Traveling to the Maldives is a bucket list experience for many people who dream of paradise and luxurious beach resorts. With its crystal-clear turquoise waters, natural beauty, amazing underwater wildlife, and perfect location on the equator and in the middle of the Indian Ocean, your dream vacation in the Maldives awaits.
As the Maldives consists of 1,192 coral islands, knowing how to effectively travel between them is very important. Besides the main islands, most are private property and are therefore restricted, but not impossible. Transfers to private islands must fly into the international airport on Hulhule and then take a speedboat, seaplane or a domestic flight. A speedboat may be an easier, hassle-free way to travel to islands closer to Hulhule, but if the destination is further away, another flight may be a better option. However, even after arriving on a private island by plane, it may still be necessary to take a speedboat to reach the resort. While slightly more expensive than domestic flights, seaplanes also have advantages such as the lack of a landing strip as well as the fantastic views.
Maldives from Above – Image Courtesy of @neskirimli
Of course, one of the biggest decisions when traveling to the Maldives is which resort to stay at. The best resorts are the ones with amazing service and an exclusive ambiance. Overall, everyone has different tastes in resorts and you need to choose the one that fits your individual needs.
Our first stop was Kurumba. This island was the country’s first private resort and has been a pioneer in the Maldives tourism industry for over 40 years. Despite being the first, this resort remains one of the finest and most luxurious. Plus, it is only 10 minutes from both the capital and from Malé International Airport via speedboat.
The resort’s signature Deluxe Bungalows and Deluxe Beachfront Bungalows stand alongside the fragrant tropical flora placed in horseshoe-shaped clusters and are just yards from the pure white beaches lining the island. Villa rooms are great for more luxury and privacy. The Presidential Suite was stunning and came complete with a jacuzzi.
Kurumba Beachfront – Image Courtesy of @neskirimli
Right by the sea, Thila restaurant has an amazing ambiance paired with delicious food. You dine right on the water and are even able to see animals like baby sharks occasionally.
Kurumba – Image Courtesy of @neskirimli
Beachfront Deluxe Room
Kuoni (01306 747008 or www.kuoni.co.uk) offer 7 nights on full board, in a Beachfront Deluxe Room at the 5-star Kurumba Maldives (www.kurumba.com), including flight on Sri Lankan Airlines from London Heathrow, and transfers to resort. The price February 2018 is from £2,959 per person, based on 2 sharing.
Our next stop was Dhigali, the newest island resort of the country. This resort pairs contemporary luxury with modern minimalist design and glorious natural beauty.
Dhigali – Image Courtesy of @neskirimli
The resort has 8 room categories. The white ones in the above photo are Pool Water Villas. We stayed here and never wanted to leave.
Can you believe the picture below is not a painting? The views here are unbeatable.
Dhigali Lagoon Villa – Image Courtesy of @neskirimli
Dhigali Lagoon Villa Pool – Image Courtesy of @arkns
The coziness and beauty of the rooms mix with the resort’s amazing staff of the resort to make you feel completely at home. When our host welcomed us to our room, she removed her slippers at the door, so we asked if we should as well. She smiled and said, “This is your home for next few days now. So it’s your choice. But I remove mine to show the necessary respect to your home.” That very second, we knew the next few days would be the time of our lives.
The dinner that Dhigali prepared for our anniversary in our own room was definitely one of the most intense moments of our life. Along with the romantic ambiance, the food was incredible! That definitely was a once in a lifetime experience.
The spa at the resort was another world. The atmosphere and the massage were simply mind-blowing. If you are tired of spoiling everyone else and want to be spoiled yourself, then Dhigali is the place for you.
Dhigali Lagoon Villa Dinner-Image Courtesy of @neskirimli
Beach Villa
Kuoni (01306 747008 or www.kuoni.co.uk) offer 7 nights on full board, in a Beach Villa, at the 5-star Dhigali Maldives (www.dhigalii.com), including flight on Sri Lankan Airlines from London Heathrow, and transfers to resort. The price February 2018 is from £2,978 per person, based on 2 sharing.
Water Villa
Kuoni (01306 747008 or www.kuoni.co.uk) offer 7 nights on full board, in a Water Villa, at the 5-star Dhigali Maldives (www.dhigalii.com), including flight on Sri Lankan Airlines from London Heathrow, and transfers to resort. The price February 2018 is from £3,318 per person, based on 2 sharing.
Kuramathi Restaurant- Image Courtesy of @neskirimli
Next stop was Kuramathi – during feeding season, you can see baby sharks and fish on Kuramathi’s shore. Witnessing this natural phenomenon is amazing. You can even have the chance to swim with them.
Each part of the resort was very well designed and catered to your needs. The natural habitat was so rich, especially the island’s unique sandbank – this easily sits at the top of the list, for obvious reasons. Located right on the water, it was so gorgeous we didn’t want to leave.
Each and every restaurant at this resort was amazing, but the Barbecue Grill is a must try. Even though it sounds like an ordinary barbecue restaurant, there is nothing ordinary about it. They cook your order right in front of you, so it’s a feast for the eyes as well as your taste buds.
Kuramathi – Image Courtesy of @neskirimli
Beach Villa
Kuoni (01306 747008 or www.kuoni.co.uk) offer 7 nights on full board, in a Beach Villa, at the 4-star Kuramathi Maldives (www.kuramathi.com), including flight on Sri Lankan Airlines from London Heathrow, and transfers to resort. The price February 2018 is from £2,139 per person, based on 2 sharing.
Water Villa
Kuoni (01306 747008 or www.kuoni.co.uk) offer 7 nights on full board, in a Water Villa with Jacuzzi, at the 4-star Kuramathi Maldives (www.kuramathi.com), including flight on Sri Lankan Airlines from London Heathrow, and transfers to resort. The price February 2018 is from £2,776 per person, based on 2 sharing.
TSSIF – Image Courtesy of @neskirimli
Our next resort, The Sun Siyam Iru Fushi (TSSIF) will have you falling in love at first sight. The island itself is so beautiful and the harmony of architecture and nature was amazing. TSSIF has been awarded Best Family Resort of 2017 and Best Luxury Spa for last 3 years.
TSSIF Infinity Pool – Image Courtesy of @neskirimli
We stayed in a Deluxe Beach Villa with a private pool. It was huge and the pinnacle of luxury. A butler service is also available to guests staying in luxury villas to cater to your every need.
TSSIF Deluxe Beach Villa Pool – Image Courtesy of @neskirimli
It was so beautiful that even only sitting still and staring at the view feels like a blessing. The villa has a huge living room area and a luxe bathroom with private open-air showers, a jacuzzi, and a resting area.
Our butler made a reservation at another restaurant for us. We chose Italian, which had delightful food and a kind staff. At certain points in the day, you can even watch the staff feed sharks!
Leaving the Maldives was harder than we imagined. These three resorts were heaven on Earth and we will definitely be back. It is incredibly easy to fall in love with Maldives’ beautiful beaches and stunning resorts.
TSSIF Deluxe Beach Villa Bathroom – Image Courtesy of @arkns
Written by DLX contributor Neslihan. Find her on Instagram @neskirimli.
Featured image courtesy of International Excellence.