October 10, 2014February 3, 2022 by findingbackroads

How do you spend the day in paradise?

Travels
Beach, Family, IruFushi, Maldives, resort, summer, Sun Siyam, Travels, vacation
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What did you do with the long Eid Al Adha weekend? I’ve been cleaning the house and the files on my PC (and my phone). I actually spend more time in the digital cleanup part, because I tend to look at photos and get stuck there. I’m actually looking at old photos again now.

So, the holidays. I am stuck looking at the photos of our previous holiday, the one just this summer. We go back to the Maldives. To the topic of The Maldives, that is, because we are not going back there. Yet. Not now. Though I wish to!

We spent five glorious days at The Sun Siyam Irufushi Beach and Spa Resort in the Maldives last July and everyday I wished I could freeze time.

So, what does a typical day in paradise look, you may wonder.

First, we wake up from this bed. We stayed in a beach villa that opens up to the private pool and to the beach.

Can you imagine how difficult it is to wake up from this heavenly bed? You’d think I was struggling (like all normal people do when given a bed as awesome as this but me and my stubborn body clock that never sleep beyond 7 in the morning…I get up alone and walk outside to the beach while the husband and the kids are still in la-la-land.

There’s no one there so I have this little piece of paradise all to myself.

There are times when I wake up so much earlier, sit by the beach and feel like I own this sunrise.

When they all wake up around 9 am, we do our quick morning rituals, getting dressed, take a shower. The shower is at the back of the villa and I must admit, I have become addicted to the open air shower. Imagine the feel of cool water while your skin bathes in warm sunshine. How I wish to be able to do this every single day of my life.

(This beach villa is enclosed as to provide utmost privacy so no worries.)

Open air shower all year through. Think about that. Gotta love tropical life!

We walk to Iru restaurant where breakfast awaits. There are buggies (small vehicle like golf carts) operating around the resort but we always preferred to walk – because the kids don’t do that a lot in Dubai!

Iru Restaurant is not just about great food and wide variety of choices.

After breakfast, we would take a stroll around the island (because we are still too full to swim!)

Benjamin loved to play in the sand.

There’s big chess board on the island. I let them break their heads while I lie down in the hammock…

Sometimes, we would go to the docking decks where small ships dock to pick up the trash, every single day. We’ve always wondered how they keep the island resort so clean (almost no flies!) – it’s because they don’t keep trash on the island. The trash is being collected and transported to a designated place (in another island) every day.

We watch the boats come and go from this hammock by the beach. If there’s one thing I terribly miss about The Sun Siyam Iru Fushi, it’s the cool, crisp, clean sea breeze. It’s the most soothing feeling in the world.

Then we go back to the villa and either swim in the beach or in the pool.

The we have lunch at our perfect spot. This is near the water shed, beside Bamboo restaurant. There is WiFi in this location so people tend to flock. However, we were always lucky to have this table to ourselves every day.

After lunch, we walk around a bit more, or either take the kids to the kid’s club and then go back to the villa to take a nap. When we wake up at around 4 pm, we take a stroll again and take photos and more photos.

Because time flies doubly faster when you’re having fun (and because that’s how Murphy’s Law works – time flies faster when you pray it would not end). Sunset comes.

And dinner time.

Playing in the sand until the sun sets. The hours in the day never seem to be enough.

We could not forget our short but very memorable time in paradise. The kids still remember it and ask to see the set of photos again and again. Still debating whether traveling is worth it with smaller/younger children (in our case, our son Benjamin was 2 years and 9 months when we traveled to the Maldives from Dubai)? Read my post why I think traveling with smaller/younger kids is not a waste.

So that’s how, more or less, how we spent our time in paradise. We also went for a snorkeling trip during our stay. But I was too much of a scaredy cat to even tell an interesting tale to share. Maybe next time!

The Sun Siyam Iru Fushi Resort has won two categories at the World Travel Awards Africa & Indian Ocean Gala Ceremony 2014: Indian Ocean’s Leading Family Resort and the Maldives’ Leading Spa Resort. It’s easy to know why they could have won the “leading family resort” category – this resort is not just for honeymooning couples, we know from first hand experience that they’re also great for kids!

