Maldives Resort Close to Airport

Q: We would like to celebrate our wedding anniversary at a resort in the Maldives. We want a resort situated close to the airport, with a speedboat transfer time of less than 20 minutes. Could you recommend a luxury resort within 20kms of the airport? - Simon De Waal

A: Resorts that could fit your requirements are the Banyan Tree Maldives, the Four Seasons Resort, Soneva Gili and the Taj Exotica Resort. For those wanting a quick transfer to their hotel, one of the best choices is the Taj Exotica Resort. You will be whisked from the airport for the five kilometre boat ride to the resort - and can be having your first cocktail while others are still contemplating their transfer. Just as close is the spectacular Soneva Gili Resort on Lankanfushi island, the first all overwater resort in the Maldives. It also lies a few minutes boat ride from the airport. If elegance is your thing, you can't do better than the Banyan Tree Maldives, located 17kms from the airport on Vabbinfaru Island. Another resort offering five-star service and facilities close to the airport is the fabulous Four Seasons on Kudu Haraa Island. If you find these hotels a tad pricey but still want five-star comfort, you can try the Anantara Resort (19kms), the Angsana Resort (17kms) and the Sheraton Maldives Full Moon Resort (6kms). Two all-inclusive resorts that offer great value are Club Faru on Farukolhufushi (a former Club Med only a seven minute trip from the airport) and Club Med Kanifinolhu (19kms). Other more wallet-friendly choices include Bandos Island Resort (7kms), Kurumba Maldives (3kms) and the Paradise Island Resort (10kms). You can find a full list of resorts and their distance from the airport on www.mymaldives.com and a detailed and authoritative report on resorts on the http://www.smarttravelasia.com/maldives.htm website. (14/8/11)