Travelling to the Maldives from South Africa has never been easier. This beautiful destination is no longer just for the rich and famous with a number of hotels offering unbelievable island holiday packages to suit South African travellers. But with 1,192 islands in the archipelago and more than 800 hotels to choose from, picking the best Maldives resort can be a challenge.
That’s where we come in. As Maldives experts, we’ve handpicked a number of exquisite resorts catering to different tastes and budgets for your next holiday. From Robinson Crusoe-style escapes, to resorts that boast some of the best diving in the world, to those with fantastic spa facilities, or one of the kind dining experiences, we have found the best of the best.
Here is our pick of the best Maldives resorts:
Adaaran Select Hudhuranfushi
With all inclusive packages that start from just R24,730, Adaaran Select Hudhuranfushi is perfect for the budget conscious traveller. This no frills traditional resort offers great value for money will all your meals and drinks included in the price. You’ll even get afternoon and midnight snacks, premium brand spirits, cocktails, sparkling wine and a stocked mini bar replenished daily.
But that’s not all, visit Adaaran Hudhuranfushi on your next Maldives holiday and your package will also include one free sunset cruise, a dolphin watching excursion, complimentary snorkelling trips, free cooking demos and free windsurfing, canoeing and stand up paddle boarding. This is resort is also unique in that it is one of the few islands in the Maldives where you can go surfing. The name translates as ‘Island of White Gold’ and never was a holiday destination better named.
Cocoon Maldives
One of the best resorts in the Maldives, the family friendly Cocoon Maldives offers an all inclusive package including breakfast, lunch, dinner and selected drinks daily from R36,130 per person sharing. You even get complimentary sea plane transfers. Imagine touching down on the stunning island of ‘Ookolhufinolhu’ – an unexplored part of the Lhaviyani Atoll, after enjoying a 30 minute seaplane flight – now that’s the way to start your holiday!
This large island has a long, sweeping sandbank perfect for those Instagram moments and the atoll is home to some of the best diving and snorkelling in the Maldives. Its pristine coral reefs are home to majestic manta rays, dolphins and turtles. But the amazing underwater world you will see here is not the only appeal of Cocoon Maldives. The resort offers an elegant setting with sophisticated Italian design, three restaurants, two bars, a kids club, and a sublime spa.
Siyam World Maldives
Siyam World in the Maldives offers a once in a lifetime experience that few resorts in the world can match. Perfect for the young, and the young at heart, our packages to Siyam World include accommodation in a lagoon villa which features your own private pool with slide into the ocean and access to Siyam Water World – the biggest floating water park in the Maldives.
Along with all the usual all inclusive offerings you’ll also enjoy a grand pop-up beach BBQ once a week, unlimited drinks including champagne, a free dolphin sunset cruise or snorkelling safari, and unlimited access to the Gaadiyaa local food cart that serves up some delicious savoury and sweet snacks, soft drinks, coconuts and tropical fruits! This is quirky resort whose 5 star, 24 hour premium all inclusive service will have you never wanting to leave.
Heritance Aarah
If its the ultimate luxury honeymoon you’re after then you need look no further than Heritance Aarah. The premium all inclusive package here offers all meals, selected drinks, and much, much more. For instance you can also look forward to a free mini bar replenished daily, Naughty Karts on wheels offering anything from ice creams to candy and cocktails, pizzas at the pool every afternoon, twice weekly cooking classes, cocktail making master classes with the resort mixologist.
Stay seven nights or more and you’ll also get one free introductory dive per guest, two complimentary excursions from a choice of a sunset cruise, dolphin search or local island visit, and a free 30 minute massage.
You & Me by Cocoon
You & Me by Cocoon is an adults only escape, making it perfect for your honeymoon, an elopement, or a quiet, relaxing retreat, as a couple. One of the absolute highlights of this idyllic resort is dining at the fully submerged underwater restaurant with a 360° view of the Maldives’ breathtaking marine environment.
This new five star resort transports you a world away from the stresses of everyday life. You & Me is the place to relax, curl up, and spend some quality ‘us time’, but for more active guests there are various complimentary activities and classes such as sunrise and sunset yoga sessions, and dynamic aqua fitness class. Each guest also gets a complimentary snorkeling kit to explore the world around them.
Vilamendoo
With full board packages that start from R27,315, Vilamendoo in the Maldives is another affordable option. This is one of our favourite resorts for families and friends with lots to enjoy. The resort is surrounded by a spectacular house reef, just a short swim from the expansive sandy beach making it the quintessential dive and snorkelling dream holiday. The atoll is also one of the few places in the world where whale sharks can be seen year round.
There are also many activities to enjoy both land and sea, with various excursions and evening entertainment, you will be absolutely spoilt for choice. Whatever you decide to do, a holiday adventure awaits you at Vilamendhoo Island Resort & Spa.
Sunny skies, clear lagoons, moonlit nights, the soothing sound of waves lapping soft white sands, are waiting for you in the Maldives. Contact us on 011 233 2300 to make your Maldives dreams come true.