Landing into Male, alienic, islandic rings appear through the clouds — the A320 cruises through the sky, as the cascades of white make way for the grandness of the ocean.
The little islands make their appearance, almost as if still trying to hide from the heights. Slowly, they get closer: the colours get bolder, and the contrast of the sky and ocean, more profound. The landing at Male is unlike any other, where the sky, land and ocean, all appear as one – intermingled in the multiverse of nature’s all-encompassing glory.
The islands, some circular, some vividly shaped, make their presence felt slowly. Hues of blue, powdery up above and darker and deeper down below, with a blend of turquoise and indigo, teasing you by hiding what’s really beneath the surface. Shadows of clouds are the only darkness you see on the oceanic surface.
Nature and its glory put on the finest show.
Welcome to the island life.
The sunset beach villa at Kuda Villingili overlooks stunning sundown views
A quick 30-minute speedboat takes you to Kaa Atoll (atolls are islands or a chain of islands that are made from reef formations). Soon enough, we’re docking onto a deck where traditional Maldivian music becomes louder as we close in. Entering Kuda Villingili, black-tip reef shark pups swirl around in a frenzy, almost marking your welcome to the island.
Cycling around is the fastest way to go around the island; with the entire resort framed around a pool which is Maldives largest. Making your way through the isle, shadows of palm trees carve designs on the sandy floors. On one side, waves of the Indian ocean echo through. With beach pool villas situated on both the sunrise and sunset side, vivid sunsets become a daily ritual.
There is not dearth of lounge spaces at Kuda Villingili, allowing the enjoyment of island life
For a snorkelling excursion, we’re taken to what the captain calls is the closest turtle point. Diving in, the current is extreme; making life-jackets a necessity. As wished for, a turtle cruises by; and I swim with it and the current for sometime. Beautiful coral fish that call the Maldives their home make their appearance felt – with one school of around 500 surgeon fish swimming through, as if parading towards a larger cause.
Back on the island, dips between the fresh and saltwater bodies, induces frequent episodes of famish.
Seven F&B establishments dot the island
With seven restaurants to boast, including a traditional Japanese teppanyaki restaurant at the beach, the resort’s F&B is exceptional, to the extent that it makes you almost forget you’re in a remote island. Chef Quereshi, from Lucknow, wins hearts with his authenticity across Indian dishes. His warmth and hospitality is permeable. From lamp chops that fall of the bone to makhan malai which takes you back to the streets of Lucknow, in Maldives, he is a genius.
Surprisingly, each cuisine at the resort feels indigenous to its origin. The international buffet on Fridays puts all the chefs’ talents at the forefront, with an array of items from across the world, making their mark with true-to-source flavours.
Celebrating World Wellness Day with India’s pioneer in aqua fitness, Rajni Maker, early mornings and evenings at the island are surprisingly productive. This highlights on the evolution of how travel is perceived; it’s no longer just about escaping routine, but incorporating travel within your lifestyle. This includes its padel-courts which boast solid turfs and high-quality equiipment.
Indoors, the aesthetics of the beach villas are kind to the eye; with hues of tan softly presenting quiet luxury. Copious lounging areas and a 180-degree view of the beach and the ocean, gives a chance to be within nature but with a side of sustained opulence.
Nights are spent soaking in the warm yellow reflections on the ocean by the water villas, where curious shark pups come to find easy bait
There’s a certain tranquility in the air, as the sun has set and the only sound you hear is that of the waves crashing in.
Escaping to the ocean on every opportunity, glass kayaks give you a chance to closely interact with the marine life in the lagoon. The seas aren’t calm, however a couple of minutes on a Garmin jet-ski allow you to steer deep into the horizon.
A five-star PADI certified dive centre connects you to around 20 dive sites in the atoll. However, this time around, the island remains home for a few days.
0 minutes from the resort, stunning dive and snorkelling sites reveal themselves
Nothing about Kuda Villingili screams loud luxury; but a subtle charm enveloped within the drama of the landscape around, makes it an endearing space where the rules of conventions are redefined.
Words by Akanksha Maker.