* Photos without watermark are provided by Sun Siyam Iru Fushi.

August 23, 2014February 3, 2022 by findingbackroads

What to pack? Maldives edition

Travels
Beach, Family, holiday, IruFushi, Maldives, summer, Travels, vacation
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I must admit, in my years of travel, I’ve never been so nervous about packing than when the time we were headed to the Maldives.

Why?

Because there is nothing in the island except for the resort – meaning, there are no grocery stores, malls or convenient stores or pharmacies (although there is an on-island clinic). If you need something, you may need to buy it within the resort (if it is even available) and they’re expensive.

Top photo credit

With two kids in tow, I know I needed to pack perfectly (almost). Emergency medicines (especially allergy meds), enough clothes, diapers and other kid requirements.

Here’s what we packed on our trip to the island:

Luggage and bags

If you are having seaplane transfers from the international airport in Male to your resort, bear in mind the baggage allowance is not much so pack LIGHT.

Also, I would highly recommend to use waterproof luggage and bags in case it rains when you arrive. Some speed boats place your bags in the open and some seaplane landing boards are out in the open sea.

Clothing/shoes/weather gear

Clothing – It’s a tropical country (warm) so clothing should all be light weight, preferably cotton or linen. Sundresses, t-shirts, shorts and tank tops. No need for socks, denims and jacket no matter which time of the year you’ll visit.

Ladies, remember to take light weight cardigans or shawl/sarong to cover your arms if you visit any local inhabited islands as Maldives is a Muslim country and arms and legs should be covered. Maldives is a Muslim country and locals are pretty conservative with regards to clothing – however, one can wear practically anything at the resorts.

I found that the most comfortable clothes I’ve worn during our stay in the island is a cami tank top and shorts. The kids wore cotton clothes – sundresses for Pristine and Carter’s brand clothes for Benjamin. (I’m no brand fanatic but I stick to Carter’s for his clothes, best bang for the buck in terms of quality and comfort. Plus, no annoying, itchy tags at the back!)

A simple summer dress is convenient at night and at the restaurants.

A pair of flip-flops or sandals are all you’ll need for your feet. Most of the time you’ll be barefoot anyway! I wish we brought aqua shoes though as the broken corals in the water were sharp.

Swim wear – you will spend a lot of time in the water and the sun is always out in the Maldives. We used UV Skinz protective clothing so we didn’t have to slather ourselves with sunscreen lotion, miss spots and burn crisp. Wearing sun protective swimwear like this, we know we are doing our part in reducing water pollution.

If you have a baby or a toddler, I would highly recommend to bring your own life vest. We stayed in a beach villa with a pool and Benjamin wanted to swim everyday so I was really glad we brought it with us on this travel. Otherwise, maybe you could rent on some resorts or buy (and surely, it won’t be cheap!)

Sunglasses – normal ones are better than nothing but polarized ones are the best since it makes you see clearer through the glare of white sand and water.

Snorkeling/diving gear – The Sun Siyam Irufushi resort where we stayed can lend equipment until you checkout for free but if you prefer your own, then bring those.

Miscellaneous

Travel adaptor
Phone chargers
small denomination US dollars for tipping
reading materials

Photo equipment

Waterproof camera or in my case, I brought the Catalyst waterproof iPhone case. Most of your Maldives holiday activities will be in, near, or under the water so having a camera that can function underwater is a must!

Toiletries/Medical kit

Paracetamol, for adults and for kids
insect repellent
insect bite liniment
diaper rash cream
thermometer
band aids
flu meds
after sun lotion
anti histamines
Motion sickness tablets (I wish I took this before I boarded the seaplane!)

And this >>> Lots of snack items and juice boxes for the kids!

