Luxury Overwater, Underwater and By the Water Experiences in the Maldives

Surrounded by the unforgettable blues of the Indian Ocean, the Maldives is perhaps best known for its ability to take its unique natural environment and turn it into an experience unlike any other.

Here are our top picks for the most luxurious ways to enjoy the underwater treasures offered by the world’s most stunning destination…

A gorgeous Maldivian sunset beyond the Baros Piano Deck.

The Ultimate Underwater Indulgence

Pampering yourself at Huvafen Fushi’s LIME Spa is an experience quite literally unlike any other. This underwater spa is the first of its kind in the world, allowing you to enjoy the complete tranquillity that only the depths of the ocean ca provide. LIME gives new meaning to the term ‘indulgent’, offering an exquisite array of treatments tailored to your specific wants and needs. As you descend the stairs into the treatment rooms, you will be transported into a new world coated in the deep blue shades of the ocean outside – a moment that you are certain to never forget.

Huvafen Fushi's LIME Spa is an underwater haven for anyone seeking to relax and unwind.

Silent Cinema by the Ocean

Once you experience the complete comfort and tranquillity of Cinema Paradiso at Soneva Jani, your local cinema just won’t feel the same. This overwater silent cinema is perched atop the surrounding lagoon, the perfect place to relax and enjoy the balmy ocean breeze as you relax under the stars. Pop on your noise-cancelling Bluetooth headphones – a detail that ensures the nesting native wildlife are just as comfortable as you are – and sip on champagne as your every desire is catered to by the resort staff. From fresh popcorn to gourmet meals and private screenings curated just for you and your guests, nothing is out of reach when you’re at the most incredible open air cinema in the world. Cinema Paradiso provides the perfect opportunity to slip away for a relaxed date night with your loved one or take the little ones to a screening of a family movie that everyone can enjoy.

Enjoy a film by the water at Soneva Jani's aptly named Cinema Paradiso.

Deep-Sea Dining

There are only a handful of underwater restaurants in the world, but SEA at Anantara Kihavah Resort truly offers a one of a kind experience. No bathers are needed when you’re transported to this stunning underwater world, where every wall is coated in the turquoise blue of the surrounding water – a detail that only adds to the feeling that you’re dining in a secluded nook of an under-ocean world. Only here can you dine on mouth-watering meals of seasonal seafood and sip on your favourite wine as schools of fish dart in the deep blue water surrounding you. Architecturally designed to make you feel as though you’re sitting on the reef itself, SEA must be experienced by anyone who loves delicious food, great wine and breathtaking glimpses into the world’s most beautiful ocean life.

Enjoy breakfast, lunch or dinner with the ultimate view.

Redefining Ocean-Side Dining

If you would prefer to feel the fresh, warm breeze of the ocean air on your face as you enjoy a gourmet meal, put the Piano Deck dining experience at Baros Resort at the top of your list. This incredible suspended Pontoon places you right in the middle of the ocean, far enough away from the nearby atolls to deliver total serenity and seclusion. Here you can enjoy a gourmet breakfast as the sun rises right in front of your eyes, a private dinner under the sparkling night sky or even a massage as the sun sets around you. Once you have experienced the ethereal world of Baros’ Piano Deck, it’s safe to say that most other dining options will pale in comparison.

The Piano Deck at Baros Resort is the perfect way to enjoy a secluded meal in the most stunning location.

What to Expect From Your First Trip to the Maldives

Every trip to the Maldives is an experience that you will remember for a lifetime, one that is filled with wonder and excitement as you discover all the treasures that exist within this small but remarkable island nation. For a first-time traveller, however, there are a few experiences that will undoubtedly fill you with awe and make you never want to leave…

Experiences to suit every interest

The Maldives offers something for every type of traveller, from the loved-up romantics to those who are lovers of nature, wanting some quality family time or the social butterflies looking for a place to let down their hair. Explore the wonders of the surrounding coral reefs and their schools of fish, tortoises, manta rays and whale sharks or indulge the foodie within you at one of the may world-renowned restaurants scattered across the resort islands. For the thrill seekers, spend your days playing water sports, learning to surf the crystal-clear waves with your own personal instructor or enjoying the serenity that comes with laying on your own private yacht as it sails between different atolls. And if you enjoy a good nightlife scene, nothing compares to the festivities you’ll find at resorts like W Hotel and Finolhu. International DJ’s are commonplace here, providing the soundtrack to out-of-this-world parties where the champagne is free-flowing and the entertainment ranges from acrobats flying high in the sky to spectacular fireworks shows. These beach clubs – much like everything else you’ll find at luxury Maldivian resorts – leave nothing to the imagination.

