So part of our vacation here includes daily massages. Yes, you heard me right. Everyone gets a complimentary massage here EVERY Day!!!!!
While for some people this would be paradise, for me not so much. I am not into massages. I do not enjoy stripping down naked and being kneaded and pummeled to death.
However, I have to admit here it’s a bit different. They have all kinds of massages that I didn’t even know existed like Indian head massages, gentle face massages, and even soft foot massages where you can be fully clothed but still get some pampering.
Brian however is a totally into extreme massages…and the more insane the better. His favorite is the Thai Stretching Massage. This basically involves a teeny tiny woman, who weighs less than Olivia, jumping on his back and wrestling him into submission…or until he begs for mercy.
And even though Brian admitted that she almost made him cry, he is still a fan. That’s what I like about the Maldives. Here there is definitely something for everyone.
The famous Maldivean sunset.
It’s impossible not to be relaxed here.
And to thoroughly enjoy just doing nothing.
I bought this dress for Olivia on day 1, and she has insisted on wearing it every day. Here she is quite proud of her little star tattoo.
This is the “after” photo of our massages. Obviously I opted for the Indian head one this time.
Brian is all smiles after getting beat up by his masseuse.
And even though the resort is full, you would never know it from this idyllic shot. It’s so peaceful and sublime here.
Most of our time is spent in our villa, which is definitely not peaceful, but somehow still sublime.
We spend hours and hours playing in the water…
Talking, laughing, and just enjoying each other’s company…with the magnificent ocean view as our backdrop.
Of all my kids, Paige is the most sun crazy. Even at the crack of dawn she is up and ready to take full advantage of all the daylight hours.
But there are lots of lovely spots on the resort to enjoy…like this cozy swing that Grace found under a cool palm tree.
Behind us are the “over the water villas.” We thought about staying in one of those, but are so glad we chose the pool beach villa instead.
One of Olivia’s favorite spots is this cool swing that is just the right size for her. It overlooks the ocean and is in the perfect spot…
…the Coral Bar. So every day Brian gets a drink (or a few) and Olivia keeps him company on her swing. It’s a win-win situation for both of them
I haven’t talked much about the restaurants, but they are all consistently good. We are not picky eaters, but we do enjoy good food, and the resort does not disappoint. There is always something for everyone. And the restaurants are gorgeous. This is the Thai restaurant complete with pagoda and lily pond.
And this is the way to the Italian restaurant. We are late to every reservation, but can you blame us? It’s impossible remember your destination when this is your journey.
One of the best things we ate was this board of charcuterie. It consists of something called “Pata Negra” or Jamon Iberico de Bellota, an exquisite ham from Spain that is made from pigs whose diets apparently consist of enchanted acorns and unicorn tears. Soooooo Goooood! This may be my all time favorite food!
All the meals are European style and made up of multiple courses. They are very leisurely and relaxed. And for some…a little too leisurely.
Dinners are a little dressier…but not much. We love eating under the stars with the ocean breezes.
But I’m not going to lie. It’s the water here that is magical.
Ever changing in color depending on the day.
Somehow it always manages to be just the right temperature.
And even when we aren’t in the ocean, but just drifting aimlessly along…
It’s the water that captures our hearts and imagination.