Inside the Southern Maldives: Kelly’s FAM Trip
The Maldives is full of contrasts, and travelling further south is a great way to see just how different one island can be from the next. Kelly recently took a group of travel agents on a Southern Maldives FAM trip, visiting seven properties and getting a feel for what makes each one different.
The itinerary included COMO Maalifushi, Six Senses Laamu, Ayada, Park Hyatt Maldives Hadahaa, Halcyon, The Maverick and Makunudu, from relaxed island stays and incredible marine life to family-friendly resorts and something a little more off the beaten track.
Here are some of Kelly’s highlights from the trip.
COMO Maalifushi: Privacy Without Feeling Isolated
Despite being a larger island, COMO Maalifushi still feels private and secluded. The villas make good use of their outdoor space, with shaded terraces and pools that give guests plenty of room to relax.
Kelly’s favourite was the Over Water Villa with Pool, particularly for its sunset views and separate sleeping area for children, which makes it a good option for families.
Food was another highlight, especially the BBQ dinner at Madi. The sharing-style menu made for a relaxed, sociable evening.
Six Senses Laamu: Where the Marine Life Steals the Show
For Kelly, the marine life was one of the biggest highlights at Six Senses Laamu. While snorkelling in the seagrass, she spotted around five green turtles in just 20 minutes.
Guests can join a snorkelling trip with a marine biologist, learn more about the resort’s conservation work at The Shell, or head out on a sunset dolphin cruise. The Leaf was another standout, with fresh food and views out towards the sea and gardens.
It’s a great option for clients who want to do more than relax by the pool. Kelly particularly liked the Over Water Beach Villa for couples, while a beach villa could be a better fit for families with younger children.
Ayada: A Family Resort With Plenty Going On
Ayada has a livelier feel, with plenty to keep guests busy but quieter spots to retreat to as well. Kelly was particularly impressed by the kids’ facilities and recreation centre, which offer plenty of indoor activities alongside watersports and snorkelling.
Zero Degrees was a favourite, thanks to its pool, sea views and food, with a sunset DJ adding to the atmosphere in the evening.
Kelly’s favourite room was the Sunset Lagoon Villa, with its swing chair and family-friendly layout. There are also lead-in room categories for clients who would rather spend their time enjoying the resort than pay extra for a private pool.
Park Hyatt Maldives Hadahaa: Make Time for the House Reef
The house reef was the standout at Park Hyatt Maldives Hadahaa, with colourful coral, plenty of fish and a good variety of marine life. A guided snorkel is a great way for guests to explore it, while the beach BBQ offers a different way to spend the evening.
For families or groups travelling together, Kelly also liked the three-bedroom Overwater Villa, with its generous pool and space to spread out.
Halcyon: A Stay Centred Around the Villa
Halcyon has a more private, villa-focused feel, making it a good fit for guests who want space and time to themselves. Kelly particularly liked the Overwater Villa with Pool, which has a generous pool and a lounge area that can be converted into additional sleeping space.
The overwater spa is another highlight, with a lovely setting for a couples’ treatment.
The Maverick: A Different Kind of Maldives Experience
The Maverick offered something quite different from the other resorts on the itinerary. Set on a local island, its tented accommodation gives guests a comfortable stay with a closer connection to the local community.
The tents have full-size beds and air conditioning, while the beachfront rooms offer more seclusion.
One experience that really stood out was the floating bar, reached by boat. It’s a great spot to watch the sunset, enjoy a drink and meet other guests. The Maverick could be worth considering for repeat Maldives travellers looking for something less conventional.
Makunudu: Small Island, Big Underwater Experiences
Makunudu has a relaxed, sociable atmosphere, with a smaller-island feel and a focus on the surrounding waters rather than extensive facilities. Its house reef is home to turtles, blacktip reef sharks and colourful fish.
Kelly also went night snorkelling, where she spotted nurse sharks, lionfish, jackfish and sleeping turtles. The dive team made sure her equipment fitted properly and that she felt comfortable before heading out.
Her favourite room was the Deluxe Beach Villa on the sunset side, with its terrace providing a lovely spot to unwind. The BBQ dinner was another highlight.
Kelly’s tip: Night snorkelling can be booked on the day, so guests can check availability once they arrive.
Seven Islands, Seven Different Experiences
Visiting these seven properties was a great reminder that no two Maldives stays are quite the same. Some clients will want to spend their days exploring the reef, others will be looking for family-friendly facilities, and some will simply want a beautiful villa and a little privacy.
Getting to know these differences first-hand means we can share the details that make choosing the right island that bit easier for our agents.
A big thank you to all the hotel teams who hosted us and looked after the group along the way.
