What an unexpected delight it was to find the Maldives! For those who aren't familiar (we weren't), it's a ring of 1200 islands located about 600 miles south of the southern most tip of India. We'd heard of it many times over the years from multiple well-traveled friends who'd said it was their favorite place on earth. So we gambled and added it to our around the world itinerary. Not a trivial thing to do as it took four long flights (including a sea plane) to get into and out of this tiny slice of paradise. Was it worth it? Oh yeah. We're planning on returning in 2019!

The images below are not Photoshopped. The water really looks like liquid aquamarine.

the most common question i get is "where are the maldives?"

About 600 miles south of the most southern tip of india. It's the lowest country in the world, at only 6 feet above sea level. It's a ring of 1200 atolls, many of which are individuals resorts.

We stayed at Veligandu Resort on the North Ari Atoll, which encompasses the entire island. Sounds huge? You could walk the entire island in about 15 minutes.

Our Villa

Our "Water Jacuzzi Villa" is straight ahead, at the end of the pier. Luckily for us, we had one of the best villas in the whole resort.

One very happy guy. With a very few short steps you're in the reef. You could also just sit on the deck with a glass of wine and watch the sharks cruise by...

Night Shooting

And one of my favorites from Maldives, a night shot of the Milky Way. And great thanks to my patient husband who sat with me late one night to get this image!

jaw dropping sunsets

May we return again one day!

Now, off to Cambodia.