Exploring the Magic of the Maldives: Paula's Itinerary

We began our journey with an overnight stay at the Thistle Hotel, Terminal 5, before flying with Emirates to Malé and taking a 45-minute seaplane transfer to the 5-star Dhigali Maldives.

Dhigali is a boutique island resort just 1.5km long, with 80% of its natural jungle preserved for an authentic feel. I stayed in a Water Bungalow with a veranda, sunbeds, and spacious bathroom, while the Beach Villas stood out for their privacy and stunning views.

The resort is premium all-inclusive, with excellent dining options - dinner at Faru Restaurant was a highlight. Families are well catered for with a kids' club, water sports, and a house reef perfect for snorkelling.

I also enjoyed a spa treatment set in the jungle, which was a truly magical experience. The island is immaculate, easy to get around, and the staff couldn't do enough for us.

With white sand, turquoise seas, and year-round warmth, Dhigali is ideal for families, couples, and honeymooners.

We travelled by speedboat to the 5-star Heritance Aarah, a premium all-inclusive resort with a luxurious yet traditional feel. I stayed in a Beach Villa for one night, beautifully designed and just steps from the ocean.

The resort offers 7 restaurants and 5 bars, with excellent dining and vibrant entertainment, from live saxophone during the day to a DJ in the evening. Dinner was exceptional, with beautifully presented food and attentive service.

Facilities are extensive, including complimentary kayaking, paddle boarding, snorkelling, and an introductory dive in the lagoon. Guests can also enjoy tennis, paddle tennis, badminton, volleyball, futsal, and a relaxing spa.

For something extra special, the Overwater Ocean Suites with infinity pools include exclusive access to an adults-only dining venue and infinity pool. A highlight of the stay was seeing baby sharks and eagle rays just off the beach - a truly unforgettable experience.

We arrived by speedboat at the 5-star Adaaran Select Meedhupparu and began with a tour of the island. I stayed in a Deluxe Beach Villa for one night, it was spacious, beautifully furnished, and complete with an outdoor shower. The adult-only Prestige Water Villas feature traditional wooden interiors and exclusive access to a private bar and restaurant.

The resort offers 4 restaurants and 4 bars, including a beachside cocktail bar with over 100 options and a swim-up pool bar. Lunch at the buffet was plentiful with great variety, while dinner at the Indian restaurant was truly first-class.

With its own in-house coral reef, snorkelling here was unforgettable, stepping straight off the platform into the water to see an incredible array of fish. For relaxation, the Mandara Spa, set in tranquil gardens, offers a wide range of treatments.

Evening entertainment included fire eaters and a DJ, creating a lively atmosphere. Adaaran Select Meedhupparu offers the perfect mix of relaxation, activities, and excellent dining.

We arrived at Sun Siyam World, a large resort designed to cater to everyone, complete with themed bus stops to help guests navigate the property. I stayed for two nights in a Water Bungalow with a plunge pool and slide, it was a luxury experience that was both fun and relaxing.

The resort features 9 restaurants and 7 bars, each offering a diverse range of options and high-quality. Highlights included a Maldivian-themed evening with food stalls, beachfront dining at Shipwreck Restaurant, outstanding Japanese cuisine at Arigato, and an excellent breakfast selection to suit every nationality.

Activities are endless, including an inflatable water park, go-karting, horse riding, football camps, tennis, badminton, and various water sports. The Kids Club is excellent, while evening entertainment ranges from Maldivian cultural shows to live bands.

Snorkelling at a nearby reef revealed incredible marine life, and the island's white beaches are simply stunning. Staff were warm and welcoming throughout. With its mix of luxury, activities, and family-friendly facilities, Sun Siyam World is a truly magical all-around resort.

We arrived by speedboat at Sun Siyam Iru Fushi 5-star Luxury, and from the moment we stepped onto the platform, it felt like paradise, with white sand, turquoise waters, and a warm welcome. Smaller and more intimate than Siyam World, the island has a traditional yet luxurious feel.

I stayed in a Pool Beach Villa, complete with a private pool, outdoor bathroom, Jacuzzi, daybed, and direct beach access. All villas include butler service,

enhancing the luxury experience. The island features two pools - one family-friendly and one adult-only infinity pool with stunning sea views. The Water Villas are equally impressive, perfect for couples.

A treatment at the Thalgo Spa was a highlight, set in a beautiful, tranquil part of the island. Families are well catered for with a range of activities, including water sports, diving, tennis, badminton, a gym, and an excellent kids' club.

Dinner at the Cellar Restaurant was unforgettable! It had exquisite food in an intimate setting, also used for wine tasting and private events. This resort offers both relaxation and indulgence in a truly special setting.