Our speedboat left
early morning from the thatched-roof jetty of the Anantara Dhigu Resort &
Spa, sailing into the open waters of the Indian Ocean with a smaller boat in
tow. Its destination? Unknown.
Onboard with us was the skipper and his crew, some equipment and a couple of boxes, containing provisions. After cruising the calm waters for some 30 minutes, our skipper George announced: “We’ve just located our sandbank now. Once we’re set up, you’ll be on your castaway.”
We watched the men as they loaded up the dinghy and manoeuvred their way over shallow waters and coral reefs towards the gleaming white expanse that jutted out to meet us.
Soon, we told each other, we would know the real meaning of “remote” , here on what was just a miniscule plot in one of over 1,200 islands in The Maldives. The seagull cawing as it dipped into the sea for a snack, the lone flying fish skimming through the currents, the turtle bobbing in the water, enjoying the morning rays – these were the only signs of life that we spotted.
Images of Robinson Crusoe, marooned on an island for 24 years before he met Man Friday, instantly came to mind. And before we could draw any further similarities, we sheepishly remembered where we were ensconced – on the sundeck of a sleek speedboat and slathering on generous amounts of Kiehl’s sunblock to keep from turning lobster red. We were certainly far from the deprivations of Daniel Defoe’s shipwrecked hero.
Both our boats, large and small, sped off the minute we were deposited on the powdery white sandbank. Once they disappeared into the horizon, we felt our first twinges of anxiety twinge.
We were alone, almost. There was our waiter-for-the-day Zaid bustling around and setting the perfect table for two under a giant sunshade and there was the chef preparing the barbecue pit to grill our meats and seafood.
So as not to get in their way, we wandered off, careful to avoid fishes that may have strayed too close to shore. In our wake, tiny crabs scurried away, burrowing holes in the sand quicker than any pneumatic drill. A speedboat, in the process of dropping anchor when the crew spotted us, turned away.
This sandbank was taken, folks.
Our hunger pangs soon lured us back to the snowy table now laden with a hearty brunch. We went through the leafy salad and grilled items with such gusto, our chef was grinning from ear to ear. It was such a relief not to hurry anywhere. Besides, where could we go?
Surrendering to languor would have been truly tempting, but the prospect of exploring the coral gardens proved even more irresistible. We dove in, and it wasn’t long before schools of Triggerfish, Rainbow Fusiliers, Butterfly Fish, Royal, Moorish Angelfish and even Clown Fish enveloped us like Joseph’s coat of many colours.
Our trusty vessels appeared just after
noon to ferry us back to reality. Oh well, we have the bragging rights and
countless pictures between us to prove that we had an island all to ourselves,
even if it was just for a few precious hours.
CASTAWAY EXPERTS
The Anantara Dhigu Resort & Spa (just 30 minutes by speed boat from Malé) offers a range of romantic, couple-type activities, from customised dinners to private picnics. The Castaway Brunch Experience, designed by the chefs of Anantara and Aquafanatics however, is unique for its level of pampering, combined with elements of the unknown, ultimate privacy and an experience of exploration.
CASTAWAY ESSENTIALS
Everything is provided by the Anantara and Aquafanatics on the Castaway. You only have to come with your swimwear and sun block. Wet wipes are extremely helpful after using your hands to munch on the yummy barbecue or simply to cool the skin down when the sun’s rays get to overpowering.
Terence Quek
Photos by: Goh Chui Peng
