I went to the Maldives not really knowing what to expect - but I was pleasantly surprised. Find out why below…
We flew in to Male and were transferred from the airport by launch to our first hotel called Four Seasons Kuda Huraa located about 30 minutes away. The Maldives are made up of several atolls, and this was a small island within an atoll - no roads, just sand paths and beach. Beautifully appointed beach villas with their own beachfront and overwater bungalows. Most have private plunge pools. Dining options included seafood, Indian and Italian restaurants.
With some anxiety we then boarded a seaplane and flew for 35 minutes over some amazing scenery. The Maldives can only be appreciated from above. Our next stop was Baan Atoll. We landed on the sea and had a boat take us to stay at Four Seasons Landaa Giravaaru. It was totally different to its sister property. This was still an island, but on a larger scale, with lush vegetation and stunning beaches and lagoon - turquoise water and fine white sand. A picture postcard.
We stayed in a beach bungalow which was amazing and right on the beach. Separate air-conditioned pavilion with lounge, bedroom and massive bathroom. Outdoors we had a further pavilion with sand floor which housed a dining table and chairs, sun lounges, and a spiral staircase to a second floor where there was a hammock and day bed. In the garden was a 10-metre swimming pool (just amazing) and each guest has their own bicycle for getting around the island, so it was easy to access all areas of the resort.
The resort also has overwater bungalows which we inspected. They too were stunning, but we agreed ours was better. One always thinks the overwater bungalow is the pinnacle of accommodation, but due to the design and location, they tend to be smaller than some other hotel options.
There were great dining options, fish/steak, Indian, Italian, and a bar over the water which has nightly shark and stingray feeding. Apparently, the sharks are harmless, but they were massive and all close to shore.
I know I keep coming back to the turquoise waters, but they were stunning… Take me back there again I say!
Monsoon season is from May till October, so the best time to visit the Maldives is outside of this time. There are non-stop flights from Singapore to the Maldives, or you can get there via Bangkok, Hong Kong, Doha or Dubai.
This is a highly recommended destination for those wanting to escape their hectic life. Great for honeymooners, or those wanting a romantic getaway. We also found the hotels catered well for families and each had a child care centre which kept the young ones occupied. For the environmentally conscience traveller, conservation is a major thing in the Maldives, and a lot of work is done on re-establishing reefs and looking after marine life. Something for everyone!
Words by Brian Bennett