I've been lucky enough to go to the Maldives not once, but twice and can honestly say it is my favourite destination. The weather is perfect (not too hot, but always warm), food is amazing (imagine eating at a five star restaurant for every meal). My highlight though is the snorkelling (it's so good I never needed to scuba dive). Most people tend to spend around seven days in the Maldives, so I’ve combined the idyllic Island destination with a stopover in Singapore and then a few days in Dubai on the way home.
Singapore is a fantastic gateway to the Maldives (it’s an easy five hour flight to get from Singapore to Male airport)
I've chosen to stay at the legendary Shangri-La Singapore near Orchard Road (Singapore’s shopping mecca). The Obama's (and countless other celebs) stayed at Shangri-La Singapore when they were there. (If you'd rather a more resort vibe, Shangri-La in Sentosa is another great option)...
Insider Tip - Get a GoCity Singapore pass (you can buy for 2, 3 or 4 days) - that will give you unlimited access to all the best attractions.
An absolute must is Gardens by the Bay, the natural eco-system allows the domes to stay incredible cool even in the Singapore heat. Check out the Singapore Zoo and also take a River Cruise (all covered in the GoCity pass). For lunch, stop by Blue Label Pizza while Fat Prince Kafe-Bar is also one not to be missed.
For day two, spend some time on Sentosa Island (just a few minutes from Singapore itself), home to Universal Studios, Madame Tussauds and the SkyHelix. Also don’t forget to check out one of Singapore’s famous Hawker Markets (but try to avoid peak times because getting a table can be tricky).
There are so many incredible resorts in the Maldives, but for families I love COMO Cocoa Island. It has loft villas - perfect for families, giving adults a bit more privacy (without needing to pay for a full two bedroom villa). COMO is also a 40 minute boat ride from Malé, so it’s an easier commute without the need for a seaplane.
The LE package also includes breakfasts, dinners, massages, late checkout and early check-in, plus unlimited yoga classes. Enjoy taking the next five nights at your own pace - you're on island time now!
I'd allow an hour a day to snorkel and make sure you ask one of the experts where the best reef break is (that's where the reef bed drops and where you can find the best marine life and the most amazing coral and marine life you'll ever see). Fish of every colour, small sharks, rays, stunning green coral, it's magic.
Finally, spend a few days in Dubai on the way home to enjoy some mouth-watering food and go to some of the world's best waterparks.
I've chosen the iconic Atlantis, The Palm in an Imperial Club Queen Room (so plenty of room for the kids and get Club Access as well!). After your flight, pop downstairs to the Wavehouse Dubai to wear the kids out before bed.
Visit the incredible waterpark next door and spend the day racing down the water slides (all Atlantis guests get free access to the Aquaventure waterpark).