Podcast conversation with Tomas Cochrane.
Tomas’ knowledge of the Maldives is deep and today he shared so many great insights with us. Tomas is the person who introduced me to the category he terms “5*+ time to call mommy or daddy” because there are some resorts that are so over the top.
The Maldives are a destination focused on sustainability. Some of their sustainable practices include using eco-conscious construction materials and processes, solar power, in-house bottling plants for water, zero-use plastic, zero-waste cooking techniques, and coral-seeding programs. They also hire a large portion of their workers who are Maldivian (which is also a law).
A visit is educational too. An experiential learning opportunity like no other, where kids learn about recycling ocean plastics, zero-waste cooking, marine biology, and more. There are many fascinating people to meet on your trip, including, marine biologists, nature photographers, Ali Shameem, a “sky guru” who spent his childhood mapping the constellations, and the last decade observing the stars as a professional astronomer. Many of the properties also have a revolving door of celebrity chefs and wellness experts.
Whether you are looking for a place to disconnect and relax or both of those as well as be active, the Maldives have a resort for you.
Some of the active experiences available:
- Seabob
- Parasailing
- Wakeboarding/waterskiing
- Banana boats, tubing
- Sailing
- Kite surfing
- Surfing
- SUP
- Kayak
- Aqua bike fitness, a low-impact underwater spin class
- Jetskiing
- Scuba
- Snorkel
- PADI cert
- Fishing
- Swim with manta rays, whale sharks, dolphins, sea turtles
- Yoga classes
Other incredible experiences:
- Underwater photography with tiger sharks
- Yacht charter
- Dhoni charter
- Sunset cruise
- Spa
- Glassblowing at Soneva
- Visiting cultural sites
- Kids clubs/teen clubs
- Cocktails by the sunset
- Environment/sustainability – manta research, marine centers
- Stargazing
- Private beach dinners
Culinary experiences – a few highlights:
- Underwater restaurants
- Finolhu Crab Shack-rustic charm
- Niyama The Nest for teppanyaki
HOTELS – a few favorites:
New
- Ritz Carlton
- Patina and then the Cappella and all 3 islands will be accessible to each other which is a very cool concept
- Anantara Naladhu is reopening in November after a refurbishment
- The Cora Cora – a new affordable 5 star opening in October 2021
- JOALI Wellbeing
- Chedi KudaVillingili
Over the Top
- Everything!
- Hurawalhi Maldives, at the world’s largest all-glass undersea restaurant
- Anantara – Sea – underwater restaurant
- Velaa with its golf academy
- The Conrad – Muraka underwater room
- The overwater villas at Soneva Jani with slides and retractable roofs
- Hire an entire private island.
- The synthetic ice rink Ozen Bolifushi
Takeaway tips
- High season December-April
- The end of Sept/beginning of Oct and end of May/beg of June are during the change of seasons and the most uncertain weather periods
- May-Oct is when surfing is the best
- Sometimes the offseason is the best time to see wildlife
- If you live in the US, it’s a long flight no matter what. Consider pairing your trip with a visit to the Middle East, a European city, or Sri Lanka.