WHAT NOT TO PACK

Alcohol – Maldives is a muslim country and you are not allowed to take in alcohol so go easy on the duty free shopping on your way to Maldives. But even though you are not allowed to take it into the country,the resorts and hotels serve them like any other place.
Food products with pork in them
Pornographic materials
Weapons, firearms and ammunition
Spear guns
Idols for worship

I think that’s about it. If you’ve been to the Maldives or any beach destination (with or without kids), do you have any important item to add? Let me know in the comments!

August 15, 2014February 3, 2022 by findingbackroads

Precious time in paradise

Expat Life, Travels
Beach, Family, holiday, IruFushi, Maldives, summer, Travels
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As working parents, my husband and I juggle too many things at the same time so once a year, we hit that point where we tell ourselves we need to get off the rat wheel. We need time to decompress. With the kids.

We decided not to travel far this time – a 12 hour flight to Tokyo was off the cards. We packed our bags and left for Maldives and then Sri Lanka last month. Sri Lanka because I’ve always wanted to see it (and it’s only 4 hours away from Dubai) and let the children wander in the wide green spaces and see elephants and Maldives because it’s a short flight from Colombo.

I loved everything about our time in the Maldives – the people, the pace, the sound and smell of the sea, the perfect climate, the breeze that I so wanted to bottle up and bring back to Dubai…the kids loved Maldives, too.

I enjoyed every bit of my time at The Sun Siyam Iru Fushi Maldives. As an introvert, I appreciate some time alone and it’s amazing how you can think of a thousand and one thoughts at the same time when you find yourself in a serene environment such as this. The resort where we stayed, located far north of the island country was a world away from it all. It gave me the slower, quiet life pace I longed for.

It’s surreal to think how the other part of the world is in chaos, from trivial things such as traffic in the streets of Dubai to bombings in Gaza while there I was, so much at peace and looking at the serene sea and sunset in the horizon.

It’s hard to imagine this is the same world.

We also learned a lot during this trip, like how important it is to take it slow and to just focus on the basics – that the best thing we can give to our children (and to each other) is time and undivided attention.

Sure it doesn’t have to be in Maldives but surely, spending time at one of the world’s most beautiful, unspoiled paradise doesn’t hurt, yes?

We both decided that he can work as hard as he needs to, and I won’t complain about the long hours away from us as long as we go out as a family for a month, once a year, wherever it is.

(Maldives was magnificent. The only problem though is that, you won’t ever want to leave.)

No work related phone calls, no conversations about work. Just him and me as full time parents to the kids. And to make time to reset and reconnect our relationship as a couple.

Right now, we’re back to Dubai and I dread the heat outside. I dread the fact that we cannot just go out and walk outside (for the next couple of months at least) or enjoy the beach because it is too hot. The kids are back, cooped in the four corners of the house again.

I can still remember the feeling of the warm sun touching my skin. Most of all, I remember the moments we spent as a family – our walks on the beach, baths in open air Maldivian style shower, and the nights we spent outside stargazing at the pitch black sky when the stars looked like bright diamonds.

Our lovely experience in paradise was short but we brought home memories enough to last a lifetime. I felt reborn and rejuvenated. It will be another 12 months or so before our next holiday but I am already excited.

August 10, 2014February 3, 2022 by findingbackroads

Maldives for kids

Travels
Beach, Family, holiday, IruFushi, Maldives, summer, Travels, vacation
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Island-living at its best, year round sunshine, warm water, water sports, top dive sites and a safe environment, Maldives has become a very popular travel destination now, more than ever. However, the reputation of being a honeymoon destination might put off families with children from going.

Have you thought of visiting Maldives with your children?

The first time I thought about it, I was skeptical but my online research reveals that more and more resorts are catering for families nowadays. And with several offering special rates and offers and airfare deals, especially in the off season, going to the Maldives as a family is easier than it was years ago.

We stayed at The Sun Siyam Iru Fushi and it was very family friendly, offering time out for adults and lots of fun for the children. Look at the expression on his face!

We had the best holiday as a family this summer and everyone really enjoyed, most especially the kids!

