We Did the Maldives Research Trip – So You Get the Best Bits (and Best Deals!)

Sian, Travel Den Agent • July 24, 2025

Four resorts. Seven days. Real insight to help you book the island that’s perfect for you.

At Travel Den, we like to go the extra mile to truly understand the destinations we sell – and sometimes that means jetting off to paradise... for research, of course.

Recently, our lovely travel expert Sian was “hard at work” exploring the Maldives with our partners at Hummingbird Travel – a team of luxury island specialists with over 30 years of experience in the region and a portfolio of over 200 stunning resorts.

She was lucky enough (jealous, us?) to visit four unique luxury islands in just seven days, and she's here to tell you all about it.
And the best bit? We've secured exclusive offers and added-value discounts for Travel Den clients at every resort Sian visited – all the links are at the bottom of the blog.

Now, over to Sian...

✈️ The Journey Begins


I was recently lucky enough to be invited on a hosted trip to the Maldives with our amazing partners at Hummingbird Travel – a company that knows these islands inside out. With over 30 years in the business and 217 properties on their books, we know we're in safe hands.


I flew into Malé on the early morning Emirates flight from Dubai. As July is considered low season, the airport was relatively quiet – I breezed through immigration in under 45 minutes. Waiting for me was the smiling Hummingbird ground team, who whisked me away to meet the rest of my travel group before our first speedboat transfer.


Now, a quick note about Malé: there's no air conditioning in the terminal, and Wi-Fi is limited. My top tip? Pack a battery-operated handheld fan, wear something light and breathable, and travel comfy!


Depending on your chosen island, you’ll transfer by speedboat or seaplane. The Hummingbird team takes care of your luggage and gets you where you need to go – stress-free. And if you’re after next-level service, just ask us about the VIP arrival and departure packages available.

🌴 Stop 1: Makunudu Island – Tranquility in its Purest Form

Our first island was Makunudu, located in the North Malé Atoll – a peaceful, authentic escape back to nature and one of the oldest resorts in the Maldives. With just 36 charming beachfront bungalows, Makunudu is pure, unplugged magic.

The resort team welcomed us like old friends – warm, genuine, and clearly passionate about the island. Many of them have worked there since the resort first opened. I experienced my first-ever snorkelling trip here, and it was unforgettable – coral reefs, colourful fish, and that surreal underwater silence.

A sunset sail on a traditional Maldivian dhoni boat followed by a beachfront dinner rounded off a truly special stay. It might have been just 24 hours, but it felt like we’d been embraced by a little piece of paradise.


Explore Makunudu Offers

🐠 Stop 2: Veligandu – Ocean Glam & Five-Star Service

Next, we headed to the newly renovated Veligandu Maldives Resort in the North Ari Atoll – about an hour by speedboat or just 20 minutes by seaplane. The resort reopened in 2024 and it’s safe to say… it’s gorgeous.

The house reef here is so impressive that other resorts send guests over to snorkel it. And we did just that – swimming alongside black-tip reef sharks, turtles, and more tropical fish than I could count.

One standout feature? My very own Lifestyle Host, Ryan, who was contactable via WhatsApp for absolutely anything – restaurant bookings, golf buggy rides around the island, even sea sickness tablets!

The food was also next-level. We dined at Raalhu, the à la carte restaurant, and during the day I couldn’t get enough of Dhonveli, the buffet restaurant with a twist – pasta stations, made-to-order sandwiches, a huge bread selection, and a fresh juice bar.

I stayed in one of the new overwater pool villas, and honestly… I didn’t want to leave. Imagine lounging in your private pool, watching fish swim past beneath you. It’s the stuff of dreams!

See Veligandu Deals

🌺 Stop 3: Banyan Tree Vabbinfaru – Wellness, Conservation & Soul

Back on the North Malé Atoll, our third stop was the serene and soulful Banyan Tree Vabbinfaru. I immediately felt at home – the Asian influences, the lush greenery, the quiet beauty of the island.

Every villa here is beachfront with a private pool, and you can choose between sunrise or sunset views. A stay at Vabbinfaru also gives you access to Dhawa Ihuru, its sister island just five minutes away by boat. You can even split your stay between the two if you fancy a twin-centre holiday with two different vibes.

The spa was nothing short of incredible – it’s just been named one of the top 3 spas in the Maldives by Travel + Leisure Southeast Asia. But what really blew me away was the Marine Lab, run by an amazing team including Nick and Harry. They’re working on coral conservation, reef regeneration, and local clean-ups – and even hope to start collaborating with UK schools to educate kids on ocean sustainability. I could’ve listened to them talk for hours.

Banyan Tree Exclusive Offers

🐬 Final Stop: SO/ Maldives – Chic, Social & Seriously Cool

We finished our trip at the SO/ Maldives, part of the Crossroads group, and just a short speedboat ride from Malé. This resort is super cool and creative, with a lively beach club feel and a marina filled with bars, restaurants, and shops to explore.

It’s perfect for anyone who likes a bit of buzz and variety, as you can hop between SO/, SAii Lagoon, and Hard Rock Hotel Maldives, all connected by the Crossroads Marina.

We went on a sunset dolphin cruise, and were lucky enough to spot a huge pod of spinner dolphins – it was a magical moment I’ll never forget.

Back at the resort, DJs play by the pool, an array of cocktails, and the vibe is just effortlessly chic. With three restaurants, amazing service, and a more cosmopolitan feel, SO/ is great for groups, solo travellers, or anyone looking for a more social scene in paradise.

Stylish SO/ Maldives Offer

🧳 Final Thoughts

This trip was a whirlwind – but gave me such valuable insight into the diversity and magic of the Maldives. Whether you're travelling as a couple, family, solo adventurer or even multi-gen group, there’s an island to suit everyone.

More than 20 new luxury resorts are due to open in the next two years, which means even more choice, but also more need for expert help navigating it all.

That’s where me and the rest of the Travel Den team come in.

We’re proud to partner with Hummingbird Travel and even prouder to offer exclusive Travel Den discounts and perks at the resorts featured in this blog.

💎 Explore the Resorts

👉 Makunudu Island – Exclusive Offer

👉 Veligandu Maldives – Exclusive Offers

👉 Banyan Tree Vabbinfaru – Exclusive Offers

👉 SO/ Maldives – Exclusive Offers


Got questions? Want to start planning your own Maldives escape?


Drop us a message – we’ll match you with your perfect island.

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