THE MALDIVES CATERS FOR BUDGET, MID RANGE & HIGH SPENDERS!
Dreams can come true!
Do you ever dream of holidaying in a location with pristine white sand beaches, turquoise crystal clear waters, colour coral reefs with an abundance of marine life and lush green foliage …..whilst sipping a cocktail or two? Well, you will be delighted to know that this dream place, known affectionately as ‘Treasure Island’ exists…. and it’s called the Maldives!
What are the Maldives?
The Maldives, officially known as the Republic of Maldives, is an archipelago of more than one thousand coral islands, located in southern Asia. It lies to the southwest of Sri Lanka and India, consisting of 26 stunning atolls (island chains surrounding a lagoon) and more than 2,000 species of marine life. It must be said that there is nowhere quite like this small nation of picture-perfect islands in world!
Accommodation on offer?
The tourism industry in the Maldives began in 1972 and today consists of well over 150 resorts, each with its own unique features. This accommodation expansion is likely to continue to grow in the years ahead, with several new resorts due to open in 2023. The Maldives offers a diverse array of accommodation types, to include… guest houses, liveaboards, hotels and resorts. Guesthouses have become popular in recent years, providing holiday makers with a more local feel and affordable way to explore the country. Liveaboards are specifically designed for diving trips that usually last longer than one night. Hotels and resorts remain the most popular choice, with somewhere suitable for every occasion and budget, be it romantic barefoot luxury, tiny island hideaways, adult only escapes or larger ‘all-inclusive’ resorts with a range of facilities. There really is something for all.
Where to stay?
Now I am very biased. Why? I work for one of the best hotel chains in the Maldives, owned by the Sri Lankan company called Aitken Spence Hotels. This long and well-established outfit operates a chain of 22 hotels and resorts in Sri Lanka, India, Oman, and the Maldives under two premier brands: Heritance Hotels and Adaaran Resorts. Located in key tourist locations, the Aitken Spence chain boasts of exotic properties, such as the award-winning eco-friendly Heritance Kandalama which is close to two UNESCO world heritage sites, and the Desert Nights Resort in Oman, rated as one of the top ten desert retreats in the world.
5 islands worth considering in the Maldives?
(1) Adaaran Club Rannalhi is a typically Maldivian resort, nestled on a small private island at the tip of the South Male atoll. Its unique location offers pristine beaches, excellent scuba diving and is just 45 minutes by speedboat from the Male International Airport. There are two options when it comes to accommodation, to include 96 standard rooms (split over 2 floors) dotted along the beaches, and 34 water bungalows perched on stilts over the aquamarine ocean. There is a restaurant, 2 bars, spa and various land & water-based activities to keep guests entertained.
Board Basis: All Inclusive. Grade: 4*. Getting There: 45 mins by speedboat.
(2) Adaaran Prestige Vadoo lies just 15 minutes by speedboat ride from Malé International Airport, in the South Malé Atoll. This lovely boutique sized resort consists of 50 water villas, 6 of which are inspired by Japanese design reflecting a sense of elegance and simplicity. The hotel provides a choice of dining options, including a la carte and buffet, and 2 bars to chill out in. Enjoy a range of fabulous facilities, including land and water sports, as well as a relaxing spa. For newlyweds looking for the perfect getaway, the Honeymoon Villas offer exclusive retreats, complimented by premier benefits to make the vacation even more memorable.
Board Basis: Premium All Inclusive. Grade: 5*. Getting There: 15 mins by speedboat.
(3) Adaaran Select Hudhuran Fushi is set over 83 acres of lush tropical beach, near Kani Beach on Lhohifushi Island. This popular resort is just 25 minutes by speedboat from Male and with 197 villas it is regarded as one of the larger resorts in the Maldives. Well-equipped air-conditioned accommodation includes 61 Beach Villas, 38 Garden Villas, 50 Deluxe Beach Villas, 8 Family Beach Villas, 20 Sunrise Ocean Villas and 20 Sunset Ocean Villas. There is certainly plenty to do, with activities such as surfing, table tennis, beach volleyball, tennis, squash, snorkelling, scuba and entertainment, or simply relax on the beach.
Board Basis: Premium All Inclusive. Grade: 4*. Getting There: 25 mins by speedboat.
(4) Adaaran Select Meedhupparu sits in the remote Raa Atoll, nestled within 43 acres of tropical greenery and the beautiful Indian Ocean. This renowned resort provides an idyllic retreat for those seeking a relaxing escape, whilst offering a wide selection of dining options, land & sea-based activities and excursions to nearby islands. All 231 villas are well equipped and include 106 Beach Villas, 76 Deluxe Beach Villas, 10 Jacuzzi Beach Villas, 10 Sunset Beach Villas, 3 Deluxe Family Beach Villas, 4 Family Beach Villas, 20 Water Villas & 2 Honeymoon Suites. The Chavana Spa features 7 treatments rooms, a steam room, a sauna and a relaxation area. There is an excellent dive centre and opportunities for paddle boarding, snorkelling, jet skiing, catamaran sailing, fishing, windsurfing and canoeing.
Board Basis: Premium All Inclusive. Grade: 4*. Getting There: 45 mins by seaplane.
(5) Heritance Aarah is luxurious 5* resort that opened in 2019 and is located within the less inhabited Raa Atoll. This beautiful new resort offers a variety of beach and overwater villas, built with a mix of indigenous Maldivian and modern architecture. Guests can experience ‘premium all-inclusive’ at its 6 restaurants and 5 bars. The island also features a butler service for all villa categories, an overwater spa with 6 treatment rooms, a PADI licensed dive centre, water sports, a kids’ club, a tennis court, a futsal pitch and fully equipped gymnasium.
Board Basis: Premium All Inclusive. Grade: 5*. Getting There: 45 mins by seaplane.
What time of year is best to go?
For many, the best time to visit the Maldives is between November and April. Saying that, the Maldives is a year-round destination as the climate is warm and tropical, with average highs between 29°C – 31°C and average lows rarely dropping below 22 – 24°C. The months of January to April are considered as the driest, with minimum rainfall, low humidity and higher prices (this is regarded as the peak season). Temperatures are still warm from May to December; however, rain and storms are more likely. Despite this, there are usually good spells of sunshine during this off-season period and lower prices and extra added value still make this season a popular time to visit.
How many nights are required?
This is a question I am often asked. I guess it really depends on how much you want to relax and chill. Of course, you’ll need a day to recover from the international flight. If you enjoy the beach and trying out the hotel’s food & beverage outlets the length of stay will depend on you. Most people stay at least 5 nights, and 10 to 14 nights is not uncommon. In 2022, we have seen an unprecedented amount of 30 night + stays! If you are a restless soul, then maybe combine the Maldives with Sri Lanka or Singapore or even have a twin-centre with another Maldivian island. For example, Adaaran Select Meedhupparu is just 5 minutes away from Heritance Aarah by speedboat.
Who are we?
Select Representation is a travel sales & marketing representation company, headquartered in the UK. This experienced consultancy provides the perfect option for hotels & destination management companies (DMC’s) wishing to expand their business from the UK, Ireland, Belgium, Netherlands, Norway, Denmark, Finland, Sweden and Iceland. We are also a founder member of Global Travel Representation Alliance and co-owner of MyVirtual3DTour.com. Let it be known that we absolutely adore this Indian Ocean paradise nation. Of course, we are very fortunate to have been to the Maldives many times, for both work and pleasure. And guess what? We will be back again ….at the earliest opportunity. So, if you haven’t been to the Maldives yet, don’t delay, start planning and get booking ASAP. Welcome to ‘The Sunny Side Of Life’
