While travel bliss can throw up different things to different people, designer AD Singh who spent his honeymoon just an hour away from Colombo amidst the Indian Ocean, found his there. "Busy work, social obligations and moreover a big fat wedding that really can take a toll on many, wasn’t much different for my wife Puneet and me,” he says. "We needed a break from the hustle and bustle and Maldives was just that. If one goes there it truly shows that 72%of the earth is definitely water.”

Into the blue
Maldives has azure seas, turquoise reefs, white sandy beaches, palm trees and more. "It is also a place full of character. While it is the perfect place to sit on a beach and watch a sunset with a cocktail balanced on your hand, it is also a geographical marvel, knowing that there are thousands of fish swimming around the corals just a few feet away from where you sit,” he smiles.

More than 2,000 tropical islands that make the paradise that is Maldives, only about 200 are inhabited, one learns. Of the remaining islands about a 100 have been developed into exotic resort islands that offer tourists their own hideaway.
"Although many believe the Maldives is only a honeymoon destination, it’s certainly not true. It’s also a paradise for people who love adventure and water sports and luxury living,” he adds.

Adventurous stay
AD and Puneet decided to zero in on an island resort, to a water villa suite. "It’s created in the middle of the sea where one can just step down into the sea and go diving and snorkeling at any given point of time,” informs AD.

While it seemed a perfect place for someone who plans to do just "nothing”, there was actually a lot more on offer. "There are so many things one could not miss — apart from jet skiing over the coral water reefs — like the sea plane rides and the parasailing adventures. And what is definitely unique are the cruises and the submarine rides it has to offer. With a bit of training you can always charter a yacht and indulge in diving escapades. Of course, if you wish to be your snooty self who wants the underwater experience while resting in an air-conditioned room with music, one can indulge in a submarine ride. We did both and spoiled ourselves,” he laughs.

However, the calm sea at night wasn’t to be underestimated."Although there is a warning put up in every villa one must take it seriously as we witnessed baby sharks and huge sting rays and stone fish that scale the shallow water during the night especially if the tides are high!” The designer loved the break and plans to return. "I would definitely say I can’t wait to go back there,” he ends.