The Beachie Blog

It must have been sometime in the 90s when I saw a report on television about an airport on a tiny island in the Caribbean where planes land only a few meters above the heads of the bathers. Of course, as a teenager, I didn’t remember the name of the island or the beach, but it must have been burned into my subconscious somewhere: I have to go there. There is no other way I can explain it to myself that I actually started googling at the end of 2015 and in mid-2016 I was on a plane to St. Maarten that was supposed to take us straight to this adventure to Maho Beach. The story is similar to that of the flamingos in Aruba – what must, must! Maho Beach – St. Maarten – Saint Martin – Wtf …? Most holidaymakers end up on St. Maarten by chance because the route of their cruise ship takes them there. But how is that actually called right now … St. Maarten – Sint Maarten – Saint Martin – St. Martin … or what? Yes. Both Sint Maarten and Saint Martin (each also known by the abbreviation St.) are correct names for the really small Caribbean island that used to be part of the Dutch Antilles. The different naming results from the fact that it is on St. Maarten / St. Martin gives a Dutch and a French part. Since the capital Philipsburg is a free trade zone, it is a popular port of call for cruise ships and thousands of cruise guests are “tipped” onto the island almost every day. The main attraction of St. Maarten is without a doubt Maho Beach, And we wouldn’t be us if we were too this nonsenseuhhh … not have already done this adventure . In contrast to the day tourists, we took a total of 4 days for St. Maarten and were able to explore the island quite well. Now there are the full load of pictures, at the end of the article there are a few practical tips about Maho Beach. Rush hour on Maho Beach Yes, there is such a thing. There is air traffic all day at Maho Beach, but the large planes from overseas and the USA usually arrive between 11 a.m. and 3 p.m. The flight schedule looks different every day of the week, so it’s best to inform you in advance which aircraft will land when on ‘your’ day. We used this overview of arrivals and departures , because the machines taking off can also be interesting if you want to head towards the fence. What it’s all about? The machines usually start with the butt towards the beach and are very close to the fence due to the limited space. The planes have to give a lot of material to take off, because the runway is very short and abruptly bounded by hills, which is why the planes have to come up very quickly. In reality this means that it is damn hot, warm and windy in the jet of such a turbine. The fence surfing at Maho Beach is quite popular , although highly visible warning signs are attached everywhere. Fortunately, there have been no major accidents to date, but we were able to experience firsthand that the situation can quickly get out of control. Somehow we positioned ourselves incorrectly when launching a larger Insel Air machine. We thought that we were pretty much on the edge and not in the middle of the jet of the turbines and suddenly a full gun went off. EVERYTHING has flown around our ears including ourselves! For about 5-10 seconds I wasn’t sure if this would survive because I was just stuck in the middle of a goddamn sandstorm. The final losses to report were: a contact lens and a hair tie. Buuhuu. So don’t make nonsense! I’m pretty sure we were on the edge of the spectacle and don’t want to know how the people who were in the middle of it were doing. But it’s also a fact: Maho Beach is fun. We couldn’t get enough of it and were there for at least 2 hours every day. On the beach itself it looks rather bad for reasons lying around (although this is quite possible on the edge if the background noise doesn’t bother you). You can also sit comfortably in the two bars on Maho Beach every now and then. The Sunset Beach Bar is good for planespotting, the prices for food and drinks are also okay (not cheap, but okay). Here you will also find the famous surfboard , on which the arrival times of the machines are dailyto be written out. Cheaper drinks are available in the bar on the other side of the beach, but from there the view of the arriving planes is a little worse. PS: Happy Hour starts at 4 p.m. in the Sunset Beach Bar. Bottom up! Practical tips for Maho Beach: arrival and parking In general, getting to Maho Beach is very straightforward. St. Maarten is so small that the beach is basically just a stone’s throw away, no matter where you are from. Arrival from the airport Maho Beach is located directly on the runway of Princess Juliana Airport (SXM), so you could theoretically walk to the beach in about 20 minutes (the road meanders and makes a few detours). Alternatively, you can take a taxi and be in max. 5 minutes to the beach. It’s stupid with luggage, of course, but if you can put it somewhere or have a stopover of several hours in St. Maarten, take the opportunity. Arrival from the port of Philipsburg Most holidaymakers arrive here by cruise ship. In Philipsburg you can either rent a car and jet off on your own or take a taxi to Maho Beach. The taxi prices on St. Maarten are regulated and are posted. A taxi ride to Maho Beach costs $ 20 , shared taxis are cheaper. You can find all information at Taxi St. Maarten. A drive from Philipsburg to Maho Beach takes about 30 minutes. Note that on St. Maarten in and around Philipsburg and Simpson Bay there is usually a traffic jam in the afternoon and you will need longer on the way back to the port. Drive off in time! If you want to rent a car and explore the island, we recommend booking in advance . St. Maarten is very small and the number of rental cars is limited. Spontaneously on site you will either not get a car or only completely overpriced. We always book with cheaper rental cars * Parking at Maho Beach This is also simple: There is a parking lot directly at Maho Beach with normal prices (we think we remember about $ 5). If you are a guest in the Sunset Beach Bar, the parking costs will be charged. Alternatively, you can look for a free parking space a few meters further on the fence around the runway, but there is rarely anything free there.    

