The Maldives number around 1190 islands, both sides of the Equator, some 700 km south west of Sri Lanka in the Indian Ocean. Protected by barriers reefs, the Maldive islands are as near as it gets to paradise, white coral beaches, swaying palms, turquoise lagoons and shoals of colourful fish.
Many are true desert islands, others host fabulous resorts with thatched bungalows and water villas, accessed by speedboat or seaplane. A holiday in the Maldives is about sunny days on the beach or by the pool in a luxury resort, enjoying all inclusive or selected options. Among popular choices are Kuredu Island, Meeru Resort, Medhufushi and Olhuveli Beach Resort.
Kuredu Island, Dream Holiday in the Maldives
Surrounded by lagoons and three km of white sands, Kuredu island is situated in Lhaviyani atoll and offers a choice of two resorts, Sangu and Kuredu.
Kuredu has beach bungalows and villas, the luxurious Sangu has Jacuzzi beach villas and sunset water villas. All combine traditional décor and modern amenities, top of the range adds four poster beds, open air bathrooms, Jacuzzi and attractively furnished verandas. Three main restaurants, à la carte dining, coffee shops and bars enhance the Kuredu experience.
The Duniye spa specialises in high touch low tech rituals for natural healing and rejuvenation. Tennis and golf are available, alongside diving, kitesurfing and parasailing in the Maldives largest water sports centre.
Maldives All Inclusive, Meeru Resort
Located in North Malé atoll, a 55 minute speedboat ride from the airport, Meeru is a casual resort where luxury can be enjoyed barefoot and no one is required to dress up for dinner. Accommodation ranges from garden rooms to beach or water villas, some with Jacuzzi, and spacious honeymoon suites on stilts over the lagoon.
Guests on an all inclusive option can enjoy a complimentary sunset cruise and introductions to snorkelling, windsurfing and golf. There’s a fitness centre, tennis and other sports, plus two spas, on land and over the water, for calming and energising rituals based on organic products.
The Meeru resort boasts six bars and five restaurants, among them the Asian Wok and the Goma where grilled food is served on a yacht anchored in the lagoon.
Luxury Maldives, Medhufushi and Olhuveli Beach Resort
In Meemu atoll, Medhufushi island is just one km long and 200 metres wide. Accommodation includes beach villas, water villas and lagoon suites, all with sundeck and swing. There are two restaurants for buffet and à la carte dining and a spa over the lagoon for Asian body care and beauty rituals. Dolphin safaris, sunset fishing and PADI courses are just a few of the activities on offer.
In south Malé atoll, Olhuveli is praised for its award winning beaches and fine villas on land or water, most luxurious the Presidential Water Suites at the far end of half moon jetties. Among the dining options are sushi and sashimi, freshly caught seafood on a barbecue terrace and for special occasions, candle lit dinners on the beach.
The Olhuveli Sun Spa features Ayurvedic and other rituals and for those who feel energetic, there is a variety of excursions and water sports. The resort claims the Maldives first kite boarding school.
Solange Hando - I am a travel writer, editor and photographer, contributing to a range of publications in the UK and worldwide.
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