Seaplane in Male
Okay, so I made it to the Maldives – after quite a bit of island hopping. I flew from India (after a layover in Chennai and a flight that stopped in Bengaluru and some other town I’ve never heard of before arriving in Male. From there, I transfered to local airline.
Flip-Flop Wearin’, Soon-to-be-Barefoot Pilot of Seaplane
I had booked a flight to my hotel’s island, Gangehi. The plane turned out to be a seaplane, one of those ones capable of landing and taking off on the water. One of the pilots was wearing flip-flops, and literally flew half the flight barefoot. The views from the plane after we left Male were spectacular. You can watch a short clip, if you like. In it, you can see from above the set-up of a typical island resort, with bungalows that extend out over the water.
After a little while, the plane landed on the water next to an island and pulled up at the end of a dock. I got off with everyone else, and walked along the dock toward the land. I could see so many fish in the clear water, it was incredible. When I got to shore, however, I realized that this was not the island I was supposed to stay at. Apparently, it just was a lay-over island for me.
Approaching Gangehi by Boat
A boat was pulling up to the dock, and as I turned, I saw they were looking for me and gathering my luggage. I went back and got on for my private boat ride to my island.
Some Over-the-Water Bungalows at Gangehi (as seen from my deck)
When I arrived at Gangehi, I was greeted with a face towel and fresh lemonade as I walked up the dock towards reception for check-in. Pretty swanky.
I had decided to book one of their nicer rooms reasoning that a) this may be the only time I stay at one of these island resort type places, b) my birthday is this week, so I might as well treat myself, and c) if I’m coming all the way to one of these places, I don’t want to stay in some dinky room just near the beach. I want to stay in one of those huts that is literally over the ocean.
The bathroom, open to the sea and rain, but not exposed…
So…my room is AMAZING! I’m staying in an over-water bungalow. My bathroom and shower literally open up to the ocean.
Shower and Sea
I can pee or shower and literally watch the fish swim by under my bungalow. That side of the building is open to the sea and sky, but with a privacy screen. It’s beautiful and airy.
Steps to the Sea
I have a back patio with a sunbed and steps that lead directly into the ocean. I had requested a sunset view, and I got one. It’s spectacular! This place is crazy beautiful.
Back patio sunset the first evening
Room has wooden furniture from Kerala
Vist from the Night Crane
Even if I never left this room at all, I’d love every second of my week here. I even had a visit by a stork to my patio last night just after sunset. Wow, I’m so happy I came here!
View with Sunbed
Can you blame me?? Look at that view! This is what I woke up to this morning! After weeks in Kolkata, I hardly know what to do with all this fresh air!