If you come to Jamaica, you usually have pictures of Caribbean sandy beaches, cool drinks and chilled reggae music in your head. So far right – but did you know that there are real mountains in Jamaica and that the Blue Mountains in the east of the island are an absolute hiking paradise? The Blue Mountains stretch from the state of Portland down to the capital, Kingston. At the highest point, Blue Mountain Peak, you can experience one of the most breathtaking sunrises in the Caribbean. In May 2017 I finally managed to make this long-cherished wish come true – experience the sunrise in the Blue Mountains. One would think that as a local resident you would certainly be able to enjoy such experiences all the time, but even as a quasi-local you need two things for a hike to the Blue Mountain Peak: time and good planning. No sooner said than done: Together with two friends we wanted to climb the highest point in Jamaica. The hike to Blue Mountain Peak was meticulously planned and prepared in advance – at least by me, because I was the only German in the group. I gathered all the information I could get to make the trip as nice and cheap as possible. The Blue Mountains in Jamaica The Blue Mountain Peak is the highest peak in Jamaica with a height of 2256m and the sixth highest point in the Caribbean. The summit is located in the Blue and John Crow Mountains National Park, which has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2015. One of the world’s most famous and most expensive types of coffee, Blue Mountain Coffee, comes from precisely this region. Despite the tropical climate, temperatures in the Blue Mountains can drop sharply overnight from around 1500 meters above sea level. As is well known, the temperature at the summit is more often around 0 ° C at night. The ascent to the Blue Mountain Peak is usually organized so that you arrive at the summit at sunrise. Why? Because that’s a pretty cool experience. The last place to stay overnight before climbing the peak is called the Portland Gap and lies at an altitude of about 2030m. If you think of camping in the mountains – close! That is forbidden here. Hiking in the Blue Mountains Now that the facts were clarified, the hike, for which we had planned a whole weekend, could actually begin. Since we all agreed that it would be a good idea to organize the excursion cheaply, we decided to use public transport to get to the last point accessible by car. Since 75% of the group consisted of local Jamaicans, the route was quickly clarified: we chose the capital Kingston as the meeting point , as there are the most transport options and the best-developed roads to the Blue Mountains. Via the Peak Trail from Portland Gap to Blue Mountain Peak We initially wanted to go from Kingston Halfway Tree to Papine. From the Square in Papine it should go on to Mavis Bank and from there the last mobile stage to Whitfields Hall / Abbey Green . The last stage was (and is certainly still) only accessible by off-road vehicle, without all-wheel drive you don’t get very far in this area. From Abbey Green you should then walk towards Portland Gap begin (approx. 3.7km). We planned to arrive there in the evening to get a few more hours of sleep before the ascent to the summit – which, as already mentioned, is most beautiful when you arrive shortly before sunrise, which is why we planned to leave Portland Gap around 2:00 a.m. to the Blue Mountain Peak . So much for the planning. Once in the capital, Kingston, the first challenge was to find an ATM that would accept my Visa card. Basically this is not a problem. That day, however, it was one, and we had to go to a total of five different banks until a machine took pity on it and threw out some money. Experience has shown that in many countries it makes sense to always have some cash with you. Jamaica is one of those countries. And if I may allow myself the comment at this point: Do something good for the Jamaican economy and pay with the local currency, the Jamaican dollar. Although it is possible to pay in US dollars in many places, the prices are stated in JMD everywhere (except at tourist hotspots). Machetes, flip flops and the need for food The next surprise was when we met our friends at the Halfway Tree (Kingston transportation center). One of the two actually appeared in flip flops, despite multiple warnings (0 ° C at the summit … you remember) and the other had two machetes in his luggage. I would like to advise against both at this point if you are not native Jamaicans or have roamed through tropical jungle forests from childhood. I, or rather my husband in particular, were packed with groceries, hammocks, sleeping bags and extra blankets . Since we had already lost some valuable time looking for a functioning ATM, we had to hurry and get to Papine as quickly as possible get. If you don’t know your way around the Halfway Tree, ask the nice taxi drivers here. These will lead you to a side street