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July14
Angsana Ihuru
On our first morning, it was full moon low tide – so low that
bits of the reef we’d snorkelled around late the previous
afternoon were holding up coral branches to the early sun.
Ihuru has an exceptionally narrow lagoon, the first corals and
their attendant fish sometimes no more than a few feet from
the edge of the water.
At intervals, four or five channels give wonderfully easy
access to the outer wall of the reef – one of the best house
reefs imaginable, impeccably maintained and home to some
400 species.
Literally the first thing I spotted was a black-tip shark, and
my heart skipped a beat; a lucky sighting, apparently, as
you’re more likely to see them in the evening. At any time of
day, though, you’re assured of a kaleidoscope of colourful,
shimmering fish of all sizes and colours, plus a multitude of
corals and the occasional starfish turtle, octopus and more.
Little Angsana Ihuru is in some ways the most perfect of
the Maldivian islands I’ve been lucky to visit. All essential
elements – powdery sand, lambent lagoon and rich reef –
being in harmonious balance, it has an ultimately satisfying
simplicity. One sandy path takes you around the island in four
or five minutes. The sea is your swimming pool. There’s a
souvenir shop and there’s a gym to admire, and that’s about it.
Each of the 45 villas is right on the beach and they’re all the
same size. Some, like ours, have a more concealed entrance
and more privacy; others have a direct view of the sea that
laps just beyond their back deck, swing and curl-up-on-me
lounger. All have a spacious, semi-outdoor walled shower
area to the front, some with the addition of a spa bath, ideal
for those (like me) who like to wallow.