A Moms Getaway & Oceanfront Dream
“Our best friend trip 2024 was an absolute dream, and we closed it out in the most surreal way possible: Floating in the middle of the Indian Ocean in the Maldives”
Located in the North Malé Atoll, we spent our final days at the VARU by Atmosphere resort, and let me tell you, it was everything you’d imagine paradise to be…and more.
Welcome to VARU: Overwater Villas & Ocean Views
The moment we landed at Malé airport, we were greeted by the VARU team and whisked away on a luxury 45-minute speedboat ride across crystal blue waters. As we stepped onto the island, we were met with a live Maldivian performance, champagne toasts, and a welcome that instantly felt like home.
We stayed in our own private overwater villa with a plunge pool, complete with twice-a-day room cleanings and bar/snack restocks. The villa was pure bliss. Imagine walking barefoot from your bed straight into the ocean.
Explore VARU by Atmosphere: https://varu-atmosphere.com
All-Inclusive Everything: The VARU Plan
We chose the VARU Plan, and I cannot recommend it enough. It included:
- Unlimited gourmet meals & drinks (alcoholic & non-alcoholic)
- Four on-site restaurants to choose from
- In-room bar/snacks restocked twice daily
- Daily snorkeling excursions
- Unlimited water sports: jet skiing, kayaking, paddle boarding
- Night fishing & stargazing trips
- Massages included. Yes, please!
Everything was booked through our own personal online itinerary portal where we could view menus, schedule excursions, and keep track of the trip. The attention to detail was a chef’s kiss.
Sea Life, Sharks & Coral Reefs
This trip brought us face-to-face with the beauty of the ocean:
We swam with nurse sharks and white-tip reef sharks (safely and confidently)
We snorkeled with sea turtles and colorful coral gardens
Every moment in the water felt like we were living inside a documentary
And somehow, I felt completely safe the entire time. The guides and crew were knowledgeable, hilarious, and so respectful of both the guests and the ocean itself.
Spa Days & Cultural Nights
Nothing beats a full-body massage with floor-to-ceiling ocean views. The spa experience was serene and rejuvenating, with calming music and Maldivian oils that left us glowing.
In the evenings, we enjoyed Maldivian cultural shows including the Boduberu performance, traditional cuisine, and a Maldivian culture and history lesson. The entertainment included everything from live violin to dance performances, elevating the trip to something unforgettable.
The People Make the Place
While the water, food, and adventures were unforgettable, what touched me most was the Maldivian people. Everyone, from the servers to the excursion guides, was genuine, joyful, and humble. Always smiling. Always laughing. You could feel the pride they have in their culture and their islands. They weren’t just employees, they were storytellers, guardians of the sea, and true ambassadors of warmth.
A Thoughtful Note: Climate & Conservation
Did you know the Maldives could be largely uninhabitable by 2050 due to rising sea levels? With an elevation of only 1.5 meters above sea level, climate change poses a real threat to this island nation. It was humbling and eye-opening to experience its beauty while understanding the urgency of preserving it. This trip reminded me not only to explore, but to protect.
