A funny thing happens to time when you visit the Maldives. Like the coral-fringed lagoons that surround the islands, the precise and exacting minutes that normally count out an hour, or a day, seem to liquify into something dreamier…. a rhythm with a softer ebb and flow, like a gentle ocean tide, or the gradual rise of the sun over the Maldivian sea.
If you’ve ever visited a tropical island, you might have heard the expression I’m on island time. On the surface, ‘island time’ hints at a more relaxed approach towards the clock – where, as a traveller, you start to switch off from the demanding pace of the outside world, and the stresses of everyday life and begin to ‘unwind.’ But ‘island time’ also refers to something more meaningful – to the concept of time well spent, in a location that refreshes your mind, body and spirit.
It starts with a journey across the water. A seaplane flight that transports you over atolls that glow with tones of aqua, peacock blue, and ultramarine, or a speedboat journey, where bottlenose dolphins come to greet you as your vessel glides into the warm, clear shallows of the islands lagoon.
As you step onto the dock of your new island home and are met by the smiling faces of the welcome team, the sound of the ocean fills your ears. A gentle sea breeze is in the air, and as you turn your head to take in the view of the white-sand beach, you can see tall palms swaying ever so slightly in the distance.
For a second, you wonder if you might just be dreaming, because it’s hard to believe that a place this beautiful actually exists….
A refreshing drink and cold-compress interrupt your reverie. Your bags are taken from you, and like magic, you’re on your way to your overwater villa. Your butler opens the door, and you find yourself giggling like a child as you excitedly dash for the front deck of the villa, where your very own infinity pool sparkles in the afternoon light. All you can see in front of you, stretching on into the horizon, is water so blue, it doesn’t seem real. Standing on the edge of your deck, you look down into the lagoon waters, and fish of every colour, dart and dance below you. Champagne is poured, and the rest of the afternoon is lost to laughter, wonder, and discovery, as you slip from pool to ocean, and back again.
Island time is all about getting lost….in a good way. Barefoot bike rides along paths that twist and turn through the island’s lush tropical interior. The sound of birdsong and ocean waves filling your ears, and the gentle warmth of morning sun on your shoulders.
An afternoon lost to a newly-discovered snorkelling spot, listening to the pop-and-crackle noises of underwater life as you watch a startlingly blue parrotfish gnaw at coral, anemones drifting in the gentle ebb of the tide, and a hawksbill turtle surfacing for air just in front of you.
Island time is taking your time. Leisurely lagoon swims or strolls along postcard-perfect sandbanks. Long lunches in the shade, your feet in the sand, a glass of rose (or two!) enjoyed with melt-in-your-mouth fresh seafood. Taking in a sunset from an overwater hammock, your feet dangling over the cool water, as clouds on the horizon turn pink and orange and gold over the Indian ocean.
Island time is all about connection – not just with the rhythms of the sea and sun, or the wonders of your environment, but also with your loved ones. Whether you’re travelling with a partner, a family, or a close group of friends, the Maldives brings people together.
When time becomes less about speed, and more about the pleasure of the moment, connections deepen, and unforgettable memories are made.
Family snorkelling sessions to find Nemo and friends. Early morning beach walks where the littlies study hermit crabs or spot passing eagle rays. Impromptu visits to ice-cream or chocolate rooms, that leave the whole family grinning with delight.
For couples, the Maldives offers a way to relax, reflect and reconnect. Morning cuddles and coffee on overwater hammocks. Midnight dips in your private, infinity pool. Wine tastings that leave you just a little bit tipsy and giggly. Candlelight dinners by the shoreline, or over the water. Walks home at midnight, and kisses under the stars
We all need a place where time co-exists with connection, where we can experience the magic of living in the moment, with the people we love best.
We would love to help you discover the wonder of ‘island time’ for yourself when the world is ready to travel again…. contact the team at Addicted to Maldives to start planning today!