Maldivian Adventure

My family has always loved the ocean. Holidays as a child consisted of caravan trips up the South or North Coast of Natal. The common denominator was always the ocean. Towards the end of last year, we started to discuss a family holiday. Damian (who has a love affair with the Maldives) ended up spearheading the holiday to Holiday Inn Kandooma, Maldives.

I don’t want to focus this blog on the COVID-19 pandemic, but it would be unrealistic not to mention how it affected our trip. We had obviously booked our holiday before we were aware of the situation in China. There were a few cases reported in South Africa before we left (I honestly can’t remember the count) but nothing to make us too worried over. There were also two or so cases reported in the Maldives at that time (there is currently only six active cases there now). The Maldives are lucky in that they are made up of atolls. Therefore, it is much harder for the virus to spread as people really only visit one atoll during a stay. Being predominantly made up of atolls makes it easier to quarantine anyone or an area. We were keeping a close eye on the pandemic for the obvious reasons (what would happen with flights and also travelling with a toddler). On our way to the Maldives, the airports were undoubtedly quieter than usual but still had a buzz to them.

During our time on the island, we were staying updated with the pandemic in South Africa and around the world. Our return trip was a little different. Our original flight back to Dubai (our layover) was cancelled. We were bumped to an earlier flight which meant a longer layover in Dubai. We managed to change our connecting flight to Johannesburg which actually ended up better - this meant we got home a few hours earlier and at a more reasonable time for Sutton. On arrival to Dubai, the effect of the pandemic was obvious. The airport was exceptionally quiet. Our connecting flight to JHB was also delayed. Each country’s ‘entry laws’ were changing hourly due to the pandemic, and therefore staff on flights had to change. Staff from high-risk countries or staff who had travelled to a high-risk area of recent were no longer allowed to fly into South Africa. Once we finally had the right team on board, we were able to take off. On arrival to South Africa, we were instructed to stay on the aeroplane. Official personnel then entered the aircraft, took our temperatures and asked us a series of questions before we were released. During this time it was evident that we were going to miss our connecting flights to Cape Town and Durban (for my parents). We managed to change the one while seated on the plane, and the other by Damian leaving me to collect luggage and running to the domestic counters. I would, however, like to make mention that our domestic airlines were incredibly kind to us on both flights to and from Cape Town. Let me continue with what this blog really is about.

Our family - my Mom, Dad, brother, sister-in-law, Damian, Sutton and I all met in Johannesburg. We boarded a flight to Dubai, had a two-hour layover in Dubai and then headed to Malé. Malé is a mere four-hour flight from Dubai. Sutton was incredible on the plane. There was a period where we just could not get him to go down, but besides that, we had smooth flights.

The flight into the Maldives must be one of the most breathtaking flights. As you descend, atolls, aquamarine water and paradise greet you before stepping foot on the ground. You walk a mere few meters out of the airport and climb onto a boat to take you to your atoll. A hotel or hotel company owns each atoll, e.g. Holiday Inn or Club Med (where we have previously visited on honeymoon).

Upon arrival at Holiday Inn Kandooma, we had our temperatures taken to check for fever. We were then escorted to ‘check-in’ and then to our rooms. We stayed in the beach rooms. They were comfortable sized rooms with an outdoor bathroom - the toilet, bathtub and showers are all outdoors. It’s important to note that although they were outdoors, they were private. We all stayed next to one another, which made the organisation of our daily schedules very easy.

We soon explored the island and became acquainted with our favourite areas - the main swimming beach, the pool and the kiddies water play area (which was only ever used by Sutton). It was soon apparent that we had the resort pretty much to ourselves. When we first arrived on the island, there were probably around twenty to thirty other guests (made up of couples/ families/ singles). Each day saw a significant drop in guest numbers, and we soon had the island pretty much to ourselves. It turned out to be a huge blessing. Sutton was fondly named ‘Sutty Sutty’ by the staff, and we were incredibly spoilt by the Kandooma team. The hospitality and kindness of the team was phenomenal.

We were also upgraded to the overwater suites during our stay. The rooms were so beautiful, and it was an incredible treat to jump off of our deck and snorkel with the sea life under our room. It was also an incredible privilege to watch the sunrise and sunset from our suite each day.

We spent many hours drinking tea, cocktails and juices on the beach looking out into paradise. We went on some fun outings which included, snorkelling trips, snorkelling with turtles, sunset cruises, parasailing and night fishing.

Damian and I also celebrated our anniversary while there. They had a special table set up for us for dinner, they baked a cake for us and decorated our bed that night.

I would again like to make mention to the Kandooma team. The way they interacted with my son, warms each corner of my soul, the small touches, the stories told, little chats, and the dancing done. These soft touches, these make people remember a place or a person.

It would be impossible to pick a highlight from the trip. Being able to spend this time together as a family is something that I will always remember. You see, my family lives all across South Africa. My parents live in Natal, my brother and his wife live in Mpumulanga (they are both game rangers for a private game reserve), and Damian and I live in Cape Town. I will always be grateful that we have been able to travel, but after what has happened in the last few weeks, even more so now.

The time together as a family has been the best time of my life, and I would do it again in a heartbeat. If I could give anyone advice, embrace each and every moment. Wake up early for that sunrise. Wear that dress that you have been saving for a special occasion. Each day is a gift, and we choose whether to unwrap it or not.