The Maldives, your way: two hosted escapes for solo travellers

Perhaps you’ve travelled alone for years. Perhaps life has changed and the person you used to holiday with isn’t travelling with you anymore. Or perhaps your friends and family simply don’t fancy the same places you do.

You might be perfectly happy doing your own thing, but still like the idea of someone to share a cocktail, a boat trip or dinner with.

That’s exactly why I’ve created these two hosted Maldives escapes for September 2027.

Your own villa. Your own space. Your holiday, your way. With a little company whenever you fancy it — and me there throughout.

What do I mean by a hosted holiday?

First things first: this isn’t a dating trip, and you won’t find me marching around with a clipboard organising your every waking minute. I don’t even own one!

These trips welcome men and women travelling independently, with a maximum of 16 guests on each escape.

You can spend the day reading on the beach, join an activity, explore the lagoon or disappear to your villa for an afternoon nap. You don’t need to explain yourself or join in to keep anyone happy.

I’ll arrange an optional social dining table each evening, so there’s company available without you having to wonder who you’re going to sit with. Join us every night, occasionally, or make your own plans.

And if you’re a little nervous about coming on your own, we can talk that through before you book. You don’t need to be an experienced solo traveller.

Why these two resorts?

I’ve stayed at both Meedhupparu and Heritance Aarah myself. I’ve explored the islands, experienced the accommodation, eaten the food and met the teams.

They offer two different Maldives experiences, which matters because we don’t all want the same holiday — or have the same budget.

Both give you beautiful beaches, your own private villa and Premium All Inclusive. The difference is in the style of the resort, the accommodation and the overall experience.

Meedhupparu: relaxed, sociable and wonderfully easy-going

9–20 September 2027 | 10 nights on the island, arriving 10 September

Adaaran Select Meedhupparu is a four-star resort in the Raa Atoll, with white sand, turquoise water and a relaxed, sociable atmosphere.

This is the trip I’d suggest if you want a proper Maldives island escape, plenty to enjoy and a more accessible starting price.

You have two accommodation options, both priced for your own villa:

Deluxe Beach Villa
Your own beach retreat, with the sand and sea just moments away.
From £4,450 per person from London Gatwick, or £4,495 from Manchester.

Prestige Water Villa
An overwater villa with a private deck and steps directly into the sea — for anyone who’s always pictured that morning swim before breakfast.
From £6,450 per person from London Gatwick, or £6,675 from Manchester.

Your package includes return international flights, return seaplane transfers, ten nights in your own villa and 24-hour Premium All Inclusive.

There’s a choice of dining venues, premium drinks, activities and time to do as much or as little as you like. Our ten-night stay also includes a sunset cruise and dolphin cruise, alongside activities such as kayaking, paddleboarding and cookery and cocktail demonstrations.

You’ll receive a US$50 spa credit per person, and the resort will host a private farewell drinks reception for our group.

A lovely opportunity to raise a glass before we head home.

Heritance Aarah: the island that stole my heart

19–30 September 2027 | 10 nights on the island, arriving 20 September

If you followed my recent Maldives trip, you’ll already know how I felt about Heritance Aarah.

This five-star resort stole my heart.

Yes, the setting is beautiful. But what made it special for me was the combination of spacious villas, thoughtful service, wonderful dining and staff who made me feel so well looked after.

This is the escape I’d suggest if you want a more luxurious experience, with comfort and food high on your holiday wish list.

Again, you have two villa options, entirely yours for the stay:

Beach Villa — from £6,950 per person
A spacious beachfront retreat with your own veranda, beautifully comfortable interiors and the beach just moments away.

Ocean Villa — from £7,650 per person
Your own villa above the lagoon, with a private deck and direct access to the sea. I stayed overwater myself, and those quiet moments on the terrace were some of my favourites.

These starting prices apply to departures from Manchester or London Gatwick.

Your package includes return international flights, return seaplane transfers, ten nights in your own private villa and Premium All Inclusive.

Butler service, a minibar replenished daily and dining experiences ranging from freshly grilled seafood to tasting menus all add to the experience.

The included programme offers sunset, sunrise, dolphin and snorkelling excursions, alongside activities such as kayaking, paddleboarding, cookery classes and cocktail-making. Beach Villa and Ocean Villa guests also receive a US$50 spa credit per person.

Some dining experiences, spa treatments and motorised watersports carry supplements. Activities and excursions are subject to weather, availability and participation requirements.

The journey is part of the holiday

Both trips begin with an overnight flight to Malé, followed by a seaplane journey across the atolls.

If you’ve never arrived somewhere by seaplane before, it’s quite an introduction to the Maldives. Looking down at those little islands surrounded by blue water is a moment in itself.

I’ll talk you through the travel arrangements, luggage allowances and practical details before departure, so you know what to expect.

Which escape is right for you?

Choose Meedhupparu if you’re drawn to a relaxed, sociable four-star island with plenty going on and a lower starting price.

Choose Heritance Aarah if you want five-star comfort, more indulgent dining and the level of service that made me fall in love with the resort.

And if you’re torn between the two, that’s what our conversation is for. Tell me what makes a holiday special for you, and I’ll help you choose.

Fancy joining me?

There are just 16 places on each trip, with a £300 deposit to secure your booking.

The final balance is due on 20 July 2027 for Meedhupparu and 27 July 2027 for Heritance Aarah. You can make payments along the way through the myTC app.

Prices are based on solo occupancy and will be checked against current flight fares and availability when you enquire. I’ll confirm your personalised itinerary and final price before you commit.

Use the Contact Mel option on my website or email Mel.Stead@mytc.com to arrange a private chat. Let me know which resort has caught your eye, your preferred villa and departure airport.

With such small groups, availability is limited, so please get in touch early if you’d like to come.

You don’t need to bring a friend. You don’t need to fill every day with activities.

Just come ready for your holiday, your way.

Mel x