But the excitement isn’t simply limited to the adults, either; Maldivian resorts are renowned for providing the ultimate kids club experiences for your little ones. Think reef exploring with marine biologists, traditional Maldivian dance classes and gourmet cooking classes from renowned chefs. In this part of the world, it doesn’t matter how young or old you are; adventure is always at your fingertips.

Beautiful scenery at every turn

You may have spent hours staring at photographs of the divine collection of atolls that make up the Maldives – but nothing in the world compares to the overwhelming beauty of having these vistas right before your very eyes. The power-white sand beneath your toes; the endless shades of blue that make up the depths and shallows of the surrounding water; the view from your luxury villa as the sun rises and sets over the Indian Ocean – these are the wonders that will leave you awe-struck no matter how many times you travel back to this divine corner of the globe.

Nothing beats the stunning views that surround the Maldives' luxury over-water villas, such as this one at Six Senses Resort.

Access to world renowned luxury

Nowhere in the world does luxury quite like the Maldives; a fact that must be experienced to truly be understood. Only here does decadence follow your every footstep, from staying in picturesque over-water villas to having your every whim catered for by your own personal butler, dining at Michelin star restaurants, relaxing on your own private island for a day or spoiling yourself with some of the world’s most indulgent spa treatments. If there was ever a place in the world where anything was possible, this would be it. All you need to do is ask and your every wish is sure to be fulfilled.

A holiday so spectacular you won’t ever want to leave

As much as we wish it weren’t true, every holiday must come to an end – a fact that is particularly heartbreaking once you have experienced the blissful paradise that is the Maldives. All it takes is one visit to find yourself completely captivated by this stunning island nation and everything it encompasses. No sooner will you be on the plane home before you begin planning your next trip back. And only then will you understand why we call ourselves Addicted to Maldives…

The Best Over-water Villas in the Maldives

Known for its incredible turquoise lagoons and fifty shades of blue vistas, the Maldives have perfected the art of bringing the ocean right to your doorstep. Home to some of the most spectacular overwater villas in the world, these spaces allow you to completely immerse yourself into the beauty and serenity found only in this incredible island nation.

Sunset Deluxe Water Pool Villa | Velaa Private Island

Pristine blue water as far as the eye can see – this is what you can expect when staying in the remarkable sunset deluxe villas offered at Velaa Private Island. Nestled on an extended jetty that delivers you atop an alluring turquoise lagoon, it is here that you can enjoy unrivalled luxury at every turn. As the name of the villa suggests, each night you can enjoy a front row seat to famous Maldivian sunsets as you lounge on your cosy, outdoor daybed. Alternatively, for those days and nights spent enjoying the company of family and friends, the spacious living area – complete with its own bar and wine fridge – makes for the perfect place from which to entertain. Featuring one of the largest private pools in the Maldives, and an ultra-deluxe bathroom that invites you to look out at the gorgeous vistas while relaxing in your very own spa, there is no shortage of special moments to be made in this villa. And of course, who could deny the alluring gaze of the ocean beneath you? With stairs leading directly into the unspoiled water below, you can immerse yourself in the surrounding lagoon anytime you wish.

The Sunset Deluxe Water Villa at Velaa Private Island comes with its own pool - one of the largest in the Maldives.

Water Retreat Villas | Soneva Jani

The winding neighbourhood of luxury overwater villas that encapsulates Soneva Jani is something that must be seen to be believed. Available in 1, 2, 3 and 4-bedroom designs, these incredible villas provide just as much opportunity for fun as they do for relaxation, featuring open air bathrooms, private wine cellars and a rooftop living room and dining sala. Take a dip in the crystal-clear waters below by way of your own private water slide before relaxing in the sun on the netted hammocks hanging just above the lagoon. And for lovers of great food, you can enjoy days and nights on the open deck area watching the sunset as you enjoy a gourmet banquet prepared for you by the resort chef. Waking up is always a dream when you’re staying in these spectacular water retreats, with a retractable roof above the master bedroom providing the perfect opportunity to soak up that incredible morning sun before you even get out of bed. Whether you’re planning to make the most of some invaluable family time or looking for the perfect space to get away with friends, Soneva Jani offers incomparable luxury behind every door.

One of Soneva Jani's incredible Water Retreat Villa's, which includes a private pool, netted hammocks and a waterslide leading straight into the crystal clear waters below.

