Heather Mitchell's Guide to the Maldives

Actor and writer Heather Mitchell (and co-host of the new season of Luxury Escapes: The World's Best Holidays) shares her insider knowledge and favourite moments in the Maldives.

Australian actor Heather Mitchell knows a thing or two about being spellbound, but nothing could prepare her for the Maldives. On her travels through paradise for the all-new season of Luxury Escapes: The World’s Best Holidays, Heather discovers what makes the archipelago an unbeatable once-in-a-lifetime escape. From unmatched sunrises to Mediterranean-inspired overwater villas and beachside dining under the night stars, Heather's got the inside scoop on what makes the Maldives so sensational.

Read on for her top moments.

Discover the Maldives

South Male Atoll, Maldives

Hard Rock Hotel Maldives

Iconic Hard Rock Maldives with Daily Breakfast, Nightly Dinner, Free-Flow Cocktail Hour & Roundtrip Speedboat Transfers

5 nights from

US$1,999 /studio

Valued up to US$4,736-58%

South Ari Atoll, Maldives

OUTRIGGER Maldives Maafushivaru Resort

Maldives OUTRIGGER Overwater Villa with Daily Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner, Nightly Drinks + Seaplane Transfers

5 nights from

US$4,599 /villa

Valued up to US$7,936-42%

Huvahendhoo, Maldives

Lily Beach Resort & Spa

Award-Winning Maldives Villa Luxury with All-Inclusive Dining, Unlimited Free-Flow Drinks & Roundtrip Malé Transfers

5 nights from

US$3,379 /villa

Valued up to US$6,300-32%

Huruelhi Island, Maldives

Radisson Blu Resort Maldives

Relax at the full-service spa, where you can enjoy massages, body treatments, and facials. After dipping into one of the 2 outdoor swimming pools, you can spend some time at the private beach. Additional amenities at this resort include complimentary wireless internet access, concierge services, and babysitting (surcharge).

Total of 5 nights, 2 adults from

US$2,845

Hakuraa Huraa, Maldives

Cinnamon Hakuraa Huraa Maldives - All Inclusive

Pamper yourself with a visit to the spa, which offers massages, body treatments, and facials. You can soak up the sun at the private beach or enjoy other recreational amenities including an outdoor pool and a fitness center. This hotel also features complimentary wireless internet access, concierge services, and gift shops/newsstands.

Total of 5 nights, 2 adults from

US$2,234

Maguhdhuvaa, Maldives

Ayada Maldives

Pamper yourself with a visit to the spa, which offers massages, body treatments, and facials. After a day at the private beach, you can enjoy other recreational amenities including an outdoor pool and a spa tub. Additional amenities at this resort include complimentary wireless internet access, concierge services, and babysitting (surcharge).

Total of 5 nights, 2 adults from

US$1,880

South Nilandhe Atoll, Maldives

Angsana Velavaru

Five-Star Maldives Escape on Secluded Turtle Island

3 nights from

US$601 /villa

Furanafushi Island, Maldives

Sheraton Maldives Full Moon Resort & Spa

Pamper yourself with a visit to the spa, which offers massages, body treatments, and facials. After dipping into one of the 2 outdoor swimming pools, you can spend some time at the private beach. Additional amenities at this resort include complimentary wireless internet access, concierge services, and babysitting (surcharge).

Total of 5 nights, 2 adults from

US$1,576

South Atoll, Maldives

LUX* South Ari Atoll

Top-Rated Five-Star Maldives Paradise with Two Infinity Pools & Eight Restaurants

3 nights from

US$636 /room

Valued up to US$1,506-43%

Looking for something else?

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View more Maldives escapes

Discover more about the Maldives on the new season of Luxury Escapes: The World’s Best Holidays, airing Tuesdays 8.30pm AEDT* on Foxtel Lifestyle and on demand on Binge and Network 10. *Check your local TV listings for details.

LE: If you were writing a postcard home about the Maldives, how would you describe it in one sentence? 

HM: This place is pure magic and I will never forget the colours, the vivid greens and incandescent blues. I was unaware of how many islands there are and how different the vegetation is, with stunningly unique architecture and interior design.   

LE: What were your favourite experiences of the trip?

HM: I absolutely loved the people, who were so welcoming and friendly. The flying fox at Soneva Fushi, which transports you to the treetop restaurant, was a very special experience. The dining experiences were all superb – especially the candlelit night beach dining at the water's edge at Soneva Jani. Stalls of different dishes  were stunningly presented along the pier and every flavour was exceptional.

LE: What was your most memorable sunset of the trip? 

HM: It was sunrise on an island a short distance from Patina Maldives that really captured my heart. We ate a breakfast of fresh produce on a tiny, sandy, secluded island watching the sun break over the horizon. It was glorious!

LE: What makes Soneva Fushi unique against other Maldives resorts?

HM: Soneva Fushi is a breathtaking journey along timber walkways suspended over water with magnificent private villas scattered along its edges. Lush vegetation and serene beaches surprise you as you continue further along its winding paths. 

Baa Atoll, Maldives

Soneva Fushi

Maldives Private Island Barefoot Luxury with the World's First Zipline Fine-Dining Experience

9.6Outstanding323 reviews

3 nights from

US$4,500

taxes & fees apply

Valued up to US$7,198-18%

View offer

Discover more about the Maldives on the new season of Luxury Escapes: The World’s Best Holidays, airing Tuesdays 8.30pm AEDT* on Foxtel Lifestyle and on demand on Binge and Network 10. *Check your local TV listings for details.

Looking for more inspiration? Check out 8 Unique Experiences in the Maldives.