What ties the Maldives together is the world beneath the surface. The underwater life on this trip was nothing short of incredible: turtles gliding past the reef as if in slow motion, reef sharks appearing out of the blue and slipping silently away again, rays cruising along the sandy bottom, and fish of every imaginable shape and colour. Whether you are a seasoned snorkeller or more tentative in the water, it is hard not to be completely captivated by what you see just a few fin kicks from the beach. At each of the islands I visited, the house reef and nearby snorkelling spots were a true highlight, and I found myself structuring my days around those magical moments in the water.

The hotels themselves more than lived up to their reputations. Adaaran Meedhuparu, Heritance Aarah, Constance Moofushi and Constance Halaveli all deliver in their own way: from rustic–chic villas and soft, barefoot luxury to more polished, contemporary suites and elegant, overwater bungalows. Across the board I found the service to be outstanding: genuine smiles, helpful, intuitive staff and a feeling that nothing was too much trouble. What struck me most was how the islands complement each other. Some have more of a laid back, boho vibe, others feel more refined and luxurious, but the palette of turquoise water, snowy white sand, deep green vegetation and stylish architecture always seems to balance perfectly.

Travelling in May meant experiencing the Maldives in its so–called “shoulder” season, and the weather had a character of its own. I had mixed conditions: sudden, dramatic downpours that swept in, drenched everything for a few minutes, then drifted away leaving fresh air and vivid, blue skies behind them. In practice, this meant brief interludes of rain followed by long spells of sunshine, with the sea staying deliciously warm throughout. If you prefer perfectly predictable sunshine every day, you might look at the drier months, but if you are happy with a little drama in the sky, May can be a very rewarding time to travel.

Food was another standout across all four islands. Menus were generally upmarket, sophisticated and, for the most part, refreshingly healthy. Think beautifully presented fresh fish, vibrant salads, Asian flavours, carefully crafted desserts and great coffee to start the day. Each resort offered a slightly different board basis mix, with combinations of half board, full board and all–inclusive available. This gives plenty of flexibility depending on how much you plan to dine and drink in–resort and how carefree you like your holiday to feel. I found the quality consistently high, with enough variety to keep things interesting even when staying somewhere for several nights.

Would I recommend the Maldives after this week? Absolutely. It is a wonderful destination whether you are looking to relax and completely switch off on a single island, or whether you like the idea of adding extra layers to your trip. You could break up the journey with a city stop en route, or, as I did, split your stay between different Maldivian islands to experience contrasting styles, reefs and atmospheres. From lazy mornings on your villa deck and long lunches by the lagoon to unforgettable time spent snorkelling with turtles and rays, it is a part of the world that feels both incredibly calming and quietly exhilarating.

If you would like to plan your own week in the Maldives, tailored to the way you like to travel, contact me and I will help you create the perfect combination of islands, board basis and experiences for you.