Combined accommodation in the Maldives: which two islands to choose

When planning a trip to the Maldives, many travelers face the problem of choosing their ideal hotel. Indeed, numerous Maldivian resorts are vying with each other to offer travelers beautiful landscapes, delicious food, a wide range of entertainment and a decent level of service.

The so-called split stay - a stay option that allows travelers to visit several resorts (islands) during one trip, can solve this problem.

Park Hayatt Maldives Hadahaa

What to look for when choosing resorts

When choosing resorts, factors such as:

• remoteness of the islands from Male airport and from each other (you need to understand exactly how much time and money you are willing to spend on moving between the islands);
• unique features of the resort (whether it provides any unusual services, entertainment, unique restaurants or exclusive accommodation options);
• the presence of interesting places near the resort (for example, locations for diving or surfing);
• the presence of a house reef and the ability to see certain marine inhabitants.

Special attention should be paid to the transfer, as public ferries do not go to the resorts, but only to the local islands. Traveling between the islands by seaplane can make up the lion's share of your trip budget. If you are not willing to spend too much money on a seaplane, choose islands that are close to each other so that this distance can be covered by a speedboat.

Please note that depending on the category of the hotel and its pricing policy, the cost of the same route can be quite different in price. Therefore, if your choice fell on hotels of different price segments, it is better to clarify the cost of the transfer at both resorts in order to subsequently choose the option that is most suitable for you.

Examples of combined tours

So, if you have enough time to relax and want to get the most out of your vacation, we recommend considering the following resort combinations.

Soneva Fushi + Coco Palm Dhuni Kolhu

These tropical resorts are located in the stunning waters of Baa Atoll and are quite similar in their atmosphere. The philosophy of barefoot luxury at both resorts allows their guests to leave the stress of life behind and reconnect with nature as much as possible.

Both resorts have both beach and water villas, a spa, a dive center, offer guests a large number of activities and excursions, and also provide a consistently high quality of service. However, there are also significant differences.

So, Soneva Fushi is one of the largest and most luxurious island resorts in the Maldives, which is quite naturally reflected in the price of rest. The spacious villas are superbly designed and offer the ultimate in privacy. Some have private pools and water slides leading to the lagoon. The island has many restaurants and bars, as well as its own observatory, where guests can admire the starry sky using modern 3D technology.

Soneva Fushi

Despite the more modest size of the resort as a whole and its buildings, cozy Coco Palm villas win the hearts of travelers with their neat design, complemented by specially selected handcrafted furniture, white stone walls and a soft cotton canopy that flows beautifully over the spacious bed.

Descend the waterslide into the warm waters of the lagoon, walk the suspension bridge, and sample Mediterranean and vegetarian cuisine at Fresh in the Garden, perched above the treetops. Uncover the mysteries of the universe with a unique telescope, attend special events from Michelin-starred chefs at Soneva Fushi, and then experience the sophisticated and elegant simplicity of Coco Palm Dhuni Kolhu.

Coco Palm

Soneva Fushi + Anantara Kihavah

Located in the UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, two prestigious island resorts invite guests to experience absolute luxury in their luxurious villas and residences.

Both resorts boast chic accommodations, an impeccable house reef that attracts snorkelers and divers, a kids' club with skilled staff, upscale spas and a wide variety of dining options. A must-see for gourmets will be the Sea underwater restaurant and the Anantara Kihavah wine cellar, as well as the Fresh in the Garden restaurant, stretching over organic gardens of Soneva Fushi.

Soneva Fushi

It is worth noting that both hotels are multiple winners of prestigious tourism awards.

Anantara Kihavah

Conrad Maldives Rangali Island + Mirihi Island Resort

These two resorts are 5 kilometers apart, and one of the main differences between them is their size.

So, Conrad Maldives is a fairly large resort, spread out on two picturesque islands at once, connected by a pedestrian bridge, and has at its disposal 150 magnificent villas and suites, 12 world-class restaurants and bars, including the world's first underwater restaurant Ithaa, two spa centers , one of which is located on stilts directly above the ocean waters, a kids club and many activities.

