My trip to the Maldives came about because I wanted a place to defrost from a cold, snowy winter at home. I was feeling discouraged because all the dream destinations near me were sooo expensive. A friend and his wife returned from the Maldives just before I lost hope and suggested looking into it. It sounded even more expensive than what I had been eyeing, but, much to my surprise, it wasn’t! So it was off to the Maldives. To this day, it remains one of the most breathtakingly beautiful places I have ever been.

Highlights include: staying at the Banyan Tree Vabbinfaru and a day trip into the capital, Malé. I doubt I’ll ever have a walk into a hotel as beautiful (see left). I haven’t yet. And swimming, diving and relaxing on the beach at the resort was divine. The food + service were top notch, too. The city was also a culturally fascinating place with lots of good food that I’m so glad I didn’t miss!