I never wanted to go. Too obvious for honeymooners and grand opulence with no cultural offerings. Yet after a slogging nine month tour of India I needed to be reminded of what luxury was. It was time to check out this luxurious, if cliched, part of the globe. From the mad streets of India to the atolls of paradise in the Maldives. With a someone I had only known six weeks and was about to spend one third of that time exclusively with on a tiny island. Why not??

Getting there isn't easy. With India's notorious delayed flights we missed our seaplane connection. Three planes later we were met by the captain of the Conrad boat who took us on a high powered ride in the dark of night across the seas to our first destination. My first taste of the rare and privileged islands that make up this ultimate archipelago of luxury. The magical lights come into view of lux huts that seemingly float over the perfect waters. All of a sudden your heart beats a little faster and as you step onto the island you know this is going to be special, if a little five star adult Disney. Man-made paradise floating on atolls in the middle of the Arabian sea with crystal sands, blues and turquoises that make your eyes hurt. Every blade of grass and one-to-one customer service designed to make your stay more pleasurable than even the most seasoned luxury travellers are accustomed to.

Next step is owning your own island.

A few tips for these treasures that lay beyond the reach of normal life- as it truly is governed by its own special essence and time.

1. Forget cost. As you will be spending vegas high roller style. As a fun case in point- I love whiskey. Specifically Jameson. Now as a NY'er accustomed to paying a few bucks a shot the resort charged US$500 a bottle. Snorkelling US$500 per person. Scuba $1200. On and on it goes. Room options are basically the iconic over the water bungalows and beach villas. Starting at $700 US a night. There are taxes upon taxes and naturally you are committed to the property so enjoy the $50 cheese sandwich or live large as you are supposed to. Despite being in some of the most rich seafood waters in the earth everything is imported. So wagyu steaks and caviar with champaign it is!

2. Vibe and size matters. Maldives is home to some of the smallest islands in the planet and seemingly endless resort and mega resort options. Tread carefully. I choose the Conrad which owns three islands and its own time. It attracts a well travelled and chill crowd vs the You and Me which was a single island and filled with a slightly more hectic crowd.

Know your style and pick a paring. Resort options are unlimited. Each with its own design and approach so don't plug into the W with its underwater nightclub if you are more a chill Four Season kinda traveller. We needed adventure and dining options, with enough space to distance from other travellers. Though it didn’t stop us getting noise complaints at night but such is the game.

3. Go big. I choose resorts for the classic Maldives offerings- Underwater restaurants that you reach via boat. The ability to see the famed whale shark (though we were one of the few unlucky), a private island experience, jetskiing with dolphins, and I really wanted to take seaplanes between the islands. I saw the classic burned out by the wedding/life couples who sat by the infinity pool day in and out, with Kindle in one hand, iphone in the other. Bed by 9pm. Don't be these guys. Get involved.

4. Treat this Vacation differently. This can mean different things depending on who you are and the way you express your lifestyle. I've been on a permanent vacation for over three years now and had lost that loving feeling of being thrilled by a tropical beach in a stunning location with all the luxuries and amenities provided. The thing I love about life is you can always be proven otherwise. Pack away phones, no photos needed, forget home, work never existed, and you have access to an endless credit line from Monaco. Best way to do it. Otherwise go to Hawaii.

5. Be selective with who you go with. Most important. I saw some pretty unhappy couples. With land so limited and everything far too expensive to say miserable choose wisely. I wish I did. Paradise has a way of turning dark quickly when you are not with someone who you can enjoy every moment with. Sex is cool but as my Spanish friend said "it became a chore out of boredom" so don't over-rely. If you are into activities and your version of fun is a skinny dip sunset swim, don't go with the "sit by the pool all day checking email" kinda person. Then again, if the marriage isn't to last better to know sooner versus later, right?

The Maldives will take your wallet and soul, but you'll thank them for it on your seaplane back to ordinary life.