Read the second part of Michaela’s awe-inspiring trip to the Maldives below.
Nights 4 & 5 – 4.5* Diamonds Athuruga & Diamonds Thudufushi
These sister hotels are both situated in the South Ari Atoll and are reached by a twenty minute seaplane transfer. The concept, layout and rooms are all pretty much identical. The islands are rustic and at one with nature and live by a “no news, no shoes” motto.
When I arrived by seaplane at Athuruga I instantly felt like I was on an island (if that makes any sense!). The beach rooms are nestled amongst the vegetation and palm trees lie as they grow amongst the walkways. You very much feel like the island is as nature intended and the rooms sit around that. 
The reception area is luxurious, white and accessorised with lots of driftwood features. This is a small island and for me the biggest highlight was the reef. It is teaming with marine life and is literally outside of your room. I stayed in a Beach Bungalow here and I felt like I had died and gone to heaven when I opened the door! It was perfect for me, beautifully decorated with pink flowers adorning the crisp white linen. The outdoor bathroom was very much following the natural theme. When I opened my sliding door and stepped on to my terrace to see nothing but white sand and Indian Ocean I was in love! The awaiting ice cold champagne was popped open and we enjoyed a glass whilst watching the sun set on another remarkable day! Here I instantly noticed the shells scattered on the beach, they were so pretty!
After some pre-dinner cocktails we ate in the main buffet restaurant which was bursting with choice. Everybody staying on this island is on All Inclusive. There are separate restaurants for the Beach Rooms and Water Villas with a Japanese restaurant also available.
After dinner we had a presentation from Sara the resident Marine Biologist who taught us about the Manta Rays. Both Diamonds properties are passionate about protecting the oceans and the coral, and have projects running to assist the regrowth of the dead coral following the 2016 rise in water temperature. The following night we also met with Cinzia the marine biologist at Thudufushi and her colleague Luca – very informative and interesting.
I was keen to snorkel on the house reef so I took my opportunity before breakfast the next day and it was totally worth it! For me the best reef on the trip by far. Even from the jetties I saw a sea turtle and a stingray. From the beach I watched a trio of black tipped reef sharks frolicking in the shallows. After breakfast we had a chance to see all of the rooms and facilities on offer. When we got to the Water Villas the first thing I noticed was the white and it was the best contrast against the turquoise. These rooms were simply stunning! Fully equipped indoors complete with an Apple MacBook, the terrace was something else! They were huge and adorned with sofas, loungers and a dining table where you can take breakfast in the room. Little did I know then that I would get to experience one all to myself at Thudufushi that night!
There is a dive shop and a water sports centre and a handful of shops including the famous taylor who can whip you up an outfit whilst you are there!! The Spa was in keeping with the rest of the island – very peaceful and natural.
Now came the best part for me, as we headed out on a snorkelling trip with Sara the marine biologist. It was just a 30 minute boat ride before we jumped into the ocean with our flippers and masks. What an experience, I felt so privileged to be able to share in this underwater world! I caught a glimpse of a sea turtle, came up close to a black tipped reef shark, saw vibrant purple and red anenomes nestled amongst the 100s of brightly coloured fish. It was a special and memorable experience which I would highly recommend. For those who are not confident swimmers/snorkelers, life jackets are provided and the guides have life rings for reassurance and are always close by.
After a late lunch we took the boat over to Thudufushi and after a freshly cut coconut water we went straight to look at the rooms and the rest of the island.
People are always keen to hear the difference between the 2 islands so I will give you my take on it…. 
Thudufushi is slightly bigger and has an extra bar and a couple more shops. As the island is wider the gap is larger between rooms so it feels a little more spacious than Athuruga. The Water Villas are slightly larger at Thudufushi. The biggest difference is the location, Athuruga is in the centre of the Atoll so the waters are calmer and more sheltered. Thudufushi is closer to the edge of the Atoll so the reef is slightly better as you have the drop off/deeper water closer. This means the currents are a bit stronger so it makes Athuruga a safer option and maybe better for first time snorkelers or weaker swimmers.
After the site inspection I headed to my room for the night and was bowled over! I had a Water Villa with Jacuzzi all to myself and it was just wonderful! I wanted to experience swimming in the lagoon straight from the villa. I swam and picked up my friend in the villa next door and we swam up to the end of the jetty where one of the girls had the Pool Villa, so we climbed up and enjoyed a drink in the pool to take full advantage of these spectacular rooms!
We all met for dinner in the Water Villa restaurant where we met with the Dutch chef who told us lol about the meal he had prepared for us and the wines he had chosen. It was mouth-watering! We had an early morning departure but right around midnight we encountered a storm and I have to say that I was a tad nervous in the Water Villa on my own!