where at least 3-5 taxis are always waiting for passengers to drive towards Papine. When you arrive in Papine am Square , you have the last chance to buy groceries at reasonable prices or to have a bite to eat again somewhere. So if you haven’t packed supplies for the hike, you should look around in a supermarket here again, because Mavis Bankis pretty small. Small buses and taxis run regularly in the square towards Mavis Bank, so it is actually no problem to travel from there by public transport for a low price. Actually. However, it seems that from an unspecified time onwards every afternoon (almost at rush hour) the buses are so overcrowded that it is quite difficult to get a seat without a relationship with the driver. Let alone four places. So we couldn’t help but take a taxi to Mavis Bank – which stopped halfway. But that wasn’t really a problem, because after only about an hour (not worth mentioning by Jamaican standards) the journey continued again. In Mavis Bank arrived, it began slowly to dawn. And then at the latest it dawned on me that my beautifully laid out plan would definitely not work. By now we should have finished the first 4km of our hike and have dinner at the Portland Gap ranger station . Fortunately we met a nice fellow traveler from Switzerland, who told us about a camping possibility. So the plan was quickly reorganized by the group and we decided to go to Whitfield Hallto drive, spend the night there and only start hiking to Portland Gap the next day. So we chartered an off-road vehicle and the driver brought us safely to the destination of the Swiss fellow traveler in the darkness of the jungle. The place we arrived at is close to the Abbey Green coffee farm and the last passable point on the trail to Blue Mountain Peak. At this point I would advise you to write down the driver’s phone number, as you will be driving back to Mavis Bank in the foreseeable future. Portland Gap: Spend the night in the Blue Mountains After a brief, very uncomfortable conversation with the owner of the property, in whose garden we had planned to hang our hammocks until the next morning, we changed our plans again. Get out of here, this person was spooky and we wanted to go straight to Ranger Station Portland Gap. Why not walk a 4km long, unknown trail in the darkest darkness? That shouldn’t be a problem for three Bush-approved Rasta men in sandals and a well-prepared, stubborn German woman. Ha! It wasn’t. To be honest – I really underestimated the first 500 vertical meters of the ascent, which were hidden in the small 4km. Quite overtired but also gleefully we stumbled through the gates of the Portland Gap Ranger Station . Even if it was shortly before 10 p.m., it shouldn’t be a problem to find someone in charge. Actually. There was light and some noise in the ranger station, but no ranger. Nevertheless, a construction worker received us, who kindly gave us the key to one of the not quite finished wooden houses and explained that the ranger was at a party. At this point I should perhaps mention again that you can finally buy food in Papine – but there are still bars in Jamaica even behind the last mountain. Tired and satisfied, we stretched our hammocks in the rustic room. Now the time for the triumph of my German diligence had come: there was enough food for a midnight dinner and with the two extra blankets, the flip-flops also got a little warm again. Almost two hours later we (not) continued fresh and lively to the last stage of the hike to Blue Mountain Peak. It was already 2:30 in the morning and it felt like you had to hurry so as not to miss the magical moment of sunrise. So three out of four members of our group set off without stopping at the single tap (the rest of the way). Or to notice that the flip-flop Rasta was the only one with presence of mind to fill his bottle with water, Since we were on our way to Portland Gap overnight had already used our flashlights, the juice in the batteries was of course limited for the last 6km of the again nightly ascent. You are slowly realizing it: planning is everything. But no matter, you just have to walk a little slower through the dense darkness of the jungle – which is not a problem if you are in a hurry and have hardly slept anyway. Fortunately, the flashlights only gave up shortly before dawn when we were already close to our destination. The particularly exciting thing about this excursion was really not knowing exactly where the journey was going the entire way there. If you neither know nor see an environment and just walk towards it without any visual clues, an extraordinary feeling arises (of helplessness …?). It requires a special level of concentration and willpower, which we find difficult to generate in times of extensive signage. Fortunately, someone at the summit told me that I had now reached the summit – without a sign I would hardly have recognized it at first (just kidding). Here we go: At sunrise on the Blue