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Hello from a Barefoot Pilot

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Editor’s note: After we at Maldives Promotion House met Rob McIntyre via our Facebook page, we requested him to share his experience of Maldives with us. The following article is his response to our request. It presents Maldives from the perspective of a barefoot pilot.

Rob McIntyre for Maldives Promotion House – I am honoured to have been asked to contribute to this amazing site! With this post I am going to write a little bit about myself and my impressions of this amazing country that straddles the equator.

I am a seaplane pilot here flying barefoot for Maldivian Air Taxi. An amazing job to be certain! I have been flying for 21 years now, having flown all over North America, Africa and the Maldives. I spent 5 years flying Northern Canada as well.

I was Captain at one of the Air Canada regional airlines for close to 9 years. I grew dissatisfied with the world of flying wheels and major airlines. With this in mind I made an abrupt turn and gave it all up to revisit seaplane flying.

Throughout the world of seaplane flying the Twin Otter is the king and flying barefoot in the Maldives is known to all who fly seaplane for a living! At Maldivian Air Taxi the minimum requirements for a Captain are 3,500 hours of flying experience which must include 1000 hours of seaplane, 250 hours of experience in the Twin Otter along with an Airline Transport Pilots Licence.

As for myself, I have over 14,000 hours of total flying experience which includes 3000 hours of seaplane, 2,000 hours of flying the Twin Otter and as a side note I am type rated on the Dash 8 along with the CL65 Regional Jet.

I am not just a pilot though! I have great many interests and over the last few years my wife, Sophie, and I have been working hard on our dream of having a professional photography studio. We are passionate photographers and we are realizing this dream! For my part I have been honing my skills as a photographer.

Combined with the tremendous opportunity that my flying career has presented I am putting together quite a portfolio of Maldives images. If I had to guess I would say that I have easily accumulated over 10,000 images in this past year alone! I never leave home without my camera in hand and as result I tend to see the world slow down around me. I savour moments that others may miss, and then record them so that they may see for themselves what I see!

The Maldives is a truly amazing place to be, especially as a photographer! The landscape is truly amazing and unique but this is not the only thing that is worth the attention. The people are really fascinating, friendly and so utterly photogenic! I have a blog that I feel reflects the variety of photographic inspiration that is to be found in the Maldives.

My job as a seaplane pilot here provides me with unique access to some of the most amazing resorts I have ever seen, along with views that are without a doubt nothing short of spectacular. As we normally work from dawn until dusk I have been able to witness sunrises and sunsets that once photographed and printed look to be more like paintings rather than simple photographs.

The geography of the Maldives, as I have mentioned in a few of my blog posts, is really something to beheld. On the days when the visibility is unlimited and the seas are calm I am mesmerized by the symmetrical layout of the lagoons that surround each Atoll. As I fly past the Northern edge of North Ari Atoll and look south, it is as if they go on forever, one by one as if they were placed there with purpose in mind.

I often think on those days that the people I have aboard feeling the same thing as I do, when they stare out the window gazing upon the majesty that is the Maldives. To be certain it is not only the North and South Ari Atoll that offer this sight. Every atoll group I witness has its own unique features that quite honestly can take even the most seasoned traveller’s breath away.

As we start to descend, in preparation for the approach, it is certainly not uncommon to see Manta Rays smoothly swimming through the clear blue water, Dolphins frolicking, Tuna chasing down their prey, the odd String Ray gliding along the sandy beaches and if you are really lucky maybe even a Whale Shark or two! What other place can offer such scenery, few if any!

Along with the views I also get to meet many local people and have at times been invited into homes to sit with some of the kindest and most gracious hosts I have ever met. I have thought to myself it would be a wonderful thing for the islands to somehow offer a bread and breakfast style accommodation for those travellers looking to get off the beaten path and discover another facet of the Maldives.

I think there is a natural disposition in many of the people here to offer a warm, friendly environment to the traveller that seeks to learn more about the rich heritage that the people of the Maldives have to offer.

