Why you need to add the Maldives to your best friend bucket list

Words by Lauren Murphy

What comes to mind when you think of the Maldives? Sun, sea, white sands, and honeymoons are probably top of the list. When I was given the chance to jet off for a week of fun, food, and adventure, I could experience for myself that it was so much more than a honeymooner’s paradise.

Staying at the Dhigali Maldives, on the Raa Atoll, and with a packed itinerary, I quickly got settled after arriving, stopping just long enough to take in my suite surroundings, appreciating the luxury touches everywhere. Although it was a long flight from Heathrow, the 45-minute seaplane to the resort and the glass of champagne I was handed at check-in refreshed me, and I felt ready for my first day in this beautiful paradise.

Safety is key when travelling, especially when you travel alone or as a group of women, as I did for this trip, and it was part of the appeal of the Maldives for me. I love that I had every adventure and activity I could possibly want, all available from the resort. It was a safe space where I could embrace the exciting choices and never have to worry that I was on my own. Whether I was dancing, diving, or dining, I never felt restricted, and I never felt alone.

Dhigali Resort, on the Raa Atoll — Located in the Raa Atoll, *Dhigali* Resort brings modern minimalist design to a wonderfully remote part of the Maldives

If your day isn’t complete without a little activity, Dhigali has you covered. Whether you take group-guided yoga or Zumba classes to get your heart pumping or take advantage of their fully equipped gym, there are many chances to be active throughout the day.

For the adventurous adrenaline seekers, the ocean calls to you. With crystal clear waters teeming with beautiful wildlife, you can snorkel with sharks in the reef or watch on from a sunset cruise as dolphins splash and play around you. The many small caves around the island also allow you to spot turtles, manta rays, lionfish, and so much more while diving. Yes, the island, food, and cocktails at Dhigali are out of this world, but nothing comes close to how amazing our ‘Try Dive’ trip was. I love the water. I’m always the first to suggest swimming or water sports on family vacations, but this is the first time I’ve tried diving. Not one to say no to a challenge and determined not to miss out on time with my group, I couldn’t pass up this opportunity, and I’m so glad I didn’t. The diving team were fantastic and led us through a safety demonstration and waited patiently while we got used to the diving gear in the shallows before guiding us to deeper water. I was filled with an overwhelming sense of peace down there amongst the sealife and emerged 45 minutes later feeling like a new woman. Looking around at my travel companions as we shared in this experience, I could see I wasn’t the only one.

Dhigali Maldives stands out among resorts in Raa Atoll, with its location bordered by a remarkable house reef and the serene waters of the Indian Ocean

As much as I loved indulging my adventurous side, the parts of the trip that truly restored me were the soul-nourishing experiences that let me really build a connection with the other guests, both those in and out of our travel group. No other trip that I’ve been on offered me the chance to party the night away in the pool (here I thought my all-nighters were long behind me) and visit the cinema underneath the stars the next night. The daytime hours could be filled with spa treatments to keep your body as rejuvenated as your spirit. My 55-minute massage was a truly magical experience. While there were plenty of couples and pregnancy massages for those on honeymoons and babymoons, they had plenty of treatments for those flying solo or wanting a bit of quiet time.

I love to travel all-inclusive, but equally, I have always loved being able to venture out with my husband to sample delicious foods from local restaurants, street venues, and everything in between. So I did worry that that would be missing on this trip, but thankfully, I was wrong. The resort’s main buffet restaurant offered a range of local and international options, allowing you to be brave and eat out of your comfort zone. The pizzeria was a great place for comforting carbs to fill up after a busy day, and their grill restaurant was the perfect place for a sizzling steak under the sunset. The many bars and cafes offered a wealth of choices for daytime snacking or a glass of wine under the stars while you soak up the atmosphere.

The Maldives is so much more than a honeymoon dream spot

Returning to the beautiful modern beach villa after a full day with like-minded, chatty women made the solitude inside stand out, but instead of feeling lonely, I felt calm and content. I’d spent what felt like a lifetime waiting for a trip like this, but my husband and I could never find the right time. But lying in a warm bath with a cold drink in hand, I realised that there was no right time for a trip like this. Instead, sometimes you must take the leap, make life work around your dreams, and let the rest fall into place. The Maldives is so much more than a honeymoon dream spot. It’s for families, friends, and solo adventures. It’s a place to fall in love with yourself a little bit, to invest in relationships that matter, and to remind you to live your life in whatever way you find fulfilling. I’m so glad my leap allowed me to dive head first into a week at the glorious Dhigali Resort, and trust me, the Maldives hasn’t seen the last of me.