10 years is far too long to be away from a paradise such as the Maldives, so with our 7th wedding anniversary in the calendar we knew that there was only one place to go to scratch that itch..our snorkeling home of the Maldives.

Our last trip to the Maldives left such an indelible imprint on our travelling minds that it was going to be a tough proposition to better our experiences…but Raffles Meradhoo managed to bring its stunning A-game to give us yet another experience of a lifetime!

Set in the Gaafu Alifu atoll, owing to the distance it requires a ‘proper’ inter-island flight from Male to Kaadedhdhoo, followed by a bit of luxury speedboat to get you to the resort…but as of November 2023 Raffles will be organising sea planes to deliver you right to the door.

you’ll feel a generous welcome as soon as you meet your Marine Butler at the airport in Kaadedhdhoo, and if you are lucky you will get someone as wonderful as Nattu who looked after us for our whole stay. If you are wondering what a Marine Butler is, think of your new best friend in this paradise, who will shepherd your stay seamlessly, as well as (true to the title) guiding you to the best snorkeling spots on the reef. In fact all the staff at Raffles are truly wonderful and are some of the warmest and generous people we have encountered on our travels around the world!

This time we were able to share this unique trip with our wonderful friends Christian & Willem…perfectly matched for both luxury and fun!

The Resort

Split over two atolls, rooms vary between huge villas, gigantic residences, and a palatial Royal residence for any passing royalty or billionaire! These havens are spread over a small sandy island, facing either sunrise or sunset; or overwater on a boat ride away on a separate atoll.

Make sure you spend at least a couple of nights on the island and overwater as each will give a unique experience…our suggestion is to start at the island and then move to the overwater for a finale…but keep an eye on the weather and the seas to make sure that your time on the water is as calm as possible.

The island has a main restaurant – Thari – that provides the most amazing breakfasts and a tasty and varied dinner menu. With an open air setting and tables that are also on the beach you can enjoy the best food whilst building sandcastles with your feet!

The breakfast menu has something new for everyday…English, American, Chinese, Millennial favourites such as Avocado toast and chia seed pudding…and if you ask Chef Eric nicely he’ll even make some filipino specialities!

And for a special treat the staff surprised us with a unique beach dining experience where the tables and chairs are carved into the sand to enjoy candle-lit dining under the stars.

Twice a week, the Firepit restaurant stokes up its charcoal and provides barbeque steaks and fish cooked to a perfection.

Across at the watervillas is the Peruvian-Japanese Yuzu that gives creative dinners and even more creative breakfasts (Japanese and Mexican), all the while sharks are swimming by from the perfect vantage point of the restaurant terrace.

Under the Sea

Surrounding the whole island is a pristine marine habitat that is just a swim away! With healthy coral, a multitude of bright, colourful fish and resident turtles, sharks and rays that could have just swum across from the Galapagos that they are so calm about having a bunch of Europeans splashing around them.

Top quality gear is provided for free at the resort, so all you need to bring is your swimming gear and a rash vest (if you are delicate like Matt!) and soon you’ll be finding Nemo and all his friends!

The local turtle is the Hawksbill turtle, and there are at least 20 that are resident to the reef and are extremely tolerant of visitors to their home.

Interspersed between the coral gardens are beds of white sand where you will often find a sleeping shark (the white tips seem more chilled than the black tips who are always on the move). In fact you will literally be surrounded by sharks…even if you don’t venture too deep!

graceful eaglerays soaring through the water or a prospecting sting ray rooting around in the sand, so keep your eyes out.

At the water villas you will be literally on top of the reef, so it is just a jump (high tide) or steps away to go and submerge yourself into this beautiful world!

You can also enjoy the reef from the surface with glass bottomed kayaks, wonderful for photos and to see down into the crystal clear waters but absolutely useless as a means of marine transport…keep close to the shore as once these fill with water they just sink…as we found out about a kilometre from the shore!

Sunsets and siestas

Much of the rest of your time here will be spent in glorious relaxation mode, exploring the multitude of spots to enjoy and chill-out, be it by the pool, at the cabana, on the beach, in the hammock…or just simply having a lazy lie in, lost in the massive bed.

The water villas bring another siesta spot, over the water on a surprisingly comfy net

And all will give the chance to experience the beautiful sunsets that mother nature will throw at you each evening!

and when you tire of blue skies and azure waters (which you probably won’t) then you can always enjoy a dip in the pool, some cocktails at the Long Bar, a bit of chess, or a relaxing bath…

There is only one problem with Raffles Meradhoo…and that is that you have to leave at the end of your stay, so make sure you savour every moment of your stay here and above all…enjoy!