The Hummingbird Guide | Part 1

Asking The Key Questions

Asking the right questions when helping a client select a resort in the Maldives is a crucial starting point. Each question plays a role in narrowing down options to ensure a tailored experience. The more detailed the understanding of their desires, the better the recommendations can be tailored, and we believe the questions below will will provide the information required to do this!

• What is your travel budget?
• What is your preferred accommodation type and style?
  • Style of accommodations: e.g., 5-star, adults-only, all-inclusive, family-friendly, boutique, modern, classic, wellness, eco-friendly
  • Villa type: overwater villa, a beach villa, or another specific type
  • Occasion/ requirements: e.g., honeymoon, anniversary, family trip with specific needs for children, dietary restrictions, milestone celebrations, mobility assistance, allergies
  • How important is privacy? Would you prefer a more secluded resort or one that offers social experiences?
• Preferred Transfer Type? (e.g., speedboat, seaplane, domestic flight)?
• How long do you plan to stay in the Maldives? Would you like help arranging multi-island stays or resort hopping?
• What are your marine life, diving & surfing interests? (e.g., manta rays, whale sharks), visiting specific diving/snorkelling spots, are you interested in surfing during this trip?
• Which amenities are important to you? (e.g., spa, gym, fine dining, kids' club, babysitting, connecting rooms)
• Are you comfortable dressing up (smart casual, cocktail attire) for fine dining or hotel restaurants, or do you prefer casual attire throughout the trip?
• Are you flexible with your travel dates, or do you have a specific time of year in mind? Are you aware of the Maldives’ seasons?
• Are there any hotels you've stayed at previously that you've loved?

Our Team's Top Picks

The client has asked for an All-Inclusive resort and would like to experience a seaplane transfer for their first time in the Maldives. It's a dream of theirs to see whale sharks and they'd love a resort with a great house reef as they're keen snorkellers. This will be a couple travelling who enjoy a laidback atmosphere and prefer a mix of classic/modern villas.

Ahusan's Perfect Option: Nova Maldives is great for travellers looking for exceptional snorkelling and diving experiences. With no kids club and few family units, the island would be an ideal option for couples seeking a relaxed atmosphere.

This client is looking for a 5* resort and they're big foodies, so the F&B outlets needs to be great. They would also like the resort to be All-Inclusive. They love marine life and have requested a resort in either Baa or Raa Atoll with a great house reef. 

Lottie's Perfect Option: Heritance Aarah! The huge standout for this property is the food, every single night I was blown away by the quality in each outlet. My favourite had to be the eight course tasting menu with wine pairing at Ambula overwater restaurant.

This request is for a couple on their honeymoon who would prefer an adults only island. They like the sound of a smaller, tranquil island with lots of dining options and activities. A natural island is important to them and they like traditional villas. They would prefer a speedboat transfer.

Maryna's Perfect Option: Anantara Veli - I see this property as one easy to push. With a lot of dining options and activities, naturally beautiful, green island with traditional recently renovated villas. The best dinner of all the trip was the one in ORIGAMI, the sushi boat was the favourite dish - so fresh and delicious!

This family is looking for a resort with a family-friendly atmosphere and a sociable main area. They'd like modern and spacious villas in a 5* resort that's easy to reach from the airport. 

Toni's Perfect Option: Kuda Villingili is a perfect option here! The resort itself is so great and I especially loved the long main pool, it was the perfect to chill by in the afternoon. The restaurants are centralised by the main area and the outlets are all incredible! I had one of the best Green Thai curry here.

These clients are a couple looking for a romantic retreat. They've requested an island that feels remote and private, but with a good choice of dining outlets. They have asked for an All-Inclusive resort and they've heard that Raa Atoll is great so they're swaying towards a property there!

Karen's Perfect Option: I just returned from Emerald Faarufushi last week and it would be perfect for this enquiry! You feel like you have the island to yourself, the rooms are sleek and modern and it has 5 restaurants and 2 bars with really high quality food and great range.

This guest would like a 5* resort and they'll be travelling with 2 young kids and a teenager so a great kids/teens club is the most important thing for them. After a long flight they'd also like a speedboat transfer. 

Lucy's Perfect Option: Hilton Amingiri has one of the biggest and best Kids & Teens clubs in the Maldives. Families become repeat bookers because their kids love going there so much, so it would be great for this family!

Our 'Great For' Guide

Having a selection of hotels ready to match specific client priorities can be super helpful, so we've curated a concise list for you to reference!

1. JOALI BEING 
2. COMO Maalifushi
3. Soneva Jani
4. Amilla Maldives 
5. One&Only Reethi Rah
6. JA Manafaru

1. Baros
2. Milaidhoo
3. Huvafen Fushi
4. Anantara Veli 
5. The Nautilus

1. Anantara Kihavah 
2. Banyan Tree
3. Intercontinental Maldives
4. Six Senses Laamu
5. JA Manafaru
6. Milaidhoo
7. Raffles Maldives 

1. Six Senses Laamu
2. Niyama
3. Anantara Dhigu & Anantara Veli
4. Gili Lankanfushi

1. Baglioni Maldives 
2.  Cora Cora
3. Colours of OBLU, The OZEN Collection, Atmosphere Properties
4. Emerald Properties
5. Heritance Aarah

1. Niyama Maldives 
2. Vakkaru
3. Sirru Fen Fushi
4. Cora Cora
5. Finolhu
6. Hilton Amingiri
7. Soneva Fushi
8. One&Only Reethi Rah