The Maldives isn’t just a destination for honeymooners and couples – I went with my mum and it was just as special

The Maldives has long been synonymous with honeymooners and love-struck couples but I can attest that you don’t need a romantic plus one to make the most of the incredible destination. 

To prove this to myself, I took a trip to the island of Thilamaafushi and stayed at the Le Méridien, a new resort that opened in September 2021, and I chose to bring along my mum. At the end of 2022, I made a list of things that were important to me for 2023 and one of those was to spend quality time with my nearest and dearest, enter: an off-grid trip to reconnect. 

I knew the slow pace of life in the Maldives suited my mum, and we both decided the itinerary was that there was no itinerary; zero pressure so we were free from any scheduling. A slow adventure, if you will.

After landing in Male airport, the transfer was a breeze. It was our first time flying on a seaplane and the experience really started there because the views from that altitude are breathtaking, I just love the feeling of being thousands of miles away from home. All in all, the short flight took around 35 minutes, more than enough time to get the perfect holiday picture dump for the ‘gram. Once you’ve landed, there’s nothing quite like Maldivian hospitality, the warmest ‘welcome’ awaits arriving guests, and the team greet you by name whilst your luggage is swiftly whisked away whilst a buggy escorts you to check-in, feeling every bit like a rockstar the moment you touchdown.

Our hotel fused beach house vibes with mid-century modern; it felt open, tranquil and bright but had all the natural finishes and organic textures to perfectly complement the “outside”. I instantly felt calm and at ease. Le Méridien is often categorised as ‘affordable luxury’, but I would argue it was giving luxury all the way.