To celebrate our 10th anniversary a bit early, Justin and I took the most incredible trip the Maldives. KID-FREE! Eight days of bliss in one of the most beautiful places ever.

But let’s start at the beginning, because the trip there was just as magical as the trip itself.

Flying Emirates First Class

Growing up in the US, I used to use the words “business class” and “first class” interchangeably. It just meant the big seats at the front of the plane. Now that I’ve married a true flight lover, I am more cultured in the in’s and out’s of airline terminology. And while we almost always fly Economy, Justin converted points to miles, transferred miles between airlines and miraculously got two First Class seats on an A380 from Melbourne to Dubai.

This flight experience was like no other.

The seats were not seats, they were full suites — complete with snack basket, a drink shelf that raised at the touch of a button, vanity mirror, journaling drawer and massive screen.

When we got on board, they handed us a big tote bag. Yes, it was to take all the things off the plane with us — and when we got off it was full.

The first thing we couldn’t miss was the BVLGARI lotions and perfume. There was also a BVLGARI amenity bag complete with everything including a make up mirror…because…of course. We immediately changed into pyjamas which were divine and slippers which were amazing (we each got two sets to bring home).

It did not take us long to get cozy before they came around with a pre-flight drink. And of course, what else but Dom Perignon? I mean, of course I have $100 glasses of champagne every day.

Soon after takeoff, we decided to walk back to the bar on board. Yup, the same one that Penelope Cruz drinks at in all the Emirates commercials. The bar is for Business Class and First Class. The head flight attendant from First Class followed us back with the bottle of Dom, because, obviously, I couldn’t possibly drink just the regular Business Class champagne back there.

And then…the food. Obviously we had to start with the caviar which wasn’t just a little dish of caviar, it was a vat. I tried so hard to eat it all but somehow only made a dent. It is such a shame to think they had to dump what we didn’t eat (although hoping the flight crew spooned some bites).

By the time we were ready for the rest of the meal I wasn’t too hungry, although it was beautiful. And I didn’t even have room for my “movie snacks” which of course was a whole gourmet menu of it’s own.

I told the flight crew we were celebrating Justin’s birthday and they made him the most elaborate birthday dessert spread. One flight attendant said she almost started a fire trying to melt chocolate to spell happy birthday. After the third try she used a fruit sauce :).

After dinner they came around with a box of chocolates and asked if I wanted one. When I said yes, she proceeded to give me one of each of the twelve she had! (And she brought a refill bowl a few hours later with all of them again.)

It is hard to know if the food, champagne or bed was the best. Because the bed was beyond luxurious. They put down a really thick mattress pad, made the bed, sprayed some sleep spray and left a chocolate (another one) on my pillow. And because the suite doors close, it felt very private. Needless to say, I had a beautiful sleep.

But perhaps the most amazing thing was the shower. Yes. Shower. On an airplane.

Prior to landing we each got 30 min in the bathroom to freshen up, including a 5 min shower. The bathroom was huge, the shower water was hot and they had a million toiletries. This bathroom was nicer than many home bathrooms.

Did we take the toiletries with us? Obviously. Thank goodness for the tote bag!

Needless to say the 14 hour flight wasn’t nearly long enough. Dreaming of a time when we can do that again, but in the meantime, thank you Emirates for the most incredible flight experience ever!