Plan the Perfect Maldives Vacation at Canareef Resort

Welcome back to The Velvet Runway and this feature about How to Plan the Perfect Maldives Vacation at Canareef Resort.

The Maldives is a nation of islands in the Indian Ocean, that spans across the equator. The Maldives is comprised of 26 atolls and over 1000 islands.

My first sight of the Maldives was on a domestic flight from Malé International Airport to Gan Airport, where we crossed over the equator (and I have the certificate to prove it!), and it was everything I imagined it to be and more!

The photo above was taken from the plane (Maldivian Airlines) and I was immediately mesmerised by the huge number of tiny jewel-like islands, and in fact while the country covers an area of approximately 90,000 square kilometers, only 298 square kilometers (less than 1%) of that is dry land.

Once we arrived at Gan Airport after a 70 minute flight, we then transferred to a speedboat to take us to our resort, and this is the only way to reach the majority of the resorts in the Maldives. (Canareef resort will arrange for a round-trip domestic flight transfer from Malé Airport to GAN Airport and the speedboat ride from the GAN Airport to the resort.)

After an almost ten hour flight from France to Malé International Airport, a 70 minute inter-island flight from Malé to Gan and a fifteen-minute boat trip, arriving at the Canareef resort on Herathera Island in the Southernmost atoll (Addu Atoll) of the Maldives was an unforgettable experience. We were welcomed at the dock by a team of the reception staff, and whilst our luggage was whisked away to our villas, we were treated to a welcome cocktail and a brief presentation of the resort’s facilities.

I was already in love with the resort as soon as I saw the pristine white sand, surrounded by the clearest, turquoise water I have ever seen. I had packed a snorkelling mask, but I didn’t even need it to see the coral, beautiful fish (and baby sharks 😮) in the shallow waters.

How to Plan the Perfect Maldives Vacation

Why go to the Maldives

If your dream vacation consists of white, sandy beaches, crystal-clear turquoise waters, luxury villas and being pampering (from the wide array of fresh and delicious food, cocktails on the beach and relaxing massages), then you can stop searching – you have found your ideal destination.

The Maldives offers idyllic resorts that cater for your every need and the spectacular scenery of the white sandy shorelines, coral reefs, palm trees and pink sunsets will ensure you create memories that will last you a lifetime.

Make sure to take time to fully appreciate all the Maldives has to offer and give yourself the gift of being fully present to enjoy the ‘island life”. Whether you choose to visit multiple islands, explore your resort by bike, relax on one of the multiple beaches or enjoy water sports, such as snorkelling or diving, you will be mesmerised by this enchanting place.

Did I mention that the Maldives is also a dream destination for food lovers, with most resorts offering all-inclusive packages, featuring fresh, local ingredients from the island and a choice of various cuisine styles? Make sure to sample some of the exotic fruit and vegetables, and if you’re a fish lover, then the day’s catch will usually be served up too!

When to go to the Maldives

The Maldives is warm for most of the year, so the main consideration when you’re booking a trip is choosing between the wet season and the dry season, rather than the traditional four seasons.

The dry season is between November and April, and is the best time to visit if you’re looking for a relaxing beach holiday, and also the best time for some of the watersports and big game fishing. However, the sunnier weather also attracts more tourists which means that it is likely to be “busier” and therefore more expensive.

The wet season is between May and October, but although flash storms are more frequent at this time of year, it’s also not uncommon to have several days of uninterrupted sunshine. If you’re looking for a beach vacation, you should be aware that there is more risk of rain at this time, but there are also fewer people and you are more likely to find a bargain.

If you prefer calmer waters and gentler watersports, such as snorkelling, scuba diving, or canoeing, the dry season will be your best choice, when visibility is also at its peak.

We went over the New Year period and were lucky enough to experience a week of glorious sunshine, which left me feeling rested and recharged for the year ahead, and it really was the perfect Maldives Vacation.

How to get to the Maldives

The main gateway to the Maldives is Velana International Airport in Malé, and you are very likely to be able to get a direct flight there from Europe, Middle East and South East Asia. Many package holidays include a stopover in Columbo or Dubai.

Once in the Maldives, you can take an internal flight to the closest airport to your resort and there are also scheduled ferry services from Malé to most of the atolls.

Transfers to resorts around the airport are by speedboat and transfers to resorts and islands further afield are by seaplane, and in most cases your resort will arrange this for you at the time of booking.

Canareef Resort – Exclusive Accommodation in The Southernmost Atoll of the Maldives for your perfect Maldives Vacation.

Accommodation

Canareef Resort offers its guests exclusive accommodation in spacious detached wooden bungalows with private access to the beach. You can choose between the Sunrise View Villa, the Sunset Beach Villa or the premium private Jacuzzi Villas. There are 80 Sunrise Villas, 71 Sunset Beach Villas and 120 Jacuzzi Villas in the resort, ranging in size from 76sqm – 97sqm.

Each villa has air-conditioning, WiFi and plush king size beds for an undisturbed nights rest.

Each villa has a patio with sun loungers and a private backyard with a partially-outdoor bathroom, with shower. It took me a little while to get used to a partially-outdoor bathroom, and I must admit that I still prefer an indoor one, but it is very well designed and spacious.

