Discovering Four Corners of Paradise: My Personal Journey Around the Maldives

Introduction

Imagine waking each morning to the sound of crystal-clear waves lapping against sugar-soft sand, the gentle warmth of the Maldivian sun on your skin and the vibrant blues of sky and sea stretching as far as the eye can see. My journeys through the Maldives have been a series of postcard-perfect moments, but each island was chosen for a different experience.

Each island I’ve visited is its own paradise; there isn’t a bad island in the Maldives! Beyond the iconic overwater villas and dazzling coral reefs, it’s the details that make the Maldives truly special: the smiles of the team who greet you by name, the subtle scent of coconut in an after-spa breeze, and the moment you realise you’re on a remote island in the middle of the Indian Ocean.

Travelling to the Maldives

When you land in Male ensure you have your documents ready for immigration including your QR. Code from your travel declaration form. Be prepared to queue!

Next your hand luggage is scanned and then you head into baggage claim - check the screens for your flight and which carousel

Be prepared when you first walk out as its very busy with tour operators and boards everywhere. Find the board that is being held up for your operator and head over to them. They will then direct you to either your speedboat or the seaplane check-in

Speedboats are for those resorts nearer Male and the seaplanes for those that are in the further atolls. The Seaplane terminal is air conditioned and very modern lots of people on hand to direct you to your waiting area 

You will get boarding passes for the seaplane.

It can be an hour or more wait for the seaplanes, there are refreshments soft drinks and sandwiches you can purchase but no alcohol 

Your flight number and gate will be called and is on the screens in the waiting area head down when it's your turn and you will be called again when the flight is boarding 

Flights can go via other islands as well and aren't all direct. A Seaplane sits 16 people and can feel quite cramped. The Seaplane is also hot and there is no air conditioning only small fans so carry water with you and dress appropriately. The flight itself though is amazing, flying over all the other islands and atolls the sea so blue just like the Instagram photos you see!

Bandos Maldives

Just a quick 15-minute speedboat ride from Malé Airport, Bandos is the perfect blend of convenience and true island escapism. Surrounded by a turquoise lagoon and flour-white beaches, the island is lush with swaying palms, hibiscus, and bougainvillaea, creating a vibrant tropical garden setting at every turn.

First Impressions
Stepping off the boat, you arrive to the sound of the staff’s welcome song which sets the mood instantly. Bandos felt both lively and relaxing from the very first moment: a place where couples, families, and solo travellers would enjoy.

Accommodation Experience
I stayed in a Premium Beach Villa, where the front porch leads out onto the soft sand and the shade of palm trees. As my first experience of the Maldives I was blown away by the villa’s outdoor shower! I enjoyed every evening looking at the stars in the sky and sometimes sharing my shower with some friendly lizards! The Room was bright and inviting, with thoughtful Maldivian details throughout.

Dining & Cuisine
Bandos offers a wide selection of dining options, from fresh seafood beneath the stars at Huvan, to the international buffets at Gallery Restaurant. I especially loved enjoying a morning coffee at Sea Breeze, with a cooling breeze and ocean views. The island’s Friday night Maldivian buffet was a true treat, with traditional curries and delicious coconut desserts.

Activities & Experiences
There’s something for everyone: I spent many hours snorkelling just metres from the beach, discovering parrotfish, black tipped reef sharks and stingrays amongst the spectacular house reef. The daily dive trips and water sports were a major draw, while the Orchid Spa offered relaxing therapies under thatched pavilions. Families will appreciate the kids’ club, and there’s even an on-island medical centre for peace of mind.

The ‘Wow Factor’
The sheer ease and friendliness: Bandos feels like a home away from home, with staff who remember your name and a wonderfully relaxed island community atmosphere. Its proximity to Malé makes it ideal for those craving maximum Maldives magic with minimum travel fuss.

Who Would Love This Island?
Bandos suits a wide array of travellers: families looking for safe, activity-packed holidays; those wanting a smaller island with one or two restaurants and bars, a great house reef; and those wanting great value in a classic Maldivian setting close to Malé. It’s an ideal starting point or finale for any island-hopping journey.

