Summer is the prime season for booking a fantastic holiday – and a beautiful beach spot is definitely top of most people’s wish lists.
However, I don’t like going anywhere that is either too hot or too crowded. Why settle for small beaches filled with people when you could have a whole island or lagoon all to yourself?!
The Maldives has pretty much the perfect climate; with a temperature of around 25-30°C all year round, it never feels too hot or too cold. Its traditional wet season is May to October, but even though I went during this time, I only experienced a few quick showers throughout my entire stay.
Meanwhile, its stunning turquoise ocean, magnificent luxury resort facilities and mesmerising marine life are just some of the reasons why the place feels like heaven on earth.
The country is made up of over 1000 islands, with over 100 resorts located in all the Maldives’ different atolls; it would probably take you a lifetime to experience the whole of this truly unique country. Back in the 1960s, the UN didn’t even believe that the Maldives should bother trying to develop its tourism sector – but in spite of this, it’s now home to some of the best resorts you’ll find anywhere in the world.
Picking a good hotel for your trip has never been so crucial; because each resort in the Maldives is located on its own island, that’s probably the only island you’ll be seeing during your stay! (OK, a few rare resorts have two islands but you get my point!). It’s where you’ll sleep, eat and explore for the entire duration of your visit – so it’s completely at the heart of what shapes your Maldives experience.
For my first stay in the Maldives, I picked Coco Residence in Coco Bodu Hithi. Coco Bodu Hithi is a luxury five-star resort under the Coco Collection Hospitality Group, a homegrown Maldives hospitality group with only Maldivian properties in its collection. Coco Residence is the jewel of their crown at Bodu Hithi; each of its water villas is over 180 square metres with a separate living room, private pool, sun lounge and diving deck. I literally felt like I owned part of the Indian Ocean, with my very own lagoon and ample space to do whatever I wanted at any time of the day.
Coco Residence is the most private part of Coco Bodu Hithi and located next to the only 360-degree ocean view, plus its own over-water gym and award-winning spa. Each villa has an appointed butler who answers to guests’ needs 24/7; my butler’s name was Mohan and he was from India. He arranged all my activities and dining plans – and whenever I left my villa (at least three time a day), it was thoroughly clean and tidy by the time I returned, which I think was Mohan’s doing as well!
One other pretty unique thing about the Maldives is its multi-ethinicity. The staff at Coco Bodu Hithi are from over 30 different countries, and the guests themselves hail from all around the world too. You are bound to find someone who shares the same culture and speaks the same language as you do.
Although you’re on an island, you don’t need to worry about a lack of culinary options either. There are six restaurants on Coco Bodu Hithi; the buffet is a great choice for those who can’t make up their mind. I’d highly recommend the Aqua restaurant – its pina colada is a must try!
Here are some of the activities I did at Coco Bodu Hithi that you might want to experience if you visit:
– Deep Sea Fishing
– Sunset Cruise
– Snorkelling
– Scuba Diving
– Beach BBQ
– Beach Pergola/Private Dinner
– Beach Cinema (Private & In Groups)
– Yoga (Complimentary sessions for Coco Residence guests.)
– Spa Treatments
Last but not least, I want to mention a few important facts for anyone that wants to visit the Maldives in the future – I hope you will find them useful!
(Stay tuned for my review of Coco Palm, another more nature-oriented island of Coco Collection, plus my experience visiting Male and one of the Maldives’ local islands.)
– The Maldives is a Muslim country, so no alcohol is allowed except on resort islands… So do not bring alcohol to Male or any of the local islands!
– You do not need to bring diving or snorkelling equipment; the resort will provide these complimentary for all guests.
– The Maldivian currency is Maldivian Rufiyaa (MVR), but US dollars are used everywhere.
– Most international travellers land at Male International Airport and then get transferred to their resort by speedboat, seaplane or domestic flight. Check in advance with your resort what transport options are offered.
– Dolphin watching and manta ray diving are only offered at certain resorts in specific parts of the Maldives due to the natural habitat of these mammals, so check clearly before choosing a resort.
P.S. Honeymooners receive 25% discount on room rates at Coco Bodu Hithi, which can also be combined with the resort’s Early Bird Offer for reservations. argentina You are also entitled to either an in-villa champagne breakfast or romantic three-course candlelit dinner, and 15% discount on all spa treatments. Different types of villa offer various differing complimentary perks, so check with Bodu Hithi before you book!
All photos taken at Coco Bodu Hithi, please visit their official website for more information.
Please click HERE to read more of my time in Maldives, and click HERE to read about my travel around the globe.
Tags: hotels, Indian Ocean, luxury, Maldives, resorts, 印度洋, 奢華, 渡假村, 酒店, 馬爾代夫
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