Things to bear in mind though when booking your holiday in the Maldives, especially with babies and toddlers are:

1. Keep travel time as short as possible by booking direct flights for example, to Male or one with the minimum transfers.

Our flight was Dubai to Colombo (4 hours), an hour of layover at Bandaranaike International Airport and then 1.5 hours to Male.

At Male, we needed to get on a seaplane and the flight duration was 45 minutes. The littlest one in our family is almost 3 years old (2 years and 9 months to be precise at the time of travel) and he was perfectly ok.

There are several resorts that are near the main island but I will write about the difference between a resort near the capital (with minimum time transfer by speed boat compared to resorts in more remote locations).

2. Finding a resort near the mainland can give you peace of mind in the unlikely event you need hospital. Otherwise, pick a resort with a clinic.

The Sun Siyam Iru Fushi has a clinic and on-island doctor which we actually visited when Pristine got a case of mild motion sickness after a snorkeling trip. The consultation was chargeable at $30. The doctor was available at the clinic and could also do in-room consultation ($40). Medicines were readily available too.

While our resort is far from the capital city, there is a nearby island which is 20 minutes by ferry that has a hospital, I was told by staff.

3. Water villas are not the best choice if you have a baby or younger children. Water villas are only for adult guests or families with children 12 years old and above due to safety reasons.

Imagine waking up to this.

Staying in a water villa must be the ultimate Maldives experience and this type of water villa called Aqua Retreat at the Sun Siyam Iru Fushi is like something straight out of a dream.

The water villa can wait because Benjamin is still small, however, our Deluxe Beach Villa with private pool was no less than awesome.

4. Choose a resort with a kids club, preferable one offering babysitting services.

…because moms and dads need some alone time too.

The Koamas Kids Club at The Sun Siyam Iru Fushi is spacious and well run with lovely staff. Benjamin loved playing there.

Speaking of kids, I would add that the kid’s corner at Iru Restaurant is a huge plus! Finally, we can enjoy slow breakfast without having to chase Benjamin around. It is equipped with soft mats and slides for kids.

The kids corner at Iru Restaurant is massive and it is located in a separate section for families. Benjamin absolutely LOVED this corner and looked forward to it every single morning while we were there.

So, how kid friendly is The Sun Siyam Iru Fushi? Kids* stay, play and eat for free!

Children are well catered for with specific child-friendly food in the main buffet and outlets.

* 12 years old and below

We loved our stay at The Sun Siyam Iru Fushi because they really made our time worth it. They made the children feel special – almost all of the staff knows the children by their first names!

That said, Maldives has definitely become a popular family destination too and I would suggest you keep it in your family travel bucket list. After all, this is one of Earth’s greatest paradise – with an expiration date! It’s undeniable that with the rate of how global warming is progressing, this island nation might not exist a few years from now!

We stayed as guests of The Sun Siyam Iru Fushi Maldives. However, all opinions in this review are mine. For more information about this resort, please visit the official website.

August 7, 2014February 3, 2022 by findingbackroads

Seaplane experience in the Maldives

Travels
Family, IruFushi, Maldives, seaplane, Travels
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I’ve got my share of flights in my life but none could compare to my experience in riding a seaplane. It’s a combination of feelings from breath taking to thrilling to scary at the same time!

The seaplane transfer we experience last July during our holiday in the Maldives was a fantastic experience especially for the kids, too. It feels amazing to fly over the Indian Ocean and gaze down on all the small islands dotted around in the turquoise lagoons. It almost seems unreal.

All Maldivian resorts are accessible either via speed boats or seaplanes from Ibrahim Nasir International Airport (the airport in the capital city of Male). The Sun Siyam Iru Fushi Resort is located in the northern part of the island country and the only way to get there is by seaplane.

* Your choice of resort usually books your seaplane flights.

(This is Ibrahim Nasir International Airport – it’s a very simple and small airport that reminds me of the domestic airports in the Philippines.)

The flight takes about 45 minutes, we were told.