Cinnamon Hakuraa Huraa

Cinnamon Hakuraa Huraa Maldives is a picture-perfect retreat set in the tranquil waters of Meemu Atoll, around 150 kilometres south of Malé. Reached by a scenic seaplane journey, the island instantly feels remote and exclusive, wrapped in some of the softest white sands and clearest lagoons you’ll ever see.

First Impressions
Arriving by seaplane is a breath-taking experience—the panorama of endless atolls fading into the deep blue below. Stepping onto the jetty, I was enveloped by silence, broken only by the gentle lapping of the lagoon and the warm smile of the welcome team. Towering palms, swaying in the breeze, hint at the slow, unhurried pace that defines life on Hakuraa Huraa.

Accommodation Experience
As we stayed in a beach villa at Bandos we wanted to experience an Overwater Villa.  These bungalows sit on stilts above one of the longest and shallowest lagoons in the Maldives, so the ocean feels like it’s part of your room — from the glass-bottom panels that let you spy fish and rays swimming beneath you, to the private hammock and sun deck perfect for sunset cocktails. The water is calm and clear, ideal for lazy swims right from your terrace — truly a picture-perfect tropical hideaway.

Inside, the décor blends contemporary comfort with classic island charm — spacious interiors with air-conditioning, modern amenities, and glass-floor sections that bring the marine world into your living space. Whether you’re sipping coffee while watching fish glide below or unwinding with a sunset dip off your deck, the overwater bungalow is the essence of Maldivian serenity and romance

Dining & Cuisine
Dining was a daily highlight, with Nakaiy Main Restaurant serving up bountiful buffets of international and local dishes—think grilled fish, spicy curries, and tropical fruits. I especially loved the Sand Bar: feet-in-the-sand cocktails at sunset, with gentle music and uninterrupted views across the lagoon. The premium all-inclusive plan offered a fantastic sense of freedom, with everything from afternoon snacks to à la carte dinners.

Activities & Experiences
Hakuraa Huraa offers the ultimate in laidback island living: I spent hours snorkelling the coral gardens, spotting butterflyfish, rays, and even baby sharks. The dive centre arranges trips for all skill levels, and kayaking over the glassy waters is a must. For total relaxation, the Mandara Spa provided heavenly treatments infused with coconut oils and Maldivian herbs. Sunset fishing and private island picnics are also on offer for those craving a dash of adventure.

The ‘Wow Factor’
The sensation of remoteness: at Cinnamon Hakuraa Huraa, it really feels as though the world has slipped away. The long, looping sandbank at the tip of the island invites peaceful walks, and evenings bring glowing colours to the sky—often with only the sound of the water and the soft laughter of new friends for company.

Who Would Love This Island?
Cinnamon Hakuraa Huraa is perfect for couples and honeymooners wanting true seclusion and romance, as well as solo travellers looking for peaceful retreat. They do also have an exclusive Adults only area – Platinum Island.

Hard Rock Maldives/Saii Lagoon

Just a 15-minute speedboat ride from Malé Airport, Hard Rock Hotel Maldives sits at the heart of Emboodhoo Lagoon—a dynamic, music-infused oasis that redefines Maldivian cool. Part of the Crossroads Maldives integrated resort, this island fuses beach-side luxury with a playful, cosmopolitan vibe, offering something truly unique in the Indian Ocean archipelago with 2 island resorts that can be accessed by foot or golf cart.

First Impressions
The energy on arrival is infectious: a welcoming team greets you with live music and huge smiles, and everywhere you look are splashes of vibrant colour and iconic Hard Rock memorabilia. The “good vibes only” ethos begins the moment you step ashore.

Accommodation Experience
As we stayed in an Overwater Villa on our last visit we went for a Gold Beach Villa at Hard Rock, where modern style meets island ease—think open-plan living, crisp linens, pops of colourful décor, and direct access to the beach or lagoon. The Beach our Villa was based on was always so quiet we actually joked a few times that it was our beach and felt very relaxed and able to sunbathe outside our room on the sunloungers provided. The brand’s “Sound of Your Stay” programme meant I could even have a Fender guitar delivered to my room!

