Making the most of The Maldives

Kit from our Thorpe branch had the enviable opportunity of visiting the Maldives as a guest of Kuoni, to experience this island paradise for himself. The Maldives has over 150 private island resorts to choose from, all varying in size, facilities and atmosphere, and Kuoni have been offering holidays here for over 50 years, so they really are the experts - Kit was to explore four of their hand-picked resorts….. lucky Kit!

“Before I went to the Maldives, I had the impression it was solely a beach holiday - great for customers and honeymooners who just wanted to relax and top up a tan. My perception was that days would just be lying on a beach (and believe me, that’s a great option!) but I’ve now realized that there’s so much more to do – snorkeling, fishing, sunset cruises, island excursions, spas, sports and kids clubs. I have seen that there is a Maldives holiday for everyone – couples young and old, but also families and solo travelers, and your holiday can be as laid back or action packed as you choose – all you need to do is select the right Maldives resort to match your dream-holiday requirements.

Flying with Sri Lankan Airlines, it was a long journey, with a stop at Sri Lanka before arriving in Malé, but believe me, the destination is worth the travel time! Once in Malé we were met by a Kuoni representative and then it’s on to your resort, travelling either by speedboat or seaplane. For me it was speedboat - more of a scenic ferry ride really - which took around 75–90 minutes to our first destination, Niva Kuramathi. By the time the boat arrived, the pace of island life had already truly started, having been lulled by the boat transfer. We checked into our Two Bedroom Beachfront House and later eased into the evening with an incredible dinner at Island Barbecue.

The next morning was all about exploring the island and discovering what Niva Kuramathi has to offer. Lunch at Inguru was the perfect mid-day stop before heading out for a snorkelling session that felt like stepping into another world - reef sharks, manta rays, turtles, and so many different fish to see. As the sun set, we enjoyed fresh seafood at The Reef, before finishing the day with drinks at Champagne Loft - an easy, relaxed end to a perfect day in the Maldives.

Kuramathi is a large island resort, full of facilities, and there is something for everyone, no matter what kind of getaway you’re after. From Garden Villas and Beach Bungalows to Water Villas and more, the accommodation options alone are impressive. Dining is just as varied, with not one or two, but three buffet restaurants and nine à la carte spots to choose from, plus plenty of cafés, bars, and boutique shops dotted around the island. There’s no shortage of things to do either, whether it’s diving, snorkelling, tennis, kayaking, or simply relaxing by the water. Families are well catered for, with a dedicated kids’ club full of activities. It really is a resort that suits everyone - couples, families, honeymooners, and anyone looking for a bit more depth to their stay, with a marine biology centre on the island and resident marine biologists helping guests connect with the incredible underwater world.

The next island hop was a visit to the stunning boutique island Kandolhu – a tiny island with just 30 villas and a real getaway-from-it-all destination, recommended for adults only.  I had the privilege of joining the island’s dedicated snorkelling team, heading out to explore the house reef, and we saw some incredible marine life - sea turtles, reef sharks and tropical fish. The day was rounded off with dinner at one of the island’s à la carte restaurants, with dishes crafted by Michelin-starred chefs – a memorable dining experience.

The next on my Maldives adventure was the incredible Ananea Madivaru. Surrounded by turquoise lagoons, this idyllic retreat combines contemporary luxury with the natural beauty of the Maldives. From overwater villas to unforgettable sunsets, every moment here is picture-perfect. Two islands are connected by an overwater walkway, with white sand in every direction and turquoise waters stretching into the distance. The house reef is full of life for snorkelling and there are private pools, breezy sundecks and those endless ocean views at every turn. I enjoyed a treatment at the luxurious Kandu Spa and took a sunset cruise around the resort. With an impressive choice of 9 restaurants serving everything from Maldivian, Peruvian, Mexican, Thai, Korean and Indian cuisine, alongside buffet restaurants, bars and even a nightclub, there’s something to satisfy every taste. This very new, modern resort is fantastic for couples, families, or friends, with a range of accommodation options to suit each.

The journey to my final destination was an adventure in itself, with a seaplane flight back to Malé followed by another to Outrigger Maafushivaru resort in the South Ari Atoll. Flying over the Maldives never gets old, with spectacular aerial views of turquoise lagoons, pristine white sandbanks and tiny tropical islands scattered across the Indian Ocean. Upon arrival, we were warmly welcomed by the resort team and given a tour of this intimate island paradise. One of this resort’s most unique features is its own private island – a rare luxury in the Maldives. This secluded hideaway is perfect for exclusive experiences, from romantic sunset picnics to private chef dinners, making you feel as though you’ve discovered your very own deserted island. Kofee ’n Chill is the resort’s fantastic coffee bar and was a perfect spot to relax and recharge between adventures. That evening we had a sunset cruise around the island, taking in views of the resort from the water as the sky faded into shades of gold and pink. Dinner that night was served at the buffet restaurant, with a truly fantastic variety of dishes. The following day began with snorkelling on the house reef before a brilliant massage at the spa in the afternoon. Our final evening was dinner with a view at Art-I-San, which stands at the highest point on the island, overlooking the moonlit ocean.

What really stands out for me, having experienced four of Kuoni’s top resorts, is that each offers a different experience - every island has its own unique atmosphere, style, and attractions, meaning that no two resorts feel exactly the same. To make the most of travelling that far I’d recommend considering a twin-centre holiday, staying at two different resorts, as each offers something slightly different: Kuramathi was lush and friendly with lots of accommodation choice and facilities, Kandolhu has a magnificent house reef and very secluded feel, Ananea Madivaru offers picture perfect relaxed modern luxury, and Outrigger Maafushivaru has a stunning spa and brilliant food selection. They are all exceptional resorts – which would be your favourite?!

Kit's Top Tips for The Maldives:

-The Maldives is a Muslim nation, so when not at the resort you need to dress appropriately. Alcohol is not allowed out of the resort, and no alcohol or pork products are allowed through customs.

-Pack light linen clothing and don’t over pack as you might be restricted on luggage size / weight on the speedboat and seaplane transfers.

-Even though many resorts say you can walk around everywhere barefoot, I would definitely carry around light footwear as the sand and the wooden floors can be extremely hot and burn the soles of your feet!

-Food choice is limited on Sri Lankan Airlines, so it’s a good idea to take snacks with you.

-Depending on which resort you’re going to, the speedboat journey can be rough as you’re going against the waves, so bring anti-seasick tablets if this is something you suffer from.

-As much as you would love to take those pretty shells home, it’s forbidden to take them off the beach.