Seeing as I have wanted to stay in a water bungalow, in the Maldives, with its own hammock since I was a little girl, it would have been crazy for me not to make the most of it!
So while mum was tucked up comfortably inside, I dragged my duvet out and made a bed between the ocean and the stars.
I fell asleep looking for shooting ones and counting the rest.
Waking with the sun and the birds the next morning.
(But not before stealthy Mum and her snapper!)
With hair still wet from the day before!
After a good long strrreeeeetttcccchhh, a yawn and a swim; we set off to breakfast.
Weaving through the palms on our all-black-errthing rides.
After an enormous breakfast, we visited somewhere Mum had been itching to go to since we arrived.
The island Orchid Houses.
Here they grow the flowers that decorate the resort.
They hang from every other tree, adorn every table and bring a touch of the exotic… to the exotic island!
Mum in her element!
Having satisfied her green thumbs, we went to satisfy my snorkelling addiction.
Jumped on a wooden boat, and headed out to sea.
So in love with this white cover-up, you’ll never guess where it’s from!
I’ll give you a hint, it’s not Chloè.
We cut through the shimmering blue water like a hot knife through butter.
Rejoicing in the cooling breeze.
(Much like Custard with his head out of the car window.)
Just as we both settled down to enjoy the ride, it stopped.
We’d arrived at the reef and it was time to jump in!
In the morning I had said that all I wanted was to see a sea turtle.
To swim with one and watch how they move.
As we swam along the edge of the reef, I kept my eyes firmly peeled… desperate for a little glimpse.
But I needn’t have bothered.
…They’re not shy!
This was just turtley awesome!
Even Mum, who’s new to the world of Duck Diving, came down to take a closer look.
Totally elated and more than a little bit emotional, we swam onwards.
And even found Nemo!
Before we knew it, it was time to head home.
We clambered on board. Showered off and took our seats, grinning from ear to ear.
Just look at the colour of that water!
Have you ever seen anywhere more beautiful?
It could really only be improved with sandwiches. Which was lucky.
We ate the contents of our lunch boxes and settled in for a quick siesta.
Back on dry land, we headed for our favourite spot.
Ready for ice-cream!
I don’t think I’ve ever been anywhere where the water actually glows, like it does at Reethi Rah.
I put my “Donut Disturb” sign on for the rest of the afternoon.
Oiled up, braided hair, slipped on a loose dress and Silver May Constellation for supper.
And cocktails with my bestie.
Accompanied by the most unbelievably addictive snacks!
^ If you ever find these in England, please let me know! I need them.
For supper we rode our bikes over to the organic “Chef’s Garden”.
Nestled under the trees, in a part of the jungle you could easily miss.
Glittering with fairy-lights, candles and oil lamps, it’s very, very romantic.
Even if you are on a mother-daughter date!
We tucked into delicious piles of lobster, shrimp, steak and chicken. All flame grilled to perfection on the open fire.
Fruitbats swooped overhead, birds cackled in the trees and we laughed late into the night.
Returning home for mum to get into bed, and for me to get into my hammock just once more.
C’mon, you’ve got to make the most of paradise while you’ve got it, right?