In addition to the unique underwater restaurant, another gem of Conrad Maldives is The Muraka, the world's first exclusive residence, one of the bedrooms located 5 meters deep in the waters of the Indian Ocean.

Unlike its neighbor, Mirihi Island Resort is a miniature, palm-fringed island that is only 350 meters long and 50 meters wide. The resort has a total of 36 villas and 2 suites.

At the hotel's two restaurants, guests can enjoy both international and authentic Maldivian cuisine, as well as freshly caught seafood. In addition, the hotel has a beach bar and a cozy wine lounge, which features over 300 brands of wines and champagnes from the Old and New Worlds.

Despite the small size of Mirihi, its guests will not be bored, because here you can:

• Learn how to cook delicious Maldivian and Sri Lankan dishes, and discover the art of vegan cooking by day or under the twinkling stars;
• master the recipes of popular drinks and signature cocktails during a cocktail class at the Anba bar;
• Learn all about the health benefits of coconut, take part in its preparation, and then taste a typical Maldivian snack from this most important fruit in the Maldives;
• learn the art of carving (artistic cutting for vegetables and fruits);
• go in search of a whale shark aboard Mirihi Thari and much more.

Mirihi Island Resort

Both resorts offer exciting excursions and a wide variety of ocean activities.

Both Conrad Maldives and Mirihi have a beautiful house reef, and there is even a wreck not far from Mirihi. The resorts are just a short boat ride from the South Ari Atoll Marine Sanctuary, where whale sharks and manta rays are regularly encountered throughout the year. In addition, there are over 40 different dive spots within an hour's drive from the resorts, where you can meet an endless variety of marine life.

Both resorts are great for divers, but it is worth noting that prices for some of the services provided by these hotels can vary significantly. This also applies to diving. Therefore, before starting cooperation, you should carefully study the pricing policy of both dive centers.

Dine in the world's first underwater restaurant, cool off in one of the two infinity pools, admire the coral through the glass floor of the treatment pavilion during signature spa rituals at the luxury resort Conrad Maldives, indulge in laid-back barefoot relaxation at the cozy and welcoming Mirihi Island, join courses diving and water activities at any of the resorts, and then go on exciting excursions around the environs of the atolls and your vacation is sure to turn out to be bright and eventful.

Conrad Maldives Rangali Island

Robinson Club Maldives + Park Hayatt Maldives Hadahaa

Both resorts are well known for their beautiful house reef and are located about 30 kilometers apart in the waters of Gaafu Alifu (Huvadhoo) Atoll. Moving between the islands will not take long. However, it should be noted that this combination is suitable for tourists traveling without children, as the Robinson Club is one of the hotels supporting the adults only policy and invites guests aged 18 and over to enjoy peace and relaxation, sunsets combined with entertainment and atmosphere. , inherent in such resorts.

Set amidst beautiful natural surroundings on Funamadua Island, this 5-star club complex measures 107,000 square meters and houses 121 comfortable bungalows and suites (including a dock with 20 water bungalows).

The club, located about 60 kilometers north of the equator, is surrounded by an impressive, almost untouched coral reef. Here you will find special honeymoon packages, romantic evenings accompanied by culinary delights prepared in two hotel restaurants, sports and beach activities, WellFit wellness treatments and daily entertainment with live music or DJs.

Robinson Club Maldives

Park Hayatt Maldives Hadahaa, a well-known chain resort, is also close to the equator and offers its guests a choice of 50 private villas located among tropical greenery or over the azure waters of the ocean. All rooms have floor-to-ceiling windows and private terraces, and some villas have their own plunge pool.

The hotel offers a variety of leisure options, from wellness treatments to private travel around the equator.

However, given the distinct geographic location of Huvadhoo Atoll and the well-preserved house reefs in both resorts, one of the most exciting things to do here is diving into the unspoiled beauty of the Indian Ocean.

Park Hayatt Maldives Hadahaa

It is worth noting that you can combine not only the Maldives and resorts, but also combine holidays in the Maldives with visiting other countries, for example, neighboring Sri Lanka.