Simply Abu Dhabi XI

T he Maldives has long existed in the minds of many as the epitome of island escapes – the definitive exotic paradise, replete with an endless turquoise ocean, white silky sands and unforgettable sunsets. Nick Rice visits the Viceroy Maldives to see if the perceptions hold true. Being a firm believer in seeing and experiencing places for yourself, rather than blithely accepting the opinions of others, it wasn’t easy to push back the florid descriptions of friends who had already visited theMaldives. They were all distinctly positive of course, but I wanted my mind to be a blank canvas, no preconceptions… just a willingness to experience these much- vaunted islands. The flight to the capital of Male is filled with holidaymakers, testament to the enduring popularity of the Maldives as a luxurious and aspirational destination. Peering out of the plane window, the array of islets emerging from the crystalline blue ocean are transfixing – so many little pieces of paradise. Upon landing in Male the large groups of package holiday punters disperse and it’s then onto a small seaplane for a one- hour flight to exclusive seclusion on the 17-acre private island of Vagaru – the home of the Viceroy. 2 7 3 S I M P LY A B U DH A B I