The Maldives, your way.... a different kind of solo trip
When you picture the Maldives, you might imagine couples on honeymoon or families on holiday. But why should they have all the turquoise water, white sand and beautiful sunsets? I’ve recently spent time on several Maldivian islands, and I think this could be a wonderful place to travel solo.
Of course, “solo traveller” doesn’t describe one type of person. You might be single, widowed, divorced, or in a relationship with someone who doesn’t share your love of travel. You might have friends who can’t get the time off, or you might simply fancy doing something just for you. Perhaps you’re perfectly comfortable travelling alone but would enjoy familiar faces at dinner. Perhaps the thought of making the whole journey on your own feels like the one thing holding you back.
I know that organised tours can be brilliant, but they don’t suit everybody. Some move from place to place on a packed schedule; others put you in a large group where you can feel herded around. I want to offer something much more relaxed: the comfort of travelling with a small group, with the freedom to spend your days exactly as you choose.
Why the Maldives?
The Maldives is made up of islands across 26 atolls in the Indian Ocean. On a resort island, you can settle in, unpack once and enjoy the sea, the beach and the restaurants at your own pace. There’s plenty to do if you feel like joining in: snorkelling, watersports, sunset cruises, fishing trips and excursions to look for marine life. Or you can take a book to the pool and do absolutely nothing. That’s a very good plan too.
And you don’t have to be part of a couple to enjoy it. An all-inclusive stay makes everyday decisions easy: you know where you’ll eat, you can explore what’s on offer around the island, and you can choose when you want company and when you want time to yourself.
Two islands, two styles
I’m planning two hosted Maldives trips next year, each with a small group of no more than 16 guests.
The first will be at Adaaran Select Meedhupparu, a four-star resort in Raa Atoll. This is the more laid-back, sociable option, with a pool, a house reef, bars and dining choices. If you fancy an active day, the island offers snorkelling, watersports and excursions such as fishing and sunset cruises. It’s around 45 minutes from Malé by seaplane, so even the transfer gives you that extraordinary first view of the atolls from above.
The second will be at Heritance Aarah, a five-star resort, also in Raa Atoll, for those who want to turn the luxury up a notch. I’ve stayed there myself and was blown away by the food, the service and the range of experiences. Its premium all-inclusive offering features seven restaurants and five bars, with beach and overwater villa options. You can make a day of snorkelling or watersports, enjoy an excursion, or simply settle in somewhere beautiful and let the day unfold. The seaplane journey from Malé is around 40 minutes.
Both trips are being planned on an all-inclusive basis, with a choice of room types for solo occupancy to suit different budgets. Flights will be available from various UK airports, subject to the final itinerary.
Together when you want to be
There’ll be opportunities to get together during the day, but no compulsory timetable. You might join an excursion, meet someone for a snorkel, or spend the afternoon entirely on your own.
Each evening, I’ll arrange a social dinner table at a set time, with the aim of trying a different restaurant each night. It’s there whenever you fancy some company. If you’d rather eat elsewhere, dine at another time or enjoy a quiet evening to yourself, that’s completely fine. It’s your holiday.
I’m still putting the plans together and expect to share dates, prices and full details in early October. I'm aiming for mid to late September 27 for the trips to take place on each island and details of each trip will be emailed to you. I aim to do a short webinar for anyone who wants to ask any questions a few days after I've released the itinerary.
There will be 16 places available on each trip (plus me!) and these will be on a strict first come, first served basis. A low deposit and monthly instalment booking option will be available for those who require it.
If this sounds like your sort of trip, please click on the "Contact Mel" link on my website www.travelcounsellors.co.uk/mel.stead and send an enquiry through. Let me know which island interests you. I’d love to hear what would make a solo Maldives holiday feel right for you.
