Today I’m introducing a new series: Wanderlust Wednesday.  I’ll be featuring photos and details of places I’ve been or that are on my every-growing list of new locations to visit.

To celebrate our 20th wedding anniversary, my husband and I recently went to the Maldives.  This was the first place I pinned on my GO board on Pinterest.  Turns out we actually selected this same resort for our vacation!

We flew Etihad Airways making an overnight stop in Abu Dhabi before going on to Male, Maldives.  Kelly Gruber at Sherry Lane Travel helped us with this special trip.  Not only was it wonderful to have someone experienced handle the details of flying to the Middle East, she knew the shortest route! Etihad Airways was a vacation in and of itself.  I hope to have the opportunity to fly this incredible airline again soon.

We stayed at the St. Regis Saadiyat Island for one night on the way to the Maldives and two nights on the way back.  Kelly’s suggestion was spot on and we were treated like royalty at this beautiful beach resort.  I’ll share the details of our time here in another post soon.

We continued on to the Six Senses Laamu.  It was amazing!  The resort features authentic Maldivian architecture with most structures over water – which is what you want in the Maldives, of course.  And the water….simply indescribably blue.  Every shade of gorgeous blue.

Six Senses Laamu has both Overwater Villas and Beach Villas.  We stayed in an Overwater Villa with a pool at the end of Jetty A.  It was the perfect location.  Privacy but close enough to the restaurants, spa, Beach Club, and of course the 42 flavors of homemade ice cream!

The food was fresh and plentiful.  I wish this was breakfast every day!

Surfing was available for all levels.  We now consider the Head Surf Guide, David Hooper, a good friend.  This is my husbands favorite beach activity.  I love it, too.

Ocean Dimensions, the on property dive shop, has a wonderful and experienced staff.  The snorkeling was like being in the Finding Nemo movie!  I’ve never seen Angel Fish so large.

We rode our personalized bikes down the jetty to breakfast and all around the island.

Every staff member was so warm and gracious.

Can you believe these beautiful Spa Nests?

The bluest water you’ve ever seen.  Photos truly don’t do it justice.

I love a good sunset and those in the Maldives certainly didn’t disappoint.

Our candlelight dinner on the beach after a cruise at sunset to watch the “resident” dolphin pod was unforgettable.

This resort and destination are a must for your Bucket List.  We will certainly return.

Where are you headed next?

xo

Alicia

A few of my must haves for the Maldives:

Photos are mine and from the Ocean Dimensions and Six Senses Laamu websites.