Mountain Peak Arrived at the highest point of the beautiful island of Jamaica, the sun was not long in coming. It almost looked as if the fiery red ball would rise in front of you at eye level. Pleading as if to salute the sun, one saw all the quivering summiteers stretch their numb fingers (and toes) for the first rays of sunshine. Slowly the warm light pushed over the mountain peaks and the whole beauty of the Blue Mountains finally revealed itself. The whole cursing about the exhausting night hike, the disorganization and the mishaps was suddenly forgotten. We spent a couple of hours on the summit because it is a really unique place. The climate is different from the rest of the island and the views are indescribable. There is a tall metal frame that was built as an additional lookout. From there you overlook four federal states of the island and can also look down to the sea. It is breathtaking to watch how the sunbeams suck in the morning dew and it condenses into clouds around you. Speaking of clouds – the weather on Blue Mountain Peak is just as changeable as anywhere in the mountains. As beautiful as the morning was, around noon thick rain clouds came in and we decided to start the descent quickly before we got wet. A second highlight was definitely the way back to the ranger station. Only now in daylight could the mountains be seen in their full size and splendor. Just like the changing vegetation, which grew steadily from the barren, low bushes at the summit the further you descended. A little deeper, outside the border of the national park, coffee fields of the famous Blue Mountain Coffee line the path as well as majestic eucalyptus trees. By the way, on the way down you can easily buy coffee beans from the local coffee farmers. Just ask when you meet someone … they will definitely help you. Tips for hiking in the Blue Mountains I have already given you a few tips on the way, but you are sure to have many more questions about planning your hike to Blue Mountain Peak. Here we go: Does it cost anything to stay at Portland Gap? And how can I imagine the Ranger Station? Yes, staying in the cabins costs something. The Ranger Station was still under construction in the summer of 2017, but already has outside toilets, washing areas, etc. More detailed information on prices and availability can be found here: Portland Gap Cabins (you have to call or write an email to book) Is there an entrance fee for the national park? Yes there is a fee. However, this is fluctuating, the current fees can be found on the website of the national park. The people there are friendly and accommodating. Since we didn’t meet the ranger until after the descent, we didn’t pay until afterwards. Where else can you stay in the Blue Mountains? While tempting to some, wild camping is not permitted. At an altitude of approx. 1500m there are some guest houses, e.g. Whitfield Hall . Can I do the Blue Mountain Peak Trail without a guide or Jamaican company without getting lost? The Blue Mountain Peak Trail is a well-developed hiking trail that cannot be missed once you are on it. However, the same applies here: Hiking is always safer in a group. The trail should not be left under any circumstances, for the purpose of shortening or the like. and remember that the ascent is in the night. Are there any other hiking routes to the summit? There are countless ways up into the Blue Mountains, but only one really developed hiking trail. The Blue Mountain Trail can be extended as desired, ie you can start the hike before Abbey Green, for example. If you want to roam freely and on untrodden paths, then a local guide is essential. Are there guided tours of the Blue Mountain Peak? Yes there is. As always from large and small providers. If you have little time available, it can be worthwhile to have the trip organized. However, if you have planned some time in the Blue Mountains region, it is worth considering booking a guide who can also show you hidden corners off the main route. You should definitely bring this with you on a hike to the summit of the Blue Mountains: A refillable water bottle. I like to use this here , because you can hug them together unfilled so beautiful and well stowed Torch and spare batteries, preferably a good headlamp  . And a second flashlight, trust me Cash, preferably JMD, not US dollars Enough groceries and snacks Warm clothes, before sunrise it is very cold at this altitude Not necessary, but useful: A light rain jacket * (the weather in the mountains is unpredictable) Headgear, the sun is sizzling Because the sun sizzles at this altitude: sun protection for the skin Mosquito spray (my recommendation: buy Nobite * in advance in Germany or ‘Off’ on site. Autan will not impress the Caribbean mosquitoes) Selfie stick (last joke on the side) or a real camera. Worth it! Katrin, the main author of this blog, uses the Sony Alpha 6600 * . More about Katrin’s camera equipment while traveling.    

