The Maldives hardly need an introduction. No matter how many times you visit, that buzz of excitement never really fades. Each island has something different to offer, and this time, I was off to explore Baa Atoll — one of the best areas for diving and spotting majestic manta rays. It’s also conveniently close to Malé, with just a short 35-minute seaplane ride to reach Amilla Resort, located in the UNESCO World Biosphere Reserve.

Our adventure began on a private yacht ride from a nearby island — already a pretty dreamy start. From the moment we arrived, Amilla had this lovely mix of laid-back luxury and genuine connection to nature. We were welcomed by one of the friendliest faces, Liyaz, who showed us around and helped us get familiar with everything the island has to offer.

We kicked things off with a snorkel around the island’s vibrant house reef, gliding alongside colourful fish and corals. Afterwards, we unwound at the Javvu Spa, where we tried a sound healing session —think gentle vibrations from Tibetan singing bowls and gongs that relax you completely. It was a unique experience and set the tone for a few days of total bliss. The spa menu at Javvu was very impressive, offering everything from massages and body wraps to reflexology, using natural products.

What makes Amilla stand out is how closely it’s connected to its surroundings. Strolling through the Mystique Garden, we saw where much of the resort’s produce comes from — banana trees, sweet potatoes, hydroponic greens, and even mushrooms ! Amilla also has a brilliant Homemade@Amilla initiative. Almost everything is made on-site — nut milks, kombucha, yoghurt, jams, even natural Spa products. Coconuts from the island’s grove are turned into oil, cream, and vinegar at The Nut, and even the breakfast eggs come fresh from their own chickens.

Here, sustainability isn’t just a slogan — it’s a way of life. The UN(do) the Harm recycling hub ensures almost nothing goes to waste. Glass is crushed and reused, food waste is composted, and plastics are sent off for recycling through Parley for the Oceans. Water is made on the island using reverse osmosis and bottled in reusable glass — no plastic bottles in sight. Even toothpaste comes in tablets ! Pretty impressive, I must say - A growing portion of the resort’s energy also comes from solar panels, helping reduce its carbon footprint.

Amilla feels wonderfully wild and natural, more like a tropical jungle than a manicured resort. With 2,500 coconut trees and a few 400-year-old banyan trees, it’s full of life. Standing in the middle of the greenery, you almost forget you’re on a tiny island surrounded by the ocean. Unlike some resorts that pack in too many unused facilities, Amilla keeps things natural and peaceful while still offering plenty to keep even the most active guests entertained— and we loved that. There’s a fully equipped fitness centre — with an outdoor option for those who prefer not to lose that nature connection — as well as multiple sports courts, tennis, event spaces, and even glamping under the stars. The surrounding reef is in great condition ( one of the best in the Maldives ! ), offering some of the best snorkelling we’ve experienced straight off shore. We spotted turtles, stingrays, reef sharks and endless colourful fish. Even when the weather turned and cancelled our guided snorkelling trip, we still managed to enjoy the reef straight from our Water Villa.

Let’s not forget the dining — it’s on an entirely different level. We had the pleasure of dining at five different restaurants, and each was a blissful experience in its own way. From the vibrant Greek flavours and delicious meze at Tessera, to the perfectly grilled beef medallions, the rich golden masalas at East, and the freshest, most delicate sushi at Feeling Koi — every meal felt special. With so many dining options to explore, discovering your favourite becomes a delightful activity in itself.

As ocean lovers, we were impressed by Amilla’s coral regeneration project. Coral fragments are carefully attached to frames and replanted to help rebuild the reef. Guests can even “adopt” a coral frame and receive updates on how it’s growing — a lovely touch that keeps you connected to the Maldives long after you return home.

We stayed in a House Reef Villa, which meant we could go snorkelling right from our veranda — quite literally rolling out of bed, coffee in hand, and diving into crystal-clear water. The villa was spacious, beautifully designed, and full of thoughtful touches. Just picture-perfect paradise! Amilla offers a wide range of villas, from reef and sunset villas to Beach Pool Villas and even unique Treetop Villas — which are now firmly on our wish list for next time! They are by far one of the most spacious villas we have seen, which can easily accommodate the entire family.

