"The Maldives, a string of islands off the coast of India whose highest point above sea level is eight feet, may be the first nation to drown." ~ Michael Specter

Sounds like a public relations campaign.
As in a "moving the...
to the top of your bucket list" campaign.

Don't get me wrong. 
When rings of 1,000 coral islands lay around like bathing beauties...
in waters covering the whole spectrum of blues...
and a smiling hospitality staff welcomes you...
at the boat launch...
the Maldives had me at hello!
Of course, the Anantara is always a good idea.
However, please consider these three tips...
for making the Maldives a vacation you remember with fondness.

Tip #1
Renman is always saying...
 if I have to ask how much something costs, I can't afford it.  
The Maldives is expensive and if paying $12.00 for a bottle of water
absolutely ruins your day...
  take a pass.
We giggled when a young couple told us
 they just take the complimentary bottles of water
 from their room with them to their meals.
Brilliant!
But I don't want to drag a bottle of water in my bag to lunch or dinner.
I want the bottles of water to be complimentary throughout the resort...
like they are poolside.😍
Water is provided with breakfast, btw.
Best advice is to be prepared to pay 
a pretty steep price for your food and drink 
when you check out.
Maybe do the math on the price for full-board 
and decide if you want to go that route.
We had breakfast and dinner covered 
but drinks are still an added price...
even water!!!
Can you tell I am still not over it?

Tip #2

Splurge for the over-water accommodations.
We love the water and having private access...
a few steps away...
provided wildlife sighting...
both real and pretend and was worth every extra dollar.
No moment is wasted without a view of the water!!!
We chose the sunrise view...
which did not disappoint...
and took place at a time...
we knew we would be in our room...
with coffee in hand.

Tip #3
Choose your property wisely
and take advantage of what it has to offer.
We purposely chose a property accessible by boat from the airport.
Our four day visit didn't leave much room for waiting time 
or extra hassle of another flight.
And quite honestly, we didn't want the added price.
Fortunately, a short shuttle boat ride away from the Dhigu...
Anantara has an adult only property... 
 which we discovered after one hour by the family friendly pool at the Dhigu...
 where some people forget that everyone is there on vacation.
The views from the Veli pool are peaceful...
 and popular with our new best friend, 
who had quite the personality.
A bit tentative at first...
with an all Kramer like..."look away I'm hideous"...
to full on Taxi Driver..."you talking to me?"
School was in session...
for others.
And then there are the really important embellishments like ice cream...
and poolside punch!

The Anantara offers optional adventures 
and we opted for the sunset champagne bonfire...
held on the private island of Gulhifushi...
where the local crabs were having an afternoon welcome party.
We went early for some swingin' good time.
The sunrise bonfire was offered at an extra price 
and took the place of one of our dinners 
normally covered in the half board set-up.  Oh well!
Whats not to love?
Unlimited champagne and hors d'oeuvres✔️
bonfire✔️
sunset✔️
No regrets.
 The Maldives is magical and is a truly special place.
 If you are prepared...
the sky is the limit...
and the sun will set on your good decision
 to visit those drowning islands before they are gone.


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