Seek out the boy within and you’ll know the man. So they say.

There I was, early in the morning, on a cold and wintry day, sitting in the classroom. The icy wind whistled through the rickety, wooden windows, sending chilly shivers to every corner of my body, so that my teeth chattered like a machine gun. Shorts and chilblains were the order of the day.

Being a boarder at the age of seven was not for the faint-hearted.

But today was geography lesson day – My favourite!

On each turn of the page, a glow of warmth emitted from my coveted geography book, dissipating the freezing cold.

By the time my teacher, Mr Sullivan, was halfway through his lesson, I was dreaming of faraway destinations, exploring this or that continent.

A particular page caught my eye. A multitude of dots speckled the Indian Ocean. ‘Maldives’ said the caption, under an attractive picture of sand, sea and vegetation.

I fantasised that I would one day go there, but never did. I explored books and magazines as though I was living the dream.

Many years later, and out of nowhere, an opportunity arose that would take me to the Maldives. I just couldn’t believe it – the excitement was overwhelming.

With my nose smacked against the airplane’s window, we were on our approach to Male. The speckled dots that I had seen so many years ago, sprung to life in an amazing array of vivid colours. Atoll after atoll swept by, some sunken beneath the turquoise ocean, and others resting on sand spits. It was never-ending.

On arrival, I enjoyed the luxury of Niyama’s Lounge. The perfect tonic after a long flight. Refreshed by ice-cold towels and invigorating drinks, I was ready to embark on the last leg of my journey, via air-taxi. If the views from the long-haul plane were amazing, then the ones from the air-taxi were just stunning.

Even before you awake, the island, like a beautiful lady, is groomed to perfection

After being greeted by Niyama staff, more ice-cold towels and refreshing ‘welcome’ cocktails, we were soon whisked off to our rooms. Electric golf carts gliding silently to and fro are the only mode of transport, if you really need it. I preferred to walk at a leisurely pace and enjoy the scenery.

I had finally arrived in heavenly Niyama, one of the top-notch, if not the top-notch, resorts of the Maldives. Niyama is unique as it occupies two islands connected with a bridge. One island for the staff and amenities, and the other for guests. There lies the difference.

Even before you awake, the island, like a beautiful lady, is groomed to perfection. Herringbone patterns adorn the sand, and you wouldn’t see a loose leaf on the paths. She is ready for her guests.

Your day will undoubtedly start by reaching out for the ‘open curtain’ remote, from the comfort of your bed. The ‘good morning’ view is spectacular, and each day I never tired of it.

That would normally be followed by a visit to an extremely large ‘open-air’ bathroom, containing two showers, one huge bath, two wash-hand basins and a loo. I must admit that my first visit was a little bit unnerving. It is as though I was one with nature, such is the discreet architecture offering absolute seclusion.

Showered and ready, I trotted off for breakfast. Now breakfast is not breakfast as we know it. It is a feast above all feasts, insomuch that almost everyone skips lunch.

After that, whatever you want to do on the island is entirely up to you. A leisurely barefoot walk around was just the job for me.

You’d find the majority of Chinese and Koreans decked in head-to-toe swimsuits, T-shirts, and wide-rimmed hats, flapping around in the shallow lagoon, snorkelling to their heart’s content.

The Russians, with kids in tow, would strategically hog the area between the infinity pool and the open-air bar. Their women, as opposed to the Asians, would wear the least possible. I’d be darned if I couldn’t fit three ‘string’ bikinis in the fist of my hand.

And then there are the honeymooners that the Maldives is so famous for. Rarely leaving their love-nests, they would occasionally be seen dining at night, if at all.

One of the highlights of the week is General Manager’s drinks. This is where manager Nigel Pace introduces himself to the newly-arrived and, of course, where the guests get to know each other.

Chilling on a sunbed, in such an environment, with a good book and a couple of cocktails,is good for the soul

There is a lot of “Hello, my name is...”, “What do you do?”, “Where do you come from?”, and so on. It is a great idea to break the ice so early in your stay.

The post of a general manager is paramount to the success of the resort, and Pace, who hails from Malta, is a success story. He is amiable with an infectious smile and you could see that the guests immediately take to him.

Even when the resort is fully booked you’d hardly see anyone around, except at breakfast, which is more akin to Central Station.

Each studio/pavilion is well away from the next one. There is peacefulness, serenity, and most of all, seclusion.

However, there is much to do.

For the competitive and energetic type, there is:

• Big game fishing, which is a big favourite, and the chance of a catch is good;

• Water sports, that include scuba diving, snorkelling, wind and kite surfing;

• A games room with a sports simulator.

And then, there is my favourite hobby of doing absolutely nothing at all. Recharging the batteries, I call it.

Chilling on a sunbed, in such an environment, with a good book and a couple of cocktails, is good for the soul.

Apart from breakfast, the evening meal at Epicure is epic. Every day there is a different theme to enjoy, from the Mediterranean to the Spice Route.

After clocking up a few meals I thought it would be a good idea to visit the state-of-the-art gym followed by a session at the super Lime Spa, both overlooking the ocean – just to keep trim.

One fine day I came across a wedding ceremony in full regalia. Apparently it is very popular with the Asians.

It is, of course, a mock wedding, just for the incredible photos.

The couple would either have married prior to visiting Niyama or would marry legitimately on their return home. Now isn’t that such a wonderful idea?

I’ve been to quite a few tropical destinations of this kind but there is something magical here that I cannot put my finger on.

Is it the absolute serenity? The crystal-clear turquoise seas? The impeccable grooming of the island?

The overwhelming views that you’d never tire of? The flawless service? The awesome culinary delights to die for?

The Nigel Pace touch? He does have that magic touch that turns an average resort to a good resort and into an outstanding one. He has proven himself time and again.

“Why did it take me so long to visit?” I thought, kicking myself.

Perhaps I was leaving the best for the last, or maybe I never wanted the dream to end.

But dreams do have a habit of recurring.

Getting there

Emirates operates daily flights to Male via Dubai.

To Dubai:

Up to January 31: via Cyprus on Monday/Wed­nesday/Friday and Saturday; via Tripoli on Tuesday/Thursday/Sunday.

From February 1: via Cyprus on Monday/ Wed­nesday/Thursday/Saturday; via Tripoli on Tuesday/Friday/Sunday.

Emirates operates direct flights (twice daily) from Dubai to Male by Boeing 777 departing at 3.23am and 9.35am.