Amilla’s idea of sustainability goes beyond the environment. The resort supports nearby islands by donating palm trees, showcasing local crafts, and even hosting school visits to its football academy. We also loved how inclusive it is — several villas are adapted for wheelchair users, and staff are trained to support guests with hidden disabilities. Everyone is welcome to experience this little paradise.

Our stay at Amilla felt like so much more than just a beach holiday. It served as a reminder that luxury and responsibility can indeed go hand in hand. From snorkelling with marine life to sound healing at the spa, every experience was mindful and full of care. We left with beautiful memories — but also with inspiration from Amilla’s thoughtful approach to sustainability. And honestly, that’s the best souvenir you can take home.

Monika travelled to the Maldives in May 2025 with Saranta Associates – Travel Matter partners.

So, if you’re thinking about visiting the Maldives, don’t miss exploring its most breathtaking atolls and islands. Contact Travel Matters today, and we will advise you on the best island for your needs.

(This blog has been written by Monika, Travel Matters’ Senior Travel Advisor. She visited the Maldives in May 2025. For more information and details about your next holiday, please make an Enquiry today!)

I booked my Walking and Trekking holiday to Northern Cyprus in January 2020, just a couple of months before we were all condemned to travel lockdown. I was offered cash-back for my trip, but I had heard so much about the beauty and fascination of the area that I postponed my trip for a year, and then - for yet another year, until May in 2022. It was definitely well worth the wait and lived up to all my expectations.

I had previously visited Southern Cyprus a couple of times, both in the Paphos region and up in the Troodos Mountains, but had never crossed to the north via the legendary Green Line. Many people, including those who had been in the British forces during the "troubles", had told me that the North of the island, now officially called the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus, was much more attractive than the South.

My impression of the South, with its many archaeological sites and monuments to Aphrodite, is of a country with a sea such a deep blue that we in more northern climes can only dream of seeing it, a climate that offers a gentle breeze to alleviate the heat, and excellent and not-too-expensive food served by friendly waiters in tavernas on hillsides "with a view". There is, however, such a hangover from the British Empire days that sometimes there is very little feeling of "being abroad". The British ex-pat community live a happy life that is rather like being in Sussex in the sun. Which is wonderful, but sometimes we ask for a little more "exoticism" when we are on holiday. This is what I experienced once I crossed the Green Line.

Of course the history of the island is shared between both the Greek and Turkish "halves" of the island, and I am no expert in politics, but through conversations with people of both sides, it seems that the average person would very much like a reconciliation. In the meantime, to go north, we need to fly into Larnaka in the Greek sector, and travel via the border control on the Green Line in Nicosia for about an hour, in order to enter the Turkish sector. Only planes from Turkey itself are allowed to fly into the comparatively small airport in the north. Nicosia is the only capital city in the world to be divided into two and shared by both the North and South.

Once over the border you do feel like you are in a different country with a more middle eastern feel: narrow streets with pretty little houses, busy markets, more minarets, Turkish coffee (!) and wine, and, once you get outside the city, the landscape is definitely more dramatic and exciting: huge mountains dominating the skyline, covered in thousands of huge trees, and a fertile plain that stretches forever.

My holiday consisted of days mostly spent in clambering up and down the tree covered mountains, through dried up rivers covered in huge boulders and slippery gravel, proving the usefulness of hiking sticks or extremely long legs. A certain level of fitness was definitely necessary, but it was all manageable for older people (like myself).

Not just at the very top, but all the way up and along these forest paths, the views were spectacular. We also visited quite a few castles built high up in the peaks: Kyrenia Crusader Castle, Saint Hilarion Castle, Kantara Castle, Buffavento Castle, the history of which (dating back to Phoenicians, Romans , Byzantines, French etc.) was all related to our small group by our excellent guide, Gizer, accompanied by some interesting little tit-bits as to how a certain queen would drown her lovers before her husband the king got back from his crusades, how Richard the Lion Heart wasted no time in ferociously avenging the kidnapping of his fiancé, and (in the amazing Roman ruins of Salamis) how the men would all sit together in a huge half circle on the wooden toilet seats discussing the problems of the world, or who was likely to win the next major sporting event.

Interesting too are the many huge churches, originally for the Greek Orthodox Church, left in perfect condition, or actually being renovated, which is proof to the fact that, in this part of the world, Islam and Christianity can live peacefully side by side.

