In June 2025, Michelle Laldenga visited eight Maldives resorts, including Sun Siyam Vilu Reef, Sun Siyam Iru Veli, Heritance Aarah, and Emerald Maldives, experiencing the ultimate Atoll exploring.
Expectations run high when it comes to the Maldives, especially when staying at resorts featured in The Leading Hotels of the World portfolio. I’ve just returned from an unforgettable island-hopping journey, and I can confidently say: the Maldives more than lived up to the hype. From vibrant coral reefs to once-in-a-lifetime dining experiences, it was a feast for the senses.
Favourite Hotel: Emerald Maldives
For me, Emerald Maldives struck the perfect balance between elegance and laid-back island living. Despite its five-star status, there’s nothing pretentious about it. Service is seamless, the setting is stunning, and the all-inclusive package is, without question, one of the best I’ve experienced.
Think champagne breakfasts to start the day, and sunset spicy margaritas to close it. Dining options are extensive, thoughtfully curated, and consistently impressive.
Insider Tip: Love snorkelling? Head straight to the reef in front of Aqua Restaurant, it’s hands down the best spot on the property.
The Great House Reef Debate
If you’re anything like me, a vibrant house reef is non-negotiable. There’s nothing like gliding through warm turquoise waters alongside reef sharks, turtles, and a kaleidoscope of tropical fish.
During my recent visit to eight resorts, seven featured house reefs, and I snorkelled at four of them. Sun Siyam Vilu Reef came out on top for me. Its reef is expansive, with a dramatic drop-off that’s prime turtle territory. Even without spotting a turtle, the experience was unforgettable: reef sharks cruised by, schools of fish darted in unison, and I even spotted an eagle ray.
For the Foodies: My Two Unforgettable Meals
As a self-proclaimed foodie, I always make dining a highlight of my trips. Two meals in particular will stay with me:
Teppanyaki Lunch – Sun Siyam Iru Veli. Wagyu beef, perfectly cooked fried rice, delicate sushi, and a chef who brought theatre to the table. Every bite was spot-on, and the whole experience was as entertaining as it was delicious.
Dinner at Baani – Heritance Aarah. A refined six-course tasting menu, but the standout was the seafood risotto, layered with squid, scallops, crab, and octopus, finished with a rich, velvety consommé. That dish alone was worth the journey. A refined six-course tasting menu, but the standout was the seafood risotto, layered with squid, scallops, crab, and octopus, finished with a rich, velvety consommé. That dish alone was worth the journey.
Low Season in the Maldives: Should You Risk It?
I travelled just two weeks ago, technically during low season, and was met with nothing but sunshine. Every day delivered 30°C and clear skies. Of course, the weather is never guaranteed, but according to resort staff, the monsoon season has been arriving later in recent years, often not until August.
Pro Tip: Planning a trip between May and August? Look to the northern atolls, they typically stay drier for longer.
Final Thoughts
Each resort offered something unique, but the Maldives itself is the true luxury, the kind that lingers long after you leave. Whether you’re snorkelling through vibrant reefs, indulging in once-in-a-lifetime meals, or soaking up sunsets with a cocktail in hand, this destination continues to raise the bar.
In June 2025, Michelle Laldenga visited eight Maldives resorts, including Sun Siyam Vilu Reef, Sun Siyam Iru Veli, Heritance Aarah, and Emerald Maldives, experiencing the ultimate Atoll exploring.
Expectations run high when it comes to the Maldives, especially when staying at resorts featured in The Leading Hotels of the World portfolio. I’ve just returned from an unforgettable island-hopping journey, and I can confidently say: the Maldives more than lived up to the hype. From vibrant coral reefs to once-in-a-lifetime dining experiences, it was a feast for the senses.
Favourite Hotel: Emerald Maldives
For me, Emerald Maldives struck the perfect balance between elegance and laid-back island living. Despite its five-star status, there’s nothing pretentious about it. Service is seamless, the setting is stunning, and the all-inclusive package is, without question, one of the best I’ve experienced.
Think champagne breakfasts to start the day, and sunset spicy margaritas to close it. Dining options are extensive, thoughtfully curated, and consistently impressive.
Insider Tip: Love snorkelling? Head straight to the reef in front of Aqua Restaurant, it’s hands down the best spot on the property.
The Great House Reef Debate
If you’re anything like me, a vibrant house reef is non-negotiable. There’s nothing like gliding through warm turquoise waters alongside reef sharks, turtles, and a kaleidoscope of tropical fish.
During my recent visit to eight resorts, seven featured house reefs, and I snorkelled at four of them. Sun Siyam Vilu Reef came out on top for me. Its reef is expansive, with a dramatic drop-off that’s prime turtle territory. Even without spotting a turtle, the experience was unforgettable: reef sharks cruised by, schools of fish darted in unison, and I even spotted an eagle ray.
For the Foodies: My Two Unforgettable Meals
As a self-proclaimed foodie, I always make dining a highlight of my trips. Two meals in particular will stay with me:
Teppanyaki Lunch – Sun Siyam Iru Veli. Wagyu beef, perfectly cooked fried rice, delicate sushi, and a chef who brought theatre to the table. Every bite was spot-on, and the whole experience was as entertaining as it was delicious.
Dinner at Baani – Heritance Aarah. A refined six-course tasting menu, but the standout was the seafood risotto, layered with squid, scallops, crab, and octopus, finished with a rich, velvety consommé. That dish alone was worth the journey. A refined six-course tasting menu, but the standout was the seafood risotto, layered with squid, scallops, crab, and octopus, finished with a rich, velvety consommé. That dish alone was worth the journey.
Low Season in the Maldives: Should You Risk It?
I travelled just two weeks ago, technically during low season, and was met with nothing but sunshine. Every day delivered 30°C and clear skies. Of course, the weather is never guaranteed, but according to resort staff, the monsoon season has been arriving later in recent years, often not until August.
Pro Tip: Planning a trip between May and August? Look to the northern atolls, they typically stay drier for longer.
Final Thoughts
Each resort offered something unique, but the Maldives itself is the true luxury, the kind that lingers long after you leave. Whether you’re snorkelling through vibrant reefs, indulging in once-in-a-lifetime meals, or soaking up sunsets with a cocktail in hand, this destination continues to raise the bar.
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Recently, Sarah, had the pleasure of heading to Mauritius on a very special agents’ trip, but this time, we brought some junior travel agents along: their children. It was the perfect opportunity to see just how family-friendly Beachcomber Hotels & Resorts really are, and to share some special moments with……
In June 2025, Michelle Laldenga visited eight Maldives resorts, including Sun Siyam Vilu Reef, Sun Siyam Iru Veli, Heritance Aarah, and Emerald Maldives, experiencing the ultimate Atoll exploring.
In November 2024, Jodi spent a week island hopping in the Seychelles, with Platte Island standing out as a highlight. She stayed at the newly opened Waldorf Astoria, which has transformed the once uninhabited island into a refined and secluded retreat.
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WIN A LUXURY MAURITIUS HOLIDAY
To celebrate the launch of our brand-new website, we’re running two exclusive competitions, one for our customers and one for our travel agent partners. Both winners will enjoy the ultimate island escape with a 7-night stay for two at the newly refurbished Trou aux Biches Beachcomber Golf Resort & Spa, one of Mauritius’ most exceptional resorts.
