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FIYA Magazine by Villa Air: The Ultimate Guide to Bucket List Experiences in the Maldives

We're constantly looking for bucket-list experiences to explore in the sunny side of life.

A visit to the Maldives itself is a bucket-list experience for many. From honeymoons to anniversaries, the Maldives is one of the most romantic destinations to explore. The country, however, is not just for the lovebirds to explore. Maldives islands and resorts have the experience to create unforgettable memories for every type of traveller. Villa Air recently showcased some of the perfect bucket-list destinations to visit to craft your Maldives experience. In the latest Villa Air inflight magazine issue, travellers can read about experiences for friends, families, couples, and even solo travellers!

Exploring the Local Islands with FIYA Magazine

Although Maldives resorts are popular for their beautiful and luxurious villas, there is something uniquely beautiful about local islands. You’re getting a budget-friendly experience without compromising on the white sandy beaches, azure waters, or even the lush greenery. If anything, local islands bring a touch more culture and vibrancy. From the friendly islanders to exploring something unique to each island, local islands are their own unique experiences. Here are some of the beautiful destinations, as recommended by the magazine for travellers to explore:

  • Maafushi – This is truly one of the most popular local islands. Located near Male’ City, Maafushi is a vibrant island filled with art, culture and beautiful hotels to explore. While one side of the island feels more like a resort, travellers can also explore the local side!
  • Fehendhoo – Tucked away in Baa Atoll, Fehendhoo is the perfect place to explore crystal-clear waters. In addition to being extremely beautiful, this small island has some of the friendliest locals you could meet!
  • Dhigurah – Dhigurah features those beautiful powdery beaches we all dream of visiting. While you’re on this island, you can also book an excursion to amazing destinations like Hanifaru Bay!
  • Thulusdhoo – This island is a surfer’s dream destination! the laid-back vibes and amazing surfing spot make this destination a surf enthusiast’s paradise. If you’re a cat lover, Thulusdhoo also houses some of the most adorable cats you’ll meet in the Maldives.
  • Huraa – Huraa and Thulusdhoo are both located in close proximity to each other. So if you’re looking for an island hopping experience, a stay in Huraa and a day visit to Thulusdhoo will make for the perfect trip.
  • Gulhi – This small island is perfect for anyone looking for an island near Male’ that isn’t too packed with tourists. Gulhi is the perfect place to interact with some locals and enjoy peaceful days by the beach.

Every Traveller Must Have These Experiences!

If you’re looking to explore the most scenic islands of the Maldives you must visit Baa Atoll! The Atoll is a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve homing to some of the most vibrant coral reefs and aquatic wonders of the world. If you watched ‘Love in the Maldives’ you already know a trip to Vaavu Atoll is a must. This one is for adventure travellers. From dolphin watching to shipwrecks, everything in Vaavu is an adventure. And as we all know, an Excursion is an absolute must. Whether you’re visiting a resort or a local island, try to book at least one excursion trip. It could be sunset dolphin watching, fishing or even island hopping. There is something quite magical about this experience.

Don’t Miss out on these Resort Experiences

If you’re looking for a romantic and unforgettable resort experience, book a stay at Seaside Finolhu Baa Atoll. This beautiful resort offers a beach bubble, perfect for creating lifelong memories. This intimate retreat setting feels like a glamping experience in the Maldives. Couples can enjoy the starlit nights of the Maldives and enjoy private beach dinners and breakfasts!

While you’re in the Maldives, book a romantic photoshoot with IM Studio. Whether you’re looking to create reels or capture the perfect picture, IM Studio elevates your experience. Go home with the perfect memories from your trip by booking with the amazing team that always delivers.

Whether you’re visiting Anantara, Soneva, CROSSROADS, SO/ Maldives or even Finolhu, don’t miss out on the overwater villa experience. A stay in an overwater villa in the Maldives is truly unique. You’re surrounded by the most beautiful waters and views one cannot forget!

If you’re taking a Villa Air flight to your next destination, dive into these bucket list experiences with the FIYA Magazine!

