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Choosing the Perfect Resort in the Maldives
There are times when a holiday needs to be pure escapism, something so different from your everyday, something which allows you to step away from all the stresses of the world for a week or two and lets you really recharge your batteries. This is when I want to head to the Maldives. I know that within a day, I can be sitting on a white beach looking out at the ocean, feeling like I am on the absolute edge of the world, but that when I’ve soaked up a stunning sunset, I can wander down a jungle path and sit down to a delicious curry or the freshest seafood, served up in some magical, ocean-side setting.
No matter which resort you pick in the Maldives there are some guarantees - lush tropical islands with pure white beaches, balmy weather, great swimming and diving, and a wonderful sense of remoteness. But each resort is also unique, so how do you pick the one that’s perfect for you? Well, I have set out a couple of the factors that I think you should consider to help narrow down your search. Then, of course, give us a call and we will help you pick (and book) the perfect one.
Pricing
There is a broad spread in price points for the various resorts and having an affordable holiday here is very achievable, but it is also one of the best places in the world to really experience luxury on an extraordinary scale if you have the budget for it. As with most things in life, you tend to get what you pay for. The higher priced resorts will typically guarantee you extraordinary levels of privacy (some islands only have 20 to 30 villas) and amazing levels of service, with staff to guest ratios of around 3 to 1. You will also be spoiled for spectacular “wow moments”, whether it is the underwater spa (Huvafen Fushi), the giant marble tub in your bathroom with unimpeded views of the ocean, or the Michelin dining at the breathtaking restaurant.
Itinerary:
There are distinct high (Dec to April) and low seasons (May to Nov) for travel to the Maldives and pricing reflects that, so timing your trip carefully can be a good way of sampling luxury for less. The main negative of travel in the low season is an increased chance of rain, but the weather is always warm and even the rainy months have long periods of sunny weather. If you are a keen snorkeller or diver, you should also bear in mind that there is increased plankton growth in the summer months so visibility will be affected, although by October the increased plankton starts to attract whale sharks, which are a spectacular sight on any dive.
Location
The Maldives is spread across a surprisingly large area and visiting a resort close to Male or in one of the remoter atolls can be two very different experiences. Resorts in North Male Atoll and South Male Atoll are the easiest to get too – either a speedboat transfer or short seaplane ride away. This makes them ideal for shorter breaks where you want to maximise your time at the resort, or as a wonderful addition to a Sri Lanka or India itinerary. Ari Atoll and Alifu Dhaalu Atoll are slightly further away – on the eastern rim of the Maldives, closer to the deeper waters of the Arabian Sea. This means exciting diving with potential to see bigger marine wildlife, and often a more definitive feeling of true remoteness.
Itineraries:
Sri Lanka's Cultural Triangle & The Maldives
The other area with a large concentration of (especially luxury) resorts is the Baa Atoll. This is one of the northernmost atolls in the Maldives and resorts here are a seaplane journey away from Male. It is a UNESCO biosphere reserve and has truly exceptional diving and snorkelling – it is home to Hanifaru Bay, widely regarded as one of the best places to see manta rays in the world (link to Soneva Fushi itinerary). The Baa Atoll has been growing in popularity in recent years and many of the Maldives newest resorts are to be found here. Thanks to its distance from any major population centres it also has fantastic dark skies for stargazing (a couple of the resorts have their own observatories to take advantage).
Itinerary:
What is a resort’s Unique Selling Point?
Historically, most resorts in the Maldives are aimed solidly at the luxury romance market, but in the last two decades that has evolved dramatically. There is a growing realisation that they need to cater for the ‘veto voter’ – the one member of the party who rolls their eyes at the thought of being stuck on a beach for a week with nothing to do except read, swim and sunbathe. Resorts have become ever more inventive at offering an array of experiences and activities to keep that veto voter happy, while of course also ensuring that those who do want to spend a week or two doing as little as possible can do so in great comfort.
There are now resorts that are fantastic for family getaways (Cocoa Island by Como), or resorts that offer Michelin-level dining, resorts that cater for Robinson Crusoe escapism or resorts that offer breathtaking diving and water sports (Four Seasons at Landaa Giraavaru). There are resorts that allow you to feel that you are the only people on the island, or resorts that offer buzzy bars and restaurants (One & Only Reethi Rah). You can find some of the most remarkable spas in the world for blissful relaxation or resorts that allow you to fill each day with some new activity that you’ve never tried before. There are eco-conscious resorts and resorts that aim to connect to Maldivian culture.
Of course, most resorts offer combinations of these different selling points, so with some judicious mixing and matching you can find something that keeps your whole group happy.
Talk to us about the things that you want from your Maldives holiday and we will help you find the perfect resort for it. We've also shared a selection of example itineraries below:
Cocoa Island by Como, Maldives
Four Seasons at Landaa Giraavaru, Maldives
One & Only Reethi Rah, Maldives
For more tips on the best places to stay in the Maldives, browse our website or speak to one of our destination experts on +44(0) 207 81 99 770.
