Woman This Month’s Brand Ambassador & Associate Editor, Esky Dubois, recently visited the gorgeous Maldives as a guest of the Raaya by Atmosphere resort.
We’ve all heard the whispers of the Maldives – ‘Heaven on Earth,’ they call it. For me, the true magic of a destination often begins long before arrival, setting the tone from the moment I step off the plane. In the Maldives, that feeling of paradise wasn’t just met; it was wildly exceeded.
My journey began with a seamless immigration process, made even easier by pre-filling my declaration form the day before leaving Bahrain. Emerging into the warm Maldivian air, I was greeted by a friendly representative who whisked me away for a quick drive to the seaplane check-in. The dedicated lounge, complete with refreshments, offered a tranquil prelude to the adventure ahead. Though offered a chance to refresh, I chose instead to soak in the vibrant atmosphere, filming the seaplanes dotting the water – a true spectacle in itself.
If you think the idea of the Maldives being a paradise is an exaggeration, you’ll understand the injustice done to this island nation the moment your eyes land on its breath-taking scenery and your feet touch its soft sands. Boarding the seaplane, you will have you constantly checking your phone storage, filming nonstop. After a mesmerising 45-minute flight, a truly VIP welcome awaited at Raaya by Atmosphere resort. The staff and management, lined up with traditional musicians beating their celebratory drums, made me feel like royalty.
A Dreamlike Stay at Raaya by Atmosphere
During my three-night stay at Raaya by Atmosphere, my villa was nothing short of dreamlike. Boasting a private pool and direct access to the beach, it offered the perfect blend of luxury and tranquillity.
Each morning, I awoke with a sense of excitement, eager for the day’s discoveries. Breakfast at RAAYA Life – All Day Dining was an absolute feast. The buffet spread, an exquisite fusion of Asian, European, Indian and Maldivian cuisines, along with live cooking stations, dim sum, and an array of salads, fruits and desserts, was truly divine.
I had eagerly anticipated a serene start to my day with a floating breakfast in the privacy of my villa’s pool. Unfortunately, unpredictable rain meant not only we had to scratch our planned floating breakfast but also our pre booked ‘House Reef Snorkelling’ adventure, where I hoped to discover the vibrant corals and playful fish of their underwater paradise. While disappointed, the resort’s charm more than made up for it.
Stepping into Sebastian’s World
One of the undeniable highlights of my stay was delving into the fascinating story of Sebastian, the castaway explorer. He’s not someone you’ll meet in person, but his immersive backstory permeates every aspect of Raaya by Atmosphere, creating a truly unique guest experience. Sebastian is depicted as an artist and amateur sailor who was shipwrecked on the very island where the resort now stands, living alone for eight years before being discovered.
The entire resort is a tribute to Sebastian’s time as a castaway. Every design element, structure and landmark is inspired by what he supposedly crafted from natural materials and flotsam. His connection to nature is woven into the resort’s ethos, particularly at the ELE|NA spa, where healing massages and treatments are inspired by the island’s natural elements. I was delighted to find my massage bed adorned with leaves wishing me a ‘Happy Birthday’ before enjoying an hour of pure relaxation with an incredible therapist.
The Seb’s Rustic Home area is a hub of Maldivian arts and crafts, featuring local artists and designed to resemble Sebastian’s makeshift huts. Here, guests can participate in guided activities, including a traditional dhoni building workshop. I even ended up crafting a dhoni and later joined other GCC media members in a friendly competition!
But Seb’s Farm was my personal favourite. This sustainable farm-to-table restaurant exemplifies the resort’s commitment to eco-conscious practices. Every dish and drink (served in coconut glasses) features organic ingredients sourced directly from the farm and local fisheries.
As a vegetarian, I was thrilled to personally select vegetables for my dinner – a truly fresh and personalised experience. My vegetarianism didn’t stop me from indulging at The Village, the resort’s Italian restaurant. Its menu, featuring exquisite pastas, gnocchi and risottos, all perfectly paired with fine grape beverages, was a delightful culinary journey.
Though I departed Raaya by Atmosphere on the eighth morning via Velana International Airport, my mind often drifts back to the magical night of May 7, my birthday celebration. Thanks to our incredible host, Ms. Shiru, who paid attention to every small detail, I truly felt like I was in paradise. And as I look at the dhoni I crafted, I’m mentally transported back to that Maldivian dream.