There are places in this world that everyone has probably heard of before. Places that should be so special and beautiful that it can hardly be described. Those that you have to visit because otherwise you would regret never having seen them on your deathbed. Highway 1 along the California coast is one such place. Even if we always say that we don’t have a bucket list , but just let ourselves drift – the Pacific Coast Highway (or California State Route 1, Cabrillo Highway … Highway 1 has many names) was somehow one of our secret places to see before We Die . Two years ago I would never have thought (and probably neither did Christian) that we would see this place at some point in life, it seemed unreachable. And now we can put a big fat hook on it. We did it. We were in California and did a road trip down the Pacific Coast Highway! But what exactly makes Highway 1 so special, aren’t there twelve million scenic roads in the world? Yes, there is. But they are not California State Route 1, which connects two of the largest metropolises in the world with San Francisco and Los Angeles. They probably also do not lead through the most varied of climatic zones and landscapes, through untouched nature, past wild animals that you otherwise only see in zoos, and through a mega-agglomeration that is second to none. In this post we will recapitulate a little and take you along our route from San Francisco to Los Angeles, in the hope of being able to pass on a bit of the fascination of Highway 1. We’ll tell you the highlights, practical (survival) tips and how your schedule should or could look like. Sights and highlights along Highway 1 San Francisco and the Silicon Valley As I said, we drove from north to south along Highway 1 along the west coast and in our opinion that is the better way. Why? 1. Is the northern section the more scenic. So you are right in the middle of it right at the beginning and can indulge your being flashed extensively. If you start in the south, you might even be a little disappointed and can’t understand what’s so great about Highway 1. 2. If you drive around on the outer lane of the road, i.e. directly along the cliffs. The view during the entire journey is incredible. If you start in San Francisco, then you have probably already seen the city and we would strongly recommend that to you. Don’t miss out on San Francisco! The city has a very special vibe, just like the entire Silicon Valley around Santa Cruz, Palo Alto and Stanford University south of San Francisco. So if you are in a similarly freaky mood and are attracted to Silicon Valley , then like to drive through these very unspectacular places or take a look at the Apple Campus in Cupertino. From here the world is ruled, maybe you can feel it ? Monterey and Monterey Aquarium The next stop is Monterey. Only a small town in itself, but with the Monterey Bay Aquarium you can see one of the largest aquariums in the world. The famous whale watching tours also start from here . The best time for whale watching in Monterey Bay is the winter months between December and April. It is best to book a tour in advance, there are many different providers. Also from Monterey you can reach the famous 17 Mile Drive , a unfortunately chargeable road that takes you 17 miles through the beautiful region around Pebble Beach. Since we were here in September and also don’t particularly like aquariums / zoos, there wasn’t much to do for us in Monterey, so we skipped it and only went back on California State Route 1 south of Monterey. And this is where the landscape really gets down to business: After you have reached the beautiful village of Carmel-by-the-Sea(believe us, you don’t want to eat or stay the night here, it’s one of the most expensive cities in California), the streets suddenly become more curvy, steep cliffs and cliffs open up in front of you, the wind whips your nose, you can Not only see the rough Pacific, but also smell and hear it. All of the pictures you’ve seen of Highway 1 so far have probably been taken here, on the stretch between Carmel-by-the-Sea and San Simeon. Tip: From here there is no longer any possibility of catering until San Simeon. Buy provisions for the trip and fill up with fuel. Bixby Bridge The first real highlight of the route is the Bixby (Creek) Bridge. Even before that, there are always bays and vista points from which you can watch the hustle and bustle of the Pacific along the rocky coast, but at this bay there is a very special photo opportunity with the Bixby Bridge. The reinforced concrete arch bridge was built in 1932 and looks really impressive with its massive, approx. 