Experience

The Maldives: A Personal Take on a World of Experiences

After four years of working closely with the Maldives market, Michael Thompson, Country Manager, Maldives at Luxury Escapes, has experienced the destination from a perspective that goes beyond the postcard views. From seaplane journeys across turquoise lagoons to diving, surfing, dining and discovering different atolls, his regular visits have given him a firsthand appreciation of the variety the Maldives offers. In this interview, Michael reflects on his experiences in the Maldives, what makes the destination particularly appealing to Australian travellers, and the moments that continue to make each visit feel special. He also shares his perspective on the growing accessibility of the Maldives and the experiences that can turn a holiday into a lasting memory.
How long have you been looking after the Maldives?
I’ve been working on Luxury Escapes campaigns in the Maldives for the past four years. Before that, I looked after the Australian and Hawaiian markets, so I’ve been lucky enough to work across some pretty incredible destinations.
The Maldives is an absolute standout for me. It was somewhere I had always dreamt of visiting, so it’s still a bit of a “pinch me” moment that I now get to travel there regularly as part of my job.
What I love is that no two trips feel quite the same. There’s such an incredible variety of experiences across the different resorts and atolls, from intimate private-island escapes to incredible diving, surfing and dining experiences.
Over the past four years, I’ve also seen more Australians discovering just how special the Maldives is with Luxury Escapes. And now, with our direct flight from Melbourne to Malé making the journey easier than ever, the destination is becoming even more accessible to Australian travellers.
Q: Why do Australians love a Maldives holiday?
What’s not to love? The Maldives is one of those rare destinations that somehow looks even better in real life than it does in the world-famous images.
For many Australians, it’s the ultimate bucket-list holiday: impossibly blue lagoons, powder-white beaches, incredible marine life and, of course, the chance to stay in an overwater villa. There’s something pretty extraordinary about stepping straight from your villa into the Indian Ocean and snorkelling alongside colourful fish, rays and turtles.
It’s an obvious choice for honeymoons, proposals, anniversaries and milestone celebrations, but It’s also an amazing destination for families, groups of friends or anyone who simply wants to properly switch off for a few days.
There’s much more to do than relax on the beach. Depending on the atoll and resort, you can dive with manta rays, swim with whale sharks, surf incredible waves, cruise into the sunset, snorkel straight from the island or venture into some of the country’s more remote corners. The food and beverage offering is seriously world-class too, some of the dining experiences are destinations in their own right.
Getting there is now much easier. Our weekly direct Melbourne to Malé service means Australians can fly overnight and wake up 11 hours later in paradise.
And then there are the Maldivian people. They bring such warmth and generosity to the experience. Their connection to the ocean, the islands and local traditions gives the destination a genuine sense of place, and that warmth is something visitors feel throughout their stay.
Q: Why should someone book a Maldives holiday with Luxury Escapes?
One of the biggest advantages is the value we’re able to create for our members. We negotiate our Maldives offers on behalf of millions of Luxury Escapes members, giving us access to exceptional value at some of the destination’s leading resorts.
But it’s about much more than the room rate. We focus heavily on inclusions, because in the Maldives they can make an enormous difference to the overall cost of a holiday. Return transfers from Malé are included in every campaign, for example, and depending on the resort and whether you’re travelling by speedboat, domestic flight or seaplane, those transfers can otherwise add thousands of dollars to a trip.
Many of our offers feature all-inclusive dining, premium drinks, excursions and fantastic family benefits, such as kids staying and eating free at selected resorts. Having so much taken care of upfront means travellers can arrive, switch off and enjoy the experience without worrying about a credit card hangover at the end.
We also have an incredible range of resorts, which means there is a Maldives experience for every kind of traveller. You can choose a romantic overwater escape, an action-packed family holiday, a diving or surfing adventure, a foodie getaway or a secluded private retreat.
Q: What do you love most about the Maldives?
For me, the feeling starts the moment I step off the plane. You’re greeted by that beautiful tropical warmth straight away.
I also love that getting to your resort is part of the adventure. Depending on where you’re staying, you might travel by speedboat, domestic flight or seaplane. The seaplane journey is particularly unforgettable, flying over tiny islands, brilliant turquoise lagoons and coral reefs is one of those experiences that wows me every single time.
I love snorkelling, swimming and surfing, and I’m always amazed by the quality and variety of the dining experiences across the resorts. But one of my favourite things about the Maldives is that you can make the holiday whatever you want it to be. You can fill every day with adventures, or do absolutely nothing beyond swimming, eating great food and watching the sunset with a cocktail in hand.
Either way, you’re surrounded by an extraordinary natural environment and the genuine warmth of the Maldivian people. No matter how many times I visit, it always feels incredibly special.
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