Magical Maldives
There are many rumors about the Maldives - that it is boring there, there is absolutely nothing to do, a holiday in the Maldives is only suitable for honeymooners, and so on.
We thought the same until we got to the beautiful Maldives in June 2022.
The island Atolls (these are reef groups of islands) stretch from north to south - 823 km, from west to east - 130 km. They consist of about 1200 coral islands, and only 200 of them are equipped as hotels or for the local population.
Where do the Maldives begin?
For me, the Maldives began with the smell of lemongrass and the taste of coconut water. When meeting, representatives of hotels or travel companies greet their tourists exactly like this - offering them to cool their face or hands with a cool towel with lemongrass and drink fresh coconut.
Excellent Service begins already upon arrival in the Maldives. Depending on the hotel where you will be staying, there may be either a water transfer by boat or you will need to fly by seaplane. We waited to board our seaplane in the general lounge for 5* hotels, although some hotels have their own private ones.
We had to visit 4 hotels, Emerald Maldives Resort & Spa, Alila, Dusit and Milaidhoo, each of them is unique in its own way.
Let's start with Emerald. It was the first hotel and created the first impression. The hotel has beautiful wide beaches, excellent infrastructure, ideal for both families and individual holidays. The island is big! It is convenient to move around on new bicycles!
Separately, it is worth mentioning that the hotel operates on the "All Inclusive" system. Tourists accustomed to such a system, and families with children will find it extremely convenient! We spent the first 2 days enjoying the large territory of the island, especially liked the A la carte restaurant with Japanese cuisine.
I would especially like to note the Water Villas. I was impressed by the fantastic bathrooms, privacy from the main island and stunning ocean views.
We thought the same until we got to the beautiful Maldives in June 2022.
The island Atolls (these are reef groups of islands) stretch from north to south - 823 km, from west to east - 130 km. They consist of about 1200 coral islands, and only 200 of them are equipped as hotels or for the local population.
Where do the Maldives begin?
For me, the Maldives began with the smell of lemongrass and the taste of coconut water. When meeting, representatives of hotels or travel companies greet their tourists exactly like this - offering them to cool their face or hands with a cool towel with lemongrass and drink fresh coconut.
Excellent Service begins already upon arrival in the Maldives. Depending on the hotel where you will be staying, there may be either a water transfer by boat or you will need to fly by seaplane. We waited to board our seaplane in the general lounge for 5* hotels, although some hotels have their own private ones.
We had to visit 4 hotels, Emerald Maldives Resort & Spa, Alila, Dusit and Milaidhoo, each of them is unique in its own way.
Let's start with Emerald. It was the first hotel and created the first impression. The hotel has beautiful wide beaches, excellent infrastructure, ideal for both families and individual holidays. The island is big! It is convenient to move around on new bicycles!
Separately, it is worth mentioning that the hotel operates on the "All Inclusive" system. Tourists accustomed to such a system, and families with children will find it extremely convenient! We spent the first 2 days enjoying the large territory of the island, especially liked the A la carte restaurant with Japanese cuisine.
I would especially like to note the Water Villas. I was impressed by the fantastic bathrooms, privacy from the main island and stunning ocean views.
We got to the next hotel, Alila, by water transfer.
We were very lucky, as we became guests of the hotel right after its opening and there were no guests staying in our villas yet. Unlike the previous hotel, here we gave preference to the Villa on the beach with a pool. And we did not regret our choice for a minute.
New spacious villas with a private pool and access to a stunning beach! By the way, this was the best beach when entering the water! Soft coral sand and you didn’t even need special slippers.
The island is more compact, shaped like a dolphin. We really liked the well-kept territory, the green area of the island and the scurrying foxes everywhere.
We were also impressed by the wonderful SPA center, children's club and tea room.
Meals are served on a Breakfast or Breakfast + Dinner system. Breakfasts are served a la carte by the main pool. I can note that for those who are into diving, there is an excellent reef and dive center here!
We arrived at the next hotel by boat, where we were happily met at the pier by the hotel staff with welcome drinks.
The first thing that can be said about Dusit Island is that the island is huge! The hotel belongs to the Dusit chain and supports Asian and even Thai philosophy.
This is supported by the Thai SPA, an amazing Thai restaurant - where they served one of the best Tom Yam in my life, and the interiors of the rooms are quite classic and also reminiscent of Asia.
The island is famous among divers. It is located among many reefs, divers fly to this island from year to year specifically for diving and new experiences.
