Island-Style Paradise: How To Choose The Perfect Maldives Resort

How to Choose the Best Maldives Resort for You

Capture the bliss of a true island-style paradise when visiting the Maldives. The tropical coral atolls that form the Maldives once surrounded giant volcanoes soaring out of the Indian Ocean, but these have long since disappeared. The Maldives is the lowest country in the world. Its ground level is averaged at 1.5 metres while its highest point, a certain spot on the Villingili Island, stands at 2.3 metres.

The atolls form an archipelago of more than 1 100 coral islands, which enjoy blue skies, translucent azure seawater and year-round sunshine. Of these, over 100 are resort islands offering world-class accommodation, top-notch resort entertainment and island activities that cater to those seeking to party, enjoying the abundant beach and lagoon activities or simply looking for a time to relax.

How to choose the best Maldives Resort for you

Choosing where to stay in the Maldives is a daunting task, to say the least! From low-key one-bedroom villas without air conditioning  to top-of-the-range, 5 Star hotels and resorts with private plunge pools, the choice can be somewhat bewildering.  There are over 100 resorts with almost a dozen opening year on year! To chose which is the best island in Maldives can make your head spin!

We at Flight Centre discourage you from trying to figure out what the best accommodation is most suitable for you as a single traveller or as a couple or as a family, so we recommend that you leave the task to our team of experts, many of whom have first-hand experience of what is on offer.

With so much choice available, perhaps the best option open to you is to decide how much you are prepared to spend on getting there, for how long you want to stay, to what level of accommodation you aspire, what spending money you need, what excursions you want to take and so on. 

So choosing what Maldives resort is best for you is without a doubt purely subjective but nevertheless, it is still fraught with pitfalls and sand traps. But never fear, help is at hand! We suggest that you read through this article before committing to anything! 

This will give you some insight into what you need to know to influence your final decision making. Once you have formulated and clarified your needs for that once-in-a-lifetime holiday experience, only then contact Flight Centre’s experts who will take their time, care and knowledge in guiding you to making the correct decision.  

Here are a few pointers in helping you to make that correct decision:

 

When is the best time to visit the Maldives?

The Maldives has two distinct seasons; dry season (north-east monsoon) and wet season (south-west monsoon), with the former extending from January to March and the latter from mid-May to November. 

Arguably the best time to visit this country is between November and April with temperatures ranging on average from 24 to 31 degrees, with very little chance of rain between January and April. The weather is dry then and devoid of humidity. The best month to swim in the sea is in April when the average sea temperature is 30 degrees Celsius.  

However, bear in mind that this is the Maldives’ peak tourist season, but do not let this put you off. Since each resort generally stands alone on its very own island it is highly unlikely that you will have to face large crowds.

Which part of Maldives is best/most popular to stay in? Consisting of the North and South Malé Atolls, Kaafu is the most popular region and it is here that you will find some of the country's top resorts. It's also the best-connected area in the region.

If you're planning to visit the Maldives in June, the southern atolls are preferable. The number of rainy days per month jumps to as many as 18 in the north, compared to only 10 or so in the south. 

Sharks and manta rays are a draw for scuba divers in the south. Overall, the Ari atoll is by far the best atoll for diving. The sites in the north tend to be technically a bit "harder" to dive, i.e. less experienced divers will find easier sites with less current and shallower shallow in the south. For non-divers, there really is no difference between North and South Maldives. 

Which is better: north or the south Maldives?

Consider the island’s features. The facilities and amenities available on your chosen resort island are the only ones you will have easy access to during your stay. So as a wise holidaymaker first of all check if the island where your resort sits has what you need and prefer during your stay. For example, some resorts have calm, crystal clear lagoons that are perfect for swimming and windsurfing but would require a boat trip (at an extra cost) just to get out to the nearest coral reef to do some snorkelling.

 

What are the nicest places to stay in the Maldives?

Here are our top 5 nicest places to stay.

1. Adaaran Select Huduranfushi is suitable for all sorts of budgets and also for sports junkies, as it offers cheaper packages and is located on an island that gets excellent waves. 

2. Adaaran Prestige Vadoo is located on a tiny island and is perfect for a romantic or relaxing getaway. There is a spa and a diving centre that offers dives directly from the shore. 

3. Bandos is located in Kaafu Atoll and offers all the nicest things to do in the Maldives at really competitive prices.

4. Constance Halaveli is possibly the most luxurious of all the best resorts in the Maldives. 

5. Zest Cabana, in Maafushi, is a lovely place suitable for people travelling on a budget. Staying is what to do in the Maldives for those who want a bit more of a local experience. 

 

Why choose an all-inclusive resort?

Without a doubt, the best option for you is to choose an all-inclusive package (inclusive of return flights, transfers by either seaplane or motorboat, accommodation and three meals per day and sometimes even your alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks). This is by far the best option for visitors to the wonderful sandy beaches and azure waters of the Maldives. All-inclusive accommodation options make it easy for you to stay on budget because there are usually no surprise fees or extra expenses.

Not all the resorts are “children friendly” so if you are planning a family trip it is best to check first if youngsters are welcome at your destination of choice. While the Maldives is a great family destination, most of the hotels do not allow children as it’s considered more as a romantic destination and geared towards honeymooners. So if you are planning on visiting the Maldives as a family with children in tow, choose the right property, one that welcomes children.

 

Are you thinking of booking a Maldives holiday package? Maybe you want to book a honeymoon or a family trip? 

Our Travel Experts are ready to answer all of your questions about this beautiful island getaway you may have and to assist you to make this your best holiday experience yet. We have a variety of packages available for you to choose from with specials popping up throughout the year.

So, what’s stopping you? Now is the time to pack some summer clothing, your swimsuit and a light jersey for the evenings and whisk yourself away for an idyllic coral island holiday getaway of a lifetime. 

Let us help you book your Maldives holiday today!