It was so hard to leave.
My wife and I, and our two daughters spent an idyllic 12 days on this glorious island, staying at Atmosphere Kanifushi, everything booked by Julian. It was faultless.
But let's rewind. After a long journey and a pretty exciting seaplane, we were welcomed, shown around and dropped at our two adjacent Beach Villas.
The feeling stepping out onto the most beautiful, soft white sand beach was uplifting. Yes we had arrived, yes this place was special and yes we were going to have a fantastic holiday.
Despite full occupancy, nowhere was crowded. No queuing for anything and no sunbed wars!
On day one I took my fly rods to the sand spit at the end of the island, the walk back with the sunset was jaw-dropping. Who cares that I caught nothing.
Over the next 10 days my eldest and I completed our PADI and then had 23 dives between us. Up early, on the boat, two dives and back for noon to meet up with the rest of the family.
The dive team were superb - patient, professional and fun; special mention to Solli who was our main instructor throughout and got us through our Open Water certificates despite one or two panics and one day of huge waves when I swam with sharks! Lifelong ambition fulfilled.
The food was excellent all round, with plenty of choice. Our two favourites were Just Veg (a first for the Maldives) and the Teppanyaki Grill, especially the cocktails and wine list.
Throughout the resort, landscaping and maintenance teams ensure the place is spotless without feeling manicured.
Finish your trip with a Balinese massage and you will never want to leave… we didn't, but we will return soon.
Lester