If it is water sports you are after then you have to come for a visit! Some of the nicest surf breaks in the world are here and some of them as close as a 45 minute Dhoni ride from the Capital City Malé. If your game is Kite Surfing then you are also in the right spot as on most days there is a steady 10 to 15 knot breeze and if you are really skilled there are the days during Monsoon season it cranks up and “air time” is more than available!

Of course the diving is a big draw as well and with so many spots it is hard to go wrong. Every single resort I visit has a dive centre and easy access to outstanding reefs with abundant marine life!

The Maldives is nothing short of amazing in so many respects!

Signing off for now, Rob McIntyre, one of the barefoot pilots!

About the Author: Rob McIntyre is a barefoot pilot working in Maldives. He is also a keen photographer and runs a blog to share his experience of Maldives. To see the profound moments he has captured of his life in Maldives visit him at www.barefootpilot.blogspot.com. We at Maldives Promotion House appreciate and support his work. Moreover we hope that his dreams come true. Good luck Rob McIntyre.

Island Goers

Kandolhu Maldives: Dive into Paradise with Noovilu Sports

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Nestled amidst the pristine beauty of the Maldives, Kandolhu Maldives offers guests a chance to create unforgettable memories with exciting activities provided by Noovilu Sports. Renowned for its Maldivian-inspired villas, stunning beaches, and vibrant house reef, Kandolhu provides the perfect backdrop for an adventurous or relaxing vacation.

Thrilling Adventures:

For adrenaline enthusiasts, Noovilu Sports offers various water sports like wakeboarding, windsurfing, and kneeboarding. Feel the rush of wind and experience the freedom of gliding across turquoise waters.

Tranquil Exploration:

For a more serene experience, opt for paddleboarding sessions. Explore the calm waters at your own pace, soak in the breathtaking scenery, and reconnect with nature.

Underwater Paradise:

Embark on a guided snorkeling tour led by experienced guides. Explore the vibrant coral reefs teeming with colorful fish, graceful sea turtles, and other marine life. Every excursion is a journey into a wondrous underwater world.

Romantic Moments:

Celebrate love or simply enjoy each other’s company with a charming sunset cruise. Toast to your love amidst the stunning backdrop of a Maldivian sunset, creating unforgettable moments.

Beyond the Resort:

Adventure awaits beyond the resort with exciting excursions offered by Noovilu Sports. Witness the majestic Manta Rays on the popular Manta Ray Mission trip, or relax and unwind on a nearby sandbank with the Take it to the Bank trip.

Unforgettable Experiences:

With its diverse range of activities and commitment to exceptional service, Noovilu Sports redefines the guest experience at Kandolhu Maldives. Whether seeking adventure, relaxation, or romance, embark on a journey of discovery and create memories that will last a lifetime.

Dive into the excitement and explore the wonders of the Maldives with Noovilu Sports at Kandolhu Maldives.

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Celebration

Patina Maldives Announces Unforgettable Easter Celebration

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As Easter approaches, Patina Maldives invites families to experience a tropical spring celebration unlike any other. From beachfront feasts to captivating egg hunts and immersive wellness experiences, the resort offers a thoughtfully curated program designed to create lasting memories.

Culinary Delights Await

Embark on a culinary journey like never before at Patina Maldives. On March 27th, indulge in the “Aegean Odyssey” at Helios, featuring the diverse flavors of Aegean cuisine. Fresh seafood, aromatic herbs, and exquisite dishes from Greece and neighboring regions promise to tantalize your taste buds.

Unwind at the Beachside Bash

For an island celebration, join the Fari Beach Club party on March 28th. Savor meticulously crafted cocktails, enticing canapés, and live entertainment for the perfect seaside soiree.

Festivities Galore at the Fari Marina Easter Festival

On March 30th, join the vibrant Fari Marina Easter Festival. Savor delectable treats at live cooking stations, groove to DJ beats, and explore artisanal treasures from local vendors. A dedicated kids’ corner ensures fun for the whole family.

