After vacationing in Bora Bora, I was hooked and on a mission to find paradise again--somewhere in the world that could be either equivalent or even more beautiful. The stunning shades of blue, calm crystalline waters, white sands, overwater bungalows, and abundance of sea life made me yearn for more. And luckily, Maldives did not disappoint. In fact, Maldives is somewhere I can see myself going back to and know that I will have a unique experience there every time.

A common question is how do you decide where to stay? This will depend on several factors. Do you want to travel as a couple or as a family? Are you looking to mainly relax (private pool or hotel pools) or be active with lots of water sports (surfing, diving, snorkeling, jet skiing)? Is snorkeling with whale sharks or manta rays a priority? Are you looking for a place with a convenient house reef (snorkeling right off the beach of your hotel versus taking a boat to the snorkel spot)? What is your budget?

Each hotel is on its own private island located on an "atoll," an islet of coral reef. To get to Maldives, you will typically fly to the capital of Male, Maldives and from there you will either fly or take a boat to your hotel depending on how far your hotel is. Regarding flying to your hotel, some hotels have the option of taking a plane from Male to another airport that might be closer to your hotel and from there your hotel can pick you up by speedboat. Another option is to take a seaplane from Male to your hotel, a special type of plane where it takes off from the ocean and lands directly on water right by the jetty of your hotel. This latter option is more expensive, but is an amazing experience!

NORTH ATOLL

I was looking for a romantic hotel for two with an over-the-water bungalow and private plunge pool with a great house reef and Baros was it. Baros was ultimate luxury-- an intimate hotel with top notch service, several restaurant options, and an over-the-water villa I will never forget. From our pool water villa, we were able to swim to a private sand bar. The hotel felt very private and not crowded with large groups of tourists.

Read more about my experience at Baros resort (Baros blog post) or continue to Maldives - Part 2 blog post.

Watch my YouTube video of my Maldives Trip below: