Hit Refresh

Why Maldives is the ultimate detox destination? Is it the stunning scenic beauty that soothes or is it the therapies one can avail on a beach? We found out.

“Maldives again,” few of my social media friends wrote as soon as I ‘checked-in’ on Facebook.

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It was my third time in the Maldives, even though first time with husband and kid.

Since I have been to the beautiful islands earlier I knew it was an ideal getaway to rejuvenate and relax and moreover somewhere I had like to spend my seventh anniversary, without the itch. I have to confess that the powdery beaches and azure waters made for a perfect backdrop for pictures where husband could flaunt his newly acquired six pack abs and I could revel in the fact that my five year old monokini still fit.

Putting my travel blogging experience and familiarity with the destination to use I planned the trip in a manner that we could spend time at two resort hotels- Banyan Tree Vabbinfaru and Niyama Private Islands, since a Maldivian holiday experience is all about the resort you check-in.

First two days at the Banyan Tree Vabbinfaru, twenty-minute ride by speedboat from the Male airport, were spent mostly lounging at our beach villa soaking in the luxe hospitality of Banyan Tree Hotels. We would spend evenings in our private jacuzzi and plunge pool, marveling at the pristine beauty that was all around us. Away from the humdrum of urbane life with no itinerary, we spent ample time staring at the azure waters of the sea and taking a stroll on white sands. We would have lazy lunches and early dinners barefoot at their al fresco all day dining restaurant. As part of turndown service, a new fragrance would get introduced each day and the aroma of handpicked incense sticks would fill the room. A very special activity by Banyan Tree, they would also mention the benefit of each fragrance and the effect it is likely to have on our sensory system.

Two days at Banyan Tree passed at the speed of speed boat (Maldivian way). Little did we decipher the end of our sojourn at Banyan Tree, we got shaken out of our deep slumber early in the morning to catch a sea plane to our next abode- Niyama Private Islands.

An enthralling forty five minute seaplane ride soaking in the aerial view of the islands and blue waters had a magical effect on me. It was an experience my Instagram feed will highlight for a very long time. Of course seeing your pilot don a pair of shorts to fly his passengers, was a promise made in the skies that this will be a real relaxed holiday. It was reaffirmed when we landed as our Thakuru butler Hemayet with his disarming smile was at the jetty to receive us in his buggy and always on our beck and call thereon.

Luxury in Nature’s Playground

Niyama has two islands aptly christened - Play and Chill. Our beach villa, located on the family island Play, had a stunning beach outside, plunge pool, lavish bathroom that stocked toiletries for my toddler too, mini-bar that had every tipple we could think of, a popcorn maker and even a sterilizer for baby bottles! Can you imagine what this kind of functional luxury can do to a harried urban mother? It can add at least few more years to your life. Sheer happiness!

Our typical Maldivian morning started with a champagne breakfast at all day dining restaurant Epicure, stroll on the beach and it extended to pool time with my toddler and equal half. But I also spent lot of time with myself when my two year old was taking his afternoon nap or playing at the expansive Explorers Kids Club that Niyama houses. The joys of staying at a modern hotel are many, ask any hotelista.

We added excitement to our days by chasing turtles in our snorkeling gear, jet-skiing in joyful abandon, chasing sunsets while dancing on the beach or just sipping cocktails at the sundowners. At Niyama there was never a dull moment! For the adventure seekers the list of activities one can choose from is long.

Though sun, sand and sea were doing a good job it was time to hit the spa. The Niyama signature massage at the Drift Spa is just what the doctor ordered. The therapist used long flowing lomi-lomi massage technique, that enhances spiritual energy along with relaxing the body. This was followed by Thai stretching techniques that reduced muscle tension. The organic coconut oil and steam sauna post the massage ensured my skin feels good and behaves well for next few days at least. God gave us problems, man invented the spa.

Food For Soul, Literally

The word diet has become a staple to go with the term detox. But anyone who tells you that you need to go on a diet for a detoxification is either a dietician or someone who will make moolah by sending you on a diet. What good sumptuous food can do to your mind, heart and soul, nothing else can. Yes it works, even when nothing else does.

I was lucky that at my uber-luxe resort I was getting to savor all the good food, sample world cuisines in settings that were magical. Every meal served at Niyama Private Islands was spectacular. There was Japanese teppanyaki served in the middle of a jungle at the Asian avant-garde restaurant Nest. Chef Enda created magic on his grill and served us the freshest lobster and scallops. I devoured sushi and sashimi as he stir fried vegetables and narrated his story of mastering the cuisine. There was the option to sit on a treetop and gorge on fresh seafood, but rains had other plans for us.

Next day we were set for another hedonistic experience at Tribal- the South American and African cuisine restaurant that serves tantalizing grilled meats amid blazing fires. The must try dishes include the Octopus and Snapper Numus and Warm Ostrich Bobotie in sweet peri-peri sauce. For the little explorer I picked up Tribal kids salad with tahini yoghurt dressing and Fried bean vegetable quesadillas from the Kids Menu. My baby was amused how he was treated like a prince at every restaurant.

The dining experience that was out of this world was the lunch at Niyama Private Islands underwater restaurant- Subsix. I downed Daiquiris soaking in the view of colorful corals and fish, an experience that I will cherish for a long time. The subaquatic lunch, six meters below the water really changed my idea of destination dining.

On our last evening in Maldives, we were whisked away on a boat to the overwater restaurant Edge. We sat quietly gazing at the stars, appreciating the Chablis wine that we were drinking. Sumptuous seafood meal followed. An epicurean like me would count her blessings, not calories at a gastronomical destination like this.

I am not too sure about body cleansing, but my mind and soul definitely came back rejuvenated from this week-long holiday in Maldives. The joy of missing out (JOMO) while you spend time amid nature and luxuries is a detox therapy that only travel can offer you. I came back with renewed enthusiasm to work, fulfill responsibilities and go back next year to a new destination where I can collect more such experiences.

Fast Facts

Maldives offers free visa on arrival to Indians, making the planning hasslefree.

There are resorts which are just a boat-ride away from the Male International Airport like Banyan Tree Vabbinfaru and some like Niyama Private Islands for which you have to take a seaplane. Check with your hotel for transfers and cost.

Most resorts offer beach villas and overwater bungalows as accommodation options.

There are ample airline options from India to Male. You can take a direct flight offered by Air India and GoAir or a connecting one offered by Sri Lankan Airlines.

If you are travelling with kids, check for the facilities for them at the resort before booking. There are some adult only resort islands also in Maldives.