Indulge in the ultimate tropical escape in the Maldives, staying at the most luxurious all-inclusive overwater villa. From relaxing on pristine beaches to thrilling underwater adventures, this itinerary offers the perfect balance of relaxation and excitement for everyone. 

The perfect 5 night itinerary in the luxurious Maldives?

This will, of course, depend on your departure location. For me, traveling from a small city in Australia meant first flying to a larger city in my state, then to Singapore, and finally to Malé. If possible, I highly recommend flying with Singapore Airlines. We flew business class, but return economy fares can be as low as $1,000 AUD per person. Another option is to bundle your flights with your accommodation when booking, which can sometimes be more convenient.

The dry season typically runs from November to April, which is also the busiest and slightly more expensive time to visit. However, in recent years, rainfall during this period has been more frequent than expected. Early January 2025 saw quite a bit of rain, but by the time we arrived on the 18th, the weather had cleared up. During our five night stay, it only rained late on the last night. While the dry season is generally your best bet for good weather, it’s never a guarantee. So, plan accordingly but be prepared for anything.

I can’t recommend booking with this company enough! Signing up is free, and while the membership price varies (I paid $249 AUD), it’s absolutely worth it. In fact, becoming a member is actually cheaper than booking without one and you can cancel right after your stay.

Luxury Escapes

We had an early breakfast, savoring every last bite before rushing back to pack our things. Our butler arrived to collect our bags, giving us a few final moments to soak in the breathtaking view from our villa. 

My Birthday!! I woke up early, hoping to finally catch the sunrise. For the first time, after days of cloudy mornings, it was absolutely perfect. I sat outside, enjoying a quiet cup of tea while waiting for my boyfriend to wake up.

We started the morning with our usual ritual, followed by a relaxing swim with the rays right outside our villa, an experience that never got old.

I started the morning by laying our bedding over the outdoor net, making us tea and coffee from our kitchen, and settling in outside to enjoy the peaceful view.

We arrived at Malé Airport at 11am and the process of getting through customs was quick and seamless. From the moment we stepped outside, we were greeted by the friendly staff holding a sign with the name of the resort. They immediately confirmed our details, collected our luggage, and escorted us to the boat (200 metres away). It was only my partner and I on the boat ride to the resort. We were offered water during the short, scenic 10-minute journey. On arrival, we were captivated by the crystal-clear water. 

Prices for full board start at just under $9,000 AUD (excluding flights). I booked last minute, which ended up costing me thousands more. So I highly recommend booking in advance!

Upon reaching the resort, we were welcomed by more friendly staff and introduced to our butler, who guided us through the check-in process over a refreshing welcome drink. After completing some paperwork and receiving our key, we were whisked away on a buggy for a tour of the property. To our delight, we were able to check in three hours early. When we arrived at our villa, our luggage was already waiting for us. Our butler took the time to show us around and explain how everything worked. There is a link via your mobile phone where you can access all information for your stay, from ordering room service, to making dinner reservations, to booking activities. You will also exchange numbers with your butler which will enable you to message for all your needs.  The villa was beyond what we imagined, the photos don’t do it justice. 

As soon as we arrived, we wasted no time. We jumped into our swimmers, popped open a complimentary bottle of champagne, and soaked in the excitement of being there. From our deck, we spotted a stingray gliding through the water, so naturally, we jumped straight in for a close up encounter. After a refreshing swim in the crystal-clear ocean, we ordered room service for lunch and enjoyed our meal outside.

The resort we stayed at was SO Maldives, located on a charmingly small island. Its size added to its appeal. There are no shops, which created a peaceful, non-commercial atmosphere. The island features two restaurants, a beach club, and a bar, offering a variety of dining and relaxation options. The accommodation includes stunning overwater villas on both sides of the island, as well as land villas tucked away behind palm trees. Everything is within a close proximity. 

For activities, there’s a water sports zone on the beach where you can play games or book excursions. Fitness enthusiasts will appreciate the small gym with oceanfront views, while the spa next door offers ultimate relaxation. There’s even a doctor’s clinic which I had to go to during my stay which all worked out well. And, of course, the island is surrounded by the pristine ocean, allowing you to swim wherever and whenever you desire. There’s wifi access everywhere and all purchases outside of inclusions are charged to your room which will be paid at the end of your stay. 

