Maldives is an island nation surrounded by the Indian Ocean which is only about four hour flight from Bangalore. Its an ideal long weekend escape to a totally different world. Imagine palm fringed islands cocooned by turquoise water, filled with schools of tropical fishes and shores like castor sugar. When the latest gurus ask soul searchers to visualize a happy place, the most beautiful place they can dream of most surely is this paradise island in Maldives. An aerial view is the best way to get a perspective of the 1192 islands that make up the Maldives.

Kuramathi Island in the Maldives with its lush palm trees and white sand beaches is undoubtedly the best option to escape from India's searing heat and traffic.

The Journey:

After a tiring flight from Bangalore to the capital city of Maldives, we were escorted by the staff from Universal Resort airport counter to the Kuramathi Airport Lounge at the Trans Maldivian Airways terminal. The journey is made all the more comfortable offering some refreshments at the lounge. We were just awaiting for our dream flight to Kuramathi island and there it goes soaring above the Maldivian atolls , coral islands like those jewels on the turquoise water was looking blissful from the top. We landed in the middle of the sea, where a Dhoni (a local boat) was waiting for us to help us reach our final destination.

Island dreaming

The Duty Manager greets the guest upon the arrival along the lined pathway, with a huge grin and handshake, telling the guests to enjoy the island. And in no time, we had a warm welcome with the fragrance towelletes and fruit cocktails. Forget your designer threads, the most you will need is plenty of sun lotions and your sarong. There are over 290 beach villas or over water villas that offer total designer luxury. For total privacy and the Indian Ocean at your door steps there is no match to the Water villas with Jacuzzi, where you simply step down into the ocean for a swim or snorkel. The view is unbeatable with the endless stretch of the azure blue water and the luxury of a bungalow featuring the latest inhouse technology.

Our Beach villa with Jacuzzi was just facing the Indian Ocean with sun decks in front. We had an entire world of luxury within our villa, nestled in the gardens, yet close to the beach king-sized four-poster bed indoor day bed, sunloungers , garden bathroom, jacuzzi, rainfall shower and what not. This is life is what we had to say when we entered the villa.

Guests have everything at their fingertips, with longee featuring a 21 inch plasma TV, to top it off an iPod docking station for the music lovers, perfect as the background music sets while enjoying a sundowner. It is difficult to muster up the energy to leave the bungalow with so many conveniences and a chance to soak up the sun on your own private deck.

We either walked along the snow white sand beaches or jumped onto a Buggy if we had to reach to any restaurants or any part of the island.