Dreaming of the Maldives? It’s a bucket list destination for many, and for good reason! Those azure and turquoise Indian Ocean waters are incomparable to any other, and there are multiple islands with an abundance of hotels and resorts to choose from for every person and budget!

When you want simplicity, luxury, and a boutique vibe, come home to your home away from home at Amilla. You’ll come as a guest and leave as a treasured family member.

What made my stay at Amilla truly memorable were the little things: the playful names of the restaurants, the serene Banyan Trees, the carefully chosen tiles that added an artistic touch to the property, and most importantly, the warm and genuine hospitality of the staff.

GETTING THERE

Traveling from the U.S.? Be prepared for a long-haul trip of about two days. You can fly from a major International Airport and transit through Doha, Qatar, or Dubai, UAE, to Malé, then take a 35-minute seaplane to Finolhas Island in Baa Atoll, land on a jetty in the middle of the sea, and speedboat 5 minutes to Amilla. It is a lot of travel. However, I’ve noticed that the places that are the furthest to get to are often the most wonderful.

If you fly on Emirates and have a long transit in Dubai, you might be eligible for “Dubai Connect.” This service provides:

• A temporary transit VISA.
• Transportation to and from the airport in Dubai to hotel accommodations.
• A meal.

All this is complimentary. Create a Skywards account to earn Frequent Flier miles on Emirates, and when you’re in your account, if the service is available, you’ll see a button to reserve this unique and excellent service.

The flight from DXB to MLE is 3.5 hours. Once you land at Velana International Airport in Malé, I recommend the CIP (VIP) Arrival Service to be whisked away from the plane to a private lounge while you wait for your luggage and immigration to clear your entry. An Amilla representative will meet you in the lounge, arrange your Seaplane transfer, and give you a boarding pass. The rep will then escort you to the Amilla lounge in the Seaplane terminal.

Amilla Seaplane Lounge

Enjoy beautiful views of the seaplanes coming and going while freshening up and devouring a light meal. Wait time can be up to 2 hours. Once your flight is ready to board, your rep will guide you to a waiting area with other passengers, and then, FINALLY, you’ll board the seaplane that seats about 15 people. If you’re tall, it could be a tight fit. Please let your Travel Advisor (me or Reservations) know in advance so they can arrange a more comfortable flight. You can also request a private charter at an additional cost.

ACCOMMODATION

You will find what you need for yourself, your partner, or your family and group. There are 6 Villa types, ranging from 1 to 2 bedrooms, on the beach or over the water. Or expand and rest comfortably in a Residence. These larger accommodations contain 4, 6, and 8 bedrooms and are perfect for reunions, friend getaways, families, and retreats!
In addition, for a unique stay, choose a Treetop Villa and a night in the Glamping Bubble. The kid in you can choose your own adventure! Even though most people travel to the Maldives to experience the Over Water Villas, the Treetop Villa is an excellent and quiet choice if the water is rough (Monsoon season starts in May).

DINING

There are seven plentiful options, and the chef will cater to your unique dietary requirements. The restaurants are near one another, with a different selection every night. You can enjoy pizzas (gluten-free did NOT taste like cardboard!), snacks, and other yummy morsels between breakfast and lunch or lunch and dinner. The food is delicious. Italian, Japanese, Indian, Burgers, Salads, Sandwiches; whatever you want, it’s here. You will be full and happy. Indulge or be healthy; it’s all available for you. Choose Bed & Breakfast, Half Board, Full Board or Dine Around Meal Plans. For evening chill vibes and beautiful views, head to the Sunset Bar. With plenty of lounge seating, music, and a full bar, you and yours will feel cozy and divine.

SPA, STAYING FIT & EXPERIENCES

I visited at the start of the Monsoon Season, so I enjoyed a few Spa Treatments and the Kombucha Class. The Intuitive Aroma Massage with Dewi is a must. Learn from the best and make your own Kombucha with Vina; she makes the Kombucha for all the Villas!
Staying fit is easy on the island! You can jog the whole island; it’s about 3 miles! Or, there’s a jungle gym, literally! And, if you prefer to stay inside with cool A/C, you’ve got cardio and weight facilities, yoga classes, and when done, enjoy steam and sauna.
Unique experiences include Glamping, Floating Breakfast, Snorkeling, Reef Hopping, Diving, Sunset and Dolphin Discovery, Fishing, a Sandbank Visit (a must when in the Maldives!), a Renewal of Vows, or just relaxing and enjoying your villa.

SUSTAINABILITY

Amilla is serious about preserving the Earth. If you bring plastic bottles, they’ll ask you to take them when you leave. (So, don’t bring them!) This includes sunscreen in plastic bottles. Amilla’s garden produces fresh vegetables, herbs, fruit, and mushrooms, and they also make in-house jams, yogurts, pickles, sauces, probiotic sodas, and plant-based milks. Amilla also works with local farmers to carry ethical meat sources that are antibiotic and hormone-free.

SUMMARY

I LOVED my time at Amilla. I stayed for about a week. I was impressed by their authenticity, integrity, and attention to detail. Villas were spotless and thoughtfully designed, and spaces were open and flowing. As a solo traveler, I felt safe and taken care of. I’ve never experienced such warm hospitality! I dream of my return, and I recommend you visit without hesitation. Whether it’s a week, a month, or only a few days, treat yourself to a stay at Amilla.

If you would like help booking your trip, please use the Contact form. Thank you, and until next time, I wish you joyous travels!

*Several photos are courtesy of Amilla.com.