Have we established I’m a fortunate person?\u00a0 Because I am.\u00a0 I’ve been able to visit each of these places in the past four years.\u00a0 While these locations might seem a great distance for many, they are also all obvious considerations for honeymoons, destination weddings, and vacations (especially given their distance from the GCC, where I’ve called home since 2007).\u00a0 While Hubs and I were recently traveling, I began to compare where we stayed, what made it work and why I would go back.<\/p>\n

I’m nothing if not scientific<\/del>, and thus have tried to break down my results in a more quantitative way.<\/p>\n

How far<\/strong> (roughly from DXB, AUH, or DOH)<\/em>?<\/strong><\/p>\n

\n
1. Maldives – 4 hours on direct flight, 30-45 minutes on small prop plane, 15-20 minutes on boat to actual resort (may vary based on property, but this is the general idea)<\/li>\n
2. Sri Lanka – 4.5 hours on direct flight, 2-3 hours driving through country (potentially longer)<\/li>\n
3. Boracay – 8 hours on direct flight to Manila, 1 hour flight to Boracay, car ride to boat, boat to island (it’s a hassle, but kind of a fun one, if you’re up for the adventure)<\/li>\n
4. Seychelles – 4 hours on direct flight, 20-30 minutes to resort by car<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

   Winner?<\/strong>\u00a0<\/em> Seychelles.\u00a0 This is a very clear cut category.\u00a0 The flight times for the Maldives and Seychelles vary out of the GCC, but most tend to be an easy morning flight arriving afternoon.\u00a0 The Manila flights can be a bit hectic – I flew out at 2AM.<\/p>\n

   Properties?<\/strong>\u00a0 I will of course point out here that there are ENDLESS possibilities depending on your budget.\u00a0 I’ve outlined where we stayed and why we chose the hotels and resorts\u00a0we did.
   \n<\/strong><\/p>\n

   \n
   1. Reethi Beach Resort<\/a>, Maldives – while I REALLY wanted to stay at the Constance Moofushi<\/a>, given we were traveling at a peak time (Christmas), the option to stay at this all inclusive resort was a good choice.\u00a0 If we went back to the Maldives, I would look for full board\/all inclusive options only.\u00a0 The last thing you want to do on holiday is worry about $7 cokes (I’m looking at you, Le Meridien<\/a>). \u00a0Given the lower price point, we were able to spend our time in an over the water villa.<\/li>\n
   2. The Fortress<\/a>, Galle – literally one of the most relaxing places I’ve ever been.\u00a0 We opted for a bit higher standard of room<\/a> – not only was it HUGE, but the whole experience was something I’ve not really experienced since.\u00a0 I completely\u00a0checked out while we were on site.<\/li>\n
   3. Shangri-La Boracay<\/a> – after a bit of a snafu with the classification of room we were booked into, we finally made it into the 1 bedroom villa which I had initially reserved.\u00a0 We weren’t disappointed.\u00a0 This was the kind of room I could literally live in – beautiful, stylish, complete with an immense and secluded outdoor space, I really didn’t want to leave.<\/li>\n
   4. Le Meridien Fisherman’s Cove<\/a>, Seychelles – I’ve covered this recently<\/a>, but the service and room (especially in comparison with above) simply doesn’t compare. \u00a0The property itself is nice enough with killer views, but is lacking.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

      Winner?<\/strong><\/em> It’s a very tough call between the Shang’s 1 bedroom villa<\/a>, the right on the Indian Ocean water villa and the very spacious Fortress, but I’ll give the tip here to Boracay. \u00a0The Shangri-La knows what they are doing.<\/p>\n

      Natural beauty?\u00a0<\/strong> This is completely objective by me, your experiences might be different.<\/p>\n

      Remote island.\u00a0 Wildlife everywhere.\u00a0 Shoes optional.<\/p>\n

      <\/a>