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Latest

Why the Maldives Remains the World’s Most Dreamed-Of Destination in 2025

Why visit Maldives in 2025 - SAii Lagoon Maldives

It’s 2025, and the world has never felt smaller—jet-setting across continents is easier, Instagram feeds are overflowing with breathtaking locales, and travel lists have expanded to every hidden gem imaginable. Yet, in the midst of this global wanderlust, one place continues to rise above the rest. The Maldives isn’t just holding onto its title—it’s redefining what a dream destination looks like. But why? Why visit Maldives in 2025 What makes these tiny islands in the Indian Ocean consistently capture our imaginations and remain so deeply etched on our travel bucket lists?

To answer that, we need to look beyond the obvious

The Power of Perception—and Reality

When we think “Maldives,” what flashes into the mind is crystal-clear turquoise water, thatched-roof water villas, and candle-lit dinners under infinite stars. However, the secret to the Maldives’ enduring appeal isn’t just surface-level beauty. It’s the way it lives up to, and often exceeds, those lofty expectations. There’s a reason these islands so frequently grace the pages of Forbes Travel Guide and win top-tier TripAdvisor accolades. These aren’t empty praises; they’re affirmations from travelers who’ve seen the world—and still say, “this place is different.”

Indeed, it is.

While other tropical destinations might offer beaches, the Maldives offers immersion. Here, you’re not just visiting paradise—you’re living in it, if only for a little while. The separation from the mainland world, the silence of the sea, the way your footprints are the only ones in the sand… that experience is increasingly rare in today’s tourism-heavy hotspots. It’s not just escapism. It’s reconnection. And people are craving that more than ever.

Privacy as the New Luxury

Building on that sense of immersion, the Maldives also stands out for how it redefines luxury—not through excess, but through privacy. In a world hyper-aware of space and privacy, the Maldives has become a front-runner in catering to what today’s traveler truly wants: exclusivity, serenity, and space to breathe. Each resort, often its own private island, offers a sense of seclusion that’s almost impossible to replicate elsewhere.

This shift isn’t merely about avoiding crowds, it’s about psychological freedom. Imagine waking up with the ocean lapping beneath your bungalow and not hearing a single car, not seeing a high-rise, not checking your phone for traffic updates. That kind of peace has become priceless in the digital age. Therefore, the Maldives doesn’t just offer a vacation—it offers a detox from modern life.

Sustainability Meets Sophistication

Moreover, what’s also elevating the Maldives in 2025 is its commitment to sustainability without compromising luxury. In fact, many travelers are now choosing the Maldives because of how it’s tackling environmental issues. Resorts are integrating coral regeneration projects, zero-waste systems, solar energy, and marine conservation programs directly into the guest experience. You don’t just stay—you learn, contribute, and leave with a deeper sense of place.

That level of conscientiousness resonates strongly with modern travelers. The dream destination of today isn’t just beautiful—it’s responsible. And in the Maldives, the fusion of sustainability and sophistication feels seamless, not forced.

More Than Just a Honeymoon Haven

Adding to its layered appeal, the Maldives is also shedding the “just for couples” label. Yes, it’s the poster child for romance, and it wears that badge well. But it’s also become more versatile than people realize. Families, solo travelers, wellness seekers, fitness enthusiasts, adventure junkies—they’re all here. Whether you’re snorkeling with manta rays, indulging in holistic spa rituals, or dining under the sea (literally), the Maldives caters to a surprisingly wide range of interests.

So, in other words, it’s not just about who you travel with. It’s about how deeply you want to feel transformed by where you go.

The Intangible Element

Even with all those tangible advantages, there’s one more reason the Maldives remains on top, something less quantifiable, but no less powerful. Here’s the part that’s harder to define but arguably the most important. The Maldives isn’t just a destination; it’s a feeling. It’s that breath you didn’t realize you were holding. It’s the slow exhale as the sun sets in colors you didn’t know existed. It’s the weightlessness of drifting over coral gardens and the quiet joy of being somewhere utterly unlike anywhere else.

Ultimately, it’s why people save for years to come here. Why they propose here. Celebrate here. Return here.

Where the Dream Becomes Reality

All things considered, in 2025 when options are endless and travelers more discerning than ever—the Maldives still calls to the dreamers. Not just because it’s beautiful, but because it delivers something deeper. Emotional escape, unmatched luxury, environmental awareness, and the rarest kind of silence.

That’s why, even as new destinations rise in popularity, the Maldives continues to top wish lists and award charts alike. Because when people close their eyes and picture the ultimate getaway, they still see those islands.

And honestly—how could they not?

Feature Image: SAii Lagoon Maldives, Curio Collection by Hilton

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