BEFORE GETTING ON THE SEAPLANE

We were met by the resort staff at the international airport and he took us to the check in counter of the seaplane company. Seaplane transfers in Maldives is operated by one single company called the Trans Maldivian Airways. They have a separate terminal away from the international airport in Male and passengers will be taken there by an airconditioned bus.

Each passenger is allowed 20 kg of baggage and 5 kg of hand carry. You will be given boarding passes after check in and advised time of boarding. These times of boarding are mere approximates as it will depend on the weather.

We were taken to Terminal B by bus where The Sun Siyam Iru Fushi has a dedicated VIP lounge that offers relaxing couches with a great view of the seaplane terminal, food, free WiFi and free massage! It’s a refreshing way to relax after a flight, to sip a cup of tea, eat light, update friends online, recharge phones, etc.

It wasn’t long before we were guided to the ‘port’ where the seaplanes are docked. It was a rainy day in Maldives that time and while I know that the pilots are skilled and won’t compromise safety, I was still nervous.

THINGS YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT RIDING A SEAPLANE IN MALDIVES

1. The plane can be very noisy.

TIP: You can bring an earplug if it bothers you. It was tolerable for me, but maybe because I was too excited of what awaits at the end of our journey.

2. The plane can be very congested.

The plane can accommodate up to 15 people so it can be very cramped inside when it is full. Not for the claustrophobic, most probably.

It can be hot inside as there is no aircon. You can find two small fans at the front and the pilots open the windows a bit. But I still felt hot and was sweating inside.

Here’s Benjamin in the pilot’s seat in the cockpit. We stopped to pick up some other passengers from the nearby island so the pilots got down on the floating ramp, leaving the cockpit windows open for cool, fresh air.

3. Because of the above 3 things, you could get dizzy, nauseous or experience motion sickness.

I would suggest having a bottle of water in hand, wearing sunglasses as the glare of the sea below can be too much, barf bag at the ready and if you are really prone to motion sickness, take an anti-motion sickness tablet before getting on the plane.

If the plane lands to pick up other passengers before your final destination, the pilots would invite passengers to get out of the plane for fresh air, so it’s a breather. The plane can get hot and very bumpy while in the water. Another technique would be to close your eyes if you’re feeling dizzy but then you wouldn’t be able to enjoy the view!

4. The pilots fly the plane without any shoes!

This is probably one that could surprise you the most. Maldivians feel their best when they are barefoot, no questions asked!

5. Hand carry not allowed! (to take with you in your seat, that is)

Life is about the journey and this seaplane ride is probably the most scenic in your life. They don’t allow handbags with you or under your seat because of the small space so all baggage are kept at the back of the plane. Be sure to take out your camera with you so you won’t miss capturing the views below!

I left my sunglasses in my hand carry and being sensitive to glare, I felt very uneasy. I also felt a bit of motion sickness in the middle of the flight. However, my two kids were superstars. Benjamin slept halfway and Pristine was just chilling in the front seat. I am proud of my little travelers!

Have you been on a seaplane? Did you like it? If not, would you try it?

August 1, 2014 by findingbackroads

Where we stayed: The Sun Siyam Iru Fushi Maldives

Travels
Beach, Family, IruFushi, Maldives, summer
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I took this photo from the seaplane before we got down and I was in love. Who wouldn’t? We had the best family experience at The Sun Siyam Iru Fushi Maldives for 5 nights in July.

There are actually no words. That place is just beautiful, truly heaven on Earth. If you have followed my updates on social media, here are the details of the resort we stayed in Maldives. I will take you to our temporary piece of paradise through photos…

WHERE IS THE SUN SIYAM IRU FUSHI?
Each resort in the Maldives is in its own island (atoll). The Sun Siyam Iru Fushi is located at the unspoiled Noonu Atoll, 320 kilometers north of Male, the capital city.

It is accessible by seaplane with flight time of around 45 minutes from Male International Airport.

CHECK-IN
After we got off the seaplane, we were greeted by a group of staff, each assigned to a guest. The view is so refreshing and water so unbelievably clean, clear and this color. Just wow.

