TALES OF TRAVEL

After much back and forth with our travel agent, as well as our own research, here is where we decided to stay in the Maldives…

When planning a dream trip to the Maldives, there’s no shortage of picture-perfect resorts to choose from, making the decision both exciting and overwhelming. After working with our travel agent Jason, we’re thrilled to share where we’ll be staying: Dhigali Maldives (https://www.dhigali.com) AND Heritance Aarah (https://www.heritancehotels.com/aarah/). Yes, we couldn’t decide between the two. I preferred Aarah, Lidija said she preferred Dhigali…..So, being her 40th birthday….initially we went with Dhigali.

However the more we talked about it and looked into it we realized why not do BOTH! Instead of spending nearly two weeks at the same resort (and seeing that these two are withing visual distance of each other) Jason was able to accommodate a speedboat transfer between the two. We figured, we are in this deep, why not dive right in!

Here’s a closer look at why we chose these incredible resorts and the thought process behind our decisions.

---

First Stop: Dhigali Maldives (7 Days) – Arrival 7:45am

For the first leg of our trip, we’ll be staying in a Beachfront Villa at Dhigali. While we considered upgrading to a villa with a private pool, we ultimately decided it wasn’t necessary. The main reason? Dhigali’s large communal pool is absolutely stunning, and we can’t wait to spend time there as a family. The private pools at the beach villa looked pretty small and more for just “hanging out in”. The girls would have none of that as they NEED there pool space to be a bit larger. Plus, the crystal-clear waters of the lagoon just steps from our villa are the perfect playground for Everleigh and Madelyn.

The beachfront villas at Dhigali also offer a serene connection to nature, with direct access to the beach and views that feel like paradise. For us, the appeal of stepping straight onto the sand and out into the lagoon far outweighed the need for a private pool, especially since we plan to spend much of our time exploring the resort and its incredible amenities.

---

Second Stop: Heritance Aarah (5 Days)

After a week in Dhigali, we’ll hop on a speedboat to Heritance Aarah, where we’ll spend five nights in an Overwater Villa. This upgrade is the ultimate way to soak in the Maldives’ iconic turquoise waters, (I mean, this is really the main reason to go to these kind of places right?) and we can’t wait to experience waking up to the sound of the ocean below us and snorkeling right off the lounge deck!

Similar to Dhigali, we opted out of the private pool at the overwater villa. While they are undeniably gorgeous, we realized we’d likely be spending our days at the resort’s infinity pool and enjoying activities like snorkeling and exploring. For us, the (significant) extra cost of a private pool just didn’t align with how we plan to enjoy the trip.

---

How We Made Our Decision

Here are the key factors that shaped our choices:

1. Value for Experiences: Private pools are a luxurious touch, but with so many incredible pools and ocean access, we felt we’d rather allocate our budget toward other experiences, like excursions or special dining options.
2. Family Time: The main pools at both resorts are vibrant hubs where we can meet other families, relax together, and enjoy poolside treats—a perfect fit for our family dynamic.
3. Location, Location, Location: Both resorts offered the balance we were looking for: Dhigali’s tranquil beaches and lush greenery for a laid-back start, followed by Heritance Aarah’s luxurious overwater escape.
4. Convenience: The speedboat transfer between the two resorts eliminated the need for a more complicated journey, allowing us to maximize our vacation time. (Can’t thank Jason enough for coordinating this!)

---

What’s Next?

With our accommodations booked, we’re diving into planning the fun details—snorkeling spots, dolphin and glass-bottom boat cruises, and plenty of beach play for Everleigh and Madelyn. We can already imagine their excitement as they explore the lagoons and make unforgettable memories.

Here’s to sandy toes, salty air, and endless family adventures! 🌴✨

Stay tuned for updates on our Maldives journey—we can’t wait to share every magical moment!

If you’ve been to the Maldives, we’d love to hear your tips or recommendations! Let us know your favorite excursions or must-try experiences in the comments below.