There are more visitors and more unorthodox resorts than ever, a new runway and an airport redesign and a dizzying, ever-changing, always-upgrading abundance of fancy hotels, and you’re still struggling to find a reason not to visit this exquisite corner of the planet. But, for the sake of argument, here are 10 compelling reasons why you should visit Maldives in 2019!
There are few sights more unexpected than an ice rink built in the middle of the Indian Ocean. But, Jumeirah Vittaveli has an icy wonderland in store for their guests despite being bordered by the tropics of a sandy coastline. Guests can take a dip in the warm waters of South Malé Atoll, step off the white sandy beaches and into a pair of skates to glide over the resort’s glistening 87 square meter ice skating rink, also the first and only of its kind in the Maldives.
Too much is only just about enough at the extraordinarily luxurious tree houses at Amilla Fushi that allows their guests to become one with the stunning surroundings without ever setting foot outside their residential oasis. Imagine spending the night in tropical foliage where pools are suspended 12 meters high amongst the treetops, a tranquil retreat for those seeking to elevate mind, body and spirit, far from the worries of the world.
Enjoy a private Michelin-starred dinner in Maldives’ most intimate dining setting at Soneva Fushi’s “Out of the Blue”. As the name itself suggests, this two-story overwater structure emerges straight out of the blue, offering diners 360-degree views of the Indian Ocean. The dining destination houses five gourmet experiences presided over by world-renowned chefs. Choose the open deck or plummet down the water slide!
If you have ever dreamt to live The Little Mermaid in real life, here’s your chance! Conrad Maldives Rangali Island has taken the sleeping under-the-sea phenomenon to a whole new level. Named the Muraka — or “coral” in the local Dhivehi language, the two-story villa has its living area above the water and the main bedroom 16.4 feet below the surface of the ocean, providing its guests an intimate and immersive experience of one of the Earth’s most breathtaking marine environments.
Location is critical when it comes to setting the stage for the most important day of your life. Close your eyes and imagine walking towards the rest of your life over a glistening glass-bottomed aisle, serenaded by ancient turtles and rainbow fish. This unique and picturesque Wedding Pavilion at Four Seasons Resort Maldives at Landaa Giraavaru will offer stunning 360-degree, panoramic water views on your big day. Surrounded by an endless expanse of ocean, only accessible by boat, the overwater Wedding Pavilion elevates beach nuptials to a spectacular overwater vantage point, for everlasting views and memories.
If you’ve always wanted to try glamping while being surrounded by the rugged beauty of Maldives, the Tented Jungle Villa at Fairmont Maldives Sirru Fen Fushi takes the cake! The deep nature and lush tropical jungle with the most pristine white powder sand and ocean waters on your doorstep creates the perfect picturesque setting for the ultimate escape.
Here’s proof that the future is life under water! Summer Island Maldives boasts luxury both on-land and over-the-water bungalows, the resort has submerged the world’s largest 3D printed coral reef comprising 220 ceramic, concrete filled moulds slotted together like Legos in what they hope could be a new way to help coral survive climate change. Grab your snorkeling gear and dive!
It’s no wonder Fairmont Maldives Sirru Fen Fushi made the list not once, but twice! The island features one of the largest lagoons in the Maldives, and the resort’s centerpiece is the 200-metre long swimming pool, also the longest in the Maldives that runs from one side of the island to the other with infinity edges on both ends overlooking an endless turquoise sea.
Travelers usually create their itineraries to the most popular places and often neglect that are off the tourist radar. Addu Atoll in the shape of a heart, just south of the equator is the most southern point of Maldives, and is one of the least visited, compared to other regions and has a far more colonial feel than anywhere else in the country. Gan island was a former British military base until the 1970s – the natives speak a different dialect of Dhivehi to that spoken in capital Malé. With its own international airport located in Gan island, Addu is the only region apart from Malé where an international airline operates scheduled weekly flights.
Maldives has its fair share of memorable glamping experiences, but none quite as illuminating as the “Beach Bubble” tent at Finolhu. Nothing quite prepares you for the dazzling blanket of stars that unfolds here after dusk, and when complete darkness descends, it’s like someone has thrown glitter across the sky. The interiors feature custom-fitted wooden floors and bespoke furnishings, and a separate adjoining bubble bathroom with shower. The best way to enjoy the outlook is when you pull on your sleeping cap, plump the pillows and lie back on the mattress.
There are so many other reasons to visit Maldives, don’t forget to check my 2017 and 2018 list!
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