Wish trees are found in many traditions, but one of the most prominent is the Japanese O-mikuji (literally “sacred lot”). Wishes are written on small strips of paper and hung in a tree. They can be hung directly on branches (or other frame) or inserted into a small container for safe keeping. My parents presented us with a Wish Tree at our pre-wedding celebration party where guest wrote wishes for the betrothed couple and hung them on decorated branches. Ayada has introduced this tradition with the romantic twist of placing the wishes in tiny, heart-shaped glass bottles (thanks Paola). So if you want your Valentines wishes to last forever, you can give your love a message in a bottle on a tropical island.
Googling Honeymoon
The Maldives continues to remain the world capital of “Honeymoons” even in the digital age. “Honeymoon” is the most frequently Googled keyword in association with the word “Maldives” in the phrase “What is the cost of [x] in [y]?” Other top products from around Asia are shown above and the link on the graphic takes you to the Business Insider article which covered the whole world.
Best of the Maldives: Heart Plaques – Anantara Veli
Instead of remembering the flowers there on your special, how about flowers to be a memento of your day. In sort sort of “Locks of Love” riff, Anantara Veli, provides commemorative plaques hung in their orchid nursey…
“Every Thursday evening on Veli there is a honeymooner’s cocktail party for Veli guests, at which they receive a heart engraved with their name and date of stay…or in some cases, ceremonial wedding date. This is then hung on the wall of the orchid garden. Most guests leave the hearts there, some guests take them away when they leave.”
At Veli, there is always flowers by your wedding date.
Best of the Maldives: Water Villa Wedding Pavilion – Gili Lankanfushi
Gili Lankanfushi’s wedding pavilion is its very own ‘best of the Maldives’ collection all rolled into one stunning Maldives medley – an over water traditionally styled villa with glass floors looking down to aquamarine lagoons to celebrate one’s nuptials in paradise.
Best of the Maldives: Bride Litter – Conrad Rangali
“If she is like a cat, I have litter…” – Steve Martin
And if she is like an exotic princess, I have a different type of litter.
Great leadership lifts up its staff, and great service lifts up its guests. In the case of Conrad Rangali, they take this a bit literally for some wedding ceremonies. Or should I a say ‘litterally’.
Best of the Maldives: Petal Aisle – One & Only Reethi Rah
The bedroom isn’t the only palette for mixed media artistic creations. One and Only Reethi Rah doesn’t just merely strew the bridal’s path with petals, but rather paints an efflorescent path culminating in a heart altar. Beach bridal bouquet.
Best of the Maldives: Mixed Media Bed Decorating – Diamonds Thudufushi
Bedroom artistry in the Maldives has evolved from a few petals sprinkled on the pillow to elaborate constructions. A recent masterwork is Diamonds Thudufushi’s mixed media opulent opus – petals, towel sculpture, palm fronds, lettering.
15 Romantic Suds
Happy Valentines Day sweethearts everywhere. But especially in that global hotbed of romantic paradise, the Maldives
Get your clothes off for a hot and steamy, sensual delight, with a touch of perfume, bubbly, and flower petals. Yes, a romantic bubble bath. Here’s a not-so-dirty dozen of the best in the Maldives…
I’ve also added a “Maldives Tub Art” board to the Maldives Complete Pinterest so I can add more sexy suds as I find them.
I©Maldives
1. Atmosphere Kanifushi [above]
3. Vakarufalhi
4. Coco Bodu Hithi (thanks Paola)
7. Kuramathi
11. Loama Maamagili
13. Hideaway Beach
Best of the Maldives: Bed Decorating – Zitahli Kudafunafaru
Winner and new champion of the hotly contested bed decorating. Custom room greeting décor has become such an extreme art form in the Maldives, I started a Pinterest page a while back to showcase the best I came across.
Room décor falls into two basic categories…
- Bed Decoration – The original classic involving flower petals, sheet folding and palm fronds (mostly for spelling out greetings).
- Towel Art – Folding towels into various sculpture.
Zitahli Kudafunfaru has set the new bar with its “Happy Anniversary” extravaganza which elegantly combined both. Mind you it was a particularly special one (30th). The only downside is that is was so beautiful that we were tempted to sleep on the sofa so as not to disturb it. Gorgeous.
Best of the Maldives: Wedding Buggy – One & Only Reethi Rah
Do you I do? Time to pop that question with National Proposal Day today. When you start planning you nuptials, you want to book that ideal vehicle to escort you from the chapel. Maybe a posh Roller, or a vintage classic or even a horse-drawn carriage. While the transport is simple, none of those beat the elegance of the paradise surroundings if you opt for the One & Only Reethi Rah wedding buggy though!
“Upper-Crust Married”