If you've ever wondered what a trip to the Maldives is really like, I’m here to fill you in.
I should have counted how many hammocks were on this island!
Think the best of island life- relaxed vibes, INCREDIBLY perfect weather, white soft sand, and turquoise, clear, warm water, then add private, high-end luxury where you are treated with such sincere kindness and feel like you are the only one experiencing the luxury villas and beaches. This was unique to me since every other beach vacation I have taken in places like California, Hawaii, and Mexico were crowded, busy and felt touristy.
View from Amilla’s Ocean Lagoon House.
So here are my insights from the incredible Maldives and what YOU should expect!
1 Arriving to the Maldives: The views from the plane alone are mesmerizing with THOUSANDS of turquoise, shallow water pockets spotting the expansive deep blue water. You will likely fly into Male Airport and then take a seaplane (more views) or speed boat to your resort’s island. In my case, we got both. The seaplane dropped us to a platform in the middle of the ocean and then our resort’s speed boat picked us up to continue the journey. It was the best start to a trip to say the least!
Seaplane views on our way to our island home, Amilla Fushi.
2 With each resort having their own island, you get an incredibly private experience. There is so much beach even when the resort is full that you feel like you have it all to yourself. Especially at Amilla Fushi, where we kept discovering new places that were pure perfection that we had all to ourselves!
At Finolhu Resort for a day trip so we can have a harder choice for our next trip- Amilla or Finolhu resort next time?
3 Each resort has their own vibe so it’s super important to pick based on what kind of experience you want to have. Two new resorts that are really taking it up a notch or ten are Finolhu and Amilla, both in the Baa Atoll Maldives. I don’t think anyone could go wrong here, but it’s still a tough choice. For tikki hut luxury with a fun social vibe, go for Finolhu. And for modern, Miami style luxury that is a more low key, go for Amilla. With either one, you can choose to have a villa raised over the lagoon like you see in all the photos (especially if it’s your first time) or a beach home with your own private pool. Amilla also has wellness focused treehouses and Residences that range from 4-8 bedrooms.
4 You are going to be surrounded by and interacting with the incredible staff, which allows you to understand the culture and life in the Maldives. At Amilla, each guest has their own Katheeb (butler) who assist you in planning your time, making any necessary bookings, and are a phone call away for anything you may need. Amilla also made it really easy to get to know everyone beyond our host when everyone was so passionate and happy to be there, that conversation was organic and natural.
5 There’s going to be so much to do. When we first started trip planning, I didn’t think there would be much to do on an island, but I was so wrong. Amilla’s vision is to be “your island home” and I think the amount of actives and options made it a place that you could really stay forever! The first thing on your list should be their complementary jet lag massage, snorkelling around the island (which is in fact a UNESCO World Biosphere Reserve), getting a complementary 45 minute photo session done (1 printed photo is included), trying out some water sports, excursions guided by a marine biologist, yoga, fitness and massage classes, watching the magical sunsets and sunrises, and so much more. By the time we had finished our initial tour at Amilla given by our Katheeba, I had a list so long and it kept getting longer as I discovered more on the island.
I will not for a second stop missing the sand being permanently stuck to my body, the incredibly difficult decision of whether to shower in the rain shower inside or outside, or the private pool we had with direct beach access I got quite accustomed to during my Maldivian getaway, which means another trip must happen soon!