TRAVEL Maldives

By Gavyn Andrews

A luxury Island experience you can’t afford to ignore. Wellness means many things to many people and well to the LGBTQ+ community we can often feel left out or very vulnerable when we are choosing or wanting to choose a new destination to holiday and feel comfortable to be in our own skin both individually and as a couple . Wellness in the Maldives means relaxation , recharging oneself and allowing yourself be free in one of the worlds most picturesque LUXURY multiple island destinations. So I am wanting to shine a Rain- bow light on the stunning options available in the Maldives which is actually an area of over 1200 little island with only 200 or so inhabited. (I know how Fabulous)

The Maldives offers so much exclusivity that you could even be the only people on holiday at a particular island. I know some of you might just be screaming at the pages and thinking but where are the Gay bars, Cafes or even Clubs. What is the nightlife like and OMG I don’t want to be alone . The Maldives isn’t that type of destination but I am delighted to tell you that the Mal- dives isn’t a Luxury island prison and is in-fact a holiday destination which can be pretty much the best holiday you could ever imagine. I would recommend it as a couples destination or a honey- moon resort and not for solo travellers or groups. Its all about Quality, Style, good Food and drink and luxury.

First and foremost a lot of people combine going on holiday to the Maldives with other luxurious city break destinations such as Abu Dhabi, Dubai and even Singapore all of which are indeed fab- ulous cities and personally I would agree a stop over in Abu Dhabi will bring you back into the re- ality of city life but still with that amazing luxury element. It all depends of course on how far your willing to push the purse strings but if your going on a Luxury Holiday Price isn’t really going to hold you back especially if its a once in a life time experience.

The LGBTQ+ community is rightly concerned about feeling unwelcome in many destinations around the world due to local laws but I want to reassure that if your respectful to local laws you will not have any problems and that I personally have had some fabulous holidays in the Maldives and the UAE so like I said don’t let your sexually put you off visiting.

The Maldives are perfectly positioned in the warm waters of the Indian Ocean, nearest to Sri Lan- ka. The islands are spread out over a total area of 293km, making the Maldives one of the most geographically dispersed countries in the world. Now that the Maldives is becoming an increas- ingly popular holiday destination, many airlines operate flights to the country.

Direct flights operate from London, Singapore, India, Hong Kong and some parts of the Middle East. Virgin Holidays launched Direct flights to the Islands back in 2022 so you have an abun- dance of options from the UK mainland and Ireland.

When flying into the Maldives, you will fly to Male International Airport, which is actually located on the island of Hulhule. From there, you can either travel by boat or seaplane to your chosen Maldives resort. Seaplane rides are an incredible experience and all part of the Maldives adventure. However, they can be quite expensive and some people are shocked to find they may actu- ally cost around the same as your international flights. Also, seaplanes are only allowed to depart during daylight hours, so if your flight arrives late at night you may want to stay overnight in Hul- hule and depart the next day.

Like many tropical destinations, the Maldives only has two seasons - wet and dry. The dry season runs between December and March. This is the high season when resorts will be busier so room rates and flights may be a little more expensive. The rainy season or low season, runs between June and November. You should expect some rain during these months, but it is mostly just light drizzle that passes over pretty quickly. Temperatures are still warm during this time, so it shouldn’t really affect your vacation too much; plus, you can get some great deals on accommodation dur- ing this slightly quieter time! (If it was me this would be the time to go and get as much for your money as you can)

Ideas on where to stay ....

Deciding on the right hotel in the Maldives is the key to making your trip one of the best experi- ences ever and I would highly recommend this destination as one where you can mix the hotel and or resort experiences. There aren’t many cultural attractions in the Maldives, with the desti- nation very much geared towards rest and relaxation aka Wellness so think Luxury Spa Experi- ence and your on your way to feeling switched off from your normal day to day life and wrapped up in some of the best pleasures the planet can offer.. Many of the resorts are located on private islands – you’ll often find yourself staying in the only resort on the island. I am not saying its like being shipwrecked but its pretty close.

I really love the Centara hotel brand from my time living in Thailand and feel the Centara Grand offers over-water villas and beach suites on palm-fringed largest infinity pool in the Maldives, full-size tennis courts and a wide range of beautifully fresh food daily. The island also gets biolu- minescent plankton on the beach at night so definitely don’t miss checking out this amazing sight! This resort runs some of the best dive packages so be sure to check them out if diving is your thing. beaches set around a shimmering la- goon bringing nature to your door. Its Reef restaurant is a stand-out offering champagne break- fasts, casual lunches and asian-inspired dinners. The Coral bar and lounge is also a great spot to wind down in the elegant lounge area featuring fine wines, teas and handcrafted cocktails. Activ- ities include water sports, tennis, fishing and cooking classes!

Angsana Ihuru is definitely one of the most romantic resorts. It’s all about intimacy hereperfect for honeymooners! It’s one of the smallest islands in the Maldives and with sunset cruises and private candlelit dinners on the beach, the service is all intended to make you feel special.

The coral reef is one of the best on offer so expect to see a lot of marine life - dolphins, turtles, sharks, clownfish and more!

The One & Only Reethi Rah is the go-to resort for newlyweds and A-listers. For ultimate glamour and opulence, this is the resort to go to. It is one of the most highly-rated resorts in the Maldives. It features 128 beautifully designed and decorated thatch-roof villas located on perfect white sandy beaches, in secluded lush jungles and of course, out on stilts in the ocean. Everything about this resort is extravagant - especially if you love Seafood.

Dusit Thani resort offers guests their own personal butler for the duration of their stay - it doesn’t get more luxurious than this! Your butler will drive you around the island in a golf buggy or bicy- cles can be provided to get around. Your resort features the

If your looking that perfect getaway from it all the I don’t think the Maldives can be topped be- cause the location is one of a kind, the cuisine is so fresh and offers so much choice alongside the opportunities to indulge in wellness experiences giving your body and mind time out.

You might think the Maldives is out of your price range but I guarantee that even if you try it once it will defiantly be worth it and as I said before you don’t have to go for two weeks you could combine a city brand and or even combine it with Sri Lanka which could be the next destination I shine a light on for the LGBTQ+ community. Gay Couples and or Honeymooners will really enjoy the freedom and personality of the Maldives and if your budgets can stretch you will 100% return to the island in the future for sure.

For now my advice is don’t shy away from travel, be inspirational and don’t let anyone or anything stop you from exploring the planet which is HOME to all of us not just one type of person.