By Nikki Bayley
Looking for your own piece of paradise? Well look no further. Whether you're
looking for a sunstrewn beach on a budget or the ultimate pampering break, the
Maldives has it all…
You Want… to be pampered in paradise
Try… The award winning Taj
Exotica
You'll fly into South Male and then by whisked away by speedboat to the exclusive
private island of Emboodhu Finolhu. All the villas come with air con, widescreen
TV, king-sized beds and spacious terraces so there's plenty to keep you entertained
inside… but step outside and you'll be entranced by the beauty of the lagoon
which circles the island and the stunning white sand beach. Treat yourselves
to a moonlit champagne cruise and fall in love all over again.
You'll Love... The luxurious Jiva Grande spa, which offers
authentic Ayurvedic treatments which tap into an ancient holistic healing system
designed to re-balance your mind, body and spirit - and where better to re-discover
your relaxed self than on a tropical island paradise?
You Want… Dazzling diving
Try… The Chaaya
Lagoon Hakuraa Huraa
Some of the world's most beautiful marine life can be found in abundance on
the coral reefs that surround the Meemu Atoll. This intimate 6-acre island is
the first resort to be developed in the area so there's outstanding diving and
snorkelling opportunities to enjoy on one of the longest reefs in the Maldives.
You'll Love... The beautiful over-water bungalows which are
set on stilts to give great views across the lagoon. This is an all-inclusive
resort, so leave your money worries at home and relax knowing that everything
from a midnight snack to snorkelling equipment is already paid for.
You Want… a family holiday in paradise
Try… The Kanuhura
Resort
When you think of a tropical island holiday you tend to imagine couples snuggled
up under the stars, but what if there are more than two of you and you still
want to explore the beauty of Maldives? Good news! You can all have a wonderful
break which starts with an exciting seaplane transfer! The Kanuhura Resort has
a great Kids' Club for 3-12 year olds and there's even a Teens' Club too. If
you're sporty there's plenty to do from diving and water sports to tennis and
squash and if you fancy something more laid-back, there's plenty of sugar-white
sand to relax on and crystal clear waters to swim in.
You'll Love... that there's plenty for grown ups too. From
breathtaking sunsets to four poster king size beds, a wide choice of delicious
food options and even a spa.
You Want… an all inclusive break
Try… Velidhu
in the North Ari Atoll
With fluctuating currency prices why not put your mind at rest and make your
money work harder by going all-inclusive? Velidhu is in the North Ari Atoll,
an exciting two hour speedboat transfer from the capital Malé. The secluded
bungalows or water villas are never more than a few yards away from its beautiful
white sand beach and warm turquoise waters. With a quarter of the world's whales
and dolphins living in the area, you can unwind and watch the wonders of nature
right from your own private patio.
You'll Love... the daily changes of specials with the buffet
meals so you'll never get bored of the food. There are even different cocktails
to try each night too!
You Want… Two islands for the price of one
Try… Conrad
Maldives Rangali Island
Finding it hard to decide which beautiful island to chose? This amazing resort
is set over two tropical palm fringed islands, linked by a 500m footbridge so
you can truly enjoy two for the price of one! Splash out on a spa water villa,
set on stilts over the ocean with its own private spa treatment area, oversized
outdoor bathtub and deck - absolutely perfect for watching that breathtaking
sunset each night.
You'll Love... Ithaa, the Maldives’ first underwater
restaurant. It’s five metres below sea level, encased in a transparent
shell, giving you a stunning 270 degree view of the ocean, so you can dine on
delicious food and watch in wonder as tropical fish lazily swim around you.
Fancy a paradise Maldives
holiday? Check out our Maldives
deals now!
Nikki Bayley is a freelance travel writer. She writes regularly for the
Daily Express and Sunday Mirror. Her favourite cities are San Sebastian, Mexico
City and San Francisco.