Maldives Part 1: Getting There

We left Qatar early on Friday morning (yup, I turned 30 waiting in line at Doha International Airport).  Unfortunately our flight was almost an hour late departing, so we were late arriving to Male, the capital city.  Upon arriving there was a Constance representative waiting for us, and he took our luggage, checked us in at the Maldivian Air Taxi counter and then escorted us to the air-conditioned Constance Hotels bus.  There are two Constance Resorts in the Maldives - Halaveli and Moofushi.  We then drove to the Constance lounge (about 10 minutes away) which is located in the MAT (Maldivian Air Taxi) airport.

(Big C in the Lounge)

The hostess gave us fresh towels and fresh fruit juice and took all our details and checked us in to the resort while we sipped some fresh coffee.  We had to wait a bit longer than expected for our air taxi (thanks to our late flight....) but after 2 hours we were taken out to catch the seaplane.

(A bit sleepy)

 (This was my first time on a seaplane!)

The plane was full - holds 19 people (one crew, 18 passengers) plus the Pilot and First Officer.  There is no door to the cockpit, so you can see it all! Much more old school than what I imagine a newer airplane would look like inside! Also no AC...oh we were a sweaty mess when we landed! Leaving Qatar, I can't exactly wear "beach clothes" so my jeans, top and shoulder cover were soaked! (Too much info?)

(Our "taxi")

 We taxied out and then we were off! Not as scary as I thought!

 (Off we go!)

(View from the plane...don't know which resort this is...but there were many!)

We stopped at another resort first, before landing at Moofushi.  It took about 35 minutes to get there (including the stop).

 

 (Safety first!)

 (Inside the cockpit)

(Constance Moofushi from the air!)

 

 (Landed! Made it!)

(Welcome to Constance Moofushi....)