We are taken to the open space called Water’s Edge where the staff explained everything about living in the island for the duration of our stay. Then we were taken to our beach villa via a buggy that operates around the island.

OUR BEACH VILLA WITH PRIVATE POOL
There are beach villas and then there are water villas. Those over the water villas can’t accommodate families with small children.

Our beach villa was just lovely. The front offers a secluded entrance. The villa is surrounded by lush greens and coconut palm trees.

This is the side of the villa toward the private pool and the beach.

The private pool is perfect for families with children because it is accessible any time. The depth is 1.2 meters. There is an outdoor shower near the pool, too. Our kids spent a lot of time here, especially when the sea is a bit rough/wavy in the afternoon because it is monsoon season.

And then this. This is the gazebo where I spend time lying down while updating my social media channels, sharing a piece of paradise to my friends in Twitter, Facebook and Instagram.

Walking towards the beach and then looking back at the direction of the villa, you can see the gazebo on the right. Various plants hide the view of our villa, offering absolute privacy.

At the back of the villa, we have a small cottage with a swing, an outdoor, open air shower (I LOVED it!), bathroom, toilet, 2 sinks and a jacuzzi. My daughter Pristine’s reaction was priceless. She couldn’t believe the luxury we’re about to experience.

THE STAFF
At the resort you’ll feel very important. We were assigned one staff and a butler to take care of us and our needs during our stay. We were lucky to have Linda and Ahmed with us from the time we got off the seaplane till we boarded it again when we left.

I am very impressed with how everyone at the resort is very courteous and had a ready smile from morning till night. There would be workers or gardeners around the island but they always stop whenever guests pass by just to greet them ‘good morning’ or ‘good evening’.

When we arrived at the island resort, it was also our 11th wedding anniversary – we were surely surprised to find this! So grateful for the staff who made us feel loved.

THE ISLAND
It is not a huge island so we were able to explore it by foot in less than an hour. And it’s refreshing to do so, also a great activity for the kids who do not have an outdoor life right now in the peak of summer in Dubai.There are buggies servicing guests around the island but we always preferred to walk as much as possible.

There is WiFi in most parts of the island, most especially there is WiFi in all the villas and in selected restaurants. There is WiFi here, my favorite hangout during lunch!

I am also happy to report that we didn’t have to use a huge tub of mosquito repellant! The island is very clean and we didn’t have a problem with bugs even at night when we just lounged in the deck chair looking at the stars in the pitch dark skies! I highly recommend this FREE activity with the kids when you go to the Maldives/Iru Fushi. There is no light pollution and for the first time in years, I was actually able to see stars shining so bright like diamonds in the sky. The kids were thrilled to see such amazing night sky for the first time too!

NOT JUST FOR COUPLES
With Maldives’ reputation of being a honeymoon destination, I was worried that this resort won’t be suitable for kids. Not this resort! The Sun Siyam Iru Fushi caters to both families with children and couples by having separate areas like there’s a pool that’s accessible for only adults only – you can enjoy the infinity pool at Reflections without splashing children.

The Koamas kids club is amazing with wonderful and very helpful staff who goes out of their way to take care of the kids so the parents can relax. They also offer babysitting services. Children 12 years under stay, play and eat for free at The Sun Siyam Iru Fushi. All of the restaurants have children’s menu and the kids can order there for free!

A world away from it all.

The serenity and calmness soothes the soul, makes you forget time.

We didn’t want to leave. I think no one ever wants to leave once they visit this place. It is nothing short of enchanting.

If I can mention one negative comment: be prepared to spend a fortune. The prices for food, even for a bottle of water is off the charts. But that’s what you would expect staying in a 5 star hotel or resort. You do get what you pay for in that it’s a paradise island, with stunning views from your dining table but you need very deep pockets! (But we only live once, right?)

Our time at The Sun Siyam Iru Fushi is the perfect family holiday we had ever.This is paradise. The resort is highly recommended for all who want to take a break from the raucous city life.

More posts about our stay in Maldives soon!