For reference, I booked five nights in an Ocean Water Villa for two adults, and all the prices I mention in this guide will be based on that. You’ll have the option to choose between half board and full board, and honestly, we regret not choosing full board. Half board doesn’t include lunch or alcohol, so if you enjoy a drink and prefer not to skip lunch, I’d highly recommend going for full board. The price difference is around $1,500 AUD, which might sound like a lot, but once you factor in daily meals and cocktails, it really adds up.

Once your booking is confirmed, the company will request your flight details. After providing this information, everything should run smoothly from there.

As someone who can be a bit picky with food, I always worry about eating in new countries. But let me tell you… every single meal during our stay was a 10/10. I still can’t get over how incredible the food was!

Breakfast includes an unlimited buffet with all you can eat and drink options, plus the ability to order endlessly off the menu. When I say they have everything, I truly mean it. You can choose to sit inside with air conditioning or outside, practically on the beach (no reservations needed). 

For lunch, you can enjoy classics like burgers, chips, and pizzas. Dinner is a bit more special, with two main restaurants to choose from:

	•	The Citronelle Club – A fusion of Asian culinary traditions with French flair.

	•	Hadaba – A Middle Eastern feast with rich flavors and authentic dishes.

An entree, main and dessert each is all included. There are options to pay extra if you’d like a nice steak or lobster etc. It’s best to book dinner in advance using the link I mentioned earlier, or simply ask your butler to include it in your itinerary. We alternated between the two restaurants each night. Also, keep an eye out for special dining events- some nights feature buffets and other experiences.

Let’s start with what’s included. Head over to the water sports zone, where you can pick up a bag with flippers and a snorkel to use throughout your stay and return upon departure. You’ll also have access to both single and double kayaks, as well as a paddle boat (which, trust me, is much harder than it looks.) Your package also includes a dolphin cruise, which is just a short 15-minute boat ride to see these incredible creatures and they really put on a show for us! Plus, there’s a guided snorkeling experience, which takes you to a nearby reef for an underwater adventure. 

Now, onto the extras. If you’re looking for even more excitement, there are plenty of activities to choose from, including; diving, snorkeling with marine life, sea bobs, paddle boarding, windsurfing & kitesurfing, wakeboarding & wake fooling, jet skiing, parasailing & sailing, tubing… and so much more! There’s no shortage of ways to enjoy the water. 

We started the day with a scenic ride to breakfast, where we over-indulged. We stayed for a while, trying things from the buffet and tasting our way through the menu. 

Next, we decided to check out the gym. Grabbing the bikes waiting for us at our villa’s doorstep, we cycled just two minutes to the fitness center. Though small, it had everything we needed, with large glass windows facing the beach. With cold water and fresh towels readily available, it was a great little spot to workout. 

After getting all hot and sweaty, we rode back to our villa and jumped straight into the water again before getting ready for the evening. Our butler had kindly booked our first dinner at Citronelle, offering us a lift, but we were eager to ride our bikes instead, just a three minute ride. When we arrived, a beautifully set candlelit table on the beach was available, and of course, we took it. I ordered pasta, while my boyfriend went for steak (which came at an extra cost). We sipped cocktails, admired the ocean view, and waited for our food. And when dinner arrived? Absolutely incredible!

Afterward, we wandered next door to the Beach Club, where we lounged on the cabanas, listening to the DJ and enjoying the relaxed atmosphere. But after a long day of travel, we called it a night and rode back to our villa. I finished off the perfect first day with a hot bath and a movie before going to sleep.

After finishing breakfast, we rode back to the villa to let our stomachs settle. Naturally, that meant it was time for a mini photo shoot. My boyfriend had no choice but to play photographer before we set off for the day.

If you have the budget for it, this truly is an unforgettable holiday. I initially thought it might be overhyped, but I can honestly say I loved every single part of it.

Thanks for reading, I hope you enjoyed! Follow me on Instagram @lydia.jenkins to keep up to date on my travels 

We decided to take a short walk to a tiny shop near the lobby, where I found a beautiful stingray pendant for my chain. While we were there, the bar caught our eye… because hey, it’s never too early for a cocktail, right? We sat down for a drink before making our way to the Beach Club, where we enjoyed even more cocktails, swam in the pool, and ordered lunch while lounging in a cabana. The staff made sure we were comfortable, bringing over icy cold water, refreshing towels, and face mist to help with the heat.

