Maldives has been the favourite destination of many travellers over the years to rejuvenate and cut off from the worldly things because holidaying doesn’t always mean the hustle to tick mark the bucket list. Sometimes it means to just relax through the day and catch the sunrise and sunset from your room and distance yourself from the otherwise hectic travel plans. Sleep and wake up whenever you want, read a book by the picturesque view or simply lie down staring at nature’s bounty is all things Maldives.
To be able to do all the leisurely things you dream of, staycation is a great way to break free from the monotony and find yourself a blissful space and when in Maldives you can surely afford to do that. A paradise for all kinds of travel enthusiasts, Maldives boasts stays that are synonymous to peace and luxury. Preferred by travellers looking for tranquillity by the magnificent water, the island boasts many resorts that are affordable yet best at offerings.
Reethi Faru Resort
Standing above the turquoise blue lagoons, the overwater villas of the Reethi Faru Resort open to the vast ocean. A perfect blend of luxury and nature, the villas are the best place to unwind and be in bliss with the unending sea. What makes this resort unique is its offerings and the way it caters to all kinds of travellers. Besides water villas overlooking the infinite ocean that come with a separate deck ensuring complete privacy, some villas boast private pools merging into the sea and others have spa tubs and Jacuzzi at the decks. Each overwater villa has been crafted with special attention to the design and privacy, making it worth staying in.
For the ones who wish to stay near the beach but not right above it, Reethi Faru also has villas and suites on the white sand and surrounded by vegetation with spacious decks and secluded beachfront. While you stay here away from all the chaos, release your stress hormones by starting your day with Jet Ski or experience the underwater thrill with snorkelling or Scuba Diving as Atoll is famous for diving the world over. You can also simply go for Coconut Spa located in the coconut grove or just hit the gym to calm your mind a little extra.
Well, food is one of the first things people think of while at a new place and Reethi Faru got it covered with its six restaurants and six bars. From live grills to authentic Maldivian dishes and exotic cocktails to fine wines, all are served in mesmerising setups overlooking the turquoise blue water.
Where? Raa Atoll, Filaidhoo
Price: $ 357- $ 517 (price may vary depending on the demand and season)
Embudu Village Resort
Simplicity has a unique charm which Embudu Village Resort resonates with and staying here means experiencing the harmony of living amidst nature and interacting with its creations. The opal white beaches, blue waters and the tropical vegetation make this resort an ideal hideaway for anyone craving for solitude. Catering to different choices Embudu has, Superior Beach Bungalow and Water Bungalow. While Superior Beach Bungalow opens to the beach through the white sand, the Water Bungalow is on the ocean at the far end of the island.
Well, nothing more fascinating than staying above the ocean and why not when you are in Maldives. Get the infinite view of the ocean and when you feel a little adventurous dive deep into the ocean to witness some magnificent corals. Embudu is known for its breathtaking dive sites and house reefs so you will spot manta rays, turtles, morays and manti shrimps amongst others. Here, you dive under the guidance of instructors from Diverland as well as you can enrol in any of the scuba diving courses the resort offers.
When all the adventure comes to end, pamper yourself at Serena Spa in Embudu. Indulge in some beauty treatments and some Ayurveda and Asian massages offered by the experience and trained therapists of this international wellness group to give some relaxation to your body once your mind and soul feels the calm post indulging in water sports. Spread across 3 km, the Embudu Village Island is a beautiful and private island for a perfect vacation. It may not be as luxurious as other resorts but boasts the best location you would ever want to be at on a laid back holiday.
Where? Embudu Village, South Male Atoll
Price: $ 314- $ 430 (price may vary depending on the demand and season)
Ellaidhu Maldives by Cinnamon
Who doesn’t want to relax and rejuvenate by the infinity pool? And, when in Maldives, everyone surely does. For swimmers who like to spend a day in the water, Ellaidhu Maldives by Cinnamon seals the deal. The resort is a paradise located on the very magnificent Alifu Alifu Atoll and boats stays that are synonymous to luxury with 24 water villas as well as 46 beach bungalows and 28 superior rooms. If your idea of vacation is to just stay indoors, you won’t regret it here. Look around and you will be greeted by immense beauty and enjoying candle light dinner while sitting in your deck overlooking the pristine water is all things romantic. Eating here is fun as much as lounging as each corner of the resort offers you breathtaking views. Apart from the sun deck, an open shower is also a thing to indulge in.
While you enjoy the calmness here, the Chavana Spa adds more to the therapeutic vacation. After an eventful day by the beach or underwater you would want to head to the spa to give your body some rest. If you are on a romantic holiday with your partner where you want everything to slow down, this resort with a very calming vibe should be your nest for those special days.
Where? Ellaidhu, Alifu Alifu Atoll
Price: $315 - $ 495 (price may vary depending on the demand and season)
Sun Siyam Olhuveli
If water villas are your fascination then Sun Siyam Olhuveli got you covered with eight gorgeous accommodation options. Each water villa or suite comes with unique characteristics and amenities as well as designed distinctly. Spacious and private sun deck with sunset view, steps to the lagoon, outdoor jet tub, private pool and more come with the villas for you to pick your favourite. A perfect blend of traditional Maldivian culture and modern day architecture, you find both Maldivian inspired suites and contemporary villas to choose from. Apart from water villas, beach suites and villas too are the steal deals with private cabana, open-air bathroom and beachfront terrace with a view of an unending sea.
Apart from water sports that are synonymous with Maldives, Manta Point is the most thrilling experience you can enjoy from the resort jetty itself. Watch these exotic fish circle around the feeders and savour their plankton dinner. It’s a sight to behold for a few hours in the evening.
To add more to the comfort, the resort hosts nine restaurants and five bars for guests to explore their Maldivian as well as their favourite cuisines and sip a glass of wine surrounded by the magical view.
Where? South Male Atoll Maldives
Price range: $ 504 – $ 700 (price may vary depending on the demand and season)
Summer Island Maldives
Crafted keeping Maldivian aesthetics in mind, each water villa boats a Jacuzzi and sundeck to relax and feel at one with nature with either sunrise or sunset views. The rooms spanning over the lagoon are just a few metres away from the sea and you can just step down and enjoy splashing in the lagoons. A perfect place for lazy summers with great water related activities, detox and holistic wellness treatments at Firuma by Serana Spa and wine & dine at its four exotic restaurants, you can experience the laidback lifestyle. And, roaming around barefoot with all the comforts of luxury resort living is just a thing here. Apart from the adventure, luxury, tropical vegetation and the mesmerising view of the aquatic ocean, sustainable practices at Summer Island Maldives makes it an amazing place for a memorable stay. From banning single use plastic to keep the beach clean and safe space for marine animals to solar water heating and most importantly installation of the world's largest 3-D printed coral reef for the restoration of the damaged coral reefs due to increasing sea temperature as a result of climate change. Staying here, you do not only enjoy peaceful time but embrace a sustainable way of living. Once you get there, you surely will be surprised with more unique practices.
Where? North Male Atoll Maldives
Price: $294 - $ 2,042 (price may vary depending on the demand and season)