The first thing that you notice about a flight to Maldives, is the honeymooners; they are everywhere. At least 90% of the seats are taken by loved up couples, with their ‘just married’ balloons and matching t-shirts, all slightly annoyed that their chances of a free upgrade were scuppered by the 300 other couples on board!

On landing at Male airport, we took a speed boat to our destination, after 40 minutes of smooth, turquoise seas we arrived at our island destination. Small huts on stilts stretch out into the water, with others nestling along the shoreline. Everything looks like a page from a luxury lifestyle magazine, from the rose petals on the bed to the clear waters and white sand.

Maldives is best for relaxing, chilling out, water sports and eating! Being based in a full island resort, the only food available is hotel food – and it was amazing! Everything was buffet style, with food from all over the world, fresh fish from that day’s catch, local fruits and tasty desserts. I guess the place needs to feed all those hungry brides who have a starved themselves to fit into their wedding dresses.

Snorkelling through the crystal seas we came across a multitude of fish, some more scary looking than others! We saw stingrays, sharks and loads of little pretty fish, no idea what they were. Seeing the levels of stock we went out on a fishing trip, and managed to be the only two out of a boat of 20 people who didn’t catch a single fish! Some that were being pulled up were huge – all destined to be served at dinner.

If you can, take the island flight, well worth the money. We got a boat ride to a small pontoon in the sea, where a sea plane awaited us. After clambering aboard, strapping ourselves in and listening to the safety briefing, the plane accelerated off over the waves; a very disconcerting motion! Once in the air, the hour long tour flies over many of the islands that make up the nation. Lush green atolls sit in a beautiful ocean, giving way to the dense urban jungle of Male, where office blocks, sports stadiums and flats all jostle for space, hemmed in by the sea.

The Maldives is pricey, but, given global warming, it won’t be here forever, go whilst you can. It’s luxury with a time limit.