Nestled in the heart of the Indian Ocean, the Maldives is a stunning archipelago comprising 26 coral atolls and over 1,000 picture-perfect islands. From pristine white sandy beaches to crystal-clear turquoise waters teeming with vibrant marine life, the Maldives is a destination that truly epitomizes luxury, tranquility, and natural beauty. Five of my colleagues and I recently embarked on a familiarisation trip to the Maldives with SriLankan Airlines via Colombo and were instantly captivated by the sheer beauty and splendour of this tropical paradise.

Best Resorts in the Maldives – Where to Stay

Adaaran Vadoo

A true slice of paradise, this is a couple-friendly resort boasting an infinity pool, several dining outlets and a spa. From the moment we arrived at this luxurious resort, we were greeted with champagne, warm smiles and personalised service. The overwater villas offered breathtaking views of the turquoise lagoon, allowing us to wake up to the gentle sound of waves. The attention to detail was impeccable, from the private plunge pool to the open-air bathroom. The resort's culinary offerings were outstanding, with over 3 restaurants, 2 bars and a variety of delectable cuisines catered to every palate.

The highlight of our stay was feeding sharks just a few steps away from our villa. Adaaran Vadoo Maldives exceeded all our expectations in terms of personalized service and attention to detail, ensuring our stay was filled with relaxation and indulgence.

Sun Siyam Olhuveli

Just 45-minutes speedboat ride away from the Male airport, this opulent property boasts 2 infinity pools, a spa, 11 restaurants and bars, plus a PADI-certified dive school. After we arrived here, we were enchanted by its idyllic surroundings, where lush palm trees, pristine white sands, and turquoise waters converge in perfect harmony. Hotel check-in is done through their app, which also has all the information that one might need during their stay.

The resort's exquisite accommodations offered a haven of comfort and elegance, blending traditional Maldivian design with modern amenities. We stayed at the traditionally-styled water villa with a private sun deck perched over the crystal-blue lagoon. The attentive and warm-hearted staff elevated our experience, ensuring every desire was met with a genuine smile.

Whether indulging in tantalizing culinary delights, trying different kind of seafood or simply basking in the breathtaking sunsets, Sun Siyam Olhuveli offered an extraordinary experience, leaving us with some cherished memories.

Sun Siyam Iru Fushi

Our next stay in the Maldives was Iru Fushi spread over an area of 52-acre in the heart of Noonu Atoll accessible through a 45-minute seaplane flight from Male.  From the moment we stepped foot on the island, we were captivated by its postcard-perfect setting with pristine white beaches, swaying palm trees, and azure waters.

The resort features spacious 221 beach and over water villas, 15 drink & dine venues, an adult-only infinity pool and a family pool, plus a house reef and a Nemo garden where guest can enjoy snorkelling with free access to snorkelling equipment. One can also enjoy a complimentary massage at The Spa by Thalgo France, where a variety of massages and signature spa treatments are offered.

We stayed at deluxe beach villa with a pool, featuring an outdoor terrace and garden, a large private pool leading to the beach, an outdoor shower and a shady cabana with a daybed. The villa comes with a king size bed and a huge bathroom with a jacuzzi and rain shower. The attentive and friendly staff made us feel like cherished guests, catering to all our needs. Every Friday is a Maldivian Boduberu Night at Iru Fushi filled with dance, music and slow beatings of drums in the air, and this is an experience that one shouldn’t miss when here.  

We also had the chance to go snorkelling and explore the vibrant coral reefs around 30-minutes boat ride away from the resort, an experience we will remember for the rest of our lives. if I could choose one resort to visit again, it would definitely be Iru Fushi. 

Siyam World

One of the largest resorts in the Maldives, boasting the biggest floating waterpark in Indian ocean, 4 km of white-sand beaches and 6 km of house reef, 17 restaurants and bars, 3 pools and 18 room categories in total. We stayed in the lagoon villa with a private pool and slide, plus a private sundeck, and enjoyed a special dinner at the Indian restaurant Kurry Leaf that reminded us of home. The resort is huge so we didn’t get the time explore all of it, so, if you really want to experience the best of Siyam World, make sure to stay at least 5 days. The pristine beaches, turquoise waters, and lush surroundings provides a sense of tranquility and escape from the outside world.

Best Experiences in the Maldives – What to Do

Try Snorkelling: Explore the mesmerizing underwater world teeming with vibrant coral reefs, exotic marine life, and incredible visibility. Swim alongside colourful fish, graceful manta rays, and gentle sea turtles in crystal-clear waters. We tried snorkelling for the first time and it was an unforgettable experience swimming amongst a range of aquatic lives and getting to witness all kind of colourful corals and fish.

Go for Watersports: Get your adrenaline pumping with an array of watersports activities such as jet skiing, parasailing, kayaking, or windsurfing. The Maldives' calm lagoons and consistent winds make it an ideal playground for water sports enthusiasts. We tried jetskiing and it was such an adrenaline rush experience.

Indulge in Spa Treatments: Immerse yourself in ultimate relaxation with a rejuvenating spa treatment. Many resorts in the Maldives boast world-class spas set amidst serene surroundings, offering a range of holistic therapies and wellness programs. We opted for a 30-minutes body massage that mainly focuses on shoulder, back and neck.

Overall, we had an amazing time in the Maldives and was glad to tick this beautiful beach destination and its top experiences off our bucket list.