Bone-white sand, deserted beaches, stunning reefs, snorkelling in crystal clear waters, and a plethora of drool-worthy luxury resorts—the breathtaking beauty of the Maldives has everyone wanting to return. So when Priya Ahuja Raida, popularly known as Rita Reporter of Tarak Mehta ka Ulta chashma – along with her husband, Malav Raida, and son, Ardaas Raida – revelled in the sensuality of the island recently, she couldn’t wait to share her unforgettable experience with us.
Priya is a hodophile, she is truly passionate about travelling and loves to explore the beauty of our planet. She likes to visit one place and makes it a point every year on her wedding anniversary. Being an Aquaholic, she loves scuba diving and is well trained in underwater diving.
The Maldives. For Priya and her husband Malav Raida, the name stirs feelings of luxury, adventure, and conjures up the vision of a town place filled with exotic sights, sounds, and smells. And the family were not disappointed when they finally arrived on this stunning chain of islands in the Indian Ocean. Historically and geographically, the Maldives have had cultural and economic ties only with its neighbours India and Sri Lanka, but there is a world apart in atmosphere. Consisting of 26 natural atolls, the Maldives comprises 1,192 islands and is the lowest-lying nation that of largely about communing with the ebbing tides.
The second reason they picked this destination was to travel to a safe place that didn’t have too many restrictions and rules as opposed to other countries.
This was Priya’s second trip to the Maldives, but first with Ardaas. She says Ardaas is also an aquaphile like her and spent all his time on the beach building sandcastles playing in the sand. “He admired water to such an extent that he had his meals also near the baby pool.”
The family stayed at the magnificent island positioned in the middle of the Indian Ocean named Bandos.
A perfect bliss secluded from city life where the breeze sets the mind at ease. According to the actress and social influencer, the clear blue water and white sandy beach creates a feeling of calmness and peace as soon as you land.
On their first day, they relaxed and enjoyed the surroundings, and walked the beaches in the evening. “One thing we noticed – and also a reason why we love travelling – is how the staff and locals are always delighted to help the tourists.” As Maldivians follow Islamic traditions in food, dining at Paradise was a pleasure. The cuisine was fresh and innovative, and the wine list was carefully handpicked.
The crystal clear seawater is also the home for mantas, whale sharks, and reef sharks, the highlight of the tour was deep-sea diving. The most charming ones were the flatworms and ghost pipefish who hid among its debris, coral reef gardens, and pyramid. Exploring the underwater wildlife was indeed a divine experience after a long time. Their other favourite moment was spending time with Ardaas in the baby pool. The fam departed invigorated by the tropical atmosphere and wondering whether the rest of the world was even necessary!
The Maldives is famous for its vibrant culture, picture-perfect beaches, crystal-clear waters and, of course, the most luxurious resorts in the world - enough for Priya to recommend it! And with hospitable Maldivians and friendly people, who will go beyond their way to make your holiday smoother, it made their holiday all the more special! - Surabhi