First, Let Me Introduce Myself…

My name is Krista and I’m a Virtuoso travel advisor based in West Palm Beach, Florida. Prior to moving to Florida to take care of my elderly mom with Parkinson’s Disease, I spent over 11 years living and working in London, England, selling financial data. My career and personal travel have taken me all over the world. To date, I’ve been to 78 countries. Now I bring the joy of travel to others as a Virtuoso travel advisor. Let me make your next vacation seamless for you. Talking travel is my favorite thing in the entire world! I offer a 30 minute complimentary vacation consultation for anyone looking to plan their next trip.

• Book a complimentary vacation consultation here.

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• Check out my blog for travel tips and ideas.

• Shop some of my favorite travel products.

Now Let’s Talk about The Maldives!

Getting to The Maldives from South Florida

Worried about the duration and cost of flights? Here’s my quick tip for any vacation planning. Google Flights is your friend! You can do a search from your home airport to anywhere. Seriously…you can type in (Home City) to Male, Maldives! Add your dates and Google Flights will show you what’s available. I like to look at direct flights but you can also look for 1-stop flights and set your minimum layover. (I recommend 2.5 to 5 hours—the friendly skies are not very friendly these days.) Also, if you plan on checking bags, make sure you select adding luggage. Google Flights is really such a great tool. Once you find the flight that works, I recommend booking directly with the airline. Do not use a 3rd party service you’ve never heard of.

The shortest flights from Miami to Male are around 20 hours. Many include a layover in London. There are other options on Emirates and Qatar through Dubai and Doha. The Middle Eastern carriers are subsidized by their governments so sometimes, you can get pretty decent pricing.

In general, assume 20 to 30 hours each way to get to/from The Maldives.

Budgeting for a Maldives Honeymoon

I recommend budgeting about $2000 per person for roundtrip economy tickets to the Maldives from South Florida. Sometimes you can get better pricing than that on Emirates and Qatar. But play around with Google Flights and you’ll get a good sense. Note that some resorts also require a seaplane ride from Male. Alternatively, some resorts are closer to Male airport by boat.

For resorts, I recommend estimating a starting price of $750 a night for accomodation. Prices go up from there. There are some all-inclusive options available.

My Favorite Resorts for Honeymooners in the Maldives

Taj Exotica Resort & Spa, Maldives

The resort is located on the exotic Emboodhu Finolhu Island, in the middle of one of the Largest lagoons in the Maldives. This tropical isle, once known as the 'Three Coconut Island', is surrounded by crystal blue waters and covered with lush tropical flora. The resort is just 8 kilometers from Malé International Airport, and 15 minutes by a private luxury speedboat. Ready to book?  Schedule a complimentary vacation consultation here.

My VIP Honeymoon Amenities

• Upgrade on arrival, subject to availability (villa category-not applicable to suites)

• Daily Full/Buffet breakfast for up to two guests per bedroom, served in the restaurant (already included in property rates)

• $100USD equivalent in local currency Food & Beverage credit to be utilized during stay (not combinable, not valid on room rate, no cash value if not redeemed in full)

• Stays of 3+ nights will also receive: Complimentary lunch or dinner for up to two guests per room, once during stay (excluding alcohol, taxes, and gratuities)

• $100 USD equivalent Spa Services credit to be utilized during stay (no cash value if not redeemed in full)

• Complimentary Sunset Cruise

• Early Check-In/Late Check-Out, subject to Availability

• Complimentary Wi-Fi (limit 4 devices)

LUX South Ari Atoll

Live out your (ultra-luxe) Robinson Crusoe fantasy at the eco-friendly LUX South Ari Atoll. Start your day with a floating breakfast in your villa’s private pool, then grab a bike or solar-powered shuttle and explore the island, or snorkel with whale sharks and manta rays, play beach volleyball, or go wine tasting with the resident sommelier. The resort also features eight restaurants, five bars, tennis courts, a kids club, and activities ranging from cooking classes to sound healing sessions to keep your inner adventure-seeker satisfied. Note this resort requires a seaplane ride from Male airport.