There is also a huge children's club on the island - by the scale of the Maldives, it is really very large and interesting.
I would definitely recommend this hotel for a family vacation and for diving enthusiasts.
And the last hotel on our trip was Milaidhoo, love for which arose at first sight.
Firstly, the hotel is located on a special reef under the protection of UNESCO. There is an ocean conservation center on the island, where you can come and listen about the peculiarities of the local flora and fauna!
The water here is simply an incredible azure color. All the hotel's decor matches the color of the ocean that surrounds it! The hotel is decorated in natural colors, in a boho style. It is impossible not to fall in love with the hotel's design!
The hotel supports the concept for adults only, so the island is ideal for couples looking for a romantic getaway and privacy. Solo travelers will also feel comfortable.
Separately, we can note the restaurants. I was impressed by the chic breakfasts, and at each sunset, the hotel staff kindly offered mind-blowing cocktails with snacks.
Interesting were the restaurants with a variety of cuisines, where you can have lunch or dinner. And the hotel also compliments each newlywed couple (if they arrive on their honeymoon) - a private candlelit dinner on the beach!
The hotel also has a wonderful SPA center, where I tried a yoga lesson. By the way, they are held for hotel guests every morning! And how nice it is to take care of yourself with a view of the ocean and the harmony of this hotel.
My conclusion about the Maldives is that this is definitely a destination that will suit everyone!
All the islands are unique and interesting! Activities include water sports, diving, bicycles, SPA, evening activities and exciting parties. For children, there are fun children's clubs. For those who enjoy active recreation, I would suggest changing, for example, 2 islands during your vacation, and then you will definitely not be bored)
We were very lucky, as we became guests of the hotel right after its opening and there were no guests staying in our villas yet. Unlike the previous hotel, here we gave preference to the Villa on the beach with a pool. And we did not regret our choice for a minute.
New spacious villas with a private pool and access to a stunning beach! By the way, this was the best beach when entering the water! Soft coral sand and you didn’t even need special slippers.
The island is more compact, shaped like a dolphin. We really liked the well-kept territory, the green area of the island and the scurrying foxes everywhere.
We were also impressed by the wonderful SPA center, children's club and tea room.
Meals are served on a Breakfast or Breakfast + Dinner system. Breakfasts are served a la carte by the main pool. I can note that for those who are into diving, there is an excellent reef and dive center here!
We arrived at the next hotel by boat, where we were happily met at the pier by the hotel staff with welcome drinks.
The first thing that can be said about Dusit Island is that the island is huge! The hotel belongs to the Dusit chain and supports Asian and even Thai philosophy.
This is supported by the Thai SPA, an amazing Thai restaurant - where they served one of the best Tom Yam in my life, and the interiors of the rooms are quite classic and also reminiscent of Asia.
The island is famous among divers. It is located among many reefs, divers fly to this island from year to year specifically for diving and new experiences.
There is also a huge children's club on the island - by the scale of the Maldives, it is really very large and interesting.
I would definitely recommend this hotel for a family vacation and for diving enthusiasts.
And the last hotel on our trip was Milaidhoo, love for which arose at first sight.
Firstly, the hotel is located on a special reef under the protection of UNESCO. There is an ocean conservation center on the island, where you can come and listen about the peculiarities of the local flora and fauna!
The water here is simply an incredible azure color. All the hotel's decor matches the color of the ocean that surrounds it! The hotel is decorated in natural colors, in a boho style. It is impossible not to fall in love with the hotel's design!
The hotel supports the concept for adults only, so the island is ideal for couples looking for a romantic getaway and privacy. Solo travelers will also feel comfortable.
Separately, we can note the restaurants. I was impressed by the chic breakfasts, and at each sunset, the hotel staff kindly offered mind-blowing cocktails with snacks.
Interesting were the restaurants with a variety of cuisines, where you can have lunch or dinner. And the hotel also compliments each newlywed couple (if they arrive on their honeymoon) - a private candlelit dinner on the beach!
The hotel also has a wonderful SPA center, where I tried a yoga lesson. By the way, they are held for hotel guests every morning! And how nice it is to take care of yourself with a view of the ocean and the harmony of this hotel.
My conclusion about the Maldives is that this is definitely a destination that will suit everyone!
All the islands are unique and interesting! Activities include water sports, diving, bicycles, SPA, evening activities and exciting parties. For children, there are fun children's clubs. For those who enjoy active recreation, I would suggest changing, for example, 2 islands during your vacation, and then you will definitely not be bored)