Turtle Safari and Sunsets
For our final full day in the Maldives, we went on a turtle safari and observed our last sunset at the (appropriately named) Sunset Grill!
Breakfast of Champions
After our very filling and boozy BBQ, we were a little slow moving in the morning. Since we are stellar planners, we scheduled an early morning snorkel on the famous Turtle Safari. Instead of visiting the same spots, this one focuses exclusives on turtles and ignores the hustle and bustle of the whale shark point.
For our breakfast of champions, it was a quick one.. Certain people don't like all you can eat yummy breakfast!!
Turtle Safari
Unlike the previous day’s adventure snorkel, the turtle safari was almost a private tour! On this trip, there was a family of four and us and the guides! We enjoyed the exclusivity and peaceful ride as we shook off last night’s meal and drinks. Luckily, we had beautiful views with amazing flying fish! Along the way to turtle point, we saw a massive green turtle swimming in the ocean!
Once we reached the turtle point, we hopped in the clear blue water. We swam for awhile before we struck gold - turtle gold. Right in front of us was a baby turtle about 3-4 years old. It was so cute! MF loved seeing the cute green turtle!
Cute little Turtle
Ocean Life
Unfortunately, turtles decided to take a little nap as we were at turtle point. Instead of letting us wander around the reef, our guide was super cool and pointed out the various ocean life around us. We found GIANT mussels, eels, loads of clownfish (but no Nemo!), and various fishes. While we knew that the Maldives would have fantastic diving and snorkeling, our experience was absolutely amazing! In a way, we saw more fish on this reef than our entire trip!
Starfish!
While we were floating towards the edge of the reef, a bolt of something appeared from the deep ocean blue. Out of nowhere, another turtle appeared! The little guy was similar in age to our first one and appeared to just want to hangout at the top while doing his daily routine… Very funny! Quickly, the little dude swam back into the deep ocean.
Us and the Turtle
Our guide explained that turtles often hangout in the deep ocean to avoid the sunlight. The little (and big) dudes prefer the cold depths and avoid any predators. In the end, we saw plenty of fish and other amazing wildlife that we didn’t mind that we didn’t find Nemo!
Treat Yo Self
Since we had a “tradition” of eating at Ufaa after a snorkel, MF immediately walked to Ufaa. Unsuprisingly, we were the first guests and we picked another stellar table with amazing views. Since we knew what we wanted, we set out to order probably one of our favorite dishes - the pork dumplings in soya sauce. To compliment these dishes, we also ordered seafood crystal dumplings and fried seafood dumplings. Both lacked and I wish we had more pork dumplings in soya sauce!!
The only good thing about MF’s obsession of the Ufaa means that she will now eat dumplings with me!!
Shark Bait
Everyday at 1:30pm, the Mandaroo hosts a shark feeding. While we didn't know that you didn't need to eat there to see it, we went for a light smoothie and dessert. As we perused the menu, we noticed that it was designed by a health guru who we had seen on the island. If only we did that!!
For the shark feeding, it is incredible. Over 10 sharks with many fish circled the feeding area and attacked the raw meat! It is truly an amazing experience as we watched nature at his finest.
However, the Mandaroo staff did not seem pleased that we had a table at their finest restaurant and ordered…. lassies… What can I say, we weren’t hungry! When we left, I think they were offended! Oh well!
Paparazzi
One of the best “free” perks of the resort is a 30 minute professional photography shoot. At the time of your choosing, a photographer will take pictures for 30 minutes at your favorite destinations. Unfortunately for us, we chose 5pm, which is still sweltering hot!
We met our photographer at main lobby and began the photo shoot. About five minutes later, my shirt was drenched in sweat! I don't think I was able to hold off from looking like a swimming pool!
Overall, some of the photos were strange and funny. Others were simply stunning and fantastic! In the end, the shoot lasted an hour and turned into a pricey paid shoot. However, one of Mary Frances’ favorite activities on special trips is a photo shoot. I believe it was the best souvenir!
Don’t be sad about leaving because it means there will be joy when you return
Conrad Employee
Sunset Grill
One of the main highlights of the Conrad is the famous Sunset Grill. As one can surmise, the Sunset Grill offers spectacular views of the sunset while perched over the water. We selected the best seat in the house by requesting it days before and had the best view for sunset.
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Sunset views
For the food, we struggled on what to order! Known for grill meats and seafood, we honestly did not know what to chose especially after last night! Since we both enjoyed the steak and lobster last night, we opted for a shared surf and turf. I ordered the lobster and MF ordered the steak.
Wow, similar to last night, the food is jaw dropping and melts in your mouth! We enjoyed every bite and wanted even more! Our one compliant was the service was lacking… We had ordered a bottle of wine to celebrate our final meal, yet it never arrived… We also had to remind them a few times that we wanted water. For this resort, that level of service is unheard of!
