6 Reasons Empty Nesters Should Visit the Maldives

Have your kids recently flown the coop? Are you getting restless with the quiet in the house? We’ve partnered with adventure, culture, and luxury traveler Dr. Cacinda Maloney from the blog PointsandTravel, as she reflects on her experience of being a new empty nester. She shows us how she uses travel — specifically to the Maldives — to make a difference in the noise levels of her house, mind, and soul.

As a recent empty nester myself, I acknowledge that life has completely changed! What was once someone else’s time is now my own. In the beginning, I cherished each moment. I couldn’t wait to get everything done that I had been wanting to do for years. Things like cleaning out a closet or organizing old photographs. But over time, I realized that doing all those “projects” wasn’t a lot of fun, nor did I get the satisfaction I wanted out of them. In a certain way, doing those things felt empty. That’s when I started thinking more about what I wanted to do with this new chapter of my life. Choosing “once in a lifetime” type of trips would be my way of doing it. I no longer wanted to daydream, but instead wanted to book and live the dream. Here is why empty nesters should book a dream trip to the Maldives ASAP!

#1 This is Something You Have Always Dreamed Of

Remember who you were before having kids? I know it is hard to recall after years of raising a family. But if you search way back in your mind, you can remember that you always dreamed of a tropical paradise. The Maldives is the definition of a tropical paradise. Every photograph of the Maldives looks as if they were taken out of the pages of a magazine. And it’s just as beautiful in person. With crystal blue waters stretching across the pristine white sand, a trip here will literally put you in the middle of a tropical beach postcard. You can easily find the perfect spot to take a photograph or have one taken of you!

Why Empty Nesters Should Visit the Maldives

Photo by PointsandTravel

TIP: You don’t have to stay in a thousand dollar per night resort to enjoy yourself. Since you are not there for your honeymoon, skip the super pricey rooms. There are spectacular resorts for a reasonable price, like Vilamendhoo Island Resort & Spa. Now the Maldives even has guest houses available near the capital city of Male that won’t break the bank.

#2 You Aren’t Getting Any Younger

Many empty nesters love to travel and to experience different cultures, food, and UNESCO world heritage sites, but occasionally the more exotic trips seem to sit better with your mind and soul. Sometimes you want to discover an island paradise. A place where you can jump into the turquoise blue waters right from your over-the-water bungalow. Why should this be reserved only for honeymooners? It seems that the Maldives has embraced its “once in a lifetime status” too and enjoys all types of travelers. Actually, I think they prefer the empty nesters, as we tend to be more hassle-free, less demanding, and just out for a little R&R!

Photo by PointsandTravel

Tip: Use public transportation instead of private seaplanes. Live like the locals and take the public water transportation. It may take a little longer, but it will get you there. (As an empty nester, you now have more time than you know what to do with anyway!)

#3 Secluded Luxury Does Amazing Things For Your Mind And Soul

There are incredible luxury resorts everywhere among the 200 inhabited islands of the Maldives, and at least half of them are quite remote and dedicated to luxury. This makes the density of people per island a lot less, thus creating an almost secluded adventure for you. I usually like to combine this with indulgent spa treatments, making the stay even more relaxing and enjoyable. These islands are a spa-lovers dream, so don’t overlook the fact that you could get some much-needed pampering in a secluded luxury location. Now when was the last time you got that?

Photo by PointsandTravel

#4 You Still Have An Adventurous Spirit

While you may have come to the Maldives to relax and unwind, you still have an adventurous spirit. We are older, but not THAT old. We love a little adventure, whether it is scuba diving/snorkeling, paddle boarding, or canoeing. Almost every resort island has its own personal reef for quick and easy access to these water sports. You should try out some of these complimentary water activities provided by your resort.

Photo by PointsandTravel

There are world-class diving/snorkeling spots in the Maldives. So do take a day to see the vast marine life that is under this gorgeous land. Places like Maaya Thila is a popular site to swim with whale sharks. Also, the locals know sites where there are massive gatherings of manta rays. Go to the dive shop on the island you are staying on and ask what is available for you.

Tip: Know that to get to these world-class diving and snorkeling sites, you must take a boat. That is why it doesn’t matter as much about where you stay.

#5 You Still Enjoy Learning About Different Cultures

You most likely you had no idea that there is a rich and exotic culture in the Maldives. Its local culture is made up of Sunni Muslims with an eclectic mix of influences from India, Sri Lanka, Pakistan, and other Arab Nations. The native language of Dhivehi is spoken here. A visit to the capital city of Male will give you a better understanding of its culture. You can visit places like the Presidential Palace, the Fish Market, and the National Museum. Although not as glamorous as the ultra-luxury resorts, it will give you an insight into the people who make up the Maldives nation.

Photo by PointsandTravel

#6 You Can Go Anytime You Choose

You are no longer confined to the typical school schedule, which usually includes higher priced airplane tickets and hotel stays. Also, more people are traveling on certain weeks of the year, based on school schedules. Now you can choose when to go based on when you want to go. You can go when the best flight times are, and when you can get the best price to fly and stay. This is now YOUR time and you can choose when you want to go. Only thing left to do is kick back and enjoy your newfound freedom!