I’ve always believed that the best kind of birthday is one where you’re working—creating, collaborating, building. For the last 21 years since the inception of our brand Falguni Shane Peacock, I’ve stayed true to that belief. In fact, even before we launched our label, I never really took time off. I found joy in the process, energy in the hustle and meaning in spending the day doing what I love most. That, for me, was celebratory enough.
But this year, everything shifted. For the first time in my entire life, I was not at work on my birthday. I wasn’t at my desk, not at a show, not at a shoot, not even home. I was far away from all of it, in a place that felt like another world altogether—Naladhu, Maldives. It wasn’t just any vacation. It was a real vacation. One with no calendar alerts, no looming deadlines, and no last-minute fittings. Just the sun, sea, sky and the silence. What made it even more special was being surrounded by people I hold close. Falguni, of course, was by my side as always. And joining us were our dearest friends Sagar and Sribala Chordia, along with their kids, who added such lightness, laughter, and joy to the entire experience. From the moment we arrived, I had a feeling this trip would stay with me for a long, long time.
Set in the South Malé Atoll, Naladhu, Maldives is more than just a resort, it’s a retreat. One that redefines luxury not through excess, but through its great mix of nature, privacy, and impeccable service. The private island where we stayed was intimate, almost like a secret, tucked away from the noise of the world and designed for those who want to disappear into calm. We stayed in a villa that opened right onto the beach, with the ocean so close it felt like we were living inside a painting. The interiors were a quiet nod to colonial elegance—whitewashed wood, soft pastels and breezy drapes that danced with the sea wind. Every detail was tailored with thought, from the scent of the rooms to the curated little nooks that came with our stay. The property didn’t feel like a hotel; it felt like someone’s very tasteful, very tranquil home. And then there was the food—made all the more special thanks to our private chef. Every meal was an experience, especially my birthday dinner which was by the beach. And did I tell you about the cake I cut? It was made from fruits. Just fruits and it was tastefully done. Talk about being a healthy birthday cake in its truest sense. All through our stay, the breakfasts were slow and sumptuous, the lunches came with ocean views and the dinners turned into long, laughter-filled conversations under the stars. The culinary highlights? Too many to count. But if I had to pick—the produce was as fresh as it gets, the Maldivian curries were packed with flavour, and the desserts were dangerously good!
What truly made the trip unforgettable though, were the moments in between. The ones that didn’t involve grand plans or elaborate itineraries. Like venturing out into the middle of the ocean to watch dolphins arc through the water in a playful rhythm. Or sitting in complete silence as the sun sank into the horizon, casting molten gold across the waves. Or even the unexpected thrill of taking a water scooter out for a spin around the resort on my final day—a birthday first, and honestly, a memory I’ll keep forever. In fact, I tried a water sport I never thought I would. It was a leap—small in the grand scheme of things, but symbolic in its own quiet way. Because this birthday wasn’t just about a celebration. It felt like turning a page. A conscious decision to hit pause, to reflect on the years gone by, and to realign for the years to come.
The Maldives, for us, has always been a kind of sanctuary. A place we return to when we need to recharge and reset. There’s a stillness here that seeps into your mind. It doesn’t just slow time, it sharpens your focus. Clears your mind. It wipes the slate clean so you can dream bigger, fresher, better. And I can safely say that this trip served that exact purpose.
I’ve returned from Naladhu with not just beautiful memories, but also a deeper understanding of the importance of stillness and what it means to truly take time. Not because you’re burnt out. But because you choose to. Because you realise that every now and then, stepping away from what you love doesn’t diminish the passion—it renews it. So here’s to firsts. To birthdays that break patterns. To island mornings and saltwater skies. To dolphins and dessert, water scooters and wonder. And most importantly, to press pause, only to come back recharged, reimagined, and ready to write the next chapter. Until next time, Naladhu. You’ve set the bar high!
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