"Sun Island Resort" Maldives by Conflictrealms

Living in London, it was fairly easy getting to Gatwick Airport. It was simply a matter of just going to Victoria Station, and then getting the Gatwick Express to the airport. The express took us to the south terminal, and we needed to get to the north, so just around the corner and up the stairs was the transit which goes to each terminal every 3 minutes. After checking in, we got our boarding passes for our 1st class seats.

The flight took 10 and half hours. But luckily it was a nightflight, so it was quite calm and peaceful after the first few hours. The entertainment system were a good addition and took up alot of the time.

Once we eventually arrived in Male airport in the maldives, our luggage was taken onto a bus operated by Transmaldian, which is the seaplane service which flies to different resort islands.

We were then taken on a passenger bus to the seaplane airport neaby the main airport. After getting out boarding passes, we boarded the plane, and waited for take off.

The plane was suprisingly easy going, and didn't suffer any of the ear popping, or dizzyness you normally assosiate with planes. After 35 minutes, we arrived at a jetty between 2 resorts. From there, a boat met us, and took us on a 5 minute journey to the small marina of Sun Island Resort

The pathways of the Island

The staff on the island very friendly. They seemed to really want to put all their effort into doing their job and running the hotel. When we arrived, we were greeted with cold towels to freshen up with, and then coconut milk inside the coconut itself, served with a pretty flower and a straw. After filling out 1 or 2 forms, we were told a bit about the hotel by the customer relations worker. After that, we were taken on a golf buggy to our room, which was about 2-3 minute drive. Our luggage was taken on a seperate buggy, and taken right into our room.

When opening the door to our accomodation, i was very impressed and didnt expect it to be as big and clean as it was. There was a safe, minibar, tv with built in internet and 'view bill' function. Also, to my delight, tea and coffee making facilities.

We were then offered an upgrade to all inclusive, which was a very good idea, as drinks were quite expensive at the resort. I would expect this to be the same at any other Maldivian resort.

We then spent time getting to know the way to the main resort from our room, as our accomodation was on the other end of the island, so we had to remember a few turns to take. We got the hang of this pretty quick. Just have to remember that the big pathways are for the island guests, and the smaller pathways are what lead in to staff buildings and areas.

You get told pretty much everything you need to know, such as what daily activities are where, such as the fish feedings. And then you are just free to do whatever you wish.

We spent our time down by the main amenties, As this is where most of the bars were, and also the pool and main restaurant. We only really went back to our room a few hours after lunch, to shower and get ready for the evening.

You'll notice that when your there, everyone has their own way of doing things, so you'll never look out of place. While we were ready for the evening at 5pm, and made our way to the bar, other people were sunbathing, or in the sea untill dusk, and even playing vollyball and other sports.

There were around 5 different excursions altogether, some better than others. So keep in mind if you ever go for something like 2 weeks, be prepared to have something to do.

The earth...

Leaving SUn Island to return to the UK was as easy as getting there. In the rooms, you have a button for the TV called 'Departure Details'. When you click this, you see a table of the rooms checking out the next day. All you have to do is wait for the screen that displays your room number. You then see the details telling you what time to settle your bill at reception, what time your minibar will be locked, what time your wake up call and luggae collection will be, and your actual checking out time.

The morning we left, we got up early to shower, and had packed our suitcases the day before to save us from getting up TOO early. Most departures are early in the morning, so you should expect to get up around 4am-7am. At 6:15am, we got our wakeup call on the phone, but were already dressed and prepared anyway. 15 minutes later, the man came to the door to collect our luggage. We then made our way to reception to fill out the checking out form.

Because we were getting the seaplane at 7:15, we wouldnt make it for breakfast, so instead, they prepare a mini little breakfast in the coffee shop for those departing early. This breakfast is just tea and coffee, with slices of fruit and a few rolls. I really appreciated this gesture, as I didnt expect it at all and thought I would need to splash out on something at Male airport.

We then took the same route in reverse, so it was a boat to the jetty, and then the seaplane to Male.

The only bad thing about the main flight to the UK, this time, was that it was at 11am, and travelling west on the globe, It stayed light out the whole time. This meant we spent 6 hours travelling for 10 and half hours. The best thing about the dayflight, was that there were good oppertunities to take photos. Unfortunatly, I didnt manage to get my camera out intime to take photos of some beautiful photos of Dubai from the air.

I am pleased to say that everything on this trip went very smoothly, and we had no problem whatsoever.

• Pros:A Paradise waiting to be explored.
• Cons:The worthwhile flight of 10 hours to get there.
• In a nutshell:An archipelego paradise which keeps you going back for more and more