Our friends stayed in one of the Overwater Villas with a pool which was absolutely beautiful! Again very colour vibrant clean and fresh and the pool a fantastic edition. We loved to sit in there and watch the sunset with a glass of bubbly.

Dining & Cuisine
Dining here is a sensory celebration. Sessions, the main restaurant, serves up international favourites with creative flair, while the oceanfront Hard Rock Café brings American classics and legendary burgers right to the sand with live bands and music. The Pool Bar is ideal for lazy lunches and picture-perfect sunset drinks. There is also a weekly BBQ down on the beach which was amazing! Plus, guests also have access to a further 7 restaurants and a beach club at The Marina at Crossroads, we loved the Cantonese and Indian restaurants over there.

Activities & Experiences
The action never stops: I tried paddleboarding in the crystal-clear lagoon, joined sunrise yoga sessions, and lounged at the beachfront infinity pool. The Rock Spa offers blissful treatments with a soundtrack of soft rock classics. Music fans will love the curated playlists and memorabilia tours, while families are treated to a fantastic kids’ club and water sports galore. And for a little retail therapy, the shops and boutiques at Crossroads are just a stroll (or buggy ride) away.

The ‘Wow Factor’
For me, the electrifying mix of music, barefoot luxury, and festival atmosphere was truly captivating and of course all those Hard Rock touches!. Live performances and DJ nights light up the evenings, and the seamless blend of Maldivian paradise with Hard Rock’s signature style is unforgettable.

Who Would Love This Island?
Hard Rock Hotel Maldives is a dream for families, couples, and friends who want more than just sun and sea—it’s ideal for those craving a social, vibrant backdrop and an experience that’s as lively as it is luxurious. Adventurous travellers, music lovers, and anyone seeking a fun, modern twist on the Maldives will feel right at home. What Hard Rock doesn’t have is a house reef so if you want to be snorkelling off the beach and seeing lots of marine life this is not the island for you. You will see the odd stingray and black tip reef shark but this is what let the island down for me compared to Bandos.

Vilamendhoo Resort Island and Spa

After doing a lot of research into the best Atoll to stay at to swim with Manta Rays we knew it had to be South Ari Atoll as this is the gateway to Hanifaru Bay - a place where hundreds of manta rays congregate to gorge themselves in the plankton-rich waters each year. As well as being able to do a trip out to (hopefully!) see the Manta Rays a house reef is extremely important to me as I want to be able to walk down to the sea and see black tip reef sharks, tropical fish, sting rays and even if I’m lucky eagle rays so we chose Vilamendhoo as it has one of the best house reefs in the Maldives.

Vilamendhoo Island lies in the heart of South Ari Atoll, celebrated for its brilliant house reef and abundant marine life. The island is just 25 minutes by seaplane from Malé, and yet it quickly provides that feeling of splendid isolation—ringed by soft, coral-white sands and a dazzling turquoise lagoon that seems to stretch into infinity.

First Impressions
When we arrived at Vilamendhoo we were greeted by staff with a drum fanfare and shown into the reception area where we were provided with a cold drink and taken through the check in process. Our bags were taken to the villa for us and we were escorted to our villa whilst learning about the island and facilities by our guide. We chose to stay in a water villa for this visit as we wanted direct access to the house reef and I chose one right at the end of the boardwalk so it was more private and had great sunset views. Note this does mean you have further to walk to the main island and restaurants etc!

Accommodation Experience
I chose a Jacuzzi Water Villa perched above the lagoon, where every morning began with crab watching as the made their way up our wooden staircase. As soon as they saw me they were back in the ocean again!  The villa’s aren’t as modern as Hard Rock more   earthy Maldivian elements - think timber floors, a shaded terrace for afternoon reading, and a private outdoor Jacuzzi perfect for star-gazing. We also had an outdoor bathroom again which was beautiful I love being outside and hearing the sounds of the Maldives whilst getting ready for dinner!

