My Bucket List Holiday: Dubai, Sri Lanka, and the Maldives

If there’s one trip that will live in my heart forever, it’s this one. I finally ticked off my bucket list holiday, hopping from the glamour of Dubai to the tropical paradise of Sri Lanka, and finally, the breathtaking Maldives. Each destination offered something magical, and every moment was one for the books.

My journey started in the dazzling city of Dubai, where luxury and innovation collide. I stayed at the stunning Dukes The Palm, a Royal Hideaway Hotel, located on the iconic Palm Jumeirah. From the moment I arrived, I felt like royalty.

The hotel’s private beach was the perfect spot to soak in Dubai’s famous sunshine, with the city skyline on one side and the azure Arabian Gulf on the other. 

 

During the day, I explored the city’s top attractions. Aura Skypool, Desert Safari and the Burj Khalifa, this was a must and I wandered through the bustling Dubai Mall, complete with designer stores, an indoor waterfall, and even an ice rink!

From the glamour of Dubai, I flew to the lush landscapes of Sri Lanka. My stay at Avani Kalutara Resort felt like stepping into a tropical haven. Nestled between the Indian Ocean and the serene Kalu River, the resort was surrounded by stunning natural beauty.

At the resort, I spent hours lounging by the pool. Evenings were for sipping cocktails at Miridiya Bar and dining on fresh seafood at the resort’s restaurant. Every bite was bursting with flavour, and the view of the sunset over the water made it all the more magical.

The final leg of my journey took me to the Maldives, a place I’ve dreamed of visiting for as long as I can remember. The excitement began as soon as we landed—our transfer to Kuredu Island Resort was by seaplane, and the aerial view of turquoise waters and white sandy islands was breathtaking.

Kuredu Island itself was paradise personified. The resort offered everything I could have ever wanted: overwater villas, lush greenery, and endless stretches of pristine beach. My villa was pure luxury, complete with a deck where I could watch the sunrise every morning.

Days in the Maldives were all about relaxation and exploration. I snorkelled in the crystal-clear lagoon, discovering vibrant coral reefs and even spotting a sting ray! The resort also arranged a sunset dolphin cruise, which was magical. Seeing pods of dolphins play in the golden light of the setting sun was something I’ll never forget.

Of course, no visit to the Maldives is complete without indulging in world-class cuisine. Kuredu’s restaurants didn’t disappoint—whether it was fresh sushi, a beachside barbecue, or decadent desserts, every meal was a culinary masterpiece.

Evenings were spent stargazing on the beach, feeling the soft sand under my feet as the Milky Way lit up the night sky. It was the perfect way to end each incredible day.

 

This trip was everything I imagined and more. Dubai wowed me with its luxury and modernity, Sri Lanka captured my heart with its natural beauty and culture, and the Maldives left me in awe of its unspoiled paradise.

Each destination brought something unique to the table, but what tied it all together was the sense of wonder and the memories I created along the way. Travelling from the futuristic cityscapes of Dubai to the lush jungles of Sri Lanka and ending with the tranquil islands of the Maldives was a journey I’ll treasure forever.