We just returned from our honeymoon in the Maldives, here at Summer Island. This was the experience of a lifetime, and it is all thanks to the wonderful people and exquisite island there.
First off, we were a bit concerned with the rainy season, but we had 6 out of 8 days of wonderful sunshine. Rain here is quite pleasant, it varies between a mist-like spray and a light shower. The winds can get a bit strong while raining. That being said, it never lasted for more than 2 hours. The only real drawback of the rainy days, in my opinion, is the lack of sun, which takes away the absolute stunning beauty of the crystal clear water.
The transfer from airport to island takes about 45 minutes, with a speed boat provided by Summer Island. You are greeted aboard with water and a cold, wet towel to refresh you after the long flight.
Once on the island, welcoming cocktails and wet towels await, and after the paperwork, a friendly employee takes you to your room of choice. We mentioned we were in our honeymoon and our room was specially prepared in the evening with a bottle of wine, flowers and special decorations. The room was great, had good AC, universal electrical outlets (no need for adaptors), two 1L bottles of fresh drinking water twice a day (plus the option to ask for refills), an open bathroom with plants, all the bathroom gels and soaps (shower gel, shampoo, conditioner, body lotion).The ocean was 10 meters away, visible from inside, and there was a little gulf with palm trees which was absolutely gorgeous.
The island is about 500m long and maybe 50-100m in its widest point, which makes it feel super intimate and cozy. We would tour the island every evening before and after dinner, under the moonlight.
The contour of the island is basically one continuous beach, and all of the places are beautiful and special, but the best ones, in my opinion, were 1. the beach next to the water bungalows (also where you could find the most beautiful turquoise water), 2. the gulf (at the other end of the island), and 3. the water hammock (next to the infinity pool).
The wildlife is amazing. You can find all sorts of crabs, birds, fruit bats and lizards on the island. If you walk by the water bungalows, you can see one or more sharks (there were also baby sharks always swimming along the edge of the beach next to the bungalows), rarely a stingray, and even turtles if you re lucky (i had the fortune of finding one while snorkelling under the bungalows and swam with it for 10 minutes, it was very friendly and didn’t mind me petting it). Also, multi-coloured parrot fish, “Nemo and Dory” fish, barracudas and all sorts of other species. One free snorkelling trip is available (you have to schedule it with someone at the reception, the day before), taking you to a nearby reef where you can see the marine life at its core. The diving center rents snorkelling equipment at affordable prices.
For sports, they have a gym, a badminton court, a ping pong table, billiards, darts, and table football, all free. Most water sports and activities are very expensive, in my opinion - hundreds of dollars for the paid snorkelling trip, scuba diving and others, however more accesible activities include the likes of kayaking, paddle boarding or windsurfing.
The food was delicious and plenty to choose from, they always offer local cuisine, but a few dishes change every day, depending on the culinary theme. Also, the background music during meals was wonderful, a mix of classical, jazz and instrumental pop - subtle detail, but it made the lowly-lit dinner that much better. Drink-wise, the beach bar had natural drinks and cocktails for a decent price, like fresh coconut water (served in coconut).
And last but not least, the staff was absolutely wonderful, always eager to help, very kind, well spoken and friendly.
For us, it truly has been paradise on earth, we have nothing bad to say about it.
Thank you, Summer Island!
