Sun, Sea & Serenity: A Week in the Maldives

The Maldives is one of those dream destinations that feels almost unreal until you’re actually there. For us, the dream became reality when we stayed at the Pullman Maldives Maamutaa Resort, an all-inclusive paradise that gave us luxury, relaxation, and adventure all in one. Even better—we scored an incredible 50% off shoulder-season deal through VIP Traveler, which made this once-in-a-lifetime trip surprisingly affordable.

If you’re considering a trip to the Maldives, here’s everything you need to know about our experience—from the journey there, to the dining, activities, and why we can’t wait to go back.

Getting to the Pullman Maldives

Our Maldives adventure began with a quick two-hour flight from Sri Lanka. From there, the Pullman team handled every detail of the transfers, including booking our domestic flight to the island. They even managed to move us onto an earlier flight so we didn’t have to wait five hours for our original connection—a level of service that instantly put us at ease.

Once we landed, it was just a 20-minute speedboat ride across sparkling turquoise waters before we arrived at the resort. We were welcomed with drinks, warm smiles, and the kind of hospitality the Maldives is known for.

Staying in an Overwater Villa

Our home for the week was a luxurious overwater villa—something that truly lived up to the dream. The villa opened up to a private deck with lounge chairs, a plunge pool, and direct access to the lagoon. Waking up to endless ocean views and having the ability to slip into the water whenever we wanted was unforgettable. Honestly, we could have spent the entire trip just in our villa and been perfectly happy.

Dining at Pullman Maldives

One of the standout features of the Pullman Maldives was the incredible dining options. The resort has:

• Five restaurants, each with its own theme and vibe.

• A food hall offering multiple cuisines in one place.

• Rotating special perks like themed dinners and tastings that kept meals exciting.

The food was consistently excellent—fresh seafood, international flavors, and unique menus that made every meal feel special. It was far from the typical “all-inclusive buffet” experience and one of the highlights of our stay.

Activities and Experiences

While the Maldives is often associated with pure relaxation, the Pullman offered plenty of activities for when we wanted a little adventure:

• Pickleball and tennis courts for a fun way to stay active.

• Free snorkel gear rental for the entire week—perfect for exploring reefs whenever we felt like it.

• Bikes to cruise around the island with ease.

• Water sports like paddleboarding and jet skiing.

Whether we were snorkeling with colorful fish, biking to breakfast, or simply lounging by our villa pool, there was always something to do at our own pace.

Why We Loved It

Between the dreamy overwater villa, the amazing dining experiences, and the mix of activities, our trip to the Pullman Maldives was one of the most relaxing vacations we’ve ever taken. Everything—from the seamless transfers to the thoughtful touches—made the entire experience effortless.

The Maldives is a destination that truly lives up to the hype, and staying at the Pullman made it even more memorable. We left already talking about when we’ll return—because once you’ve experienced paradise like this, it’s impossible not to want to go back.