Maldives

JG: Because of our inability to get India visas in South Africa, we had no choice but to switch gears and go into India from the south. (Originally, we were going to tour India from the north downward and on to Sri Lanka.) So we opted for the Maldive Islands a few weeks earlier than anticipated. We didn't know much about this country going into this trip, but were interested enough over time to give it a go.

The country itself is a collection of about 1,200 islands, only 10% of which are inhabited, in the Indian Ocean. Tourists can choose from about 80 resort islands, most of which are prohibitively expensive (at least for this trip), but almost for justifiable reason. 

If you can picture the place that would drive you to pack up your 9-to-5 gig, set up your bar or restaurant or your surf shop, and watch the sun rise and set as a daily routine, this is likely it. The ocean is as clear and warm as bath water, and there's not a whole lot to do but water sports, lazing around, and enjoying the identical weather day in and out. We stayed about 5 days on a 'local' island, did a couple of scuba dives (best I've seen in my short time diving), and visited a picnic beach for a day where it's open to the public for a hefty fee. We actually dove with a guy from my beloved Chicago, and enjoyed most of the above as a group effort. 

If there was ever a tropical heaven, no doubt one of its gates resides here.

SS: No wonder this place is the top destination for honeymoons. Just flying over these islands makes you smile. For the right price, you can be pampered beyond believe and stay in luxury one can't even imagine. We didn't stay at those places - not on this budget :( 

We stayed on the ever growing manmade island Hulhumalè, a short ferry ride away from the capital Malè, in a boutique hotel. Culture insist that alcohol, pork and inappropriate swim wear (swim suit/bikinis/ect) is prohibited, only the resort islands can getaway with entertaining the indulging westerners. 

John failed to mention that we nearly drown diving here! Ok, slightly over exaggerating but we tried diving a ship wreck that was too deep for our certification and had a current that sent us crashing into the wreck itself - not to mention that there was no dive master in sight. John went straight to the top and while Andrew (Chicago friend) and I were deeper than him had to hover for a safety stop that drifted us 100 meters from the boat towards the rip line. Scary stuff. Otherwise, the diving around some of the other islands was amazing. 

All in all, the Maldives is a unique stunningly beautiful place that truly is a heaven on earth. Definitely a destination to relax and enjoy.