The Maldives is an incredible destination, made up of hundreds of small islands in the Indian Ocean, and is loved by travellers from all over the world. Visitors can expect palm-fringed beaches, soft white sand, warm waters and breath-taking views. But with over 130 resorts to choose from, the question is: how do you to choose the right one?
Traveller type
Do you love being active on holiday? Or do you prefer a fly-and-flop scenario? Do you need a child-friendly resort, or adults-only experience?
The Maldives’ tourism sector is fast-growing, and resorts are adapting to consumer trends to meet travellers’ expectations and requirements – for example, if you want to stay in a fully-private villa only accessible by boat, you can; or if you want to go coral reef diving twice a day every day, there will be a resort that offers that too!
All-Inclusive or Pay As You Go?
A key consideration ahead of travelling to the Maldives, is whether to choose a resort with All-Inclusive, Half-Board, or pay as you go offerings. This can have a significant impact on the total cost of your holiday, and with most stays at an average of seven nights, it is definitely something to think about if you are sticking to a budget.
What sets Atmosphere Hotels & Resorts apart from other resort brands, is that all four resorts have dedicated All-Inclusive ‘Resort Plans’ that go above and beyond the typical All-Inclusive expectations. The Plans include villa accommodation, all food & beverages, spa treatments, snorkelling excursions and activities in one price. There’s little to no need to carry your wallet around, as it’s already included in your Resort Plan. This enables a relaxed, hassle-free holiday experience, where you are encouraged to enjoy every moment, without worrying about the bill.
Speedboat or seaplane transfer?
The resorts located in the far north or far south Atolls will likely require a seaplane transfer from the International Airport in Male, and due to safety reasons, these don’t fly before sunrise or after sunset, and may make other guest drop offs along the way. Speedboat transfers are generally preferred, as they can take you directly to your resort from the airport at almost any time of the day.
First-timers to the Maldives
First-timers to the Maldives will be in awe of the natural surroundings and unique landscapes, so choosing an island with a tropical feel and lots of vegetation is recommended. Also, think about a resort that offers a little bit of everything that the Maldives has to offer – great dining experiences, water activities, a luxurious spa, and trips to nearby islands to meet some of the locals. You could choose a resort with both beach villas and water villas, and split your stay between these two accommodation types – that way, you can experience both and then decide if you have a preference.
Atmosphere Kanifushi Maldives is ideal for first timers and families, with a laid-back ‘island vibe’ feel, 2km of beach and spacious restaurants. Visitors should check out the new overwater villas on their specially built peninsula, boasting epic views and their own beach. The beach swing into the sea is a must!
Honeymooners & couples
The Maldives is hugely popular with honeymooners and there are some great exclusive couples offerings and packages. To make your stay really special, select a resort that offers private dining experiences on the beach, romantic in-villa pool floating breakfasts and couples’ spa treatments. Honeymooners tend of opt for adults-only resorts too, so be sure to check this before booking.
OBLU Select at Sangeli has six luxuriously decorated Honeymoon Suites complete with outdoor bathrooms and a curved infinity pool with direct lagoon access. Guests have a dedicated villa butler to make sure all their needs are met. The resort also offers a Vow Renewal package.
Active travellers, snorkellers & divers
If you enjoy sunrise swims, snorkelling and diving expeditions, stand-up paddle boarding or zipping around on a jet ski, be sure to choose a resort that offers it all. An impressive house reef is essential for those wanting to see the local sea life and coral on the daily, where you can spot rays, silver-tipped sharks, giant turtles, and tropical fish just a short swim away from the shoreline.
OBLU Helengeli is renowned for its exotic house reef, epic free diving and scuba diving. Coupled with a variety of villa options to choose from and evening entertainment, it’s a good option for activity-loving travellers.
Culturally curious travellers
Those seeking an authentic experience while in the Maldives should look for a resort that offers traditional Maldivian cuisine, rooms inspired by Maldivian design, and unique experiences such as visits to nearby inhabited islands to meet with local people.
VARU by Atmosphere, meaning ‘strength, resilience and life in abundance’ in Dhivehi (the language of the Maldives), is the newest of the Atmosphere properties and has a ‘Naturally Maldivian’ ethos. Villas with elegant wooden interiors, the Kaagé restaurant serving traditional Maldivian cuisine, plus daily trips on board the traditional Dhoni boats, and local island excursions, makes for a truly enjoyable, authentic stay.
A stay in the Maldives is a truly special experience, and it’s important to choose the right resort for you. Research the variety of properties on offer and look for an All-Inclusive resort for added peace of mind.
Atmosphere Hotels & Resorts’ core brand philosophy is ‘The Joy of Giving’; the resorts offer a truly exceptional hospitality experience that is unparalleled in the Maldives. For more information about the properties within the portfolio, visit www.atmospherehotelsandresorts.com
Wanda Rich has been the Editor-in-Chief of Global Banking & Finance Review since 2011, playing a pivotal role in shaping the publication’s content and direction. Under her leadership, the magazine has expanded its global reach and established itself as a trusted source of information and analysis across various financial sectors. She is known for conducting exclusive interviews with industry leaders and oversees the Global Banking & Finance Awards, which recognize innovation and leadership in finance. In addition to Global Banking & Finance Review, Wanda also serves as editor for numerous other platforms, including Asset Digest, Biz Dispatch, Blockchain Tribune, Business Express, Brands Journal, Companies Digest, Economy Standard, Entrepreneur Tribune, Finance Digest, Fintech Herald, Global Islamic Finance Magazine, International Releases, Online World News, Luxury Adviser, Palmbay Herald, Startup Observer, Technology Dispatch, Trading Herald, and Wealth Tribune.