MALE, REPUBLIC OF MALDIVES - I probably won’t get to heaven, but I’ve been to the Maldives — close enough.

NORTH MALEÈ ATOLL, REPUBLIC OF MALDIVES – It’s love at first sight for the honeymooners aboard the Trans Maldivian Airlines seaplane as they crane their necks to get a better look at beautiful KudaHuraa.

BAA ATOLL, MALDIVES — We are lured to this nation of turquoise water and lush tropical islands by lovely brochure photos featuring luxurious thatched-roofed resort villas suspended on stilts and by promises of sun-drenched days and romantic orange glow sunsets.