Our villa was beautiful and very comfortable. However, the WIFI service is not the most reliable (we experienced the same problem in Malé), so if you are planning to work (although why would you? 🤣🤣), then you might have to go to Reception.

Restaurants and Bars

The Kilhi Restaurant offers an exciting choice of sumptuous, international cuisines from around the world on the daily buffet (included in the all-inclusive formula) spread with French, Sri Lankan and local Maldivian delights, guaranteed to satisfy every taste. I was so busy enjoying all the delicious food on offer that I forgot to take any photos!

If you are feeling romantic, book a private dinner facing the Laccadive Sea and enjoy the sound of waves while dining the night away.

Opening hours:

• Breakfast: 06:30 – 09:30
• Lunch: 12:00 – 14:30
• Dinner: 19:00 – 21:30

There is also an “à la carte” restaurant, The Meeraa Asian Cuisine Restaurant at the resort, but this is not included in the all-inclusive formula.

The Dhoni Bar is the perfect place to see the sun dip under the horizon while enjoying your favourite drink from their long list of beverages. As the evening stretches on, you can enjoy ‘live’ entertainment, and dance the night away with friends, family or your loved one

Opening hours:
09:00 – 23:00

There is also a Beach Bar, serving non-alcoholic drinks from 09:00 to 06:00.

Pool

Spend some time relaxing by the olympic size pool before and/or after you participate in the wide variety of activities on offer at the resort.

The Dhoni Bar is also situated right next to the pool, and you can get a wide range of drinks served directly to your sun lounger.

Getting around the Island

The island measures 4.5 km in length and the resort provides a pair of bikes for each villa. The resort has no cars, so cycling is a really enjoyable experience and a great way to explore the island, as well as the neighbouring island, Hulhumeedhoo. (Please note you will need to sign a disclaimer at reception to take the bikes across the Hulhumeedhoo-Herethere Bridge).

If you don’t want to cycle, then the resort also offers a buggy service, but be aware that if you are looking for a buggy at busy times (for example to take you from the beach to the restaurant for lunch), you may have to wait a while.

Island Views

Activities

Water Sports

The resort offers a plethora of fun and safe water sports for all age groups. They offer wind-surfing, canoeing, banana boat rides, jet-skis, catamaran sailing, snorkelling expeditions and private excursions.

Scuba Diving

Their authorised SSI Dive Centre offers multilingual Diving courses including “Discover Scuba Diving“. The professional dive guides will be able to give you an unforgettable, remarkable and safe underwater experience at the spectacular 25 different dive sites that Addu Atoll has to offer.

Dolphin Cruise and Fishing Expeditions

Take a dolphin cruise or get your hands on a fishing rod for big game fishing. You do not need to be a professional to get that prized catch, allow their experienced boat crew to find the best locations and to assist you with equipment. For the less adventurous, a good option is a 2-hr sunset fishing trip which sets off at 5pm on a “Dhoni” (a typical Maldivian wooden boat).

Island Tours

The resort also organises trips to the islands of Addu City, covering the islands of Maradhoo and Feydhoo. Maradhoo- Feydhoo is the smallest community in Addu, walk around the island to feel the laid back lifestyle and then visit Gan the former RAF base before returning back to the resort.

Enjoy a tour of Hithadhoo, the capital of Addu City, which hosts one of the largest natural lakes in the country.

Tennis and Beach Volley Ball

Canareef has two tennis courts and beach volley ball courts to entertain guests.

Fitness

A well-equipped fitness gym is available 24 hours a day for the fitness enthusiasts who prefer exercising in the comforts of an air-conditioned environment. Please note I didn’t try this (in fact I didn’t even visit it!)

Kid’s Club

For those travelling with little ones, the Kid’s Club (for children aged 5 to 12) keeps the youngest guests entertained during their stay, with exciting games, cultural craft-making, educational activities and beach fun. Children aged 4 or under are welcome when accompanied by a parent.

The Spa

Experience refreshing rejuvenation at Canareef spa, discreetly located within a dedicated waterside compound and set amidst lush gardens. The range of treatments include detoxifying massages and scrubs, while their private suites are available for both singles and couples.

Final Thoughts about How to Plan the Perfect Maldives Vacation at Canareef Resort

A stay at Canareef Resort Maldives will take your breath away with their pristine, white sandy beaches, clear turquoise waters, marine life and stunning pink/ orange sunsets.

Choose whether you want to relax by the pool or on the beach or participate in some of the activities on offer. Either way, you can be sure of a great stay and a friendly service.

My final tip for the Perfect Maldives Vacation would be to opt for the all-inclusive package as this is, in my opinion, easily the best value, as not only does it include a buffet meal three times a day (with a selection of food cooked fresh to order) but also unlimited drinks at the restaurants and bars.

I found all the staff at the resort to be friendly and helpful, but please remember that the waiter who always greets you with a smile and knows how you take your coffee and the staff at the beach bar who remember your favorite cocktail, work long hours to ensure your stay is memorable, so please remember to greet them with a smile and be polite!

For more details, please visit the resort’s website.

I hope you enjoyed this feature about How to Plan the Perfect Maldives Vacation at Canareef Resort, and you can have a look here for more of our hotel and resort features. I will be back soon with my tips about the Top Ten Mistakes to Avoid when Planning a trip to the Maldives, although many of the tips apply to planning most holidays.

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With love,