Mellyn Carroll fills us in on her fourteen years with Wildlife Safari, and importantly her role as Indian Ocean Product Manager. Wildlife Safari added the Maldives to our Indian Ocean Collection way back in 1999 and over the many years the company is widely respected as knowledgeable and passionate experts of the remarkable archipelago of 1,192 islands. Much has changed over this time as more and while more and more exceptional resorts are being developed what will never change is the exceptional clarity and vibrant colours of the waters and the brilliant white beaches.
As Indian Ocean Product Manager, Mellyn overseas a team of dedicated Indian Ocean Experts and spends most of her day talking Maldives. It is an enviable job as she regularly ventures to the Maldives to meet up with our resort partners, explore new resorts, and review and update our collection of luxury resorts. She is always willing to share her vast expertise, tips and experiences when it comes to selecting the perfect resort for your perfect holiday or honeymoon.
Q: What is it about the Maldives you love so much?
Answer: The uniqueness of the destination, there’s nowhere on earth like it, the water, the scenery and the service. The ability to be one with nature yet have access to the freshest food and the best wine. The option to switch off to from the hustle and bustle of everyday life yet have access to technology when needed.
Q: How do you get to a Maldives resort island from the airport?
Answer: A resort boat, seaplane or domestic flight, depending on how far your island paradise is located.
By resort boat – for resorts located in North and South Male Atolls, operating at any time of the day.
By seaplane – for resorts located a little further from Male, operating only during day light hours. Most resorts that usually transfer by seaplane now also offer a domestic flight if guests are travelling outside of seaplane operating hours.
By domestic flight, followed by a short resort boat transfer – for resorts located in the further outer atolls.
Q: Do you any memorable Maldives experiences you can share?
Answer: So many. Top three if I had to choose would probably be -1. Swimming with Mantas at Hanifaru bay in the Baa Atoll, snorkelling in the warm ocean so close to a reef drop off and watching the marine life go about their day. 2. Spending a day on my deck (any resort) on a warm tropical day, reading, eating, swimming, sipping champagne/iced tea.
3. A sandbank island picnic for breakfast or lunch is special.
Q: Do you have a favourite island resort? And why?
Answer: COMO Cocoa Island is my very favourite but I have a few others too. I love Cocoa for its high-quality, low-key approach to hospitality. It’s like my dream holiday house, complete with a chef, butler and cleaner. The most delicious food and location/island – the service is second to none.
Q: Any tips you can share when it comes to choosing the perfect resort?
Answer: Think of all the things you like and like to do and tell us so we can find the most suitable resort.
Q: When is the best time to go to the Maldives?
Answer: Mostly a year round destination – being on the equator, it’s always warm and tropical but for still days and warm balmy nights, then between December to March. For surfing and seeing Mantas its April to November but there will be a bit more wind and possible tropical rain.
Q: Is there anything you recommend for guests to bring to the Maldives?
Answer: Honestly, there is everything you need on island – but sunscreen, hat and bathers and flip flops are always a winner.
Q: What can you do in the Maldives?
Answer: Mainly water activities, however many resorts offer land activities too. Best place to have massages especially ones that offer outdoor treatment rooms or ones that have open doors to enjoy the beautiful fresh air. Most resorts will take you on a local island visit and there are many resort land activities such as tennis, fitness centres and kids’ clubs too!
Q: What do you enjoy most about your job?
Answer: Having the opportunity to use my personal experience and knowledge to assist clients with their dream holiday at a time when clients want to take a break from everyday life and its stresses. To be part of that and particularly in arranging a Maldives holiday when clients allow me the creative control it is such an honour.