80m high pillars. To make matters worse, there is also a wonderful little beach under the bridge that you definitely cannot reach. Boo Big Sur and Pfeiffer Beach You are already at the height of the Bixby Creek Bridge in the Big Sur region, but the “real” Big Sur is yet to come. The landscape changes slowly after the Bixby Bridge, Highway 1 no longer runs directly along the coast and before you know it you find yourself in a scenario that you would expect from Yosemite National Park. The road meanders through a dense forest of meter-high coniferous trees and we are slowly beginning to understand why this region has to fight so much with fires almost every summer. Even when we drive through Big Sur, it is September, it has been burning for months. You don’t notice much of it on Highway 1 itself, the road is open. But the entire Big Sur State Park is closed, so hiking is not possible. The famous Pfeiffer Beach can unfortunately only be reached via such a hike. Keep that in mind when you plan, in the summer months you may not be able to do / see a lot due to the fires raging in the hinterland and the state parks. If Big Sur State Park is open and you are planning a hike, there are a few places to stay * here , but they are quite expensive. There is also a small gas station (also very expensive, please do not refuel here if it is not absolutely necessary) and the Nepenthe restaurant , which we did not test ourselves, but which my doctor (!) Recommended to me very enthusiastically when I did her told about the upcoming trip. McWay Falls / Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park This is by far the craziest picture that nature conjures up along California State Route 1. A waterfall falling onto a sandy beach and the whole scenario is surrounded by turquoise blue water and dark cliffs? All right, keep dreaming … Seeing this place was very, very high on my wish list. Since this picture first haunted any of my feeds (probably Instagram), I’ve started researching exactly where this crazy place is. Now such a picture is in our own Instagram feed . Bam. Unfortunately, the beach is closed to the public, it is inaccessible and can only be gazed wistfully from above. There are also some hiking trails through Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park itself, but they were also closed due to the fires. Normally you can get a little closer to the waterfall along the Waterfall Overlook Trail. Watch elephant seals (Elephant Seal Vista Point) In San Francisco you may have already seen the sea lions at Pier 39 , here you can see elephant seals. They’re a size bigger, louder and smell a little stronger. Sounds fun? Yes! If you mark the Elephant Seal Vista Point on Google, you will not miss the right place. It is just before San Simeon and you can easily park there. The elephant seals don’t mind that so many people look at them, but don’t get down to them. The beach belongs to the elephant seals.  

Traveling to the Maldives once in a lifetime and vacationing there is probably a dream of many people. The gleaming white beaches with buttery soft sand, the crystal clear turquoise sea with an incredible underwater world and the possibility of sleeping in a private water bungalow in the middle of the Indian Ocean – that is typical Maldives and absolutely unique in the world. For me, too, the Maldives were a dream for a long time, which was soooo high on my bucket list, but unfortunately also seemed completely unreachable. But what can I say – suddenly it came true thanks to an invitation to the VARU by Atmosphere Resort (usually I leave it at this point with a little hint for you readers about the invitation, but in this case I just want to say thank you . A big fat thank you from the bottom of my heart, because a lifelong dream has really been fulfilled here. And I still have a little pee in my eyes because of it. Thank you!) The selection of resorts in the Maldives is almost endless and hard to overlook. The Maldives consist of over 1100 islands, most of which are uninhabited, some are exclusively locally inhabited islands and some are used for tourist purposes. The islands are so small that there is usually only one resort on each of the tourist islands, but some are large enough that 2-3 resorts can share one island. The decision which hotel or resort should be for your Maldives vacation is not easy and very individual, because they are all luxurious after all – right? In this article I would therefore like to simply show you my personal impressions of the VARU by Atmosphere, so that you can get an overview of what to expect on site. Whether you are ultimately convinced of the resort’s concept is entirely up to you. Let’s go! VARU by Atmosphere: The ‘all-round carefree’ island paradise in the Indian Ocean The VARU by Atmosphere just opened its doors in October 2019 in the North Malé Atoll and is currently one of the newest luxury resorts in the Maldives. If you have concerns that a few things