Maldives Magic: Sun, Sea, and Surprises

By Gilly Bachelor

I’ve just returned from the Maldives, and honestly, it’s hard to put into words. Turquoise waters, powder-white beaches, overwater villas—paradise doesn’t even begin to cover it.

I returned to Cora Cora Maldives, having visited last year on an ‘educational’ visiting four resorts. I loved it so much I wanted to come back—and this time, bring my husband. Our sunset water villa was perfect for us. Spacious, comfortable, and with a deck that led straight into the lagoon, it was a lovely spot to unwind and soak up the views. Even sitting with a morning coffee and watching a turtle glide past felt like a luxury.

The underwater world is simply extraordinary. I’ve never been much of a snorkeller, but here, it was impossible not to be. Floating with a shoal of fish, spotting the most colourful marine life, and even having a shark swim by—it was thrilling, humbling, and utterly unforgettable.

Some of the most magical moments were completely unexpected. A shooting star streaking across the night sky, a private outdoor cinema on the beach—just sand beneath our feet, stars above, and a favourite film playing. Spending time with the resident marine biologist and getting a behind-the-scenes tour—learning about coral restoration and the inner workings of the resort—was equally fascinating.

The spa team deserves a special mention too—they were fabulous. Our daily treatments were the perfect way to balance adventure with indulgence and left us feeling completely spoilt and refreshed.

So, what makes the Maldives so special? It’s the combination of natural beauty, incredible wildlife, thoughtful luxury, and personal touches that make every day feel extraordinary. Overwater villas, pristine reefs, private beaches, magical sunsets—there really is nowhere else like it. Unlike a standard beach resort, where hotels, restaurants, and sunbeds are lined up together, here the villas are spaciously set across the island, giving you privacy and peace. Even on a busy day, when the resort was almost full, we rarely saw more than a handful of people on the beach.

Our days started with coffee on the deck, followed by a workout in the excellent gym, breakfast, and then time exploring the island and snorkelling on the reef. Lunch was followed by some relaxation and spa time, before sunset drinks on the deck and pre-dinner drinks. The only buffet is at breakfast, so you get to enjoy both an al le carte lunch and dinner!

Tips for the perfect trip: We stayed nine nights but wished we could have lingered longer—next time, it will be two weeks. We visited in November, and the weather was perfect. If you’re travelling between May and October, I recommend staying as long as possible, as you may encounter a rare rainy day, but even then, the sunshine returns quickly.