After lunch, we wandered outside the Beach Club and discovered some fun games set up on the sand. We played bocce, cornhole, and volleyball, which was so much fun. Being both active and competitive, we loved just messing around and challenging each other.

As the evening approached, we headed back to the villa and relaxed on our deck, watching stingrays, blacktip sharks, and schools of fish swim by. We couldn’t resist, so we grabbed our snorkels and jumped in for a quick swim with them. 

Later, we got ready for dinner, took a few more photos, and called for a buggy to take us to Hadaba for dinner. They had a special on for the night, so we ordered that, and let’s just say I was not disappointed! The food was amazing, and after a few too many glasses of wine, we stumbled back to our villa and passed out for the night.

Still in our PJs, we rode over to breakfast, where we were pleasantly surprised as staff remembered our drink orders from the day before and asked if we’d like the same. Once again, we ate until we physically couldn’t anymore before heading back to our villa to change into our swimmers.

We decided to check out the water sports zone, where we managed to book the complimentary dolphin cruise for the evening. With the rest of the day free, we spent hours paddleboarding and kayaking under the hot sun. We also attempted the paddle boat, but quickly realized it was way more effort than expected and barely moved, so that plan didn’t last long.

By the time we wrapped up, the day had flown by, and we headed back to the villa to get ready for the dolphin cruise. When the time came, we waited in the lobby, sipping a drink, until the other couples arrived (6 people on the tour). Once everyone was there, we boarded the boat and set off in search of wild dolphins.

About 20 minutes in, we spotted a pod of dolphins leaping out of the water. They followed alongside our boat, occasionally flipping and jumping right beside us. As we watched, we were handed a glass of champagne and some nibbles, making it even more special. I only wish I could’ve jumped in with them!

That night, we had yet another incredible dinner, listened to the DJ for a bit, then caught a buggy back to our villa. Exhausted from the day, we decided to stargaze and have a cozy movie night…   perfect way to wind down.

By midday, we decided to see if there were any activities available to book. Luckily, the complimentary coral snorkeling trip had spots open, so we grabbed our gear and headed straight to the lobby. There were about 10 people on the boat, and the ride to the snorkeling site took less than 15 minutes.

Once in the water, we explored the beautiful coral reefs and various fish species. I was hoping to see some larger marine life, but unfortunately, none showed up this time. Still, it was a great experience, and the time we spent there was just enough to take it all in.

When we returned to the resort, my boyfriend secretly booked some activities for us for the next day, which made me even more excited for what was to come. Of course I made my boyfriend take some more photos for me along the beach, as you do while in the Maldives! The rest of the afternoon was all about downtime at the villa, just soaking in the surroundings.

For dinner, we headed to Citronelle, where they had a buffet night. There were live cooking stations, from a seafood grill to a pasta bar where you could customize your dish and have it cooked right in front of you. Don’t even get me started on the range of unreal desserts. I wish I could’ve eaten more because I truly didn’t want to stop! 

After dinner, we went to the Beach Club, grabbed a drink, and danced around on the sand listening to tbe DJ until we were ready for bed. 

Once he was up, we went straight to breakfast, filling up as usual. When we returned to our villa, I was met with the sweetest surprise. The staff had written ‘Happy Birthday’ and prepared a hot bubble bath with flowers. It was such a thoughtful touch that made my morning extra special.

Instead of biking to the water sports zone, we decided to snorkel straight from our villa. There wasn’t much to see, but it was a fun swim to start the day. We then spoke to the staff and decided to try the seabobs. They walked us into chest-deep water and showed us how to use them, but we got the hang of it almost immediately. Before long, we were diving and jetting through the water, it felt like underwater jet skiing! I made sure to tie my shorts very tight and wear a shirt… because the last thing I wanted was for them to fly off mid-ride.

Once our time was up, we rushed back to get ready for our excursion to swim with nurse sharks. As usual, we met at the lobby, joining about 10 other people before boarding the boat. The weather was perfect at first, but as we sailed out, the sky quickly turned dark and stormy. I was so disappointed, thinking this might ruin our chances of seeing the sharks.

