Maldives Diary: Royal Island Escape

A story of barefoot luxury, floating breakfasts, and Ricky acting like a movie star.

There are places that live only in dreams, and then there are the Maldives. But not just any Maldives I’m talking about Royal Island Resort & Spa, a true hidden gem nestled in the heart of Baa Atoll. From the moment we landed, it was clear: this trip was going to be magical.

The view from the window during our domestic flight was already a masterpiece of scattered turquoise and soft sandbanks. Me? Speechless. Ricky? Phone out, pretending to shoot a fragrance campaign. Let’s say the airplane glamour got to him.

We were welcomed with tropical drinks and warm smiles. Our Beach Pool Villa was the perfect escape: surrounded by lush green, a private pool, and direct beach access. Waves gently crashing, palm trees swaying… and Ricky whispering: “Ok, I definitely deserve this.” Sweetheart, you’re here with me of course you do.

Floating Breakfast: where food meets fantasy

Our first morning? Iconic. A floating breakfast in our private pool with tropical fruits, perfect eggs, fresh pastries… and Ricky trying to look effortlessly chic while sitting in the water, glass in hand. I just laughed and ate. The perfect balance.

Snorkeling & Sandbank Moments: sea turtles

We then joined a dreamy snorkeling adventure with sea turtles and stingrays gliding gracefully beside us. After that, we escaped to a private sandbank, a tiny island of white sand in the middle of the ocean. Silence, beauty… and Ricky asking if we could “stay here forever.” Spoiler: I completely understood.

Back to Roots: a ritual for the soul

That afternoon, I treated myself to the Back to Roots Ritual at Araamu Spa. It starts with a refreshing cucumber shot, followed by a divine milk foot ritual and deep breathing to release tension. I walked out feeling lighter, fresher, completely reset. Meanwhile, Ricky was testing the hammock. He said that was his kind of therapy.

Sunset Dolphin Safari:

We ended the day with a dolphin sunset safari aboard a traditional Maldivian dhoani. As the sky turned golden, dolphins danced beside the boat. Nobody said a word.

It was just beauty, movement, magic… until Ricky broke the silence: “This is better than Netflix.” I agreed.

Dinner under the stars at Raabondhi

Dinner at Raabondhi Restaurant was a barefoot luxury dream: grilled seafood, fine wine, waves lapping at our feet. I couldn’t imagine a more perfect setting. I couldn’t imagine a more perfect setting.

Dinner at Raabondhi Restaurant was a barefoot luxury dream: grilled seafood, fine wine, waves lapping at our feet. I couldn’t imagine a more perfect setting. I couldn’t imagine a more perfect setting. I wore a total black Rat & Boa skirt, Alohas sandals, and Alohas Raffia bag Ricky turned to me and said: “This is my new personality now.” Honestly?

I wasn’t mad about it. Dinner at Raabondhi Restaurant felt like stepping into a scene from a dream one of those barefoot luxury fantasies you never want to wake up from. The setting was surreal: soft candlelight flickering on the table, grilled seafood so fresh it could’ve swum onto the plate itself, and waves gently lapping at our feet as we sipped chilled wine under the stars. No music, no distractions just the sound of the ocean, the scent of salt and grilled lobster, and that unmistakable Maldivian breeze that somehow resets your entire nervous system.

Skirt RatBoa - Top Skims - Sandals Alhoas

A place, a feeling, a reset

Royal Island isn’t just a resort it’s a complete experience. Authentic yet elevated. Intimate yet grand. A place where every detail is intentional, and time simply melts away.

We returned home with golden skin, full hearts, and a gallery of moments that feel like stills from a dream. If you're looking for a destination where your body relaxes and your soul exhales, Royal Island is the one.

And yes, bring your “Ricky.” He might just discover his inner celebrity and we’ll let him believe it.

OXOX

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