My favourite moment was visiting the beautiful 12th century abbey in Bellapais, made famous by Laurence Durrell in his book "Bitter Lemons". Then, walking up the steep road to his house, the renovation of which he describes so vividly, was a magic moment. Incidentally, the house is for sale!

A sadder excursion was to Famagusta, and the "ghost town" of Varasha, closed to civil life since the conflict of 1974. The hotels are all still there, as are the houses, and some say that, locked in underground car parks , there are still dozens of luxury cars. On the beach (said to be one of the best in Europe) where Richard Burton and Elizabeth Taylor once frolicked, a few umbrellas and sun beds are now permitted, but nothing else is open. Apparently the zone is a part of a possible negotiation for re-unification!

The food in both parts of the island is equally good, but a bit cheaper in the north. So, my advice is, take a holiday in both North and South Cyprus!

Our client Patricia Pearson travelled to North Cyprus in May 2022

Maldives might be my favourite beach destination - vibrant colours, abundant marine life, closeness to nature, softest sand in the world - i just love everything about it. In addition, being spoilt with some of the most indulgent luxuries in the middle of the ocean feels almost sinfully good. 

Having been to several atolls in the past, my eyes were on South Ari for our latest trip in November, as swimming with whale sharks has always been on my bucket list. 

These gentle giants can be found all over the Maldives and indeed in all the tropical oceans of the planet, however South Ari Atoll is unique as this is the only year-round whale shark sighting site of its kind in the world!!! Whale sharks are not only the largest shark, but the largest of any fish alive today. 

Despite their intimidating appearance, they feed on plankton and travel long distances to find enough food to sustain their huge size. 

Being the largest fish in the world they could grow as large as 20m. We did our whale shark snorkelling trip on a traditional wooden Dhoni boat, where a tracker would spot a shark from a top deck and command us to jump into the water. Whale sharks often swim close to the surface of the water making snorkelling sightings possible for those who do not dive. We were incredibly lucky to have a huge shark swim only a couple of metres below us - an unforgettable feeling! Not to mention a huge variety of other fish and even turtles. That is why it is so important to travel. 

Upon arrival in the Maldives, all travellers get whisked away to their chosen resort either by boat, seaplane or a domestic flight transfer. Our destination was the beautiful Lily Beach. 

Without a doubt one of the highlights of your stay in the Maldives will be your seaplane journey to the resort - it almost feels like an excursion. Your 25-minute seaplane journey to Lily Beach with Trans Maldivian Airways will be an experience of its own – make sure you have your camera handy to capture those incredible images to share with friends and family of the turquoise waters surrounding the atolls from above. 

While you are waiting for your seaplane transfer, you are welcome to relax and enjoy the hospitality at Lily Beach’s air-conditioned lounge, and enjoy free drinks, snacks and wi-fi. 

This striking island is only 600m by 100m and has a cosy and friendly atmosphere even at full occupancy as there are only 125 Villas & Suites to choose from. We stayed in the coveted Deluxe water villa with a private pool and couldn’t be happier with our choice. The villa was very private, spacious and had all amenities we could possibly ask for including the ones you can’t buy, like beautiful sunsets! And the best thing of all - their vibrant house reef started right at our door step and ran along the whole perimeter of the island on both sides! I spent many happy hours snorkelling with reef sharks and exploring colourful coral and multiple species of fish. 

Lily Beach is a Platinum all-inclusive resort and this definitely takes all the pressure off in this notoriously pricy destination where every small thing needs to be imported from other countries.  

I consider myself something of a foodie and was completely blown away by the selection and quality of food presented at the resort's restaurants. Who could have thought that you could get over 20 varieties of French cheese and even fresh oysters on a tiny island in the Indian Ocean? 

Lily beach is a family friendly resort with a fantastic kid's club and facilities yet couples will feel equally happy as there is an adults-only pool with a bar attached to it. 

When the time came to leave, we were simply heart-broken. Thank you, Lily Beach, for taking such a good care of us! 

Maryna travelled to the Lily Beach in November 2021 - give her a call discuss your next holiday to the Maldives.

Photo by Sebastian Pena Lambarri on Unsplash