
With a much-needed cappuccino in hand, I prep for the press conference at the Fenesse restaurant.
Delicious bites on offer to fuel the jet-lagged journalists.
A sunset stroll before the inaugural dinner.
The clear turquoise water is scattered with colourful sea life and coral reefs, which make for great snorkelling.
An early rise, followed by a trip to the Talise spa where I sampled the Island Of Life treatment. This energising massage fuses several techniques including tai chi and reiki.
Next up is a lunch with the resort managers at Mu Beach Bar & Grill for fresh pasta and Caesar salads surf side.
Relaxing at Mu.
Full from lunch, I forgo the buggy and walk back to my villa.
I confront my fear of fish by feeding stingrays and baby sharks.
There are plenty of romantic spots to relax at this serene resort.
This creepy-looking crab occupied my private steps to the sea.
Flydubai treat us to a fresh seafood spread on the beach.
The lobster was some of the best I’ve tried!
With just a few hours until take-off, I make the most of the resort by enjoying the idyllic view at the villa.
Travel Flydubai to Malé in The Maldives five days a week, for Dhs1,730 with a return flight or just Dhs1,025 for a one-way journey, which we highly recommend as you’ll never want to leave!
Visit their site here or call (04) 2311000 for more information.
Book early as flight prices may vary for different dates.