We stopped in the middle of the ocean, surrounded by several other boats, and got our gear on. My boyfriend and I chose not to wear life jackets so we could free dive, but they were optional, and guides were there to assist anyone who needed help. At first, there were only fish, and I started to worry we wouldn’t see anything. It had stopped raining at this point, and suddenly, I saw my first shark. From that moment on, we were surrounded. Everywhere we turned, there were nurse sharks and rays swimming right beside us. It was absolutely magical. The only downside was how many people were in the water, but since only a few of us were comfortable diving, we were able to get incredible up-close moments while still respecting the animals. I didn’t want to leave!

On the way back, the rain came down hard, but instead of being bothered, we danced around on the boat, laughing about how unbelievable the experience had been. When we arrived back at the resort, it was cloudy but not raining.

Then my boyfriend surprised me again. He told me to get ready and wear something nice, so I quickly changed. Turns out, he had arranged for professional photos—something we’d never done before, but I’m so glad we did. The session was quick, easy, and complimentary, including one free photo. But, we ended up purchasing all 20 shots for $200 AUD totally worth it.

As dinner time approached, I of course changed outfits again and snapped a few more pictures. As we walked along the beach, I noticed a beautiful setup—a wooden frame draped with white curtains, lights all around, and a table for two right on the sand. I thought to myself, must be nice. 

Then my boyfriend led me toward it and said, “Happy Birthday.” I laughed, thinking he was joking, but then the staff greeted us and pulled out my chair. It was so romantic and to make it even better, there was a live band playing.

Our entrée arrived, beautifully plated and just as delicious as it looked. Then the rain came, and not just a drizzle. But instead of ruining the night, we just laughed while getting absolutely drenched. The amazing staff rushed over with umbrellas and towels, then quickly set up a big shade and closed the curtains around us. Apparently, they’d never done this before, usually they just cancel the dinner. But honestly? Dining in the rain, listening to the storm while tucked away in our private little setup, made it even more unique.

Our main course arrived, and it was one of the best steaks I’ve ever had. Then, to top it all off, the staff came out singing ‘Happy Birthday’ with a beautiful dessert, completely unfazed by the rain.

At the end of the night, we caught a buggy back to our villa. I had another hot bath and passed out while looking back at all the amazing footage I had captured throughout the day. 

Soon, it was time to go. We were transported back to the airport, where a staff member kindly carried our bags from the boat all the way to the check-in desk. With that, our unforgettable trip had come to an end, and we were officially on our way home. 

As you can tell from our itinerary, we were happy to take it slow and relax, but you can be as busy or as laid-back as you want. It’s the kind of place where pure luxury meets total freedom. The staff go above and beyond to ensure your stay is effortless, anticipating your needs before you even have to ask.

The food? Incredible. As soon as you finish your drink, someone is already there offering another, the service is impeccable,

Then there’s the scenery and let me tell you, it’s just as stunning as the pictures. The water is crystal clear, the beaches are pristine, and the marine life is right at your doorstep. Swimming alongside rays, sharks, and vibrant fish just steps from our villa was truly unforgettable.

So, why choose this destination over another? It’s pure luxury and one of the cleanest, most well-maintained places you’ll ever visit. There’s no rubbish, no pollution, and best of all no overwhelming tourist crowds. That, for me, was one of the biggest highlights.

If you’re considering it, plan ahead and book early to make it as affordable as possible, but I truly cannot recommend it enough.

Many people assume a trip to the Maldives is out of reach, but what if I told you it’s more affordable than you think? In this guide, I’ll take you through my full itinerary in detail, showing you exactly how you can experience the same dream vacation I did.

Picture five nights of all-inclusive luxury in an overwater villa at a world-class resort. Your own personal butler, unlimited gourmet buffets, top-tier service, and a wide range of activities at your fingertips.

Forget spending hours researching nearly 2,000 islands, stressing over whether your trip will live up to expectations, or endlessly comparing prices. I’ve done all the hard work for you, sharing firsthand insights so you can plan with confidence.

Save up, step out of your comfort zone, and indulge in nearly a week of pure luxury. 

The perfect 5 night itinerary in the luxurious Maldives?

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