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WHICH EXOTIC ISLAND IS THE BEST? Maldives vs. Fiji vs. Tahiti?

Updated: Nov 22, 2024


As a travel enthusiast, I have been fortunate enough to visit some of the world's most breathtaking destinations. Tahiti/Moorea, Fiji, and the Maldives are all incredible locations that offer unique experiences. No matter which one you choose, you are guaranteed to have an amazing adventure. Whether you're looking for crystal-clear waters, exotic marine life, or rich cultural experiences, these destinations have something for everyone. Let me help you plan your dream vacation today!


Maldives

We’re on a mission to explore the world’s most incredible destinations and bring them to you! Recently, I had the opportunity to visit the Maldives, and it was truly a life changing experience. Yes, the journey is a bit long, but the patience is well worth it once you arrive. The views from the sea plane transfer and the island experiences are simply incredible. Although the food may not be the highlight of your trip, the snorkeling, relaxation, and service will be next level. There are many more details on our Maldives page here: https://www.globalupgrade.com/locations/maldives


My Recommendations: 


Airline: Qatar Airways

We flew business class on every leg of the trip except for the Maldives to Abu Dhabi leg we were in economy so that's the only segment that isn't a fair comparison. Our itineray was:

United Polaris from LAX to Dubai (stopover in NYC)

Emirates Business from Dubai to the Maldives

Etihad economy from Maldives to Abu Dhabi

Qatar Airways Q-suite from Abu Dhabi to Los Angeles (stopover in Doha, Qatar).


There is absolutely no comparison to be had. Qatar airways had the best service, the most privacy, the most comfortable seats, the largest space, the best food and drink offering and the most memorable journey. We booked their Q-suite and it was a vacation in and of itself. You can have anything you want anytime you want and the service was prompt and friendly. The presentaion of the food was five star and everything tasted like you were in a first class restaurant. The lounge in Doha was the largest and most elaborate I've ever seen and the food offering was next level! Hint: head upstairs as soon as you arrive in the lounge. As the plane was landing in LAX from our journey my husband and I didn't want to get off. We wanted to turn around and fly back to have the experience again. I can't say I've ever felt that way before that moment. This is a bucketlist trip and flight. It's worth the money spent and I pray I have a chance to experience it again in my lifetime.


Hotel: JW Marriot overwater villas...the most bang for your dollar or points and offers all of the same amentities and experiences as their upscale sister islands. Arriving at this hotel was straight out of a White Lotus TV scene. The entire staff came to meet the plane and welcome you to the island with a song and a drink. You feel like royalty with this greeting. The island and overwater villas offered a serene vibe. Each villa had horizon views which could be enjoyed from the outdoor shower, deck or plunge pool. The other islands I reviewed below couldn't begin to compare to this location.


Food: They offer all inclusive packages. I had the breakfast included through out booking and I couldn't have eaten enough food at lunch and dinner to make it worth it. Everything is expensive but if you live in NY or LA it's pretty compatible to going out for a nice meal in either of those cities. We booked the exclusive private beach dinner (looking at the photos my kids said we had a "Kardashian experience" and while the night offered an incredible memory and we absolutely loved every single minute, the price made it one I wouldn't repeat


Note: Book a hotel on an island far enough out that you have to take a seaplane. This was a once in a lifetime memory in and of itself. Trans Maldivian Airways was such an experience. The pilot flew barefoot. Make sure to pick one of the single seats so you have a window view for the entire flight. And bring noise canceling headphones because it's extremely loud. If you want to visit two islands in the Maldives, I would recommend picking an island close to Mele to start your trip. This way you can take a short boat ride to your hotel. Then book the second leg of your trip far out so that you have the opportunity to take a sea plane - this is something you don't want to skip.


The Maldives would be my top destination pick but you need to know that there isn't much to do outside of what is offered on your island because it is extremely expensive to travel to the other islands. And unlike Fiji or Tahiti, there isn't hiking and other sites to explore on the resort islands. You are coming here to escape the world, relax and recharge.  



Fiji

I've explored some of the world’s most unique and breathtaking destinations and I'm sharing those experiences to help others determine and book their own journeys. Our recent visit to Fiji will be remembered as one of the most authentic, immersive travel experiences we’ve ever had. The people and culture of Fiji are unlike anything else we’ve ever experienced, with their kind and generous nature making us feel right at home. We ventured to the outer islands, where we visited the same spots as the cast of our favorite TV shows and movies, had drinks at Cloud 9 bar in the middle of the ocean, and discovered a hidden gem of a resort at the Marriott in Momi Bay with breathtaking views. 

I would return here year after year for family vacation. Most of the people we encountered were from New Zealand or Australia. My kids cried when we had to leave and told me they want to move here someday. It's easy to visit the surrounding islands here and there are a number of ways to do it. The main island of Nadi also has a lot to do/experience but it's not a small island so it takes some time to travel to different sites. If I traveled to Fiji again, I would definitely spend some time in New Zealand or Australia while I was in that region of the world. 


Tahiti and Moorea

We spent a few nights on the main island of Tahiti and five nights in Moorea in an overwater bungalow. This allowed us to experience the markets and culture of the mainland as well as the relaxation of the resort islands. I felt that this was the perfect mix between the Maldives and Fiji but this would be my third choice of the three. That being said, we are already planning our return trip but this time to Bora Bora. 

 

It was too many years ago for me to recommend a specific hotel or restaurant but I will give you a tip that worked for us. We couldn't afford the overwater bungalow for the entire trip so we booked a garden villa for 3 nights and the overwater bungalow for our last two. When we arrived, we were surprised with an upgrade to the overwater villa for the entire stay. I don't know if that upgrade happens often but for me, it's worth the chance to save several thousand dollars. 

 

Something this villa had that the Maldives didn't, was a glass floor. We could watch sharks, eels and exotic fish swim by without ever going outside. There was a light underneath so you could even view the sea creatures at night. This was equal parts exhilarating and terrifying. Even after seeing what we could bump into, we still ventured out to snorkel. It was pretty epic. The best snorkeling of my life was on the great barrier reef but this was a close second (along with the Maldives).  

 

There are plenty of other activities to engage in such as kayaking and paddle boarding. You can also take out ATVs and explore the inner island.  Our Moorea resort offered complimentary bicycles and we rode them into town to do a little shopping. Tahiti is known for it's pearls and since we bought one, we also bought food and wine at the local grocery store which saved us an extraordinary amount vs. buying it at the resort. When you travel as much as I do, you have to find little ways to save money without sacrificing experiences. 

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