Dreaming of paradise? Sophie recounts her experience of island life in the Indian Ocean.
I can’t wait to go again. There’s just something about the Maldives – you can switch off completely, your stress levels plummet, and you have space to relax and fully recharge. Each island is its own private retreat. And there’s hundreds, thousands if you count those that are uninhabited.
They all have a slightly different feel; some are for complete relaxed seclusion, others are a bit more social and adventurous. If you’re looking for an escape that allows you to unwind and reconnect, it’s hard to beat the Maldives.
Here’s what I learned from my own visit – if you start dreaming of sun and sand, or simply would like to know more, please don’t hesitate to get in touch.
My guide to a holiday in the Maldives
You do go in expecting it to be paradise – and honestly, it was. It met every expectation and more.
Our first impression came from the air, arriving via seaplane. You see all the little islands scattered below, dotted in the bluest sea. It was absolutely breathtaking.
We spent eight nights on the island of Kuramathi, and I wish we could have stayed even longer. But it was enough time to immerse ourselves in what the Maldives is all about – relaxing in nature, living life at your own pace.
I had a complete digital detox – I didn’t turn my phone on once. My stress just melted away.
Barefoot luxury
The Maldives has a reputation for being luxurious and exclusive – and it can be, but not all islands are high-end resorts.
Most often, it’s a kind of luxury that’s ‘barefoot’. It’s laid-back. The pilots on our plane didn’t wear shoes – not even flip-flops! It surprised me at first, but that’s the vibe in the Maldives. You don’t take high heels or wedges because there’s no need.
Every floor is sand, even in the restaurants. You’re either barefoot or in flip-flops the entire time. It’s so relaxed.
Is the Maldives high-end?
It can be very luxurious. But there’s a whole range of options now, from rustic and simple to ultra-modern and high-end.
Some people want thatched roofs and a more traditional, natural feel. Then on the luxury end, there are water villas with private slides, multi-bedroom suites for families, and resorts with eight or more restaurants.
There’s something for everyone. If you want that ultra-exclusive feel, it’s there. There are also more affordable options. Prices have definitely gone up since Covid, but you can still find resorts with good buffet food at more reasonable prices.
Staying in Kuramathi
Most people stay on only one island. You can do multiple, but usually you’d need to go back to Malé to transfer, so people tend to stay put. It’s more relaxing that way.
We stayed on Kuramathi, which is one of the bigger islands in the Maldives. It was perfect for us as a couple; secluded, but social when we wanted it to be, and filled with simply gorgeous scenery.
There’s a mile-long sandbank on the island that’s just stunning. It’s the purest white sand, with turquoise, crystal-clear waters on either side of you.
The resort
Most islands only have a single resort – there are a few exceptions, but the majority of islands are so small there isn’t room for much more than one hotel.
On the rustic to high-end scale, the resort we stayed at was somewhere in the middle. We stayed in a lovely beach bungalow – nicely done but not ultra-modern.
It was quite a big resort, but not overwhelmingly busy. There were eight restaurants and different bars all around the island, including a champagne sunset bar. You could be sociable if you wanted to be, but it wasn’t crowded; you could find quiet alone time when you chose to.
The Maldives is all about switching off, and our resort, like many others, had a wellness retreat. It’s a sort of escapism, leaning into the relaxation of your surroundings. The resort spa was built on a platform out over the water – you could hear the waves gently lapping underneath you. I had a massage over the sea, which was an unforgettable experience.
The food
The food was fantastic. Our resort had eight restaurants; we upgraded to the select all-inclusive to have the full choice.
There was everything from Asian to seafood to a pizzeria – they had amazing Indian dishes, too. My favourite dish from the trip has to be the Thai red curry; it was honestly one of the best things I’ve ever eaten. I even emailed the hotel when I got home to ask for the recipe, and they sent it to me! I still haven’t made it, but I really should.
Anyone who enjoys food will love the experience – and don’t worry too much if you’re a picky eater. Even though I don’t eat seafood, there were so many great options that I didn’t feel like I was missing out at all.
Top three highlights
1. Snorkelling with blacktip reef sharks
We swam with the sharks every day. I was nervous at first, but then we were looking for them! Every snorkelling session was different – so many different colours and types of fish.
2. The food
So, so amazing! I had some of the best food of my life in the Maldives.
3. Massage over the sea
Hearing the waves lull you into a state of complete relaxation was such a unique experience.
Who should visit?
When I visited, I went with my boyfriend and another couple. People often think of the Maldives as a romantic destination, and it is perfect for couples, but I wouldn’t hesitate now to take my kids.
It’s so peaceful, but can also be a lot of fun for kids depending on the island. Toddlers are the perfect age for any island – my kids are happy with a bucket and spade sitting in the sand.
There are some really fantastic, family-oriented islands with great kids’ clubs. But there are also islands more suitable for older kids and teenagers.
There’s the Crossroads Maldives, which is more of a hub of activity – it has three resorts, including the Hard Rock Hotel. There’s a bit more variety, and it’s more activity-oriented, which works for teenagers that may get bored on the beach.
Though you may be surprised – some friends of mine recently stayed at the Emerald Maldives. Their kids are older, 21 and 16, and they loved it; they had bikes with their rooms and just rode around the island. Sure, it’s not cheap for a family trip – but then again, neither is a week in Europe these days. And for the quality time you get in such a peaceful setting, it’s worth it.
My top tips
As it’s such a relaxed place, you don’t really need travel hacks. But these are a few tips to make the most of your trip.
Pack light: It’s all casual and barefoot, so there’s no need to dress up. Don’t bother with heels or anything fancy. Just go to relax and soak it all in.
Bring swim shoes: The white sand, while pristine, is made of coral and can be quite coarse underfoot.
Don’t overplan: The beauty of the Maldives is in the slow pace. Embrace it.
Consider a digital detox: It makes the experience even more magical.
How to get there
You can now fly direct almost daily from the UK with BA or Virgin. Or you can go via the Middle East, with a stop in Dubai or Abu Dhabi if you want to break up the journey.
Unwind in paradise with Oyster Travel
Make your trip to the Maldives even more relaxing by taking the stress of planning off your shoulders. By booking with Oyster Travel, you can rest easy knowing you’re getting the best trip for you, without having to worry about any sudden travel hiccups.
To find out more about experiencing your own little slice of paradise, get in touch with Sophie, or another of our Oyster pearls today.
