Deekins

Hi Everyone, I have finally persuaded my husband to agree to a week's holiday to the Maldives - this is a massive result! We are newly retired ('early' I might add!) I really dont know where to start in selecting the resort. This MUST be a success or I shall never hear the end of it! We want a good house reef (we don't dive); a quiet , adult (as opposed to family) resort; all inclusive and 5*. Any suggestions? So far Lily Beach and Komandoo have both been recommended to us. Any advice will be much appreciated.

bombasticlife

Is all in inclusive a must? If not, look into the Conrad Hilton or The One and Only, and maybe the W although that isn't so quiet.

I acutally just left the Maldives today. The weather was HORRIBLE! I've been there four times before and the resorts I listed are ones I've visited in the past. I have reviews and pictures at http://bombasticlife.com/place/maldives/

If I can be of any help, feel free to drop me a note. I am not trying to "sell" any property, just sharing my experiences.

One other thing I recommend. If you are going for a week, try two different properties. I get bored at one after a three days; but then again, I really enjoy trying different properties.

Have a wonderful time!

Kathie

Deekins, go to the drop down menu at the top of this page and choose Maldives. That will give you a list of all the posts about the Maldives. You'll find many reviews of the resorts there.

LeighTravelClub

We have stayed at Lily Beach.....twice........just awesome!!

Look no further.

Cilla_Tey

There are so many fabulous resorts in the Maldives. Usually I start with those which are part of Amex's FHR or a LHW. Or I look for one which has a special deal. Then it depends whether you want to fly to get there or take a boat. The latter can be a long bumpy ride. I have stayed at Taj Exotica, Kanuhura (when it was One and Only), Banyan Tree Vabbinfaru, Angsana Velavaru (In-ocean villa), Constance Halaveli and Taj Vivanta. The only one which I do not recommend is Taj Vivanta due to the lack of pampering service. I love over-water villas which the rest had except Banyan Tree.
Have a look at this to help you choose.
http://maldivescomplete.com/maldives...er/search.aspx

Cilla_Tey

I also second not staying too long at one property. My usual stay is 2 nights! Each resort is generally on 1 atoll and some are quite tiny. Some resorts have a few close to each other so you can shuttle from one to another. Often they are part of the same chain. Eg Angsana Ihuru and Banyan Tree Vabbinfaru.

MaldivesComplete

I agree with Cilla in principle but not in detail. I would recommend changing resorts after 1 week. 2 nights is frankly ridiculous. You spend your whole time packing, checking in, checking out, transferring. Shuttles are not nearly as easy as Cilla implies. If you are going one week, find a place and stay there.

Lily Beach is the best (highest quality) all-inclusive. The AI's tend to be for the middle-tier properties. You will expand you range of possibilities if you don't mind dropping the AI requirement.

Komandoo was one of the first I thought of when you mentioned your requirements. It is delightful and it is the quintessence of 'quiet' (no water sports) and 'adult' (no children allowed).

My vote would be for Komandoo.

Bruce
www.maldivescomplete.com

inquest

Anantara over-the-water bunglows are simply gorgeous

http://www.anantara.com/

Availibility depends on when you plan to go.
Its a good idea to try two different properties as suggested above.

Cilla_Tey

Yes, I'm an exception. I also travel alone to the Maldives and my time is very limited as Maldives is a tag on after seeing relatives. I hate to be disappointed so everytime I go to the Maldives, I stay in 2 resorts.

Deekins

WOW! Thank you everybody for the wealth of information provided. A fantastic response.