- Why I Keep Going Back to the Maldives
- But… Isn’t It Boring?
- My Favourite Travel Combinations
- Tips and Tricks
- My Top 5 Places
- Final Thoughts
“What’s your favourite travel destination?”
When I meet new people, this is the question I get asked most often once they hear that I have a travel agency and am always exploring new places 😅.
I almost feel a bit boring for not thinking outside the box, but so far, the Maldives are my favourite spot on earth. It’s a place where you can truly relax, and there is something magical about being surrounded by the ocean on a white sandy island.
But… Isn’t It Boring?
“Isn’t it boring just to be on an island?”
If you are not looking to switch off and enjoy some quality time with your partner, friend, or family, there are still plenty of ways to stay entertained.
I am known for not being able to relax for too long with my ADHD 🤣, and I still love the islands.
However, whenever I go, I like to combine islands.
You can combine the south atolls with the north, visit islands in the same atoll, or choose based on the underwater world you want to see and the island you want to stay on. The options are huge, and this is where making the right decision matters.
Big island, small island, adults-only, family-friendly, secluded, reachable by seaplane or speedboat, water bungalow or beach bungalow; or better yet, combine both 😉
Another option is to combine the Maldives with an adventurous journey through Sri Lanka first and then relax for the last four to seven days in paradise.
Another popular combination is Dubai. If you have never been, you really need to see what they have created out of the desert. My recommendation: two to three nights in Dubai, then the rest in the Maldives.
Important: I have visited 15 different resorts so far, ranging from mid-range to high-end. Because the options are so many, don’t get caught up in a cheap online offer. It may not include the transfer or green tax. You also need to check your flight times so you don’t lose a day or leave the island too early.
I am here if you need the right guidance, and don’t forget that I always try to get you the very best prices :).
My Favourite Travel Combinations
If you ask me, the Maldives become even better when you combine them with somewhere else first.
Sri Lanka is one of my favourite combinations because it gives you a completely different experience before you slow everything down in paradise. You can explore wildlife, tea plantations, temples, and incredible food, and then finish with a few nights in the Maldives.
Dubai is another great option. It adds a very different energy to the trip, and it is worth seeing what they have created out of the desert. My recommendation would be two to three nights in Dubai, then the rest in the Maldives.
For me, these combinations work so well because they create contrast. A little adventure first, then total relaxation at the end.
Tips and Tricks
You can tip in dollars or even euros on the islands — don’t worry about that. You can also tip by credit card.
Other than that, cash isn’t really needed, unless you stop for the night in Malé and go souvenir shopping or visit the market. The islands do have a lot of traffic, and cash can be useful in certain situations, which we go through during the planning stage.
Trust me, the holiday feels longer when you combine two islands.
There is no need to bring snorkeling gear to all-inclusive places. Most resorts provide it to all guests for free.
If you want to snorkel directly from the beach or stay in a water bungalow, you need to choose the right accommodation. If not, you’ll go on a short boat trip and snorkel at a reef close to the hotel.
Everyone speaks perfect English there.
A SIM card can be bought at the airport, but all islands have Wi-Fi. There is no real need for one.
The Maldives are not just for honeymoon couples. Nowadays, islands offer paddle courts, beautiful kids’ clubs, great entertainment, yoga, karaoke, and more. Trust me, this is pure quality time for everyone!
If you or your plus one are not convinced or are worried about getting bored, please take my advice and start with a combination of adventurous Sri Lanka followed by the Maldives. Three to four nights will be a great taster, and I am sure you will want to come back for more 😛
My Top 5 Places
My top five places I have visited, not ranked:
1. Emerald Faarufushi — luxury
House reef, perfectly sized island, beautiful water bungalows, and amazing food. The spa feels like a bird’s nest in the forest.
2. Six Senses — luxury plus
A bucket-list destination with the clearest water I have seen in the Maldives so far. It is further south and had the best diving. The overwater bungalow with the private pool is a dream.
3. Dhangethi — medium luxury
Dhangethi is fun! The bungalows are not as big or secluded, but the beach bar, including pizza on the beach, is such a great concept. We went snorkeling directly from the beach and had a really good time on the island.
4. Hideaway
I have been to this island twice 😃. The service is the best! You have your own butler who takes care of your wishes via WhatsApp. If you need a pickup, he will be waiting for you on time with his golf cart. Yoga mat in the room? Yes, ma’am! Ice for the wine? I will bring it in five minutes.
I was there once with my partner for some romantic time and another time with my best friend, and we entertained the bar with live music in the evening.
5. Sonu Fushi — luxury ++
If you have the budget and children, please go here. They have the coolest kids’ club I have ever seen, with a big slide and even a pool bar, so children definitely don’t get bored. The island is also known for “no shoes, no news,” so as soon as you step on the island, you give away your shoes and enjoy the pure sand. This place is luxurious and gives you full privacy in your bungalow. My highlight was dinner in the garden restaurant in a treehouse. The chef cooks everything fresh from the garden on the island.
Sorry, I am at five now, but I had the best snorkeling at Hideaway, even though a few extra charges on the island annoyed me. However, if you know about them or book the right package, you will have no surprises and pure enjoyment 🙂
Final Thoughts
Always remember: we only live once, work hard, and enjoy life 🙂
Your Travel Agent
Jasmina