WHICH ISLAND IN THE MALDIVES??

I was lucky enough to live just a short flight away from the Maldives so had the chance to visit on many occasions. When you set your heart on those crystal clear waters and pristine white sands that finding the right island to stay on is important to you. As an independent travel agent I get the chance to work with the world’s top holiday suppliers of holidays – along with the help from my friends at Kuoni, we have put the following together to help you chose which island is right for you…
When you picture your ultimate luxury escape to the Indian Ocean, you want everything just so – the way you’ve always imagined it. You may want to dive off your water villa into turquoise waters to meet the vibrant marine life beneath, you may want to be sipping a sundowner on white sands after your evening’s a la carte dining or you may want to be making waves on a dolphin watching excursion or sunset cruise. So here are 11 hand-picked Maldivian resorts, along with why you would stay on them, to answer that all important questions:
FOR DIVERS Natural, rustic and one of the friendliest resorts in the Maldives, 3* Biyadhoo is a haven for divers, with a wide range of top dive sites nearby to choose from. Its renowned PADI dive school is particularly popular, with excellent instructors ready and willing to advise you on which of the local dive sites are best suited to you and your ability. If you’re not a diver but would like to try your hand at snorkelling, the spectacular house reef has 7 different passages to explore; each offers the opportunity to get up-close to reef sharks, rays and turtles. I have to say, I have stayed on a few ECO Islands, and they are by far my favourite – basic, down to earth and people are there to embrace the wonderful natural waters that the Maldives have to offer.
FOR FOODIES Enjoy culinary delights from all over the world at 3½ * Kuredu Island Resort that’ll be sure to satisfy your appetite. Along with 4 sumptuous buffet restaurants, you can also indulge in à la carte dining, including some of the tastiest dishes in the Maldives. Choose from The Far East, with a focus on Japanese delicacies, fresh seafood at The Beach, and Mediterranean cuisine at Franco’s, with herbs and spices fresh from the island’s greenhouse. A real treat for your taste buds.
FOR THOSE WHO LIKE CHOICE A tropical paradise of palm trees, white sandy beaches and sparkling, clear turquoise waters, 4* Meeru Island Resort & Spa has one of the largest ranges of activities and facilities in the Maldives. Not content with offering as much or as little as you’d like to do, Meeru also has the most choice when it comes to accommodation – which is why so many people return each year! Available are 5 accommodation types each with their own benefits, including Garden Rooms, Beach Villas, Jacuzzi Beach Villas, Water Villas and Jacuzzi Water Villas. One thing is for certain, you won’t leave disappointed
FOR THE COCKTAIL CONNOISSEURS A top 4* Kandooma’s The Kitchen is the resort’s well-known The Deck, a cool rooftop terrace that provides the best spot on the island for an unforgettable sundowner. Sample the talented head bartender’s astonishing cocktail menu, listing some of the most delicious drinks you’ll ever try, from timeless classics to modern inventions, including the bartender’s favourite – the Bird Tail Martini. Catch the sunset, moonlight or twinkling stars in the open air and delight in an after dinner treat that you won’t be forgetting in a hurry.
FOR COUPLES WHO WANT ROMANCE If it is privacy and intimacy you’re looking for, 4* Veligandu Island Resort & Spa is perfect for a couple’s hideaway. In a secluded, peaceful and natural setting, complete with its own crystal clear lagoon, you’ll be encouraged to adopt the laid-back “no shoes, no news” bare-foot policy. This includes when walking along its glorious sandbank from which the resort takes its name – ‘Veligandu’ means sandbank in Maldivian. For added romance after your sandy stroll, dine under the stars at the Madivaru restaurant before retreating back to your spacious, thatched roof villa either on the beach or over water.
FOR FAMILIES Head to 4 * Chaaya Dhonveli from November to February and you could have the time of your life with your family in Maldivian paradise. Staying in a two-storey Garden Bungalow (only bookable through us during this time), you’ll be able to make the most of this resort’s dramatic surf break to one side of the island and its turquoise lagoon, perfect for snorkelling, on the other. With plenty to keep the kids and yourself busy, you can head to the spa, learn to dive, take on the resort’s watersports, challenge each other to a game of volleyball, table tennis or badminton, go dolphin watching or embark on an island hopping adventure!
FOR THE ULTIMATE IN WATER VILLAS Home to some of the most stylish water villas in the Maldives, 4* Diamonds Athuruga is one of the Indian Ocean’s ultra-contemporary resorts. Just like its sister island 4* Diamonds Thudufushi, its relatively new white water villas have proven to be some of the most well-maintained residences in the South Ari Atoll. With huge, open wooden decks built on stilts over the water, here you’re able to choose between sunset or sunrise views whilst being surrounded by the brightly coloured marine life of the resort’s coral garden. Don’t forget to make the most of your experience and dine in the overwater à la carte restaurant for Water Villa guests only.
AND FOR THOSE THAT WANT ULTIMATE IN LUXURY There are indeed endless Islands that offer the ultimate in luxury, the http://www.kurumba.com would certainly be on my list of doable favourites. If you stay for a week, you could eat in a different restaurant every night! The Baros Maldives, is another haven for food lovers and those that appreciate architecture, even in the middle of the Indian Ocean. The Constance Moofushi combines, luxury, stunning water villas, diving and eating all in one go – this is by far one of the most elegant ‘barefoot chic’ resorts you will see. My final choice here would be the Niyama Resort – this place really has everything – including popcorn machines in the room AND an underwater night club (accessible only to those on the island)
For any of the above resorts and of course many more, you are welcome to contact me, I am happy to come over and meet with you to discuss the many options available…
david@thetravelsnob.co.uk 07990 018 018