Read this blog: The one where Matilda enjoys getting her face wet Monday 23rd to Wednesday 25th February 2026 On Monday morning after a rather fitful night’s sleep, Robert was awake early enough to see the sunrise from our beach. As previously mentioned, the tide was too far out for us to be able to swim within the designated area: Robert only managed to get in to his knees. Instead, we walked along the beach and out to the pontoon which gives access to rooms over the water. From the raised walkway, we saw plenty of wildlife swimming amongst the coral including yellow tailed clown fish and shoals of needle fish. However, the highlight was undoubtedly the young sharks swimming languidly in the shallows [see also Video of the day], sometimes with their fins visible above the water. As a woman who doesn’t like to get her face wet whether swimming in a pool or simply washing with soap and water, Matilda was a little anxious about undertaking going snorkelling. But as she has frequently read that it is beneficial to challenge yourself and leave your comfort zone – and we both like to get our money’s worth – Matilda […]
Maldives
Read this blog: The one where low tide is un-swimmable Saturday 21st and Sunday 22nd February 2026 The first stage of our Sri Lankan adventure is a short stopover in the Maldives. Our early evening flight from Heathrow meant that we could watch the Six Nations‘ England vs Ireland rugby match in the airport Wetherspoons. By half-time, Robert was wishing we hadn’t bothered. The flight, combined with the five hour time difference meant that we saw the sunrise from the stratosphere. Meanwhile, the couple behind us were having an extended argument and we couldn’t help but feel that their holiday/honeymoon was not going to go well. Such a shame when they were going to this incredible bucket-list destination. We arrived at Terminal One [international flights] and discovered that we had to walk to Terminal Two to find our transport to the Villa Nautica resort which is located on Lankanfinolhu Island on the North Malé Atoll. There will be more about the geography of this region in future blogs. Villa Nautica is just a 20-minute speedboat ride from Velana International Airport in the capital city of Malé. When they describe the transport as a speedboat rather than a water taxi, they are […]