Honeymooning at the Maldives, November 2013
This post has been written for the theme “26 Places, 26 Memories” for the #AtoZChallenge.
V FOR VELASSARU, MALDIVES:
Velassaru is an island resort in the Maldives, a South-East Asian country that consists of 26 atolls in the Indian Ocean, which are a conglomerate of over 1000 tiny islands. Male is the capital, and many of the islands are owned and run by luxury hotel chains. Maldives thrives on tourism, with millions of people visiting these resort islands every year. The incessant rise in sea level will lead to Maldives disappearing soon; so, I recommend a visit as soon as possible!
My husband and I had a mini-moon (honeymoon happened later in Italy) in the Maldives in November 2013, right after we were married. We chose the Velassaru resort, located on its own island, after reading good reviews. It was a short speed boat ride from the mainland, and offered fantastic packages.
Our luxurious water-villa had its own infinity pool, and the secluded environment made us feel romantically marooned on an island. The fantastic staff and delicious food served in the multiple restaurants, were the cherry on top. There are many memorable moments from this vacation but here’s one that really stands out.
VALIANT VENTURES IN VELASSARU, MALDIVES:
With a mortal fear of water, it’s just my luck that I’m married to a water baby. Where my husband loves being in the water and all possible kinds of water sports; I tremble at the thought of standing knee-deep in the shallow end of a swimming pool.
However, in that newly-married phase, we were in a phase of discovery, attempting to please and adapt to each other. Bored after his solo snorkel on the first day; he convinced me to get on a jet-ski with him. I assented, attempting to be braver than I felt. He reassured me that he’d ridden jet-skis on many occasions, and nothing untoward would happen.
Barely two minutes into our designated 30-minute slot, the jet-ski upended and we went headfirst into the Indian Ocean. All I remember is an immense feeling of shock, and the moment spent completely under water that seemed to stretch to eternity. Our life-jackets buoyed us out of the water pretty soon, but I was in the throngs of a major panic attack. Despite being out of the water, I felt I couldn’t breathe, and I was crying uncontrollably. My husband quickly climbed back on to the vehicle while attempting to keep me calm and pull me back up as well. Help arrived swiftly and I finally breathed a sigh of relief once on firm ground.
When I’d calmed down, my husband asked me if I wanted to return to the mainland while he completed the round. It was a defining moment for me. If I’d turned back then, I knew I’d never beat my terrible fear. Surprising even myself, I said, “Let’s go on, I trust you.” The rest of the ride passed without incident. Surrounded by the vast Indian ocean, I clung on to the love of my life, while he drove the jet-ski surely but slowly.
Having bravely faced my fears that day, I signed off water sports after that. There’s no need to prove my undying love anymore, you see 😉
Come back tomorrow for the letter W and another story!
Minutes before the fateful jet-ski ride
The stunning Velassaru Resort, Maldives
Honeymooning at Velassaru Resort, Maldives, November 2013
Book a stay in Maldives by clicking here.
*The copyright in all pictures belongs to nooranandchawla.
**This is not a sponsored post, but it contains an affiliate link. If you book a stay using my link, I’ll earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.
A for Amritsar, B for Bhopal, C for Cambodia, D for Delhi, E for England, F for France, G for Gwalior, H for Hemkund Sahib, I for Italy, J for Jim Corbett National Park, K for Kamakhya Devi Temple, L for London, M for Munich, N for Naples, O for Odisha, P for Prague, Q for Qila Mehrangarh Jodhpur, R for Rishikesh, S for Singapore, T for Tarifa in Spain, U for Udhampur in Jammu & Kashmir
Omg that must be really scary, even the thought of it is scary. sometimes even the life-boat can do anything but this is how life is. full of oops and ups.. Lovely name of the resort, Velassaru
It was pretty scary Arti, but thankfully it wasn’t serious!
What a thriller it was! Was thinking that after the incident you would have got annoyed, yelled etc but you took an about turn😊Good!
There’s so much to say. First of all thanks for adding to my geographical vocabulary, getting to know of so many new places. Next time, we plan a visit, would consider taking your advice too. Hope you won’t mind.
Then, your pics as well photography of locations is amazing.
I liked the concept of mini moon but but but…its toooooo late now😂
Reading your line attempting to please…. reminds me of one small incident of our honeymoon. I am a pure vegetarian who avoids onions, if possible, forget Eggs. And can you imagine, i not only had omelette continously for 7 to 8 days but tried chicken also. Don’t know how. Still wonder. Sach, love is blind😅
Thanks Samira! You can always ask me for travel recommendations- that’s my love and prerogative as a blogger 🙂
Loved your incident! Yes love is truly blind 😂😂
Omg this sounds so scary. In my case, the scene is opposite as my husband is hydrophobic and I love adventure. Jet ski is on my bucket list too. It’s good that you agreed to go again and overcame your fear. Dar k aage jeet hai 😊
Thanks Vartika! Good to know the situation is reversed in your case 😂
That is why I scare to get into water sports. It scares the hell out of me. Glad everything was okay. You guys had to face this in your honeymoon period. Pretty sad 🙁
Awww loved the post! glad you did it! It must be fun right? also lovely pictures!
It definitely wasn’t fun for me, but my husband loved it 😂
Loved your attitude after the incident, Noor. I love Maldives too, pity it might not exist soon. Great pics, as always!
Thank Mayuri 🙂
Stunning photographs, and post.. I love to read your travel blogs of different places..
Thank you Roopali!
Ohh God!! Even after a hiccup you gathered yourself and completed the task, amazing. Thats like a Kaur😊.