My Honeymoon VIP Perks & Amenities

• Upgrade on arrival, subject to availability (excludes Temptation Pool Water Villa and LUX* Villa)

• Daily Buffet breakfast for up to two guests per bedroom, served in the restaurant

• $100 USD Resort credit in local currency to be utilized during the stay, applicable towards Spa services or Food & Beverage (not combinable, not valid on room rate, no cash value if not redeemed in full).

• Welcome Amenity of one bottle of sparkling wine

• One complimentary sunset cruise during the stay

• 20% discount on spa treatment (excluding packages)

• Stays of 5+ nights will receive an additional $150 Resort credit in local currency (for a total of $250 during stay)

• Early check-in / Late check-out, subject to availability

• Complimentary Wi-Fi

Raffles Maldives Meradhoo Resort

Situated on the unspoilt and pristine white sands of the Gaafu Alifu Atoll, Raffles Maldives Meradhoo presents a blissful escape with views of the calm turquoise waters of the Indian Ocean. The resort is home to 38 luxurious villas that offer an unrivalled level of style, truly unique Raffles experiences and endless activities to discover. In the exquisitely idyllic setting, Raffles Maldives is the perfect choice for those seeking the ultimate island getaway. At Raffles Maldives, the guests enjoy unparalleled privacy with the exclusive ‘two-resort island’ design which is an invitation to relax and recharge.

Three restaurants serve incredible dishes from BBQ prime cuts to exquisite Nikkei cuisine and two bars serve tapas and crafted cocktails. Trained by our resident marine biologist, our Marine Butlers will be able to assist guests with snorkelling tours in the two remarkable and endlessly fascinating house reefs.

Raffles Maldives Meradhoo Resort is located at a 55-minute flight from Male International Airport followed by a 15-minute speed boat ride from Kaadedhdhoo Domestic Airport. Charter seaplane is also available and shared seaplanes may also be available. The island also offers water sports facilities for guests such as fishing, diving and windsurfing activities.

My VIP Honeymoon Amenities

• Upgrade on arrival, subject to availability

• Daily breakfast for up to two guests per bedroom, served in the restaurant (already included in property rates)

• $150 USD equivalent Resort or Hotel credit to be utilized during stay (not combinable, not valid on room rate, no cash value if not redeemed in full)

• Welcome Amenity: Fruit basket and one-time Singapore Sling / Maldives Sling cocktail for up to two guests, per room, once during stay

• Bookings in our Residences will also receive a complimentary 60-minute massage for up to two guests, per room, once during stay

• Stays of 5+ nights will also receive: Experience Nikkei

- One Cooking class for two with the Master Chef of Yuzu

- One Private three-course dinner for two with a bottle of house wine

• Early Check-In / Late Check-Out, subject to availability

• Complimentary in-villa Wi-Fi

How I Can Help You…

A good travel advisor — ahem, me! — has great connections that can really make a trip special and memorable. There are lots of different was to use a travel advisor but here are a few of them:

• VIP perks and amenities: Through my relationships with many top hotels, I can add complimentary breakfast for two, hotel credits, and priority for upgrade. These perks generally happen at the 4.5 and 5 star level.

• Seamless international travel and private touring: I can organize your vacation so that all you need to do is show up. When your flight arrives, you’ll be met at baggage claim with your name on a sign and be whisked away to your hotel. Then, once you’re refreshed, I can organize private guides and drivers for you. In Europe and parts of Asia, I can also organize first class train tickets.

• Cruises: I am a preferred partner with all of the major cruise lines and can add onboard credits and other VIP perks. (Honestly, never book a cruise without a travel advisor.)

• Small group tours and activities: I have a huge stable of all different types of tours and experiences for all sorts of travelers.

• Travel insurance: Trust me, I’ve seen it all at this point in my career. Don’t neglect travel insurance for your trip!

Ready to talk about travel? Book a complimentary vacation consultation here. You can also Like my page on Facebook for more travel inspiration.