When you read the word ‘Maldives’, there a few things that are guaranteed to cross your mind. The islands are typically associated with crystal-clear azure waters, platinum white sand and, well, pure paradise.
After visiting, we’re pleased to report it’s even more idyllic than that. And we’re even more pleased to say, despite our own preconceptions, the Maldives isn’t just a honeymooners’ destination. In fact, it’s the perfect spot for friends, families or a relaxing solo visit, if you fancy.
Once you’ve landed at Velana International Airport, jump on a speedboat or seaplane to your chosen destination and prepare for some epic island views before arriving at your own slice of heaven. Here’s everything you need to know about visiting the Maldives (without completelyyyy rinsing your savings), from where to stay and what to do, to the best places to wine and dine.
Where to stay in the Maldives
Angsana Velavaru
From your own private walkway to the island’s quiet beach (complete with private deckchairs, so no early rising to bagsy one with a towel) to an outdoor shower surrounded by palm trees for privacy - and the option to stay in some of the Maldives’ largest pool villas - there’s a long list of positives to staying at Angsana Velavaru. But it doesn’t stop there. Despite its luxury features, the vibe of the hotel is extremely chilled and cosy, making it the perfect option for any group. Especially when you consider that it offers 101 activities for all ages (more on that below…).
Dhawa Ihuru
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The newly re-launched Dhawa Ihuru sits a short 25 min speedboat ride from Velana International Airport, and boasts some of the most gasp-worthy rooms you’ll ever lay your eyes on. Also adopting an informal and relaxed environment, shunning shoes and embracing your stay barefoot is encouraged (and something we were more than happy to do). When you enter your room, you’ll be treated to a bedroom, separate dining room and the beach on your back doorstep, meaning you can use your in-room coffee machine and watch the sunset over the Indian Ocean while sitting on your personal swing. Some rooms also feature outdoor jet pools and rain-mist showers, which, yes, are as dreamy as they sound.
What to do in the Maldives
Snorkelling
What would a visit to an idyllic place like the Maldives be if you didn’t explore the incredible marine life? Simply visit the diving centre for your kit and explore the water at your leisure. You can even take your kit back to your room and explore the waters around your room/villa as you please. Alongside sharks, turtles and needlefish, we spotted a long list of fish species, which left us excitedly running back to the diving centre fish chart to figure out what we saw.
Dolphin cruise
You’ve heard of a sunset cruise – but a dolphin cruise? Unreal. 30 minutes into our boat ride (during which we enjoyed some drinks and the incredible views over a breathtaking sunset), the boat was suddenly surrounded by dolphins, who swam, leapt and twirled in the air. Yes, it was beautiful and yes, a tear or two were shed.
Visit the marine centre
Protecting marine life is a huge priority for all of the hotels in the Maldives. Take some time to learn more about the wonders of underwater ecosystems, the dangers it faces, what your hotel is doing to help and what we can all do, too.
Coral planting
Once you’ve learnt about the incredible marine life in the Maldives, you can do your part. Coral reeds are an incredibly important part of the ecosystem underwater, and Angsana Velavaru offers guests the chance to plant some every week. After you tie pieces of coral to a metal stand, you can swim alongside the diving instructor (depending on how confident a swimmer you are!) and watch it get planted underwater, too.
Swim around a historic shipwreck
Right near Dhawa Ihuru is the Rannamaari Wreck, a shipwreck that lies 26m deep and is also home to a lot of marine life. Trust us, you’ll have never seen anything like it.
Visit the spa
You’ve gotta do something to unwind from all that swimming and relaxing, right? Dhawa Ihuru’s newly renovated spa has beds outdoors, so you can drift away to the sound of birdsong while your highly-skilled therapist performs a deep tissue massage. Bliss, bliss, bliss.
Enjoy a traditional Bodu Beru performance
Most hotels on the various islands pay homage to Maldivian culture with a Bodu Beru (a traditional Maldivian drum) performance in the evening. The drummers are joined by a singer and dancers, who encourage guests to get involved, too. Expect to be on the dancefloor by the end of the night.
Where to eat in the Maldives
Azzuro Restaurant and Bar
If you’re staying at Angsana Velavaru, hop on the hotel’s boat and travel over to Azzuro, which sits on a water-suspended veranda. Alongside its ultra sleek Instagram-worthy interiors, there’s an extensive selection of eggs for breakfast, covering everything from eggs benedict to a masala omelette. There’s also pizzas for lunch while for dinner, steak and seafood are the stars of the show. Wash it down with a Velavaru Classic Mojito (so good they named it after themselves) and venture outside on the veranda to see what you can spot in the water. We sighted sharks, stingrays and even some little Nemos.
Riveli Restaurant
If you want lots (and lots and lots) of choice, Riveli is the restaurant for you. Located at Dhawa Ihuru, the menu offers up everything, including soups, pasta, noodles, salads, sandwiches, seafood, curries and pizzas. We think it’s fair to say you’ll want to keep visiting to sample it all. And when you do, we seriously recommend finishing up with a chocolate mud fudge cake. Deeeee-lish.
Ilaafathi
Just five minutes away from Dhawa Ihuru by speedboat, you’ll find Ilaafathi. Offering up an international menu with tables set up on the island’s sandy beach, you can enjoy anything from Indian paratha for breakfast and carbonara, to burritos or nasi goreng for lunch. But we seriously recommend trying to visit for dinner, as this was one of our favourite meals of the entire trip. The butter chicken curry and fresh seafood platter are absolute musts.
A beachfront villa at Dhawa Ihuru starts from £675 per night, exclusive of taxes and fees, based on the all-inclusive dine package.
A beachfront villa at Angsana Velavaru starts from £409 per night, exclusive of taxes and fees, based on the all-inclusive dine package.
Both Ihuru and Velavaru offer a variety of all-inclusive options, visit their respective websites for more information.
