Maldives - experiencing the local island vibe and the luxurious overwater villa

It was our first day in the Maldives, and the moment we landed, we were met with a packed airport and the reality that, yes—everything here is expensive. The country enjoys warm weather year-round, so as soon as you step outside, be ready to embrace the heat.

Just a few hundred meters from the airport is the port, where we set off for our first destination: Ukulhas. Finding the right concierge for the ferry was easy, and soon, we were on our way to this charming local island.

Upon arrival, we checked into our boutique hotel, and it was even more beautiful than we imagined—right in front of a bikini beach! All we had to do was cross a small road, and there it was: pristine white sand and crystal-clear waters waiting for us.

With our bags settled, the next mission was food. Since our hotel only served breakfast, we set out to explore, eager to find a local spot to satisfy our hunger and start our Maldivian adventure. 🌴✨

The next morning, we woke up to the sound of heavy rain. It was pouring, so we had no choice but to wait it out. But once the skies cleared, the island revealed its beauty once again—fresh, vibrant, and just as stunning as ever.

We spent the day exploring the beach and wandering through the island, soaking in the peaceful atmosphere. The following day, we set out for Shark View Point, an incredible spot where we could see reef sharks and manta rays up close. Since their feeding times were scheduled, we made sure to arrive right on time. Watching so many of them glide effortlessly through the water was absolutely mesmerizing.

To wrap up another amazing day, we indulged in yet another delicious dinner, ending the night on a perfect note. 🌊✨

This day was all about exploring the underwater world. We chose to go swimming with manta rays, knowing it was either a hit or miss—but after an hour of searching, we finally spotted two graceful manta rays gliding right in front of us! Watching them move so effortlessly in their natural habitat was an unforgettable experience.

After that, we were taken to some snorkeling lagoons. One spot was a bit wavy, making it tricky to stay in place, so we decided to head back to the island before the midday sun got too intense.

In the afternoon, we arranged for our daughter to do Discover Scuba—a perfect introduction to diving. It was much cheaper on the local island than at a luxury resort, making it a great opportunity. Since it was her first dive, the instructors guided her through breathing techniques and basic hand signals. Watching her take her first breaths underwater was truly special, and for her, it was another unforgettable moment.

Later, we took a leisurely walk around the island, stopping by the only grocery store, which surprisingly had all the basic necessities. We also picked up some souvenirs for friends and family—a little piece of the Maldives to bring home with us.

Our last day on the island was just as perfect as the first, leaving us with memories we’d cherish forever.

This was the day we transferred to our luxury resort villa—the crème de la crème of our Maldives experience. Since there was no direct ferry from our island to the resort, we first had to return to Malé and take the resort’s private boat.

To maximize our time at the resort, we opted for the 7 AM boat, but upon arriving in Malé, we were told we had to wait for other arriving plane passengers. Luckily, the waiting area was clean and comfortable, with cafés where we could relax.

Finally, we set off for Oaga Resort, a one-hour journey across the breathtaking Maldivian waters. The moment we arrived, we could tell this resort was special—it wasn’t the typical high-end, polished luxury resort. Instead, Oaga Resort embraced local Maldivian artistry, with vibrant murals and handcrafted pieces from various Maldivian artists. The entire place had an artsy, cultural vibe, showcasing the true colors of Maldivian heritage.

Our overwater villa was bright and colorful, a perfect blend of luxury and charm. And since we chose an all-inclusive package, we had the freedom to enjoy alcoholic drinks—something you won’t find on local islands—and indulge in delicious meals from different restaurants around the resort.

This day was all about exploring the island and soaking in every little detail, from the stunning artwork to the relaxing ocean views. It was the perfect start to our luxury island escape.

This day was all about pure relaxation and fun. We spent most of it sliding down our private villa’s slide, splashing straight into the crystal-clear waters—an experience that never got old! When we weren’t in the ocean, we were soaking up the sun at the resort’s different pools, each offering a new level of bliss.

One of the highlights of the day was the cocktail-making class, where we learned how to mix up the resort’s signature drinks—a fun and refreshing way to embrace the island spirit. Meanwhile, our daughter joined a handcrafting session with local artists, creating her own little masterpiece while we sipped on our freshly made Maldivian cocktails and admired the endless blue sea in front of us.

These simple yet beautiful experiences kept us busy all day—from indulging in delicious Maldivian cuisine to immersing ourselves in the rhythm of live island music. And as the day came to a close, we watched the golden sunset paint the sky, a perfect ending to another unforgettable day in paradise. 🌅✨

was bittersweet knowing this was our last full day at the resort. We had an amazing time, and we weren’t ready to say goodbye just yet.

Thanks to our all-inclusive package, we started the day with the ultimate floating breakfast in our villa—picture-perfect and totally Instagrammable! Sipping fresh juice and indulging in a delicious spread while floating in our private pool felt like pure luxury.

After breakfast, we took full advantage of the resort’s water sports. Despite the scorching sun, our daughter absolutely loved it—paddleboarding and riding an inflatable sofa pulled by a speedboat. Her laughter echoed over the water, making it all the more special.

As the afternoon rolled in, we set off on a sunset cruise, sipping champagne while gliding over the calm waters. The combination of golden skies, gentle waves, live music, and great conversations with other guests made for an unforgettable experience.

To end the night, we enjoyed one last round of cocktails before sinking into a luxurious bubble bath, gazing out at the moonlit ocean. It was the perfect way to savor every last moment of our Maldivian escape.