Crusoe Residences | Gili Lankanfushi

The Crusoe Residences are designed for holidaymakers who desire complete privacy while on their Maldivian escape. These over-water eco-luxury villas make the most of the surrounding natural environment by standing entirely alone amongst the vast blue serenity of the Indian ocean, each one coming with a private boat to transport you elsewhere on the island. Amongst many other incredible amenities and experiences, these residences include a spacious living area with unique glass flooring, access to your own personal ‘Mr Friday’ butler and on the second level, a gorgeous open-air sundeck with a daybed that can be transformed into the perfect space for you to spend balmy nights sleeping under the stars. After a day spent enjoying the incredible experiences the Maldives are known for – such as scuba diving with the diverse ocean life or enjoying a delicious meal at a world-class restaurant – you can even retreat to your own private hammock suspended directly over the surrounding lagoon. With a good book in one hand and a delicious cocktail in the other, this is the perfect place to indulge in some rest and relaxation amongst the world’s most beautiful backdrop.

This luxurious outdoor area - complete with netted hammocks and steps leading directly into the lagoon - is just one incredible feature of Gili Lankanfushi's Crusoe Residences.

Spotlight On: Luxury Sister Resorts Amilla Fushi & Finolhu

As the focal point of incomparable luxury, it’s no secret that the Maldives are home to the world’s most exclusive and indulgent resorts. This week, we wanted to shift the focus to a decadent duo that offers everything from elegant lagoon villas to exclusive health and fitness programs and world-renowned restaurants.

Introducing Amilla Fushi and her naughty sister island, Finolhu…

Amilla Fushi

Bordered by pure white sand, serene lagoons and coral reefs teeming with ocean life, one glance at the Villa Residences of Amilla Fushi and it’s easy to see why they are considered the height of lush living incomparable to anywhere else in the world. These unique abodes feel like home from the moment you walk in, carefully designed to encompass the luxuriousness of being on holiday with the comfort that comes with feeling right at home. Available in 4-bedroom, 6-bedroom and 8-bedroom options, these residences are perfect for a family getaway, couples retreat or a holiday with friends, while also providing a fabulous space for family gatherings, celebrations and special events.

The Beach Residence's of Amilla Fushi are perfect for celebrations and gatherings with family or friends.

But the magic of Amilla Fushi doesn’t stop at where you sleep. This island paradise truly leaves nothing to be desired, boasting something for everybody amongst its state of the art facilities and extensive array of unique activities. The health-conscious can take part in the exclusive Bodyism health program, specifically curated to rejuvenate your mind and body through a variety of tailored treatments. Or perhaps you’re a foodie, in which case you simply can’t go past the acclaimed Feeling Koi restaurant – just one of five spectacular places to eat in the resort – which combines authentic Japanese cuisine with a Latin twist that is as mouth-watering as it is unique. Follow this with a cocktail or two at the stylish 1 OAK Lounge to discover the sophisticated allure of the Maldivian nightlife.

'Feeling Koi' restaurant offers a variety of delicious fusion cuisine.

Finolhu

Finolhu is Amilla’s trendy younger sister – just as extravagant and special but with a wicked side that can’t quite be contained. Characterised by a youthful vibrancy, this resort is perfect for those who seek a getaway that offers both fun-filled adventures and laid back luxury.

By day, take a stroll down the one kilometre long sandbar to the funky Fish and Crab Shack. Feast on platters of sumptuous, locally caught seafood and sip on a glass of your favourite champagne as you gaze into the distant horizon where clear skies meet the pristine ocean of infinite blue. By night, watch as this incredible island transforms into a thriving scene with endless opportunities. Make your way to 1 Oak Beach Club to sip on glasses of world class wine, cocktails and spirits and take in the incredible panoramic views surrounding the Baa Atoll as acrobats perform around you. And for the party animals among us, there are no shortage of memorable events to quench your thirst for revelry, with the Beach Club playing host to a variety of extravaganzas that feature the world’s hottest DJ’s.

The Fish and Crab Shack sits just metres away from the enticing blue of the ocean.

But whether you tire from being the life of the party or simply want a place of your own to relax and unwind between activities, the sophisticated modern luxury of Finolhu’s villas are the perfect place to retreat to. The spectacular 2-Bedroom Ocean Lagoon Villa will feel like your home away from home, with its spacious rooms, direct access to the stunning turquoise lagoon below and all the modern luxuries you could ever ask for. All in all, Finolhu is the perfect combination of cool and calm that is simply unmatched anywhere else in the world.

