Everyone dreams of going to the Maldives. And the Maldives want you to visit. They don’t disappoint.
TL;DR If you’re a diver or want a chill beach resort, GO!
The long version: GOOOOOOO!
I originally bought this trip in August of 2020, after months of being cooped up during COVID restrictions. I tried to get a friend to join me but everyone was busy, but I never let that stop me, and I certainly didn’t this time. It would have been FANTASTIC deal for two people vs a really, really good deal for one and I regret nothing.
Flying over the archipelago is lovely, little pale blue dots shine in the deep blue ocean. Maldives doesn’t currently require a negative COVID test, but do require a health form which you can fill out in advance or at the airport. NOTE: This can always change, check before you go. Generally your resort will have a staff member to greet you and assist you to get to the local seaplane transfer terminal.
The seaplane terminal is a lounge with a gorgeous view of the seaplane marina to watch the planes while you wait. My flight included stops at 2 other resorts before disembarking and boarding a speedboat for my resort. TIP: Pack a beachy change of clothes in your carryon and embrace island life as soon as you land, before your inter island seaplane flight.
Each resort basically has a private island or some have a couple islands that are very close together. The deal I had was for a week in a garden villa, then I upgraded to an overwater villa for the final 2 nights. PRO TIP: If money isn’t a decision making factor go for the overwater villa for the whole trip. Or save it for just a part of the trip and save some serious cash.
Garden Villa
A private grass roofed hut with an outdoor spa-like shower.
Thankfully with air conditioning and room service! I think the only downside was no views except the jungle. I definitely appreciated the drying rack for my swim and dive gear.
Garden Villa Tour Reethi Faru YouTube Video Link
The resort had multiple restaurants, bars, and activities. There was something for just about everyone. If you’re looking for authentic local culture don’t look to the private island resorts. If you want a fabulous beach vacation, read on.
Main Bar Whale
Dive, Dive, Chill
My typical day was 2 boat dives in the morning, then a late-ish lunch. The diving was AMAZING!
Stunning Drift Dive over the Reef YouTube Video Link
Like diving in an aquarium, and not expensive. It was great to see healthy reefs and mantas. Originally I had an idea to take a boat trip to Hanifaru Bay to snorkel with their resident mantas, but the dive team assured me that Raa Atoll also had mantas, and they were absolutely right. Plus in Raa you can dive with them vs snorkel only. =) BONUS: I saved some money by not doing an extra excursion to Hanifaru.
First Raa Atoll Manta Dive YouTube Video Link
Second Raa Atoll Manta Dive YouTube Video Link
The dive staff was professional, helpful, multilingual, and great. Small groups of up to 4 people per guide based on experience, so the advanced divers didn’t get slowed down by newer divers and the newer divers didn’t feel pressured. On the one dive that my ears didn’t want to equalize (pop to you non-divers), I took my time descending and the guide kept checking on me until I was ok. As always I made some new dive buddies.
The shark dives were fun. We’d use reef hooks to stay in one spot near the edge of the reef and watch the sharks patrol just beyond the reef. The guides called them wimpy sharks, because any sudden movement from us, and the sharks would dart away very fast.
Shark’s Patrolling the Reef YouTube Video Link
I would absolutely dive Raa Atoll again.
And I would also dive other parts of the Maldives via liveaboard or other resort.
Because each resort is a tiny island things must be shipped in and prices reflect that. One lunch I had a salad, appetizer, and a cocktail for $48. At that price I wasn’t sharing with the local!
If you aren’t a diver or snorkeler, there are still many beachy activities plus a lovely spa to occupy your time. At Reethi Faru, I estimate 90% of the guests weren’t divers.
Water Jet
Spa
Walking along the Jungle Paths
Paths cross the island for you to explore.
Overwater Villa
Whether it’s called a villa or a bungalow, these rooms that originated in Tahiti are glorious. And generally not budget friendly. As I mentioned above, I could have booked the whole trip in an overwater villa, but it would have tripled the cost. They may not be quite as quiet as you may think, with neighbors a few meters away. Laying in bed gazing out on an uninterrupted ocean is the stuff of dreams. Just like the headline image above. It was definitely worth getting up for this photo.
My Overwater Villa Reethi Fari YouTube Video Link
I’m not sure when I’ll get back to Maldives, but I’m always looking for another great deal.
