“I literally had to pick my jaw up off the sand and wipe the tears of happiness streaming down my cheeks.”
COCONUT TREE HULHUVILLA BEACH
A few nights at Coconut Tree Hulhuvilla Beach in Hulhumale provided the much-needed rest and rejuvenation following my flight. Upon awakening on my first morning, I had the privilege of witnessing the sunrise over the ocean, just steps from my accommodation.
The outdoor shower and bathtub on my private terrace were the highlights of my stay at Coconut Tree. Who requires towels when one can dry off under the sun?
The extensive breakfast selection was an ideal start to my day and provided energy for an impromptu island excursion organized by the front desk. A brief boat journey took me to the island of Maafushi, where I connected with a local snorkeling expert.
I expressed my desire to relax under palm trees and swim in transparent waters all day. After thirty minutes of admiring the stunning turquoise waters, we reached the uninhabited island of Villivaru.
I was left in awe, needing to pick my jaw up off the sand and wiping the tears of joy streaming down my face.
It was an experience beyond anything I had ever encountered in travel publications or even in reality – it was an actual paradise. I shared the entire island with merely three other vacationers, and I still had phone service, allowing me to share my experiences online!
Once I was fully rested and refreshed after my stay at Coconut Tree, I was eager to embrace the day.
BOUTIQUE BEACH DIVING HOTEL
Upon my arrival at Dhigurah island, I received a warm welcome from Romney, the owner, and the attentive staff at Boutique Beach Diving Hotel. A fresh coconut awaited me along with a room adorned with my name – quite literally written on the front door, eliciting a genuine sense of welcome.
The accommodations were pristine, featuring everything a traveling photographer such as myself could desire: luxurious bedding for restorative sleep, picturesque views of towering palm trees, ample outlets for charging devices, and an indulgent open-air rain shower.
The following morning, I relished a delightful local breakfast comprising Roshi (a flatbread) accompanied by Mas Huni (a mixture of tuna, freshly grated coconut, chili, lime, and onion).
What transpired within the next hour remains etched in my memory: I had the extraordinary experience of swimming with whale sharks and manta rays!
While Dhigurah is a diminutive and tranquil local Maldivian island, it offers plenty of exploration opportunities for the adventurous traveler.
One can stroll through the serene village, witness local lifestyles, savor cuisine prepared by Maldivian chefs, sunbathe on an unbroken expanse of near-deserted beach sculpted by nature, take leisurely naps beneath a canopy of swaying coconut palms, and encounter some of the world’s most magnificent underwater marine life.
The most rewarding aspect of my experience at Boutique Beach Diving Hotel was the familial atmosphere they fostered. They showcased their beautiful island through a local’s perspective, for which I am infinitely appreciative, as the memories I created there will remain with me forever.
This Maldives Travel Diary featuring Boutique Beach Diving Hotel and Coconut Tree Hulhuvilla Beach was composed by @katgaskin.
