Virgin Atlantic Retail Therapy

Paradise found: the W Hotel is a remarkable luxury resort on its own private island in the Indian Ocean.

STAY HERE The W Maldives, fresh from a major refurb, delivers beach and overwater villas with serious style. As for the ‘W’? We’ll let you decide if it stands for world-class, wonderful, or just… wow. Travelling with kids? Raaya by Atmosphere is a standout for families, with island charm and space to roam. SEE THIS If your resort has a house reef (and many do), don’t miss it. These coral underwater ecosystems are bursting with colour and life. EAT THAT Start your day the Maldivian way with mas huni: tuna, onion, coconut, lime, chilli and warm roshi flatbread. Bright, bold, and seriously moreish.

DESTINATION

Just in case you don’t believe your own eyes when you look at the pictures, this is what to expect in the Maldives. First off, the beaches: think powder-soft sand that feels just as good as it looks. The turquoise lagoons? So clear you’ll be tempted to drink them. Overwater villas you’ve seen in all the honeymoon brochures? They’re every bit as breathtaking to wake up in as they are to look at. Then there’s the temperature – a balmy 28°C throughout winter. Perfect. But don’t let the photos fool you into thinking this place is reserved for honeymooners (though they’re very much welcome). Couples, families, and solo travellers will make it their own here – whether that’s dolphin spotting kayak trips or sinking happily into stillness on the sand.

The Maldives: Paradise perfected

The Maldives is a pinch-me experience, disguised as a holiday. It’s not about whether you should go (spoiler: you absolutely should) – it’s choosing which tiny island to make your own. Each one is a postcard perfect dot in the Indian Ocean. Virgin Atlantic Holidays flies you direct to Malé, and from there we’ll get you a speedboat or seaplane to your personal Robinson Crusoe moment. Only with softer sheets, stronger cocktails, and no need to build your own hut. With a flight time of around 10–11 hours, you’ll arrive at your resort in perfect time for a sundowner on the sands, and a collective sigh of “this is more like it”.

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