Top Health and Fitness Experiences in the Maldives

Known for its limitless luxury and unspoilt beauty, it’s easy to see how the Maldives can provide its visitors with a much needed retreat from the stressors of everyday life. Offering an abundance of health, fitness and wellness programs famous for their ability to transform guests into their happiest, healthiest selves, there’s truly no better place to achieve those mind and body goals you have been thinking about for so long. Have a read of our top 3 picks below…

Velaa Private Island

For an ultra-luxe health and wellness experience, it only makes sense that you should visit one of the most exclusive resorts in the Maldives. Velaa is situated on a private island, surrounded by gorgeous white beaches and deep blue ocean as far as the eye can see. Offering a holistic spa program that caters to both your physical and mental wellness, here visitors can completely disconnect from reality and enjoy a unique programme of Asian-inspired therapies and activities, including a dedicated array of high end Clarins treatments. And if you thought that you would never see snow in the Maldives, make your way to Velaa’s Snow Room to enjoy a cooler climate and soothe your body at the same time.

Imagine waking up each morning in your luxury villa and making your way to a meditation class overlooking the water, allowing you to start your day feeling energised and at ease. After enjoying a healthy breakfast made from fresh, organic produce, spend your day soaking in a jacuzzi that floats atop the Indian Ocean before enjoying a private yoga lesson as the sun goes down over the Laccadive Sea. For those people who want to feel refreshed and revitalised both physically and mentally, Velaa offers everything you need to achieve just that.

Six Senses Spa

Located on the Southern Maldivian atoll of Laamu, the Six Senses Integrated Wellness experience offers a completely personalised approach to health that aims to help you feel your best inside and out. Work towards your health, fitness and wellbeing goals with the help of a custom-made program, which includes 90 minutes of spa treatments and 60 minutes of wellness activities per day. Foster a sense of calmness and clarity with guided meditation, learn the art of aerial yoga or indulge in a variety of treatments from any of the world-class visiting practitioners that spend their time here. Six Senses also offers unique ocean-side treatment pods, giving guests the chance to enjoy the tranquillity of the gorgeous natural environment around them whilst being pampered to their hearts content. The rest of your time can be spent exploring the tranquil beauty of Laamu and other nearby atolls, indulging in unforgettable Maldivian experiences such as diving with the marine life or dining in the resort’s world-class treetop organic restaurant.

Bodyism at Amilla Fushi

When you want to completely reinvigorate yourself from head to toe, there’s no place better to do it than at Amilla Fushi. Here in the secluded paradise of the Baa atoll, you can immerse yourself in the transformative Bodyism program. Everything about this experience is uniquely tailored to ensure guests get the most out of their stay – from luxurious treetop accommodation to providing nourishing, gourmet meals, this wellness program encourages you to love the body you’re in by looking after every aspect of your physical health. Led by a team of professionals, you will embark on a journey that encompasses everything from cardio and weight training to postural alignment, nutrition, mental wellness and physiological issues that may have been causing you trouble. This process of completely immersing yourself in a lifestyle that prioritises your physical health pairs perfectly with the relaxing day to day experience of life at Amilla Fushi. Pair this with the uniquely sublime nature of life in the Maldives – sunset swims, morning walks along the pure white beaches and a wealth of luxury experiences always within reach – and it’s easy to see why so many people consider their time at Amilla Fushi as some of the best of their lives.

BID ON 6 NIGHTS IN A LUXURIOUS MALDIVIAN RESORT

We want to introduce you to Ryder and his family.

Ryder is 3 years old and currently fighting Leukaemia. To be more specific, he is undergoing chemotherapy for Mixed Phenotype Acute Leukaemia, MPAL, whilst his parents – who are close friends of the Soneva family – have had to leave their jobs to be available for Ryder through this difficult time. They are currently residing in The Ronald McDonald house in Brisbane, and have the support of their entire community on the Gold Coast whilst they go through this battle. You can learn more about beautiful Ryder and his journey here.

In keeping with what both Soneva and Addicted to Maldives stand for, we have come together to support this beautiful young family while giving you a platform to do the same. Not only is this a chance to support Ryder, his parents and his sibling, but it is the perfect way to experience the Maldives in a world class luxury resort.

Soneva Fushi

Soneva Jani

PLACE YOUR BID ON THE ULTIMATE 6 NIGHT LUXURY MALDIVIAN ESCAPE

We are holding a silent online auction, where you can BID your way to 6 nights at the BEST 2 Resorts in the Maldives, with 100% of the PROCEEDS going directly to Ryders family:

YOU COULD WIN…

4 nights’ accommodation with breakfast basis for 2 persons in a Crusoe Villa at Soneva Fushi

2 nights’ accommodation with breakfast basis for 2 persons in a One (1) bedroom Water Retreat at Soneva Jani

VALUED AT $25,000

SILENT AUCTION

Will be live for 24 hours from 5pm on Thursday 30th March 2017 - 5pm Friday 31st March 2017 (feel free to send your bid beforehand)

Here at Addicted to Maldives, there are many reasons why we adore this special part of the world. But the endless beauty, abundance of exciting activities and limitless luxury is only half of it – the kindness and generosity of the Maldivian community is what shines the most, and this is illustrated perfectly with the fundraiser for Ryder.