Your photographs are awesome.
Thank you 😊
That’s a real compliment 🤗
You are a strong girl dear, you decided to still go ahead despite of being almost choked, shows your resilience and mental power.
Thank you Roma 😊
I just love these amazing and curiosity laden anecdotes and your pictures are the oommmphhhh factor! They add a level of connect and authenticity that takes your readers right to the spot and in that moment with you.
Thank you! Glad you’re enjoying them!
👍
This gave me chills but I’m so glad that it turned out to be an great experience for you. In our case also, my husband loves water and I am quite scared of any kind of water sports. Lovely post and gorgeous pictures
Thank you Sonia 🙂
Beautiful pictures of Maldives. Sea is so clean and turquoise green. Fear of water is understandable. You did the right thing overcoming your fear. Snorkelling is not that bad, given one stays barely below water.
Thank you for reading and appreciating:)
You faced your fear and you overcame it…for the instance, if you could have continued facing the fear then am sure the fear would have surely vanished.
Nice read.
Thank you 😊
Scary yet exciting place! I think it was the perfect honeymoon destination for you:)
U r brave to go ahead. I am scared of water and both my kids are water babies.Dunno what I will be made to do in Phuket next week 🙂
Haha! Have fun 😊
Lovely post and gorgeous you, “Surrounded by the vast Indian ocean, I clung on to the love of my life, while he drove the jet-ski surely but slowly”, by saying this you surely need not prove your love 🙂 Aha
Awww thanks Priyanka 😊
Oh My! What a scary and panicky moment that must have been.But so glad that you overcame your fear!
Velassaru seems like a beautiful resort and you have captured the beauty of Maldives so well in these few pictures!
Thank you Shilpa! It was scary but I’m glad I got back on.
It is necessary to break the fears. Good that you chose to trust him and completed the round. It would be a great experience for sure.
Yes i’m glad i did too. Thanks Amrit!
Your welcome
Wow what a surreal place…didnt know about it. Nice travelogue. Keep going.
#ContemplationOfaJoker #Jokerophilia
Thanks Manas!
The episode about the Jet Ski was interesting. Travel leaves us with memorable moments.
Yes it does!
What a scary ride it was. Loved your attitude in the post after the ride.
Thank you 😊
Your pictures looks great and Maldives is in my wishlist too…loved reading your travel experience! I wish to plan one soon!
Thank you 😊 Glad you liked it!
Woah that was a scary ride and with your fear it out be a lot more scarier. You are tough that’s great you completed it, kudos to you.
Thank you 😊
Velassaru is indeed a paradise. But kudos to you for being brave and continuing on the Jet Ski ride immediately after a panic attack. That indeed needs guts and of course complete faith in your partner.
Thanks for reading and appreciating:)
I can understand what shock you went through. I am afraid of the waters too 🙊🙈 By the way I would love to visit Maldives some day. The beach is peaceful! 🙂
Yes Maldives is the best beach vacation I have ever had- nothing else comes close!
Brave you! You faced your fears head on… way to go, gal. Keep writing your thrilling tales .. am enjoying them so much. Btw lovely pictures 👍
Thank you Bushra 🙂
That’s brilliant confronting our fears is the best thing we can do . I remember going diving with my hubby, while I didn’t knew how to swim , just basis I trusted him and it was a heavenly experience for me.
I would’ve enjoyed it more if I wasn’t afraid of water I feel, but it was still a memorable experience!
This was such a pleasure to read, loved knowing about your experience and how you bravely faced your fears. Waiting for the next one.
Thank you 😊
I must say you are a brave girl. All the clicks are amazing looks like you guys had lot of fun there.
Thank you! Yes we did 🙂
Oh thrilling and chilling!! Your pics and storytelling took me to Maldives…Lovely post and glad that you faced your fears. I m a scaredy cat too when it comes to water…
Glad you liked it!
Maldives is a great destination. This resort looks marvellous. Water villas are my favourites. Seems that you have had a gala time at the resort
Yes we did
Honestly saying, I was actually completely involved and a bit nervous about what happens next, loved the blog and the way you have written this whole experience is just damn fab!
Thank you! Glad you liked it!
The water villa looks absolutely luxurious. The beach side view is also calming. Hope you enjoyed a lot in your mini honeymoon
Yes we really did
Braving thru your fears is always rewarding. Especially when anxiety turns into exhilaration and the adrenalin kicks in… things get exciting pretty quickly
Yes they do!
Maldives is an excellent destination for honeymoon! We went to Mauritius though… beautiful write up!
http://www.docdivatraveller.com
I’ve been to Mauritius too, but Maldives was just closer 😊
The incident sounds scary…but you went back on the jet ski…commendable. I would love to visit Maldives soon.
It’s really beautiful!
I really like your sportive spirit plus it was your faith in your partner that you went to face your fear.
Thank you 😊
That was very brave of you to try when you were afraid of the water.Loved reading aboit the minimoon
Thank you!
OMG it must have been a scary moment, glad you picked up yourself and went again. Love you post and your spirit. Go girl
Thanks Gunjan 🙂
Loving your travel AToZ posts… I have never been to Maldives but so tempted to plan a vacation there after reading your post. Loved the pics!
Thank you 😊
That was so brave of you! To trust your hubby and go ahead!
Haha i still can’t believe it!
Love can make you do wonders.
Wow, is this heaven? So serene, tranquil and calm. I am definitely keeping Maldives on the TOP in my list of places to visit before I die.
You must go soon!