Away from the five-star hotels and beyond luxury hideaways, Tom Chesshyre travels to see the real, unexplored Maldives, skirting around the archipelago's periphery, staying at simple guesthouses, and using cargo ships and ferries. He discovers that beyond the glossy brochures lies an almost undiscovered country that is brimming with life, yet also a paradise teetering on the brink of trouble.

This is an epic love story passed on from generations to generation. Most call it the Maldivian version of Romeo & Juliet, with some debating on it's origin, others have concluded it as folklore. Romeo of this story is Ali Fulhu, a charming handsome man who takes a heroic journey to meet the love of his life. Juliet is Dhon Hiyala, a beautiful young woman who was described as the epitome of beauty at the time.Their love takes a melodramatic turn when the King falls for Dhon Hiyala.