Place your bid today to experience this incredible paradise for yourself, and do it knowing that every cent will provide much needed support for a family who needs it.

This prize voucher is valid for travel from 13th March 2017 until 12th March 2018
Black out periods for travel apply: 01st – 16th April 2017; 01st – 08th May 2017; 25th July – 31st August 2017; 01st October – 10th November 2017; 20th December – 12th January 2018 and 10th – 23rd February 2018

WHY THE MALDIVES IS THE PERFECT FAMILY DESTINATION

When most people think of the Maldives, they think of weddings, honeymoons and loved-up holidays spent laying on the beach with your other half by your side. And while the pure white sandy shores and deep blues of this destination certainly lend themselves favourably to all of those experiences, it would be wrong to suggest that this is a paradise that does not welcome more than a party of two.

In recent years, this serene pocket of the world has evolved into a dream location for families who want to plan a trip that both adults and children can love in equal measure. Against the backdrop of picture perfect coral islands and crystal clear ocean that seems to stretch on forever, your children will enjoy one of a kind experiences that their schoolmates back home will barely be able to believe. Family activities are given a whole new meaning in this part of the world, with each resort offering a variety of options that range from learning to surf the breaks off a nearby island to snorkelling the stunning coral reefs or pursuing water sports such as wakeboarding or kitesurfing in a private resort lagoon.

Of course, finding some time to unwind or explore without your kids in tow is an important part of any holiday too. What sets the Maldives apart from any other holiday destination however is knowing that you can completely immerse yourself in whatever activity you’re doing and feel happy knowing that your little ones are having the time of their lives too.

Most resorts in the Maldives offer a dedicated Kids Club for when parents require a little R&R, but this isn’t like any other babysitting centre you’ve ever seen before. Far from dropping your kids off in a dull room for a day, these centres understand that your kids don’t want to spend their holiday inside any more than you do. Instead, you might find your children by the house reefs learning everything they can about the ocean and its creatures from a marine biologist. Or perhaps they might want to instead explore the island’s forest, discovering all there is to know about the various native animals and plants that live there. The list goes on; gourmet cooking classes, traditional Maldivian dancing and drumming lessons and beach sports competitions all promise to provide your kids with something that perfectly combines the exciting with the educational. No matter what you pick, these one of a kind activities are sure to leave them talking about what they learned for the remainder of the holiday.

There is no shortage of reasons as to why the Maldives makes for the ultimate family holiday destination, but what it all comes down to is how effortless it is to ensure your children enjoy themselves just as much as you do. Just as there are an endless variety of exciting holiday options for you and your partner, your kids are guaranteed to go home with a treasure trove of unique experiences unrivalled by any other corner of the world.

LUXURY MALDIVES EXPERIENCES YOU DON'T WANT TO MISS

A paradise unlike any other, the Maldives is known for its gorgeous islands with powder white beaches and luxurious resorts – but if you think that this destination offers nothing more than time spent laying on the beach, you are deeply mistaken. With an endless list of unique activities available across the Maldivian archipelagos, you will be spoiled for choice when it comes to planning a memorable trip with the perfect combination of luxury, relaxation and play.

Have your every wish fulfilled

Luxury is truly redefined in the Maldives; a place known for treating its visitors to experiences that are tailored to their most extravagant desires. Think private yachts that allow you to explore the many atolls in the utmost comfort; delectable five course dinners and wine tastings in one of only a few underwater restaurants in the world; private butlers that cater to your every whim at any hour of the day or night. In this special part of the world, indulgence is around every corner and it allows you to spoil your partner, your family or simply yourself with experiences that are sure to become some of your most unforgettable.

Enjoy your own private island

The Maldives is made up of more than 1190 different islands, many of which are completely uninhabited, making them the perfect location for an island escape. Have a gourmet picnic lunch made up for you and your partner before grabbing a good book and your towel and heading off to enjoy a remote slice of paradise that most people only get to see in movies. With its lush green plant life, soft white sand and water that always seems to be enticing you in, nowhere in the world does tranquil seclusion quite like the Maldives. Whether it’s for an hour or an entire day, this one-of-a-kind experience combines simplicity and luxury like no other.