The Sun Siyam Iru Fushi
P.O. Box 2036 Malé Noonu Atoll
Republic of Maldives
T +960 656 0591
F +960 656 0592
E info@thesunsiyam.com

We stayed as guests of The Sun Siyam Iru Fushi Maldives. However, all opinions in this review are mine. For more information about this resort, please visit the official website.

July 30, 2014 by findingbackroads

Back to Dubai!

Hello, we just got back from our short vacation from Maldives and Sri Lanka last night.

It’s funny when vacations end and you find yourself neither here or there. Add jet lag (and piles of laundry) to the equation and you have one really disoriented self. While I am happy to be back home (nothing beats sleeping in your own bed still), I miss the greens outside, the sight and smell of the sea and most of all, the excited faces of my kids roaming around outside, something they won’t be able to do in Dubai right now.

Meanwhile, most of the laundry are dry already. One of the perks of living in desert land. Heh.

I am sorting out photos so I can start blogging about our adventures. We had the best family holiday so far and I can’t wait to share it with you!

July 16, 2014 by findingbackroads

Arriving in paradise that is The Maldives!

Travels
Beach, IruFushi, kids, Maldives, Travels
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The blog is not dead. Sorry for the long silence, my family and I were traveling and it was not easy to open the PC and sit down to write (especially with no mouse! God, I am half useless without a mouse). My last post was a little update about the kids. Well, the bored kids are out of the house right now. The top photo was taken at Colombo International Airport on our way to Maldives.

Before anything else, I’ve been lucky on this trip. I know I wrote about our love for traveling with children, no matter how small they are (still) but to be honest, I was nervous too. When we traveled last summer in 2013, Benjamin was still breastfeeding. But since he’s already weaned, I am not sure what’s in store for us inside the plane. Will he fuss? Will he make a scene – you know the ones you get dart eyes from people around…

On the contrary,

Our flight was only four hours but it was smooth – Benjamin either listened to music (he did not like any of the movies shown) or spent time coloring ALL the pages of the coloring book and slept until landing.

My worries sounded ridiculous. And I feel so lucky to have another trooper traveler under my wings! Now I have two who will take care of me when I get sick on the plane! LOL

Male is just an hour and a half from Colombo, much like Manila to my home town down south of the Philippines. But then our destination is still far ahead and we need to take another flight, this time, via sea plane for 45 minutes!

It was raining in Male when we arrived but we didn’t mind. It was in fact, a refreshing welcome.

We arrived at The Sun Siyam Iru Fushi Resort and Spa (review of this amazing resort coming up soon) just before noon and can’t believe what we saw. Paradise. Heaven. Perfection. No words, really. (and the weather was glorious)

I can’t write all the details in this one blog post because I would be busy soaking in all this beauty. For the meantime, I post updates on Twitter (follow @sandierpastures), Instagram for visuals and little more than 140 characters snippets on my blog’s Facebook page. See you there!

July 6, 2014 by findingbackroads

We’re off to The Maldives!

Same time NEXT WEEK, I will be dipping my toes in one of the world’s most beautiful waters.

We will be guests at The Sun Siyam Iru Fushi (formerly a Hilton property) in The Maldives to enjoy five glorious days of sun, sand and sea. Oh yes, I had to pinch myself so many times to believe it!

No deadlines to beat. No alarm clocks. Warm sea air, beautiful water and plentiful photo opportunities. I can’t wait to crawl out of this mountain of paper work in the office and start packing.

And I hear they have a fantastic kids club.

The Sun Siyam Iru Fushi is located in the north atoll, the northernmost reaches of the Maldivian archipelago, 45 minutes away by sea plane from Male International Airport. It’s the world away from the world that I long to go and experience.

Up for arm chair travel? Follow our adventure by following me on Twitter and Instagram with hashtag #GraceInParadise and #IruFushi. Longer than 140 character travel snippets on my blog’s Facebook and longer posts and lots of photos on here.

Finding Backroads

Get out of the tourist trail

Tag / Maldives