In January, Turquoise sent three of its staff to the Maldives for an educational lasting 7 nights.
The first night was at a lovely new resort called Lily Beach. It is the first platinum all inclusive in the Maldives including not just the food and drinks, but also premium brand alcohol, the minim bar and a selection of excursions. Everything was of a fantastic standard from the food through to the décor. We got to experience the spa, which was beautiful as well as the sunset fishing trip allowing us to be in a total state of relaxation before enjoying a fabulous Indian meal at their exclusive restaurant.
The second night was at Coco Island. This unique resort has picture perfect white sandy beaches and dhoni shaped villas. The dhoni is the local Maldivian fishing boat which creates an interesting, yet very elegant feel to the resort. With only one restaurant on the island, this intimate little atoll is perfect for honeymooners.
Huvafen Fushi is one of the most well known properties in the Maldives. With its under water spa and amazing presidential suite it is one of the top Maldivian properties for the rich and the famous. We had a fantastic experience here and enjoyed a sunset cruise on the traditional dhoni boat.
Shagri-La is situated on the Southern most atoll of the Maldivian ‘necklace’. It is accessed via an hour domestic flight and an 8 minute speed boat ride. This resort was the most different from the others that we stayed at. The spa was in a beautiful setting nestled among the jungle like foliage. The villas are all dotted around the island and you are provided with bicycles to get around the island which is 3km long. This is the perfect island if you would like to experience the beauty of the Maldives with the feeling of space.
We then went on to the Constance Halaveli. Accessed via sea plane, you really got to experience the beauty of the Maldives from the air. The décor was elegant and the activities available were expansive. This property is ideal for both the honeymooner and the family. The rooms are supplied with a fantastic in room entertainment system which means that if you are taking the risk of going in the rainy season, you will have plenty of films to watch even if you are unable to do anything else!
Velassaru is our lead in property in the Maldives, but it is still lovely. With a stunning bar and pool area and live entertainment three times a week this is definitely an island for people who would like to have ‘bit more going on’. Again, the spa hear was lovely, the beach was beautiful and the food was fantastic.
Finally, we stayed at Baros. We all felt that this resort was under priced for what you get. The décor was amazing, very chic and elegant yet modern. The bar area and coconut garden with its intimate feel was perfect for any honeymooner. The food in all of the three restaurants was amazing and they also have the flag ship restaurant for the whole of the Maldives called the light house. Although the food in the Lighthouse was very expensive, it was worth every penny and the range of wines left us undecided for quite some time! This really was a phenomenal Resort.
We had a fantastic 7 days and I would go back to any of these resorts in a heart beat. I would recommend the Maldives for any honeymooner wanting to simply relax and enjoy the true beauty of small, white sandy atolls and beautiful Turquoise waters. It really is a place you will never forget.
