If flying distance is not a concern, how would you compare the Maldives vs. Bora Bora. I am trying to make a decision and they both look like very similar experiences.

any detailed insight would be greatly appreciated. Thanks in advance.

Also, does anyone have any scoop on a resort in the Maldives called Veligandu Island Resort?

I have been to the Maldives numerous times and have been to Bora Bora once probably a decade ago. I’d actually say there were quite different experiences, both geographically and culturally. Bora Bora is one large island and is volcanic with high mountains in the centre of the island. The Maldives are thousands of islands spread over a huge area, and are coral, basically flat islands with no elevation. Bora Bora is Polynesian culture with a polytheistic religion which includes worship of physical forces (like volcanoes), as well as a good bit of Catholics from the French presence; the Maldives are a Muslim culture based on monotheism and are quite conservative. Bora Bora is a French protectorate and is quite heavily influenced by the French, the Maldives have never been colonized and are a democracy. Bora Bora cuisine has a lot of coconut in it, I have not found this to be the case so much in the Maldives cuisine. It is more curry based as it is influenced by India, its nearest neighbor.

In terms of the holiday experience, Bora Bora has the one main town, and the resorts which are near it, and then some smaller resorts located offshore. On the main island, you can drive up into the hills and I think there are some smaller villages dotting the island. The Maldives are thousands of tiny islands, and are set up so that there is one resort per island and resort islands are not located on islands which have local inhabitants living on them (other than hotel staff). You would eat all your meals on your hotel island, unless your island were located near to another resort island, and then you could boat over to that island for an occasional meal. Other than Male (the capital and not a place for a vacation), there is quite limited opportunity to visit “inhabited” (i.e., non-resort) islands, although you can make escorted visits, and if you stay in the south in Gan, you do have more opportunity for an extended visit on your own. There is very little shopping available in the Maldives, other than hotel shops, or if you were to make a day trip to Male (assuming you were at a hotel which was close to Male.) But I would not go to the Maldives for shopping or independent restaurants, as there really are none. Bora Bora has a good bit of shopping in the main town, including art galleries, and also the black pearls; they also have independent restaurants in the main town. Neither Bora Bore nor the Maldives has any nightlife to speak of. No alcohol is allowed on the inhabited islands in the Maldives, only on the resort islands. I believe there are no restrictions on alcohol in Bora Bora, and there are bars in the main town on the island. As everything has to be imported to both Bora Bora and the Maldives, food and goods are on the expensive side as you probably know.

That being said about the differences, the beaches and water colour in both are very very lovely, the snorkeling and diving are very good. Bora Bora has giant clams, which I have not seen so far in the Maldives, but the Maldives has excellent fish life, including the manta rays. I have to say that the Maldivian people are probably the kindest and most hospitable people I have met anywhere in the world so far. I don’t think you would be unhappy with either, but I would not say that they are a similar experience, other than perhaps when you are in the water and sitting by the sea. But if you want to see a mountain vista, you have to go to Bora Bora. If you want to watch or hear the surf break on the reef, you should pick the Maldives (although you can get this at Bora Bora, but not as well, IMO). Both have different rainy seasons, so you would want to go at the best time of year for each, check weather websites.

I do know the Veligandu Island Resort. It is an older hotel which has been completely redone in the last 12 months. Although it’s only a 3/4 star hotel, because it has just been redone, everything is nice and fresh. In 5 years I may not think this place is so great, and in 10 years unless it is completely refurbed, it might be one to avoid. Service level is good, perhaps not quite the same as the Four Seasons, but perfectly fine. I have not stayed, but went for lunch and drinks; the main restaurant was good, they seem to do mostly buffet there, but do have an al la carte restaurant as well. The bar was quite fun, the floor is sand (as was the main restaurant which I thought was a little weird). I saw several rooms (I was there on a hotel inspection tour with clients who were interested in purchasing the hotel), they were quite nice, good size, they have Jacuzzis outside. The decks on the overwater bungalows do not have any railings, so I would not take a water bungalow with young children, get a beach villa. I have not snorkeled off the beach, so can’t comment on the house reef, but even if that is not good there is undoubtedly good snorkeling a short boat ride away. The clientele is mostly from the UK from what I understand. The resort is a lovely 15 minute sea-plane flight from Male. I think it would be a good choice and good value for money.

In Bora Bora I stayed at the Bora Bora Hotel, which was quite lovely, but it was a decade ago so really I have no idea what it is like now. Generally, Aman is very good about upkeep of their hotels, but read some reviews.