Exploring the Magical Maldives...

Loading Maldives Offers.... For a first time visitor the Maldives must seriously blow people’s minds, the most effortlessly beautiful and serene setting – this place is heaven. Question is which island do you grace with your presence? I’ve been lucky enough to visit the Maldives before and I would have to say that when there, seaplane travel is generally better than a boat transfer as the aerial views are breathtaking and it makes it easy to island hop. Seaplanes can only travel in the daytime so any flights arriving after 4pm may need to take a speedboat.

The most important point for the Maldives is that if you are into water-sports stay somewhere with good house reef especially if people are keen to snorkel, otherwise the visit can be disappointing as there is not much snorkeling around some of the islands.

As a general rule, and most people would say this, I’d try to avoid June and July as the sea tends to be very choppy and the weather isn’t great. When the weather is better and the sea is calm you really see the Maldivian beauty in all its perfect light!

This beautifully exclusive island is a 40-minute flight from Male, located in the Baa Atoll, if you’re looking for sheer luxury – this is it. With breathtaking rooms and suites and a fabulous reef nearby for snorkeling this is an ideal place for anyone up for filling their days lazily with swimming, strolling and totally relaxing whilst wanting for nothing. You can wander around the island or cycle if you’re feeling slightly more adventurous to get from A to B.

One of the first things you notice is that the service is excellent and the staff seriously attentive, they focus on what makes their guests happy and at ease. The dining options are great, with a choice of three different restaurants and various bars on the island. Sitting with your feet dipped in the water whilst you sip your cocktails is so refreshing and such a great touch. The owner is a business man who fell in love with the Maldives but felt everywhere he stayed fell short of total seamless luxury so he created VELAA meaning everything should be perfect – and it is truly wonderful.

Worth noting is the incredible spa, perched out to sea on its own purpose built hut it looks as beautiful outside as it is in. The treatments are all ‘My Blend by Clarins’ and whatever part of the spa you’re in you are guaranteed beautiful views, there are little huts for treatments or out on stilts over the water, and an amazing Jacuzzi also perched out on the water. Worth trying is one of the cloud9 stress relief treatments and if you can face a shock, the snow room – bizarre to feel freezing in the beach setting but supposedly great for your energy levels and skin toning.