A simple wooden path, a palm-covered island and the softest sand.

A rocky green island rising out of the clearest water we’ve ever seen.

Early mornings are quiet, cool and full of tiny fish in the shallows.

Flying low over the reefs is the best welcome the Maldives can give.

Three islands in one day: a local market, a reef stop and a long lunch.

A tiny strip of white sand, a picnic basket and nothing but turquoise around us.

The sky turns pink, then violet, then a deep blue you only see out here.

Our first night in an overwater villa, with the reef glowing right under the floor.