In January 2025, I finally experienced the Maldives. After 20+ years in the travel industry—and countless phenomenal destinations—this one left me absolutely speechless. Nothing compares.
A bit of perspective: the first tourists arrived in the Maldives in 1972. By 2050, experts believe 80% of the islands may become uninhabitable due to climate change. With most of the nation sitting less than one meter above sea level, its survival depends on global emissions cuts and local adaptation. In other words, the tourism window for this paradise is heartbreakingly small—roughly 78 years open to the world.
So my advice? Go. Go now!
Italy and Greece will still be waiting for you a century from now. The Maldives is a “right now” destination, a once-in-a-lifetime kind of place that simply will not last. And trust me—you will not regret a single second.
STOP 1 – Heritance Aarah
When our villa host showed us to our room, I cried. Actual tears. I had never seen anything so exquisite in my life.
Heritance Aarah is owned by the Sri Lankan luxury group Aitken Spence, but it embraces Maldivian culture so beautifully that you feel wrapped in local heritage from the moment you step onto the island. The village, the crafts, the staff—it all feels so genuine.
“Maruhabaa,” the Maldivian greeting, became a favorite word of mine. When spoken, you place your hand on your heart—and that physical connection to the moment makes it feel so meaningful. The staff openly shared stories about their lives, their prayer routines, and their love for their islands. It was refreshing and deeply grounding.
The food? Phenomenal.
The glittery pool? Magical.
And as an alcohol-free traveler, I lived for their KULHI—mint, mango, green chili, and ginger. Heaven in a glass. And I happen to know they’re working on an even bigger alcohol-free menu, which I cannot wait for.
Quick note for travelers: alcohol is prohibited for Maldivian citizens due to Islamic law. Tourists can drink in resorts and liveaboards, but not on local islands, and you absolutely cannot bring alcohol into the country.
Oh—and THE SPA.
Upon arrival, you get a complimentary face scan. Mine said I looked younger than I am (bless them) and gave me tips to improve. I’ve been trying. Obviously, I need to go back to Heritance soon to check my progress.
If you can swing it, stay at more than one resort. Getting to the Maldives isn’t easy—especially from Vancouver—but it’s worth every hour in the air.
STOP 2 – Finolhu
We went from the dark woods and cultural richness of Heritance to a kaleidoscope of hot pinks, turquoise, and sunshine yellow at Finolhu—and wow, what a vibe shift.
Finolhu’s barefoot-chic atmosphere comes courtesy of Muza Lab, a London design studio that somehow turned global artisan craftsmanship into the most playful, stylish island experience imaginable.
Even before we arrived, we got a taste of Finolhu’s personality at their seaplane lounge—bright, bold, and beautifully reflective of the resort itself.
And the rooms?
Unbelievable. Finolhu opened in 2016, yet everything—from the fixtures to the tile and grout (yes, grout!)—looked brand new. Those overwater bungalows were pristine.
The food was outrageous. Mike dropping, mind-blowing amazing! How can a tiny island produce cuisine at that level you ask? So much of it is grown right there.
The granola alone? The best I’ve ever had. I’m still thinking about it.
Friday’s White Party?
INSANE.
The island has just 125 villas yet pulls off a weekly event of superior caliber. It's Nuts! They do not miss a beat - on stlits yet!
The sand bar leading to the Crab Shack is straight out of a dream. And for alcohol-free travelers, Finolhu offers Bella Glamour, a sparkling AF wine that felt absolutely necessary because every corner of that island is a cheersing moment
Heritance Aarah - https://www.heritancehotels.com/aarah/
Finolu - https://www.finolhu.com/