I have nothing but praise for these 2 islands and would definitely love to return. For me the reef was the islands crowning glory.
Advantages: First class house reef within manta and whale shark territory.
Disadvantages: Possibly the lack of dining options for some. There are no real facilities for children which could be a bonus for couples!
House reef: Yes, at both plus daily snorkel trips to alternative reefs. All equipment provided free of charge.
Night 6 – 5* Finolhu
Funky, cool, retro and quirky with the wow factor in buckets! LOVED it!
The 1.8 km sandbank is the first thing you see as you approach and it’s impossible not to be impressed! The island can be reached by a 30 minutes seaplane ride or a 20 minute domestic flight & 10 minutes by boat. 
This island is different for sure! It has a remote location in Baa Atoll and it is a real beach club. The whole island is themed with a 60’s and 70’s vibe. When you arrive to your room and Earth, Wind and Fire is blasting out you know you’re in for a fun time! Pastel coloured, shabby chic signs are dotted around and they call their reception “mission control” which is a good indication of how this island works!
Within the first 10 minutes here I saw mermaids swimming in the pool and a blue VW camper van on the beach which I think sums it up beautifully. I had a lagoon Villa for the night which was filled with rich colours, shabby chic furniture and a bathroom to die for so it was right up my street! The bed was a custom made 7ft x 7ft with pillows bigger than me and I had the best nights sleep in it!
After we had our site inspection when we got to view the different room types and facilities we got the boat over to the sandbank where we were treated to the most scrumptious lunch in the Fish & Crab Shack! The location, the food, the atmosphere, the scenery was simply the best! After all that food I walked back along the sandbank right around the horse shoe shaped island to my Lagoon Villa.
The children’s club here was the best! I know that my daughter would just love it! It had a list of unique and fun activities going on every day. It had its own enclosed pool area. A dress up room filled with dress up clothes and make up and bedrooms for when it all gets too much. There was an art studio and a pottery wheel. The spa was luxurious, colourful and each treatment room was themed with a Dolly Parton room, Blondie & Aretha Franklin. The UFC gym her was huge!
One of the highlights at this island is the nightlife. There is a 1 Oak Bar near the pool area which is the heart of the island. Every Wednesday there is a White Party where typical Vegas-type circus acts perform, so we got to see stilt walkers, acrobats, fire eaters and trapeze artists. After some watermelon martinis we went for dinner in the main restaurant and were treated to heaps of choice and delicious food! After dinner we enjoyed some cocktails and a boogie in this unique beach club haven before I headed back to those pillows and that bed!
After a leisurely breakfast with the best panoramic view it was time to wave goodbye to Finolhu.
Advantages: Fun, quirky and full of adventure. Excellent children’s facilities. Great for young Honeymooners.
Disadvantages: Not the best reef.
House reef: Yes, there are areas which are safe for snorkelling and the hotel offer a snorkel trip to the sister island of Amilla.
Night 7 – 5* Velassaru
This was our final stop and just 25 minutes by speedboat from Male. We arrived just before midday and as our site inspection was not until 4.15 we had a few ours to explore the island. The island was simplistic whilst still offering total luxury. It has a very laidback feeling which I loved. My favourite theme that ran through the public areas and the villas were these incredible high ceilings with thick wooden beams.
As you pass the huge pillars of the reception area and the funky main bar area your eyes are drawn to the large infinity pool which sits on the edge of the beach beside the pool bar. I shared a Beach Villa here, which had an awesome bathroom with both indoor and outdoor showers, a huge freestanding bath and twin basins. The terrace lead out onto the beach just metres from the water. One potential downfall was that even though I tried, I couldn’t help but notice Male on the horizon.
We had the most scrumptious lunch in the A La Carte Turquoise restaurant, the crusted king prawns and yellow fin tuna steak were delightful! I actually took some time to chill here and enjoy the warmth of the sunshine in between dips in the ocean. The rooms were impressive and all feature the same bathrooms and high ceilings. We had time to change and freshen up before we head out on a sunset dhoni cruise. Beanbags, champagne, canapes and panoramic views of the pink/purple sunset followed by dinner at the Sands restaurant really was the perfect end to this trip. The food everywhere has been exquisite but I felt Velassaru was the best.
The following morning, we had an early start to catch our flight home and were waved off with a dazzling sunrise and clear skies. Maldives – it’s been a blast, you were every bit as beautiful as I expected… I’ll be back!
Advantages: Excellent A La Carte Dining. Short transfer times
Disadvantages: Proximity to Male and other islands
House reef: Yes, in small areas – The hotel like you to take part in some lessons first.