Dining & Cuisine
Mealtimes are a highlight at Vilamendhoo, with two buffet restaurants (both offering beachside seating and island breezes) serving everything from Maldivian curries and grilled seafood to continental favourites. There is a buffet restaurant specifically for Adults staying in the Overwater Villas and then there is a family option closer to the Beach and Garden Villas. The à la carte Asian Wok Restaurant, right on the water, is a must for sundowner cocktails and teppanyaki with views. The choice of meal plans—from Full Board to All Inclusive Plus—makes it easy for every type of guest.

Activities & Experiences
For divers and snorkellers, Vilamendhoo is paradise found: the house reef is one of the best in the Maldives and teems with turtles, rays, turtles, and in season even whale sharks. We loved our stay at Vilamendhoo the house reef didn’t disappoint! every morning I saw my baby shark swimming along the shores which I enjoyed every day on our way to breakfast. The house reef goes all the way around the island and has specific entry and exit points to ensure your safety and protect the coral and marine life. You will be given all this information at your orientation session when you check in. Some of the entry and exit points can be far but they do have buoys you can hold onto a take a break if you aren’t a strong or confident swimmer! We were also lucky enough to see a shoal of eagle rays on a couple of occasions which are apparently quite rare so we were in the right place at the right time!

The resort also offers sunset cruises, dolphin watching, windsurfing, and a serene spa. There are dedicated areas for families and adults, so everyone finds their perfect corner of tranquillity or activity.

The ‘Wow Factor’
The house reef —few islands boast such easy access to a thriving reef steps from your villa.

Swimming with the Manta Rays

The day finally arrived when we were going to hopefully swim with the manta rays, we took our own snorkel equipment and could rent flippers from the Dive Centre but you can bring it all yourself or rent what you need for a small daily charge. The trip is around 3.5 hours long or 4 hours if you add on swimming with Turtles. The excursion lead will advise you on how to interact with the Manta rays to protect them and also tells you more about them on your way out. The trip tends to go to Rangali Madivaru (“Manta Point”) and another couple of feeding areas to try and find them. Unfortunately, on this occasion we were unsuccessful so as this was the reason we came here I booked in again for a few days later. Thankfully we did see one and I swam with a Manta! They are so beautiful and so graceful I was so blessed to have had this experience! We also did the Turtle Island trip and swam with turtles and the sunset cruise where we see dolphins.

Who Would Love This Island?
Vilamendhoo is perfect for nature-loving couples, avid snorkellers and divers, and families who want both adventure and relaxation. The adults-only zones add an extra layer of peace for honeymooners or those seeking quiet moments, while the family side is lively and welcoming.

Why Book Your Maldives holiday with Me?

Choosing your dream Maldivian island is more than picking a picture-perfect beach—it’s about finding the experience that truly matches you. With four Maldives holidays under my belt, each to a different island, I know first-hand how every atoll, resort, and transfer style can shape your adventure.

From feeling the thrill of a seaplane arrival, soaring above shimmering lagoons, to enjoying the scenic comfort of a speedboat ride, I can share honest, practical insights that transform your journey from ordinary to extraordinary.

I listen carefully to what you want: whether that’s peaceful seclusion, superb snorkelling, family fun, or a romantic hideaway. With my personal knowledge of island vibes, villa locations, and the details photos can’t show (like where to catch the perfect sunset or which side of the island has the calmest lagoon), I remove the uncertainty—and add a little extra magic.

When you book with me:

• You get completely tailored recommendations, inspired by real experience—not just resort brochures.
• I handle all the logistics, from choosing the best transfer to making sure every detail is taken care of.
• I’m with you every step, offering support before, during, and after your trip—with all the financial protection and peace of mind that Travel Counsellors provides.

Your Maldives escape should feel effortless, exciting, and absolutely unforgettable—let my experience make that happen for you.

Ready to find your perfect island? Message me to start planning today.