Australian surf coach and YouTube personality Kale Brock has garnered attention for his insightful travel videos and technical expertise, often steering clear of the dramatic flair typical of many online content creators. Brock, who will soon turn thirty-three, has built a dedicated following with nearly 250,000 subscribers on his channel, where he shares his unique perspective on surfing and travel.
Known for his thoughtful and reflective approach, Brock recently captivated his audience with an exploration of an abandoned resort in the Maldives. The video, which offers a rare glimpse into the eerie remnants of what was once destined to be a luxurious escape, showcases Brock’s ability to bring both depth and curiosity to his storytelling.
During the walkthrough, Brock reveals the deteriorating state of the resort, which was originally planned to feature $5,000-a-night overwater bungalows. “Apparently, a major politician in the Maldives owns this island, and construction began 12 years ago,” Brock explains. “They were building for two years, then stopped for ‘political reasons’. We don’t really know—ostensibly, maybe they ran out of money. They’ve literally abandoned the project… There are bathtubs in unopened but deteriorating boxes. There’s literally piles of toilets stacked on top of each other, and ultimately there’s incredible potential for an incredible place here.”
As Brock continues his tour, he passes by a couple of abandoned cars, adding a cinematic touch to the desolate scene. “You could fully shoot a zombie movie here… I feel like we’re in Jurassic Park, after they’ve abandoned it,” he muses.
The video strikes a chord with Brock’s audience, not only for its haunting visuals but also for the evocative thoughts it stirs. “Imagine the dinners you could have had,” Brock says wistfully. “Imagine the surf you could have had 1km that way.”
Brock’s exploration of the abandoned resort has resonated deeply with his viewers, blending adventure with a sense of lost opportunity, and highlighting his talent for uncovering the stories behind the scenes.
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