Stay at Nika Island if you have an appreciation for the sea, marine life and the equatorial climate. The resort is luxurious ,respectful and consistent with the environment which is why I chose it!
From the airport, I travelled by speedboat to
which is how local people get around, it’s cheaper ($80) and slower (1hr 45 mins) than the sea plane, but if you want an immersive experience, at sea after a long haul flight it’s perfect. On arrival I was made to feel like a celebrity. I was greeted by a friendly Nika Island team member who took my bag and waited whilst I walked along a sandy jetty in paradise! Victor welcomed me with sculpted fruit and coconut water ( that I devoured) in the beautiful reception area, my shoes would soon become a cold weather inconvenience because apart from in the villa, shop, and wooden walkways you really connect with the island by walking barefoot in sand. I stayed in an immaculately clean, deluxe villa. The domed ceilings, in and outdoor showers, large bathroom and four poster bed, were a dream! But the real magic of the villas are the private beaches, hammock, outhouse with a jacuzzi ( didn’t use it don’t like them personally) swing, sun loungers natural coconut tree shade and of course the glassy waters reef and marine animals. The Nika staff and management vibe, is familial, loving, friendly generous, relaxed, humble and professional. When something doesn’t work for you as a guest it is quickly and professionally rectified. I imagine Edwardo (a hands on excellent leader / manager) as a swan: cool and calm gliding along with all the grace, and frantically paddling underneath in order to maintain the serene ness and beauty!
I went on 3 excursions a snorkelling trip to see the turtles, a night snorkel and dancing and drumming on the desert island. All were breathtakingly beautiful and well organised, but I felt Nika could be a bit more creative ( in addition to the local island trip) to engage guests with local people. I acknowledge that this might be difficult given the Maldivian religious observances, but it is achievable! The walk along the desert island was peaceful BUT the plastic bottles and rubbish is disturbing. I resisted the urge to start picking them up but had nowhere to place them.
Lastly the food and drink. The beverages both non alcoholic and alcoholic were refreshing, fresh, creative and delicious. The coffee made the Italian way of course, is to live for. The choices at breakfast were varied and lovely, however I found the food at lunch and dinner in the restaurant underwhelming at times and so chose to eat from the a la carte menu. Then ocean is a perfect pantry and I would have liked to have seen more fish cooked in imaginative ways on offer along with some local dishes! I am aware that the resort caters to a particular palette that is different to mine!
A magnificent experience thank you Nika !