Make friends with the marine life

Exploring the fifty shades of blue and swimming with the incredible marine life found in the Maldives is a must-do activity that the whole family can enjoy. The beautiful reefs surrounding these special islands are home to a rainbow of coral and reef fish, manta rays, tortoises and whale sharks amongst many others, providing the perfect opportunity to view them in their natural habitat. For children or adults who aren’t the most confident in the water, snorkelling is a great option as many fish and manta rays can be found in the shallower areas. But if you’re looking to really immerse yourself in the underwater world, scuba diving is certainly the best way to swim with the giants of the sea. Even for the most experienced of divers, this humbling experience will completely redefine the way you view our ocean life.

SPRING SAVINGS

Spring is here so why not treat yourself to a luxury getaway to the glistening waters of the Maldives.

Couples, honeymooners, fun loving families and groups of friends, Addicted to Maldives has something for you all so be sure to take a look at some of the fabulous Spring Treat Offers we have below:

JUMEIRAH DHEVANAFUSHI

A remote island paradise, tucked away in a southern corner of the stunning Maldives. This idyllic resort offers large and luxurious villas, all featuring private pools, a personal butler to cater to your every need and some of the best snorkeling we have been fortunate enough to experience in the Maldives!

Jumeirah Dhevanafushi - Unique beach dining experince at Mumayaz.jpg

Jumeirah Dhevanafushi are offering;

· A whopping 45% discount off room rates

· Complimentary upgrade to half board meals!

· 2 x children under the age of 12 years, stay and eat complimentary!

Throw in a 20% discount on all pre booked spa treatments and a 15% discount on destination dining experiences and you have an offer that will be hard to beat!

Valid for travel from the 1st October – 19th December 2016

AMILLA FUSHI

Welcome to your “island home”

Amilla Fushi is an uber modern resort featuring white cube houses blessed with private infinity edged pools, perfectly positioned baths to take in the glorious ocean views, personal Katheebs(butlers) to take care of your every need and is surrounded by the incredibly rich in marine life waters of Baa Atoll.

After a day of snorkeling and exploring the island, flop on a bean bag at the Emperor Beach Club and listen to the chilled out beats of the resident DJ. My suggestion would be to order yourself a nice bottle of vino from the impressive wine cellar and why not indulge in a cheese and antipasto platter while you’re at it!

A perfect Maldivian Island hideaway, Amilla Fushi caters to those seeking to do absolutely nothing but work on your tan and also those who enjoy a little more activity in their holidays! Sign up for a match of tennis with the on site tennis pro, or take on the staff in a friendly game of soccer… I warn you though, they make a strong team and recently won the Baa atoll challenge!

With more than 6 enticing dining options and bars, Amilla Fushi will have you looking forward to every meal….you could easily spend 2 weeks here (which I have done) and not get bored!

Take advantage of the fabulous offers available at Amilla Fushi now:

· Complimentary room upgrade from a Lagoon house to an Ocean Reef House or One bedroom Beach House. (Valid for 2 x adults until 30th April 2017)

· Receive a 25% room rate discount on stays of 4 nights or more

· Receive a 30% room rate discount on stays of 8 nights or more

· Book 45 days prior to departure and enjoy complimentary half board meals for 2 x adults! (Certain times of the year only)

SONEVA JANI

A brand new jewel in the Indian Ocean, this Maldivian beauty is due to open on the 1st October 2016 and is one of the most awaited openings of the year!

1 Bedroom Overwater Villa_Exterior_1_by Richard Waite.jpg

Staying true to their environmentally friendly ethos, Sonea Jani offers an authentic Maldivian Luxury experience .

The water retreats offer every luxury your could imagine and either feature a gorgeous hanging pod chair suspended over the lagoon, or a water slide from the top level going directly into the lagoon! And if that isn’t enough, each villa features a retractable roof above the main bedroom area so that you can lay back and enjoy an evening of star gazing from the comfort of your private villa!

Soneva Jani - Room with a View by Richard Waite.jpg

A beach club features on the most stunning stretch of beach…here you will spend your day relaxing under luxurious Balinese styled tents while enjoying a variety of refreshments offered beachside. And you must try the Beach BBQ lunch where freshly caught fish and different meats are prepared fresh and cooked in the ground in front of you!

Let’s not forget the Maldives first over water silent cinema or the complimentary chocolates, ice cream and cheese offered from the on-site deli room!

Addicted to Maldives are offering the below for bookings between 1st October -19th December 2016 at Soneva Jani:

· A huge 50% off room rates

· Complimentary upgrade to half board meals (Australian residents only)

· Up to 2 x children under the age of 12 years receive complimentary seaplane transfers and full board from the children’s menu!

FINOLHU MALDIVES

Finolhu opened with a bang back in June and has been enjoying rave reviews ever since!

A true beach club haven, Finolhu Maldives brings a fun, chilled out beach vibe to the Maldives!

