The Magic that is The Maldives

The Maldives conjures up images of beautiful beaches, the warm waters of the Indian Ocean and turquoise lagoons. This far-flung archipelago has a staggering 1,200 islands, some no larger than a sweep of white sand.

Angela from our incentives team recently led an incentive group trip to the Maldives, following a 5-night stay in neighbouring Sri Lanka. She shares her experience in this tropical paradise.

“The Maldives is the perfect destination, in my opinion, as there are so many things to do if you want to. And no guilt if you don’t want to do anything. Quite simply, no filters are required on your photos: the water IS that blue!

“Our group stayed at Meeru Island Resort & Spa, which lies about an hour’s boat ride from Male Airport. The Resort occupies the whole of this small island. So small, in fact, that you can walk around the perimeter in about 45 minutes (if you walk briskly!).”

“This is a fantastic property with accommodation choices including stunning Beach Villas and stilted over-the-lagoon Water Villas. All the rooms are spacious, modern, light and well-appointed with every mod con you could possibly need including outdoor bathrooms and Jacuzzis.

“As for dining, options on the island range from fine dining a la carte restaurants to generous buffets, ordering in-room and enjoying casual snacks at the poolside bars.”

“Meeru Island Resort & Spa’s all-inclusive plus package is by far the most generous I’ve experienced in my travels. Not only does it include all you can eat and drink at any time of the day or night but also some excursions and watersports too!

“The Resort is one of the oldest in the Maldives but they have kept it refreshed and relevant so none of the facilities appear tired or outdated. Their winning formula is clearly successful – with a 90% plus occupancy levels throughout the year!

“Water sport options on the island are endless with snorkeling and diving being the top picks. It literally is like swimming in an aquarium: the underwater sea life is spectacular and simply has to be explored daily!”

“Our group had the unforgettable experiences of swimming with turtles and watching spinning dolphins spin. We went deep sea fishing, enjoyed countless sunsets, hunted pansy shells, raced with schools of flying fish, ran away screeching from baby hermit crabs, and stared in awe at the large number of small and big sharks that cruised beneath our Water Villas – attracted to the lights that shone underneath the Villas after dark! YIKES!

“Somehow life seems to slow down in the Maldives with your biggest decision of each day being whether or not to order yet another cocktail from the comfort of your sun lounger! All the restaurants and bars on the Island have beach sand floors – so shoes are a definite non-essential. This adds to the laid-back vibe on the island.”|

“Just a few of the optional activities and excursions at Meeru Island Resort & Spa include island hopping, shopping in Male and decadent spa treatments in one of the beautiful over-water spa treatment rooms. You can take to the sky on a seaplane flight around the Atoll or explore the vibrant underwater world from the comfort of a submarine.

“Our group voted this their ‘best incentive trip ever’! And I personally voted it my own favourite destination of all time.”

“Service is excellent, the people are friendly, the views are spectacular, the sports are challenging but fun, the underwater sea life is beyond belief and the sunsets are so beautiful.

“What else could you want from a tropical destination?”