Lily Beach Resort & Spa

Ahh, Lily Beach. We first visited three years ago, thinking it would be a once-in-a-lifetime trip. This year marked our third stay—and we’ve already booked again for next year. We’re clearly not the only ones who feel this way; every visit we see familiar faces, because the resort has that kind of pull. The free flow champagne package certainly helps too! From the all-inclusive food and drinks package to the stunning views and incredible staff, Lily Beach manages to wow us every single time. We stay in an overwater bungalow, and it’s just magical—beautiful rooms with thoughtful separation from neighbours. This year we noticed more maintenance and touch-ups happening around the villas, which was great to see. Considering the complexity of running a resort where absolutely everything has to be brought in by boat, it’s impressive how well they manage it all. Special mentions to some of the staff. Jaleel in the main restaurant—he always makes us feel so welcome and goes above and beyond to ensure we have an amazing stay. Also a big thank-you to Sene, Siraj and Binoi in the Spirit Bar, and Sope & Sisira at Aqua. I also love diving in the beautiful Maldivian waters, and the dive team has been fantastic every single year. They organise everything—from gear to dive sites to pairing me with a buddy when needed. All you have to do is show up, put on your gear, and dive. Afterward, they take care of everything, hand you a towel and offer water, tea or coffee. It’s diving at its best. A personal thank-you to the team this year—Atheef, Muneer, Svenja, Ludwig, Col and Alessia—for making this trip extra special. They truly are a credit to the island and consistently go the extra mile. I’ve had the best time diving here year after year. There are many islands and experiences in the Maldives, but Lily Beach continues to tick every box for me—package, accommodation, and outstanding customer experience. It’s everything I look for in a holiday. If you’re considering a trip, my advice is: don’t! I’d like to keep the booking competition to a minimum.