Maldives

Visiting the Maldives was a fantastic experience. I flew on a seaplane and rode in a speedboat for the first time! I hadn’t planned on doing a lot or any excursions, as they are a bit pricey; I decided to at least go on the sunset dolphin cruise. It took me 28 hours of travel time before reaching the city of Malé, Maldives. Finally, after a 35-minute seaplane transfer, I arrived at my resort, Le Méridien Maldives Resort & Spa.

The Le Méridien staff waved at us as we pulled to the dock. As you disembark the seaplane, you are greeted with smiling faces, fresh, wet hand towels, and a welcome drink. I grabbed my refreshments and waited inside their a/c-cooled room until a staff member assisted me with check-in. It wasn’t long before we were given a tour of the island on a buggy before finally settling into our overwater villas. As soon as I walked inside my villa, I was astonished at how beautiful the view looked. 

My favorite views from my villa were from the bathtub and deck. I loved that I could have a relaxing bath while staring out into the Indian Ocean, thousands of miles away from home. I’ll honestly say that I’m not a water person… But I love to be around it, so I spend little time in the ocean. Most of my time was spent lieing on the hammock, watching manta rays and fish swim underneath. 

I struggled the first few days trying to adjust to the 9-hour time difference(ahead). This time around, I didn’t attempt to fight my naps. It wasn’t as if I could leave the island and go sightseeing for hours and hours. I was fine as long as I woke up on time to eat. Two weeks before my trip, I had a severe vertigo episode, which began to subside as time passed. Therefore, I decided to skip the scuba diving excursion I wanted to book. So, I made sure to relax and enjoy my time spent in the Maldives according to how I felt each day. 

The hotel staff and I made dinner reservations after check-in for my stay. The meal plan I purchased was $135/day, so I ordered at least $135/day worth of food to try anything I wanted, maybe even twice. The meal plan also included soft drinks and snacks inside of my villa. 

I walked around the island once after breakfast; boy, was it HOT and HUMID! But it was nice to stay on an island that wasn’t crowded, so I felt like I had the island to myself most of the time. I stayed for five nights, which I would suggest staying at a minimum. Any longer by yourself might make you stir crazy since you’re in the middle of the ocean, especially by yourself.

I signed up for the sunset dolphin cruise the day before my departure. Unfortunately, the leading boat had mechanical issues, so the guests departing the next day(myself included) could ride in a speedboat. The weather wasn’t the best that day, and we got rained on, but watching the dolphins jump in and out of the water made up for anything that went sideways that day! 

I would suggest a trip to the Maldives 🇲🇻 to be on everyone’s bucket list. I’m sure it’s not the closest place to where you reside, but the experience makes it worth it. If you can save money to experience an overwater villa, I would HIGHLY SUGGEST it. Regarding flights, I used 140,000k points/miles to fly business class(lie-flat seats). It’s about the experience from beginning to end that makes a difference in your travel experience. 

I had the pleasure of staying at the stunning Le Méridien Maldives Resort & Spa, nestled on Thilamaafushi Island in the Lhaviyani Atoll. For those unfamiliar, an atoll is a ring-shaped coral reef, island, or series of islets that encircle a lagoon. The Maldives boasts 26 atolls, each more breathtaking than the last.

The journey to this idyllic retreat began with a seaplane transfer arranged by the resort. While it does come at an extra cost of $500 per person, the aerial view of the atolls scattered like pearls across the Indian Ocean is worth every penny. 

Upon arriving, I was welcomed into my Sunset Overwater Villa—a haven of luxury perched above the crystal-clear waters. The villa did not disappoint, offering mesmerizing views, a private deck, and direct access to the lagoon. Picture-perfect sunsets became a nightly spectacle, each more awe-inspiring than the last.

One thing to note: drones are not permitted at Le Méridien Maldives Resort & Spa. While this might be a drawback for some, it ensures a serene and uninterrupted atmosphere, allowing guests to immerse themselves in the natural beauty of the surroundings thoroughly.

Timing your visit is crucial. The Maldives’ rainy season runs from mid-May to November, so resort prices are more affordable than peak seasons. Despite the occasional rain showers, the allure of the Maldives remains undiminished, offering a tranquil and intimate experience.

From snorkeling among vibrant coral reefs to savoring world-class cuisine under a canopy of stars, every moment at Le Méridien Maldives Resort & Spa was pure bliss. Whether you’re seeking adventure, relaxation, or a bit of both, the Maldives is a destination that promises to captivate and rejuvenate your soul.