Make a splash at the daily retro pool party at the Baa Baa Beach Club, or spend the afternoon up at the Fish & Crab Shack feasting on buckets of fresh prawns and soft shell crab tacos , all washed down with a refreshing glass of rose’.

You’ll find a resident DJ here too, mixing beats and bringing back some old school tunes that will call for a bit of beach dancing!

The villas are located either over the turquoise lagoon or on the beachand some feature private pools!

If you’re seeking an active holiday, Finolhu ticks all the boxes with a wide variety of water sports available, a huge state of the art indoor gym as well as a mini outdoor gym, tennis and mutli courts and of course, it wouldn’t be the Maldives without a sublime spa to unwind in.

Check out the amazing offers below available now until the 30th September 2017 at Finolhu: (Blackout date periods apply)

· Save a huge 53% off room rates

· Complimentary upgrade to full board meals in the Main dining restaurant

· Complimentary room upgrade from a Lagoon Villa to an Ocean Lagoon Villa with Pool

· Stay 5 nights and receive 1 x complimentary spa treatment per person

· Stay 7 nights and receive 2 x complimentary spa treatments per person

So what are you waiting for?

Pull out those suitcases, bikinis and kaftans and contact us today to start planning your dash to the Maldives in 2016! T&C's apply..some offers applicable to Australian Residents only

www.addictedtomaldives.com

hello@addictedtomaldives.com

Jumeirah Dhevanafushi - Aerial View of the resort1.jpg

FINOLHU MIXES IT UP IN THE MALDIVES!

If your image of the Maldives is powder white sand beaches, crystal clear turquoise waters, luxurious villas suspended over water and on the shores of the beach then you’d be absolutely right…

Having recently returned from another Maldives trip, I have fallen more and more in love with the Maldives yet again!

We were fortunate enough to have been invited to the Grand Opening of a brand new Maldives resort FINOLHU!

Sister resort to the already successful Amilla Fushi, Finolhu is also operated by Aussie team “The Small Maldives Island Co” and is set to enjoy the same success as it’s big sister Amilla but offers a very different experience!

Now, FINOLHU is everything I mentioned above that you would imagine the Maldives to be…and SO much more!

FINOLHU really is mixing it up in the Maldives, and we’re not just talking about the cocktails! Although spend an afternoon at the Baa Baa Beach club with their Greek God Mixolgist Yanni and you’ll soon realise that you have landed in paradise. But if you can manage to tear yourself away from the comfy lounges around the bar, I promise you that after exploring this stunning island and all it has to offer, you’ll quickly see that the bar and the cocktails are not FINOLHU’s only draw card!

One of the first things you’ll see upon arrival, and the natural star of FINOLHU is undoubtedly ,the picture perfect sandbank that stretches out from the beachfront and runs a whopping 1.8km long!

Memories were made out at the Fish & Crab shack where we feasted on buckets of fresh prawns, soft shell crab tacos, a delicious pumpkin ravioli and lets not forget the glass of bubbling rose….ok so maybe there was more than one glass, but hey, we were on holidays!

DJ Jaffa was doing his thing spinning some cool, old school tunes that we could all sing along to and we all started busting out a few moves standing on our chairs! ( there may have been one or two on the tables as well) Then we all shimmied our way across to the jetty and then finished off the day with a boogie with our feet in the sand, all while a storm began to roll in over the Indian Ocean.

It truly was just one of the most memorable days we have ever had while in the Maldives!

It’s not unusual for us to come back home feeling as though we need to “detox” after our holidays, and this trip was no different!

A huge variety of dining options are on offer at FINOLHU but our fav would have to be Kanusan, the overwater Asian Influenced restaurant…try not to fill up on the delicious entrees and mains though as the “Wow Platter” for desert, is not to be missed!!

The thing about the Maldives is, most people see it as your typical flop and drop holiday or a destination that only couples and honeymooners should visit, but these days, it offers so much more and FINOLHU has certainly broken the mould when it comes to holidaying in the Maldives!

So yes, of course it is the perfect option for a dreamy honeymoon, or couples escape, but if you’re also seeking some fun in paradise, FINOLHU is absolutely the place to be!

Expect live entertainment, International DJ’s, beach games with the resorts gorgeous staff, tennis matches, aerial yoga, there’s even an Artist Studio where you can get in touch with your creative side! The daily retro pool party will allow you to get your groove on with a bit of pool dancing, however if you’re seeking some quiet time, you can retreat to your villa, they’re all super stylish and homely, or head down to Palm Beach and flop on a bean bag with a shake in hand from the old school Milk Bar! They really have thought of everything here!

