Travel Agent Equestria

The Maldives – absolutely perfect and untouched, one of the most beautiful destinations I've ever been to, clear blue seas, pure white beaches and outstanding service. No swimming pool you have ever seen is as clear as the seas of The Maldives. I was privileged to take part in The Holiday Tours educational in Nov 2010 - perfect time of year but The Maldives has warm temperatures all year round (hottest month April-ave 33' and coolest Dec-ave 25')

ANANTARA DHIGU
4 Island cluster – DHIGU, VELI, NALADHU, STAFF ISLAND.
DHIGU- It has the best outdoor bathroom. Lots of trees and plants making each room feel private like you are the only person on the island. The swimming pool situated “on” the beach.

VELI–Water Villas only, cheaper than Dhigu.
NALADHU–It offers much larger rooms, more like a house unit with bedroom, bathroom, living room and private pool. (It is 40 minutes by Speedboat)

KUREDU
It's perfect for families and divers. It is much bigger and busier, their is lots to do, with great evening entertainment. It offers basic simple décor, nothing fancy and isn't as private as the other resorts.
The Water Villas are located very close to the beach.
The Beach / Garden bungalows are best suited to those who are on very tight budget, but I wouldn't recommended them as the sea views are spoilt by concrete wave breakers.
The Beach Villa room is ok but not in a great location as on the same side of the island compared to the positioning of the bungalows.

Jacuzzi Beach Villa is the best accommodation, it is located on best stretch of beach (wide and long beach)
The Pool Villas are located in the centre of the island so don't have direct beach access.
(It takes about 40 minutes by Seaplane)

KOMANDOO
We visited Komandoo by taking a 20 minute speedboat from Kuredu. It offers a similar theme to Kuredu but is much smaller and more intimate. Sandbags have been placed in the sea to protect the island from big waves but it has spoilt the view.

VIVANTA BY TAJ – CORAL REEF
It was renovated in 2009 and is very modern. One side of island has a narrow rocky beach. the lowest room category is a Beach Villa and these are lovely and spacious. 9No outdoor bathrooms.) There are hammock's under the trees on your deck. It has the best restaurant (a la carte dining, not buffet) and excellent presentation of food.
(50 minute Speedboat)

COCO PALM BODHU HITHI
This was my favourite! There are lots of trees and foliage, with contrasts of blue sea and white beach – it is stunning. The lowest room category is the Island Villa, with its own private pool, it has a huge round bath in the centre of your room, the bed is on one side and the deck leads out to a picture perfect beach. All the room types have their own private pools. These are popular for honeymoons/anniversaries especially as you plant a tree with a plaque stating your names, date and occasion – it is very special! Club Coco Palm offers exclusive water villas with your very own butler!
(40 minute Speedboat)

ANGSANA VELAVARU
Only Land Villas and in the distance you can see the In-Ocean Villas. Land Villas are very small but adequate–I would recommend one on the opposite side of the In-Ocean Villas because of the view. The In-Ocean Villas are accessed by dhoni or speedboat–they are very modern. They look like city apartments so may not appeal to everyone as it is not very typical of The Maldives. They have the best kids club. There is no communal swimming pool. (40 minute Seaplane to landing deck which is in the middle of the sea and it is then a further 5 minute Speedboat to the resort)

ANGSANA IHURU
It is situated very close to Male. It is a small island with no communal pool and no TV’s in the rooms. The beach rooms are very close together and all have hammock swings.
(20 minutes by Speedboat)

BANYAN TREE VABBINFARU
We arrived just in time for the Sting Ray feeding – wow, what an experience! Fantastic Marine Lab with a turtle project– we fed the turtles in the cage just off the beach. Again very close to Male. There is no communal swimming pool but all villas have a private Jacuzzi. It is very laid back, quiet and is a stylish resort. The lowest room category is the Oceanview Villa, located right on the beach. The Beachfront Villa’s are more “open” but each villa has a wooden pavilion on the beach for private use. There are no Water Villas.
(20 minutes by Speedboat)

• The Maldives is perfect for couples. There are some resorts which are more suited to families but overall I would suggest Maldives to the up-market, sophisticated couple looking for complete privacy, seclusion and calmness.
• Their are no direct flights from SA and you would need to fly via Doha/Dubai, I would suggest a 10 night stay in order to feel completely rested.
• To enjoy both experiences, I would suggest a few nights in a water villa and a few nights in a beach villa. The Water Villa is “surrounded by water” and is ideal, while having a sandy beach to walk out onto was also great–so the combination of accommodation types is recommended.

For more information contact Nadia