Uncover Easter Eggs on a Tropical Adventure

The highlight of the Easter weekend is the Island Egg Hunt at Helios on March 31st. Guided by the Easter Bunny and the dedicated Footprints team, embark on a tropical adventure to discover hidden Easter eggs and sweet surprises.

Beyond the Celebrations

Patina Maldives offers a diverse range of activities throughout the Easter period. Hone your tennis skills with the Lux Tennis Star Event featuring Nicolas Almagro, unleash your creativity at sketching workshops with artist Tony Jaggas, or participate in family-friendly activities like laser cutting and decorating Easter ornaments.

Seek Wellness and Rejuvenation

For those seeking relaxation, Patina Maldives welcomes visiting practitioner Junko Fujita, offering the unique and rejuvenating experience of Watsu – a combination of massage, stretches, and meditation while floating in warm water.

Create Lasting Memories this Easter

This Easter, escape to Patina Maldives and create lasting memories with your loved ones. For more information and reservations, visit https://patinahotels.com/maldives-fari-islands/easter-celebrations or contact reservations.maldives@patinahotels.com.

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Island Goers

“Leave Better” at the Ritz-Carlton Maldives, Fari Islands with a Spring Escape to Enliven the Senses

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A bucket-list retreat whose very existence is a response to the natural world, from the rhythm of the ocean waves to the rising and the setting of the sun, The Ritz-Carlton Maldives, Fari Islands continues to celebrate the seasons with its Spring Festival this half-term. A multigenerational series of experiences at will explore taste and adventure, mind and movement, plugging guests firmly into nature, to inspire and nourish the soul.

A week-long programme will ensure guests of all ages return home version 2.0. Whether exploring new skills on land or water, awakening the senses on a gourmet trail of discovery, or re-balancing the mind and body, the Spring Festival ensures a blissful transition from a season of wintering.

In the Jean-Michel Cousteau Ambassadors of the Environment programme guests will take to the big blue with snorkelling and tank dives designed by its legendary namesake explorer. Fishing expeditions shine light on traditional Maldivian culture, and journeys on water track life-aquatic with pods of dolphins as they dance in to Spring. For mind and body, spa excellence prevails at The Ritz-Carlton Spa with Bamford. Wellness workshops will energise, ease tension and rejuvenate, from bamboo tapping, face yoga, gua sha massage to spa alchemy, while yoga gets dynamic, off the matt and up in the air with group aerial practice.  

On and beyond the resort’s culinary island, unforgettable gourmet experiences are high on the Spring agenda. A chef’s table sake dinner at IWAU honours innovative Japanese cuisine under the stars, while aromatic Middle Eastern flavours of the resort’s Arabesque restaurant are presented in an exclusive pop-up at the magical Mystique Garden. The popular Beach Shack plays host to an indulgent lobster dinner at twilight, and provides the venue for a smooth Sunday beach barbeque where smoky flavours are complemented by crisp rosé. For those looking to create, hands-on workshops will explore the intricacy of spring roll making and the mastery of coffee and barista skills.

Junior guests are promised a spring in their step with a jamboree of activities at Ritz Kids, from garden picnics, treasure hunts to pirate safaris. A kaleidoscope of colour bounces through the week with kite flying on the beach, piñata parties and glow-in-the-dark painting at sundown. 

As the days merge mindfully, the resort’s Defining Moment serenades the sun as it sets each day. A tribute to the cycle of nature, the signature ritual hosted at the iconic Eau Bar channels hypnotic beats of Boduberu drumming and blowing of the Sangu shell. To be enjoyed with a signature sundowner cocktail in hand and lightness of heart.

Browse our Spring Festival Brochure!

For more information, visit ritzcarlton.com/Maldives and for real-time updates follow the resort on Facebook and Instagram.

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