As a 30-something, happily single travel addict I’m no stranger to a solo trip. Touring a chic European city, strolling around a museum or cosying up with a good book in a luxury spa, exploring the world solo at my own pace has become one of life’s little perks. Once you get over the thought of being alone and that everyone will be staring at you (they’re not) you’re free to do exactly what you want, when you want, but the thought of this particular trip made me pause.
The Maldives, known for its crystal clear waters, immaculate beaches and incredible marine life is a once in a lifetime holiday destination and therefore unsurprisingly, very popular with loved-up (often recently married) couples. I, of course, have nothing against these couples but the thought of being the only singleton on an island full of candlelit dinners, moonlit beach strolls and couples massages did fill me with a little trepidation. However, as the seaplane took off from Male airport, on route to the Island of Moofushi, and I gawped out the window at the bluest ocean I have ever seen, my hesitation disappeared into the salty ocean air. Although the Maldives is the perfect destination for couples, honeymooners and families, it is also so much more.
As I stepped onto the pontoon at Constance Moofushi an overwhelming feeling of calm took over my body. The 30 degree heat and gentle breeze immediately soothed my aching limbs from the 10 hour overnight flight, while the bright blue waters gently lapped on the white sandy beach ahead. The staff at Moofushi were immediately warm and welcoming, greeting everyone with large smiles and a refreshing tropical iced tea. At check-in shoes are immediately removed and replaced with flip flops, although even these are optional at Moofushi with most preferring to go barefoot at all times. There are even helpfully placed terracotta pots full of cool water and ladles to soothe your hot feet on the sun drenched wooden pathways leading out to the Water Villas. Or should I say iconic Water Villas. Before this trip when I thought of the Maldives I thought of clear blue ocean, white sandy beaches and the Water Villas, and at Moofushi they do not disappoint.
The resort has a variety of accommodations available. Beach villas, set back from the water in the shelter of the island vegetation, provide a more secluded location while the sand villas combine the perfect blend of the beach and water villas with easy ocean access. The water villas and senior water villas themselves, where I was lucky enough to stay, offer an intimate, luxurious escape with your own private deck, stairway to the ocean and outdoor bath. The sound of the ocean lulling you to sleep every night is a luxury I didn’t know I needed but now feel bereft without.
After settling into my villa, I had the tough choice of whether to relax on my deck with a glass of bubbles from the mini bar (included and topped up daily as part of the all-inclusive package) or explore the resort a little more. Despite the allure of white sands, in the end I decided to make the most of the villa and spent a delightful afternoon dozing in the sunshine. In the early evening, after a refreshing outdoor shower, just as the sun was starting to set, I made my way back onto the island for a group wine tasting on the beach. Group organised activities like this are just one of the ways that Constance makes everyone feel welcome, and as a solo traveller it’s a great way to meet other guests in a relaxed environment. Even if organised fun isn't really your thing, the wine tasting at Moofushi should not be missed. As winners of the ‘Best All-Inclusive Wine List’ award at The World of Fine Wine Awards in 2025, the resort has an extensive, high-quality, curated wine selection and head sommelier Madu along his team have a wealth of knowledge to help you find the perfect wine for you and with the sun setting and baby black tipped sharks swimming around your feet it is a truly unique experience.
After several glasses of delicious wine I headed to dinner in the main buffet restaurant where you are spoiled for choice with a large selection of international and Maldevian dishes. There are also a number of themed evenings spread out throughout the week, including Asian and Sri Lankan cuisine which provide more variety and the opportunity to try dishes I had never tried before. The Sri Lankan curries and butter naans enjoyed at my table on the sand were a particular highlight. Following a couple of scoops of freshly made pistachio ice cream, one of over 100 flavours made on the island, I gathered my things and made the short walk back to the villa trying desperately not to topple into the water while staring up at the magical star studded sky.
The following morning, after a quick dip in what felt like my own private ocean and a quick hello to George, Moofushi’s resident Heron, I decided to venture out of the villa and explore the island a little more. First stop, the gym. Hidden away amongst the palms the small but fully equipped gym has everything you need to ease any guilt you may have before a day of tropical indulgence. There is even a PT on hand to provide extra assistance or private sessions if required. Post gym I wandered to breakfast with the island soundtrack of birds and faintly crashing waves all around me. Again, there was a large and varied selection of dishes from all over the world which would satisfy even the fussiest of eaters but if you do have any special requests the team will try to accommodate as best as they can with particular attention paid to any allergies or intolerances. Before I even departed the UK the team from Constance had been in touch to double check if I had any allergies, intolerances or special requests and remained very attentive throughout my stay.
