Let’s play a game of ‘is this the Maldives?’
It’ll go something along the lines of “is this the Maldives?” “No.”
“Is this the Maldives?” “No.”
“OK surely this is the Maldives?!” “No.”
And then at the end of the newsletter we’ll show you the actual Maldives.
Ready? Go.
Greece
Kastos is ‘the Maldives of Greece’ with its white beaches and gently lapping turquoise water. However, Anti-Paxos and Kalamos would also give Kastos a run for its money with their beautiful snorkelling and water so tempting you can’t not dive in.
However, why settle for one ‘Maldives’ when you could have all three? On a One Way sailing route from Corfu to Kefalonia you can explore multiple islands on one holiday encompassing both the North and South Ionian and including stops in inspiring locations such as Kalamos, Anti-Paxos and Kastos.
Let your crew plan the most perfect of routes onboard your private yacht. And if swimming, snorkelling, waterskiing, wakeboarding, paddleboarding and sailing isn’t enough for you, we can organise rendezvous dives for the complete ‘Maldives’ of Greece experience.
Philippines and Borneo
Phenomenal diving and snorkeling in clear warm waters, luxurious bungalows, and powder–soft sand on private islands: Palawan is the Maldives of the Philippines.
Luxurious rooms on stilts over azure waters, mind-blowing diving and snorkeling, and of course it isn’t easy to access: Mabul is Borneo’s Maldives-like paradise.
Heavenly Vietnam
Off the south coast of Vietnam are a couple of idyllic islands with white sandy beaches and luxury resorts. Phu Quoc is the largest and we love the cluster of boutique hotels on long beach, with easy walking to evening dining options and the night market.
But the Regent is our favourite for retreating from the hustle and bustle. Expect modern, well equipped private pool villas, rooftop yoga, yacht trips and various restaurants all perched on the ocean. It’s no surprise our returning guests frequently comment its the best hotel they even stayed in.
Idyllic Sri Lanka
Just an hour away, Sri Lanka has the same glorious climate as the Maldives and it’s sunny somewhere on the island year-round. Choose a luxury stay on the south coast to snorkel, sunbathe and dine in style or mix it up with a tour of the country taking in cultural, scenic and safari stops too
Beautiful Mexico
Laguna Bacalar – also known as the lagoon of seven colors – can be compared to the Maldives, but with a unique charm of its own.
Located in the Yucatán Peninsula of Mexico, it boasts breathtaking shades of blue, ranging from deep indigo to the brightest turquoise. What sets this lagoon apart, besides its striking beauty, is the softness your skin feels after a swim in its mineral-rich, sweet waters.
Surrounded by lush jungle and peaceful atmosphere, Bacalar is a serene oasis perfect for those seeking relaxation, nature, and a truly unforgettable experience in a pristine paradise.
Or you could go to the actual Maldives of course….
Written by Carly Watling
Top Travel Tip
“Both Sri Lanka and the Maldives are amazing standalone – but a combination of the two is an addictive pairing. 10 days exploring the highlights of Sri Lanka hits culture, wildlife, breathtaking scenery and incredible food at a good pace, and then you can wind down with a few nights of luxury on the most perfect beaches in the world” – Carly, Asia Specialist
