Just Back From: Mandarin Oriental Bodrum, Turkey
Having just returned from this incredible luxury hotel, Mandarin Oriental Bodrum is certainly one to
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Explore my Maldives island-hopping adventure through Dhigali, Milaidhoo and Finolhu. Three islands, three distinct styles, one seamless luxury escape.
When most people picture the Maldives, they imagine one dreamy island stay. But on my recent trip, I discovered something even more magical. What if you could experience three very different islands in one holiday, each with its own unique style, setting, and personality?
That is exactly what I did this March, hopping across Dhigali, Milaidhoo, and Finolhu in the Baa and Raa Atolls. It felt like three holidays in one. Each island brought something new, from barefoot luxury to vibrant fun, all wrapped into one seamless, sun-soaked escape.
Dhigali was the perfect place to start, reached by a 45 minute seaplane from Male airport. A lush, green island with a fantastic premium all-inclusive offering (yes, even the minibar and a bottle of gin was available on request!). We stayed in a beach villa tucked halfway along the island and steps from the sea. I have to say I love an outdoor bathroom, and our villa had exactly that. There’s something so special about starting your day under the open sky, surrounded by tropical greenery, especially in a place as beautiful as this.
Just a few steps from the villa, I could snorkel straight off the beach. The house reef was alive with colour and marine life, making it ideal even for beginners.
Evenings were all about sunset cocktails at Haali Bar, where the sax player set the perfect vibe. This was my favourite sunset spot. There’s also a great kids club, spa, yoga pavilion, and a running track around the island for anyone wanting to stay active.
Dhigali has a laidback sophistication that works beautifully for both couples and families. It is relaxed but polished, and everything is easy.
From Dhigali, we travelled to Milaidhoo, a small island with just fifty villas and a huge personality. It offers a refined kind of barefoot luxury, one that is understated but incredibly special.
We stayed in a beach pool villa, and I’ve travelled to many incredible hotels over the years but walking into this villa was something else. It genuinely took my breath away, I couldn’t stop smiling. It was one of those pinch-me moments where you realise this isn’t a dream. The indoor-outdoor flow, the private pool, the soft white sand just beyond the terrace, everything was just incredible.
The service here was truly exceptional. Milaidhoo’s team are warm, discreet and intuitive. Our butler was outstanding and made every detail feel effortless. That level of personal attention elevated the entire experience.
We spent a blissful afternoon at the overwater spa, enjoying a couples massage in a treatment room that overlooked a crystal-clear lagoon. It was peaceful, quiet and deeply relaxing.
Snorkelling in the Baa Atoll was just as spectacular. The house reef was marked out with a safe snorkel route, which made exploring easy. One evening, we headed out on a dolphin cruise, and I have never seen so many dolphins jumping and playing at once. It was magical
Milaidhoo is ideal for honeymooners and couples who are looking to invest in something truly memorable. It is private, elegant, and intimate, with a soulful energy that is hard to describe until you feel it for yourself.
To end the trip, we headed to Finolhu, a larger, vibrant island with a playful twist on luxury. This is where couples, families, and friends can all find their place. It is energetic and stylish, but still refined.
We stayed in an Overwater Ocean Pool Villa, complete with a private butler and direct access to the sea. The room was spacious and beautifully designed. If you are looking to go all out, I recommend viewing the Rockstar Villas. They are enormous, come with private pools, and even include a Rockstar buggy to zip around the island in style.
One of my favourite spots was the iconic Crab Shack. You can walk there along the two-kilometre sandbank or arrive by boat. Either way, it feels like paradise. The food was outstanding and the laidback, toes-in-the-sand vibe was perfect for a long, leisurely lunch.
Each morning started with a stop at Milk Lab, where the smoothies and shakes were among the best I have ever had. Fresh, flavourful, and a little bit addictive, it became a daily ritual I genuinely miss.
Finolhu also has a golf simulator, paddle tennis courts, a kids and teen club, and yoga pavilions. There are interconnecting villas for families and plenty of space to explore. This island is bold, upbeat, and full of personality. It is ideal for those who like their luxury with a little more energy.
This trip reminded me just how diverse the Maldives can be. Each island has its own energy. From the quiet and intimate to the lively and fun, no two are the same. By combining three in one holiday, I experienced so much more of what this destination has to offer.
If you have always thought that one island was enough, I would love to show you why three could be even better.
Whether you are dreaming of outdoor showers and house reefs or sunset bars and Rockstar Villas, I would love to help tailor your perfect Maldives journey. Let’s create an itinerary that brings together the best of this incredible destination, personalised completely to your style.
Having just returned from this incredible luxury hotel, Mandarin Oriental Bodrum is certainly one to
There’s nothing quite like the excitement of an upcoming holiday. Whether you’re jetting off to
When most people picture the Maldives, they imagine one dreamy island stay. But on my recent trip,
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