I took the long route back to the villa, strolling through the surf taking in the endless blue waters blending into the equally blue skies. Soon enough it was time to make the most of another island amenity perfect for a solo traveller, the spa. Constance Moofushi’s charming spa is set on a wooden jetty over the tranquil waters of the ocean. I opted for a full body relaxing massage using oils scented with lemongrass to soothe and detoxify. To my delight when I lay down on the table, wrapped in fluffy white towels I was faced with a window onto the ocean bed where I could watch the various colourful fish and baby sharks swimming below as the skilled masseuse removed any lingering trace of tension from my body.
The following morning, just as the sun was beginning to rise, a small group gathered at the beach pavilion for a complimentary sunrise yoga session. I can safely say that with the rhythmic sounds of the ocean, gentle tinkle of bells and the soothing tones of the instructor guiding us through the gentle practice, I have never felt more relaxed in my life. I practically floated over to breakfast. Next on the agenda, a Maldives must, a ‘snorkelling extravaganza’. After a 30 minute boat trip out into the Indian Ocean with the island’s resident diving expert, we hopped into the water above the reef. Below was a truly magical scene - Giant Porcupine fish, clouds of orange Anthias, Napoleon fish and most special of all a Hawksbill Turtle swam around us in the sundrenched waters. While out on the ocean our guide explained that all Constance resorts prioritise respecting and preserving the natural surroundings. Since 2013, an environmental sustainability program has been in place at Moofushi, leading to Green Globe Certification, recognising the commitment to local communities and environmental prosperity and through various eco-initiatives and sustainable practices they are now Green Globe Platinum certified. After an afternoon spent floating around in such a beautiful but delicate ecosystem it’s reassuring to know that the staff at Constance prioritise protecting it above all else. On our way back to shore we even took a peek at the new coral reef that has been planted by the team at Moofushi, one of their many successful conservation efforts.
After such an adventurous afternoon it was time for a little treat, dinner at Moofushi’s A La Carte Beach grill Alizee Restaurant. During your stay all guests are entitled to one complimentary meal at Alizee and it should not be missed. As you would expect, the seafood is the star of the show with the tuna tartare amuse-bouche and the scallop 3 ways starter a real highlight. The main course of lobster was as delicious as it was impressive to look at and paired delightfully with a crisp Chardonnay. I held off on dessert, even though they all sounded delicious, as for my last evening on Moofushi I was headed to a group movie screening on the beach topped off with bubbles, popcorn and ice-cream. The resort offers both group and private screenings under the stars with an extensive collection of movies to choose from alongside the aforementioned delicious snacks. With the waves crashing gently in the distance, the warm breeze and thousands of stars sparkling above it was the most magical way to spend my final evening in Moofushi.
The next morning, after a quick breakfast I headed down the jetty to the awaiting speedboat, whisking myself and a handful of other guests on the 30 minute journey to our second Constance resort. As our boat pulled up to Constance Haliveli, the slightly more sophisticated big sister of Moofushi, and the waving staff greeted us like old friends, I was once again left speechless by the beauty of the island. Larger than Moofushi, but with fewer guests, Haliveli is a more contemporary and spacious resort with sleek glossy interiors flowing seamlessly into the ever present white sands and turquoise waters. The majority of Haliveli’s 86 luxury villas are situated above the water on one of the longest jetty’s in the Maldives. Each spacious villa comes with its own infinity pool plus direct access to the ocean and the plentiful marine life. All the villas are in the process of having their interiors updated but I was lucky enough to stay in one that had already been completed. The new decor was in keeping with the rest of the resort, fresh, contemporary and clean with large glass doors covering one whole side of the property ensuring unobstructed views of the seemingly never ending ocean. For those in need of a little more space, perhaps travelling with family, there are a number of beach villas of varying sizes with their own private pool and section of the beach.
