Every island in the Maldives has its own personality.
We’ve drifted north from Laamu, taking two seaplane hops into Lhaviyani Atoll and Six Senses Kanuhura. Straight away, it feels different. No surf here. Instead, one of the biggest, whitest beaches we’ve ever seen in the Maldives, with a large sandy-bottomed lagoon.
The water is ridiculously clear. Perfect for water sports or doing nothing. Underneath, the ocean is buzzing. Turtles cruise past, while Lhaviyani’s 40-plus dive sites are home to friendly grey reef sharks, colourful coral gardens and an endless stream of tropical fish.
Like Rottnest Island, everyone gets around on bikes. Thankfully, the Maldives is the lowest-lying country on Earth, so there’s not a hill in sight. No e-bike required.
We’ve also had a constant cooling breeze since arriving. Without it, 30-degree tropical days would feel a lot hotter.
Yesterday we escaped for lunch on a deserted island. Just the four of us, blinding white sand, crystal-clear water and not another person in sight. It doesn’t get much better.
Six Senses continues to impress with its sustainability. Organic gardens and a hydroponic farm supply some of the restaurants’ produce, while a new solar and battery system is being installed that will reduce the island’s diesel use by around 60 per cent.
We love the Maldives (our 3rd year returning). The water really is this blue. The people really are this welcoming. And escaping an Australian winter for bath-warm water never gets old!
:: uge