And of course also being based in Baa atoll, with the unique UNESCO World Biosphere on your doorstep, you have access to some of the most amazing marine experiences the Maldives has to offer! Why not combine your stay at Finolhu with a stay at Amilla Fushi for the perfect Maldives combination and take advantage of the complimentary boat shuttles offered in between Finolhu and Amilla to resort guests!

So gather your travel posse, be it husband, wife, fiancé, boyfriend, work colleagues, group of friends or family and put the Maldives and FINOLHU on your radar!

To celebrate the opening of FINOLHU, we have a fabulous offer for all of you including a 30% discount off room rates for stays of 7 nights or more as well as a complimentary upgrade to half board meals for stays until 19th December 2016!

PS…don’t forget the magic words “AUSTIN POWERS” it will come in handy at the bar!!!

Di x

WELCOME TO ADDICTED TO MALDIVES

I am so excited to share with you our brand new website which showcases some of the Maldives most luxurious and unique resorts.

Addicted to Maldives was born out of a genuine love and passion for the Maldives, its magical islands, people and resorts.

My husband and I first experienced the Maldives as a loved up couple on our honeymoon back in 2008. It was here that our love affair and Addiction to the Maldives began!

To be honest, my husband wasn’t even sure that it was somewhere that he was that interested in visiting at the time, but of course in an effort to please his new bride, he agreed and off we went.

It’s funny because his reaction to the Maldives upon arrival was one that has stuck with me to this very day!

We had chosen the W Retreat & Spa as our choice of resort and what a perfect honeymoon choice it was! At the time, we were child free and the resort didn’t accept children at that stage so it ticked an extra box for us… Don’t get me wrong, we like children and all, (and now have two little cherubs of our own) but we weren’t that keen on having them around on our holiday to paradise (funny how things change isn’t it!).

After a quick tour of the island by buggy and a refreshing tropical /coconut concoction, we were in our villa, stripped off to our swimmers and jumped straight into the inviting lagoon.

My husband honestly could not believe how amazingly clear the water was and within seconds, we had rainbow fish darting around our feet and a turtle bobbing along the surface next to us! I distinctly remember this child like grin on his face and the happiness in his voice as he picked me up and spun me around in the water, saying “Babe, how good is this, I didn’t expect it to be this good here”! He honestly, was like a kid in a toy shop.

We spent our days, floating from pool to beach and from beach to pool, stopping in between to feast on delicious food and ridiculously good cocktails. When we managed to tear ourselves away from our sun loungers, we snorkelled the incredible house reef, attempted water skiing and spent a few afternoons unwinding at the stunning overwater spa and our evenings soaking in the sublime sunsets of the Maldives skies.

All too soon, our Maldives trip was coming to an end. We seriously considered extending our stay but unfortunately our newly wed bank account balances weren’t so keen on the idea!

We promised each other though, that we would return the following year to celebrate our 1st wedding anniversary.

Well, that was great in theory but soon after returning home from our 2 weeks of Maldives bliss, we found out that we were expecting our first child, Jett and the idea of returning to “our special place” seemed impossible.

You see, like most of you who are probably reading this now think, we thought that there was no way we could return to the magical Maldives now that we had a baby! After-all, the Maldives is just for couples and honeymooners…right?

Well I wasn’t going to have a bar of that! Why couldn’t we return to this amazing part of the world just because we now had a child? So off I went, researching “family friendly” resorts in the Maldives, and to my surprise, we found a number of resorts that in-fact catered to families just as well as they did loved up couples and honeymooners. So when Jett was just 9 months old, we flew out for our 2nd trip to the Maldives and the rest is as they say, history.

2 kids later, and too many trips back to count the number!

We have enjoyed the most incredible family holidays in the Maldives, and fall in love with it over and over again each time we return.

Our children love it just as much as we do and like us, are already planning our next trip to the Maldives before we have even stepped foot on the plane to return home.

So we began Addicted to Maldives, to share our passion for this unique destination with honeymooners, couples and families who are seeking a memorable holiday like no other.

Having personally stayed at many of the resorts we partner with on our own holidays, we will take the time to understand what it is that you’re looking for and match the right resort to you.

At Addicted to Maldives, we will INSPIRE you through our own travel stories and photos and SURPRISE you with little extras along the way all to create the most amazing Maldives holiday EXPERIENCE for couples, honeymooners, groups of friends and families.

So, the honeymoon may be over and you probably have the kids to prove it (as we do) but don’t deprive yourself of visiting one of the most amazing holiday destinations in the world just because you now have a family. Take them along, share the experience with them, I guarantee you too will become Addicted to Maldives!

Di x

TAKE ME TO THE RESORTS