After a lazy afternoon spent making the most of my private terrace and infinity pool, devouring a book I had been falling asleep to for months, I headed further out along the jetty to the island's Asian fusion restaurant Jing. Open to the ocean along one side with an impressive terrace, Jing blends Asian and European flavours paired with rare wines from the Jing Wine Cellar, which is of course the main reason I’m here. In a private room, lined with bottles of wine from all over the globe, myself and a few other guests enjoyed a private wine tasting, sampling several delicious wines with guidance from the excellent sommelier team. Dinner on the terrace followed, accompanied by the sound of the black tipped sharks feasting below. Once again, the food was outstanding with the crispy prawn served with a red curry ‘cappuccino’ designed by Executive Chef Hameed Siddiq, a real stand out.
Similarly to Moofushi, Haliveli offers a number of complimentary activities ideal for the solo traveller, so the following morning just as the sun was beginning to rise I dragged myself out of bed for a yoga class at the spa. Perched on stilts above the shimmering ocean the Spa provides the perfect location for a blissed out morning spent in downward dog with a warrior pose or two thrown in for good measure. Feeling relaxed and rejuvenated, I headed onto the island for another delicious buffet breakfast, with a never ending supply of the freshest fruits, pastries and eggs anyway you like them.
Energized for the day, I popped over to the water sports centre. Haliveli offers complimentary use of all non motorised water sports equipment, including snorkels, with a small charge for use of jet skis etc. As the water was particularly calm that day I grabbed a paddle board and headed out. I’ve been paddle boarding many times before but never in a location this breathtaking. As I bobbed about in the sunshine with the only sound coming from the lapping of the water against the board I had never felt happier to be by myself enjoying the quiet peace that can be so hard to find back home.
Post shower and feeling peckish, I headed back to Jing for a group cooking class with Executive Chef Hameed Siddiq, another one of the group or private activities on offer to guests. Over the next hour Hameed patiently demonstrated how to create a traditional Maldevian dish of tuna salad with fresh tuna curry, while gallantly ignoring the nervous uneven chopping before him. Once the curry was complete and Hameed had answered all of our many questions on the cuisine of the Maldives it was time for the main event, the tasting. Served with the tuna salad, rice and roti the curry was delicious, just the right amount of spice and armed with the recipe from Hameed I will definitely be giving it a go back home.
After an afternoon soaking up the last drops of sunshine on the deck and ignoring the fact I was leaving the next day, I put off packing once again and strolled back to the island to drown my sorrows in a cocktail making class on the beach. Timed to perfection with the setting sun we watched in delight as one the skilled bartender from Jahaz Bar attempted to teach us the tricks of the trade of some of the island's most requested cocktails. Feeling delightfully lightheaded from the delicious cocktails and one of the most beautiful sunsets I have ever seen, it was time for my last supper on the island. Meeru Beach Grill offers an elegant yet relaxed dining experience right on the sandy beach, sandals optional of course. Seating just 70 guests, it’s an exclusive spot to enjoy fresh seafood and delicious meats grilled to perfection. The yellowfin tuna ceviche followed by lobster bisque with seafood croquettes were a true celebration of the fresh seafood of the area and the surf and turf main course was a masterclass in grilling. To top it all off the chic al fresco setting was the perfect spot to reflect on an incredible trip in a quiet moment under the stars.
The following morning, all too soon, I could hear the buzzing of the sea plane arriving to take me away from this tropical haven in the middle of the Indian Ocean. While being waved off by the wonderful Haliveli staff I reluctantly boarded the tiny plane and set off into the bright blue skies towards Male. To soften the blow, Constance has a private lounge at the airport providing refreshments and the all important air conditioning for all guests to enjoy before their departures.
I have dreamed of visiting the Maldives for years, the allure of the crystal clear turquoise waters, white sandy beaches and laidback lifestyle calling out to me from 5000 miles away and in a revelation that will surprise no one it most definitely did not disappoint. Although it’s obvious to see why the Maldives is such a popular destination for honeymooners and families, after spending a week by myself enjoying all the resorts had to offer I can confirm that there is more than enough to entertain the solo traveller. At no point did I feel like I was trying to fill the absence of someone else, I simply embraced my own company and found contentment in it. Let's face it, it would be hard not to when you're lounging in paradise.
Turquoise Holidays (www.turquoiseholidays.co.uk 01494 678400) offers a week’s holiday from £4,799 per person combining 3 nights at Constance Moofushi in a Beach Villa on an all-inclusive meal plan and 3 nights at Constance Halaveli in a Water Villa on a Bed & Breakfast meal plan. Includes return flights, seaplane transfers and a direct speedboat from Constance Moofushi to Constance Halaveli Based on two people travelling. Further details on Constance Hotels on www.constancehotels.com