may not go completely smoothly because of this (and that is absolutely justified, after all, you don’t pay for such a Maldives vacation from your postage) – I can take that worry away from you. The VARU is already the fifth luxury resort of Atmosphere Hotels & Resorts , the boys and girls on site know what they’re doing. The journey from the international airport of Malé (the main island of the Maldives) is super fast, in only about 40 minutes you can reach the island by speedboat. The arrival and departure is of course included in the price and you will be picked up at the gate immediately upon arrival so that nothing goes wrong. ‘Varu’ is Dhivehi (the language of the Maldives) and means something like a life in abundance, strength, resilience and authenticity. The motto of the VARU by Atmosphere is ‘Naturally Maldivian’ and exactly this naturalness and authenticity can be found all over the island – from the modern but natural architecture to the stunning hospitality of the employees. Carefree all round – what does that mean exactly? The VARU by Atmosphere is a 5-star premium all inclusive resort. A real all-inclusive concept awaits you here, ie everything is really included – all meals, drinks and even excursions. And no, there is not only food twice a day that is worse than in any factory canteen and a cocktail is by definition not a mixture of beer and wine (as experienced in Turkey, also in a 5-star all-inclusive hotel … My worst vacation ever, ever, ever!). You have an honest and high-quality all-inclusive concept that leaves absolutely nothing to be desired and with which you do not have to worry about the amount of your bill in the end. Promised! How does that look in detail? Read more please… ? Private pool goals in the water villas and beach bungalows The VARU has a total of 108 private villas, 69 of which are overwater villas, which are lined up on the typical long wooden walkways and offer direct access to the turquoise blue sea, as well as 39 beach villas, some with direct access to the white sandy beach. I was lucky enough to be able to live in one of the water villas and I tell you … it is just as wonderful as you always imagine it in your dreams. When I enter my water villa, I can hardly believe my eyes, because the icing on the cake is a small private pool in the villa. Not that you would need something like that, because the crystal clear blue sea right in front of the door is already overwhelming … but hey, have you ever been naked in your private pool with a cocktail in your hand at night? ? question for a friend. Joking aside – at this point I’ll just let the pictures speak for themselves: Both the overwater bungalows and the beach villas are equipped with modern interiors made from natural materials such as wood and stone. The water villas have a fully glazed front so that you can even look out over the blue ocean from the bathroom, while the beach bungalows not only have a normal but also an outdoor shower (mandatory, right?). By the way: I don’t know about you, but I’ve always had an exaggerated fear of accidentally taking something out of the minibar in the hotel that would cost me about twelve thousand euros without knowing it. In the VARU, the minibar is refilled twice a day and everything is included (including snacks and wine!). That fact alone made me pretty happy – cheers! Culinary happy Since we have already arrived at the culinary part, let’s continue right there: The VARU by Atmosphere has a total of 4 restaurants. In the main restaurant LIME & CHILI breakfast, lunch and dinner are served with a mix of buffet and live cooking stations. The selection is really huge and varied, you will find new dishes from all over the world every day. My challenge was to eat myself completely through the buffet during my time on the island – and unfortunately I failed miserably. The selection was just too big (or my stomach too small, who knows). By the way, my personal highlight was the BAY ROUGE aka the pool bar, because this is where you get the good stuff. As mentioned, the all inclusive concept also includes a large selection of spirits and the guys at the pool bar really know how to turn these into delicious cocktails. As someone who has a little passion for cocktails, in normal life I sometimes pay 15 € for a really good drink without batting an eyelid and I also like to experiment at home … and I can assure you, the cocktails are fantastic (Which on some days led to the fact that I was already toddled by the pool at 11 a.m. with a drink in hand and unfortunately the condition did not return to normal during the day. Ahem.) In the afternoon, the pool bar also serves snacks such as salads and club sandwiches and in the evening a DJ plays live music with a sundowner. Definitely a place where you can endure.