Maldives has the WOW factor!
Our first stop was at Olhuveli island staying in a beach villa: what can possibly be nicer than opening your patio doors and stepping straight out on to the beach? The open air bathroom was huge and featured a rain shower as well as his and hers sinks, bath tub and covered shower in the event of inclement weather. For a 4* hotel, this accommodation with its beautiful fabrics was far better than I expected.
Breakfast and evening meals in the main buffet restaurant were very good, but the restaurant was so huge, it wouldn’t suit those looking for romantic ambience. All in all a very enjoyable stay and it offers all inclusive which some people favour.
Our second stop was the 5* Taj Exotica. This we were sure was going to be a real treat and we weren’t disappointed. They very kindly (!!) gave me a water bungalow with plunge pool which oh my goodness...it had the wow factor in abundance. This island is just so totally beautiful – it’s a small narrow strip of sand bank, parts of which are just 10 ft across so as you walk along, the sea is almost lapping away either side of your feet. They have been really careful to preserve the natural habitation of the island and most of the accommodation is water bungalows because of this.
This island has the largest lagoon in Maldives and you can see from the photos that it is surrounded by the most aqua of seas. All the water bungalows have plunge pools and they are just sublime. From my water bungalow, you could see the sea breaking out over the reef in the distance – some islands offer kite surfing and other water sports on their surf if they have some. There was also a small sand bank which you could walk out to for a romantic moment if you wanted! The accommodation was fantastic – contemporary modern with beautiful wood and fabrics.
I love my food and the food here was awesome with service unrivalled to anywhere I have been before. It truly was barefoot paradise!
Our last island stay was on Baros which we were also looking forward too as it is one of the truly good 5* hotels. Baros is much lusher than the Taj Exotica, and the beaches around one side of the island are quite narrow but they are again the most beautiful soft coral sand.
This is very much the island where you take your shoes off on arrival, and the reception staff remind you to put them on again when you leave. Lots of cool design statements make this quite a funky place to stay. We ate at several places here: both the main restaurant and also ‘Lime’ for breakfast and lunch. All the food we had here was superb, and if you book Bed &Breakfast, the prices aren’t too bad. BUT for the totally romantic amongst you, they offer island dining and you can have your evening meal served anywhere you choose – they set the table up and you can enjoy the view whilst you eat!
There is quite a funky bar for meeting new friends but this is an island which is serene, romantic and really quite cool!
On our last day in the Maldives, we went to Huvafen Fushi for lunch – as you do! Huvafen Fushi is one of the very elite 5* hotels and they very kindly sent transport which transpired to be a mega luxurious speedboat staffed by 5* pirates complete in costume!
Huvafen Fushi is just sublime in its luxury and my over riding memory is of lots of immaculate decking and white linen. This island is so clean and tidy and minimalistic that the sheer natural beauty of it was magnified as a result. For those who love their spas, this one has the ONLY underwater treatment room which is really quite amazing. The spa itself is a series of water bungalows, as is the gym. Truly outstanding.
In fact my trip was truly outstanding from start to finish; amazing scenery, food, hotels and wonderful people!