One of the most frequently asked questions about the Maldives is, “Will I be bored?”

Well past the honeymoon stage and yet to visit, I find myself scrolling through dozens of Maldives Facebook groups filled with first-time travellers, all desperately searching for their dream island and terrified of choosing poorly (let’s face it, for most, it’s an expensive mistake to make). 

With countless resorts to choose from, finding the sweet spot between a castaway and a party island isn’t easy. 

Putting two Minor Hotels resorts – Niyama Private Islands and Naladu Private Island – to the test, I decide to investigate one of life’s existential questions, will I be bored out of my mind, just snorkelling and sunbathing in the Maldives? 

Option one: the wow factor

NIYAMA PRIVATE ISLANDS

Like an overdramatic take on ‘that’ Titanic scene, I’m standing on a boat’s prow, clapping and whistling loudly. Stranger still, my husband, Paul (no fan of my whistling), isn’t shushing me. The reason? Dolphins.  

“Keep making noise – they’ll come closer,” Niyama’s marine biologist Meimei Ismail advises. And suddenly, spinner dolphins – ridiculously cute calves included – surround us, leaping and twirling like ballerinas. Over the next hour, countless pods investigate our calls; it’s simply magical.

But that’s Niyama in a nutshell. Neither too busy nor bougie, the resort’s two linked islands, ‘Play’ and ‘Chill, deliver barefoot escapism and unadulterated fun. While there are guests channelling White Lotus (think Hermès and heels…at breakfast), clients in cutoffs and sliders feel equally at home.

Fresh from a $10 million refurbishment, Niyama’s 134 villas/pavilions (40 overwater) all boast modernist furnishings, a neutral palette, and the services of a personal Thakuru (butler). While even entry-level beach villas, with alfresco bathrooms, feel decadent, Niyama’s premier address is The Crescent: five overwater pool residences situated off Chill’s south-eastern tip. And it’s here that our fabulous Thakuru, Imthy Ahmed, whisks us.

“It’s my favourite ‘one bedroom’,” Imthy grins, seeing our astonishment. With lagoon views from every room and a vast deck, bordered by an infinity pool and jacuzzi, the ginormous ocean pavilion is stunning. Clever touches – a personalised “Welcome to Nature’s Playground” message in lipstick on the mirror; incense with the instructions “Light me up” – add sass. Even for ‘decades past honeymooners’ like us, it’s a sexy spot. “Most guests rarely leave,” Imthy admits.

TREETOPS TO SEABED

Complimentary bikes make exploring easy. Beneath a tropical canopy, we zip between spa sessions, snorkelling, and sundowners at the Surf Shack, where, mesmerised by the ocean’s roar, we watch surfers silhouetted against the fiery horizon.

Niyama’s 10 F&B offerings ensure there’s never a dull mouthful. In one day, we dine in the boughs of a Banyan tree at Asian restaurant, Nest, and on the seabed at underwater Nikkei restaurant, Subsix. If lunching alongside Nemo and Dory wasn’t mind-blowing enough, our last night’s dinner on a deserted beach is the stuff of fairytales.

An avenue of flaming torches guides us across sugar-soft sands to a voile-draped cabana where we’re spoiled silly with a bespoke menu featuring Carabineros with caviar, tuna tataki, and Maldivian lobster with black truffle risotto. One of the most romantic meals of our lives, it’s a delicious conclusion to our visit.

“So, Mr. F, are we ruined for life?” I ask as we drain our champagne glasses.

“Frankly, I’m embarrassed this isn’t our wedding night,” he replies.

 
Book it: Kuoni offers seven nights at Niyama, based on two adults sharing, from £4,692pp, departing Heathrow on 8 October, 2025. Price includes international flights, seaplane transfers, half-board accommodation, a beachside movie night and $150 resort credit; kuoni.co.uk

Option two: a pint-sized paradise 

Naladhu Private Island

Tucked between the ocean and an azure lagoon, Naladhu is perfect for couples seeking an easily accessible hideaway. Just 40 minutes after boarding Naladhu’s speedboat at Malé, we’re being checked into our villa by our Kuwaanu (butler). 

A tiny island with just 20 keys, bar a two-bedroom villa, accommodation is split between lagoon-facing Beach Houses and Ocean Houses like ours. Identical in layout and Southeast Asian décor, they’re light and breezy, with wrap-around glass doors that open to an infinity pool and deck, plus showstopper bathrooms with steam rooms and outdoor waterfall showers.

Although unsafe to swim from, Ocean Houses (each with a private beach cabana moments away) are the best bet for clients seeking privacy. With uninterrupted views to the horizon, the only nosey passersby are spinner dolphins (yes, more!).

Still, outside mealtimes, we rarely see other guests. Even then, Naladhu hardly bustles, for despite having just one restaurant/bar, guests can choose when and what they eat. Available 24/7, The Living Room’s ‘no menu’ concept is liberating, and after one day, the intimacy of this resort means the friendly team all know our preferences.

“In big resorts, you might see a guest once or twice,” explains restaurant manager Ouda Mohamed, as he serves us gambas al pil pil. “Here, we see guests often, so we can really get to know them. For us, our guests are family.”

BEST OF BOTH WORLDS

While in-villa treatments and wellbeing sessions can be arranged, beyond a small gym and communal pool, Naladhu’s facility-free. Usually, that would drive us stir-crazy, but while Naladhu’s utterly private, its guests have free access to its activity-packed sister resorts, Anantara Dhigu and Anantara Veli, just across the lagoon.

After a couple’s massage at Dhigu’s overwater spa, I meet Anantara’s marine educator, Elias Mohamed, for a tour of the estate’s “snorkelling island” Gulhifushi. Elias has already helped me build a coral frame and plant it by Naladhu’s jetty, where it will hopefully regenerate. Now, slipping into the water, we’re greeted by a kaleidoscope of reef fish – including vibrant clownfish, coral-munching parrotfish, and horned unicorn fish – and half an hour passes in a marine dream. But then Elias warns, “Go!” All overbite and attitude, an aggressive Titan triggerfish is honing in – we’ve inadvertently approached its nest, and it’s not amused! With Elias using his flippers as a barrier, it’s five minutes before the grumpy fish turns back. 

“I think that’s probably as lively as Naladhu gets,” I joke, somewhat gingerly. 

“I think you’re probably right,” he laughs.

Book it: Pure Luxury offers seven nights at Naladhu, based on two adults sharing, from £14,899, departing Gatwick on 8 October, 2025. Price includes international flights, speedboat transfers, and half-board accommodation; goldmedal.co.uk

A first-timer’s verdict

For more information, see visitmaldives.com