When we arrived in the Maldives last summer, I thought I'd be posting nonstop. I mean, seriously—the views, the water, the sunset! Everything was as stunning as we expected.
At the time, we were also trying to revive some content on our past blog website. I had all these grand plans to spend the time writing articles and posting photos and videos of our stay in the Maldives. I mean, seriously, look at this place?!?
But the universe had other plans and gave us some in-your-face reminders to be present. Enjoy the moment. Be selfish and stop worrying about sharing everything on social media.
I mean, we should have saw it coming, going to a very “Instagrammable” bucket list type destination. Our island was fairly large with lots of private villas and overwater bungalows, but never did it feel busy, noisy or crowded. It was peaceful. Except for what I would say was a slightly obnoxious number of people trying to claim their Insta-fame and validate their worth in a “Like” count.
It’s astonishing how many people nowadays have become fixated on the idea that posting on social media will somehow catapult them to fame. This vanity epidemic has transformed serene vacation spots into chaotic photo studios. Rather than savoring a moment of peace or a breathtaking view, countless individuals are convinced that the perfect selfie or a well-edited video will make them the next big thing. The quest for likes, comments, and followers has taken precedence over genuine experiences and human connections. It’s almost as if the allure of social media fame has become a modern-day gold rush, with everyone chasing the glitter without realizing how fleeting and shallow it truly is.
The saddest part is watching people miss out on the real beauty around them. They spend more time curating their online personas than actually living the moments they're trying to capture. It’s a cycle of endless posing, editing, and posting, all in the hopes of gaining virtual validation. This obsession with online fame has led to a culture where the number of likes on a photo is seen as a measure of success and self-worth. In the process, the authentic joy of travel, the beauty of nature, and the simple pleasure of being present in the moment are all but forgotten.
People spend a small fortune to stay in this slice of paradise and with that, we were no exception. But rather than disconnect and enjoy themselves, leaving the real world behind for the surf and a good ol’ sunburn, many other guests on the island were endlessly posing for photos from every angle, in various outfits, running under drones in different directions, and barking orders at their partners—many of whom didn't seem thrilled to be part of the whole production. Love makes you do crazy things, right?
Could some of these people be actual travel influencers, making a living with these shenanigans? Sure. But chances are, they are not.
Embracing the Present
We had some incredible experiences in the Maldives:
Snorkeling: Snorkeling with sea turtles and whale sharks, and exploring the vibrant reef around the island was like transporting yourself right into a giant, vibrantly colored aquarium. We saw sea turtles, tiger fish, blacktip sharks, and even a titan triggerfish I named Earl—he was a bit feisty!
Lots of walking: Strolling through the flora, admiring the fruit bats. Walking through the surf, being careful not to step on the hundreds of hermit crabs. Simply taking in all the stunning flora and fauna of the island.
Swimming: In the ocean or in our private pool, under the stars, and at sunrise. The freshwater pool turned out to be a fantastic feature for relaxation.
Sunsets: Walking out on the sandbank to watch the sunset, feeling like you are literally standing in the middle of the ocean.
Finding the bioluminescence: One of the most magical moments was seeing specks of bioluminescent plankton wash up on the shore after dark. It's more prominent on other atolls, but we were thrilled to catch a few small glimpses here.
Be Present
We enjoyed the peacefulness of sitting on our deck, coffee in hand, overlooking the ocean in the mornings. The tranquility was unmatched.
Everything about this leg of our trip reminded us to be present. To truly savor each moment without the distraction of always having to capture it all. Disconnecting from social media allows us to connect more deeply with any place we are in the world and also, with each other.
So, my friends, try putting your phone down the next time you find yourself in a beautiful/relaxing place. Experience the moment fully, because memories made with your own eyes are far more valuable than any Instagram post.
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Ah yes, love this!! You're so right. AND, we are going to the Maldives for the first time in January and I really really can't wait x