Singapore/Maldives or Greek islands???

[honeymooner]

Trying to decide on honeymoon location for early june. Finding it very hard to make a decision. Can anyone sway my decision??

 

[elbarto]

I'd choose the Greek Islands, but my partner would go to the Maldives (she keeps bugging me). Having been to neither, I'm reckoning there's probably a bit more to do in Greek Islands than the Maldives. But I could be wrong.

 

[simongr]

Do you dive? If so then Maldives.

 

[tuapekastar]

Singapore is a great place IMHO (I know plenty disagree, but as a former resident I have a bit of an attachment to the place). Never been to the Maldives but have heard only good things (current political unrest aside, though I understand it is confined to Male, whereas tourists generally bypass it and head straight for their resort).

Spent a few nights on Santorini a couple of years ago (in their Summer) and it was brilliant. If it is representative of the Greek Islands I would happily go to all of them.

I'm thinking in the Maldives you may be 'resort-bound' (not necessarily a bad thing) whereas on Greek Islands you get out and about with the locals.

I probably haven't helped you a bit.

 

[drron]

The Greek Islands could be a lot cheaper by June.Should be a great exchange rate for the Drachma.

 

[Happy Dude]

If you're not into snorkelling/diving or spa treatments, then the Maldives could be dull. I went to Biyadoo which was cheap (relatively) and the snorkelling is very good and can be done off the beach. Based on that experience, I'd sooner snorkel the GBR (say, Lizard Is) than the Maldives.

The Greek Islands would offer a whole lot more variety on almost every other level. I've only seen Syros (beautiful) and Mykonos (meh) but that's enough to know that a holiday checking out the rest of them would be sensational.

How much are you dropping? Your money would go further in Greece. If you want peace and few people, then the Maldives but choose resort carefully. Also note that the food in the Maldives is largely imported, seafood excepted obviously. I'd go back to Greece just for a pitta gyros and nougat.

 

[Alanslegal]

I went to the Santorini in July 2011 and I can say it was one of the most magical time of my life. I stayed at probably the best place on the whole island, it's a small boutique'y place called Anastassis Apartments, and my hotel review can be found here. The sunsets were absolutely breathtaking from the edge of the caldera and the morning sunrises were just as special especially on a perfect blue clear sky. Apart from the tranquility of the resort, I was able to access the little towns (either by local bus or cliff top walks) that are dotted around the island to enjoy the various restaurants and tavernas. This is great to get out in the unlikely event you will get bored from sitting at your resort and watching the views of the caldera! Also the famous Ammoudi Bay for its water's edge restaurants, all west facing, so that you get more of those magical sunsets. You will not be disappointed and I promise you that!

A few month later in November 2011, I decided to head to the Malidves. Ok, I stayed at a not so-good resort aka Sheraton Full Moon Resort [my review of that hotel is on TA here . Well if you're going to go there, do your research on where to stay/what to do as this can make a huge difference and if you love water sports eg. diving, sailing then its all fine (but remember you can sail around the Greek Islands too). My trip to the Maldives was enjoyable even though my hotel wasn't but I will definitely go back, maybe in a year or two. To put things in perspective, my jaws did not drop when I saw the Maldives ..... but they sure did when I visited Santorini!

 

[haydensydney]

Alcohol is a no go in the Maldives, unless you buy overinflated beverages at the resort (e.g. no bottle shops). If I remember correctly, they even take your duty free alcohol off you on arrival. Rules out the destination for me, lol!

Go the Greek Islands. Good time of year to go too....

 

[Wannabee]

If you are looking for the island type getaway then consider Fiji. I have been to the Maldives also but for bang for your buck I would take Fiji any day. I know this is a special occasion being a honeymoon but I believe that Fiji has so much more to offer, is cheaper and IMO is comparable to the Maldives. We are off next month for some diving in Fiji, again!

As I have been to Singapore, Maldives and Fiji, if I was in your situation then I would go Greek islands.

Something to consider anyway

 

[simongr]

Those are three very different destinations providing completely different types of honeymoon - it really depends on what you want to get out of your honeymoon.

 

[Major]

Go for the Greek Islands. For heaps of info check out A Greece Travel Guide: Matt Barrett's Guide to the Greek Islands, Athens and Mainland Greece

If you decide to go then use a local travel agency

 

[jetlagger]

Interesting debate you have to contend with...

I have experienced both, not for honeymoon tho..

Slight preference towards Greek Is. due to the variety of accommodation/activities & delicious cuisine.
Maldives is a very special place particularly if you enjoy watersports &/or diving.

Look forward to hearing your choice & don't forget a TR!!

Cheers

 

[Limewood]

Hawaii is another great destination, lot to do or not, visit various islands, nice dining and cruising and fantastic AUD/USD exchange rate.

There last Nov. flew JQ business was OK at $2150 each on sale, booked 1 bed. condo looked over marina in Honolulu paid $1200 inc cleaning and taxes for a week, had a ball.

 

[UP4014]

The Greek Islands could be a lot cheaper by June.Should be a great exchange rate for the Drachma.

Although have you seen the news in the Maldives lately.
BBC News - Maldives crisis: Commonwealth ministers to meet

Matt

 

[jetlagger]

Although have you seen the news in the Maldives lately.
BBC News - Maldives crisis: Commonwealth ministers to meet

Matt

Mmm Interesting..

Maldives & Greece - Certainly two current hot spots politically,

Any third option??

 

[Limewood]

yeah 3rd option, fly to Hamilton Island book a nice big boat (power or sail)and captain yourself (or with others + captain on a bigger one) around the 70 or so islands, its a beautiful place the Whitsunday's. We have done this any times over the years.

 

[jetlagger]

yeah 3rd option, fly to Hamilton Island book a nice big boat (power or sail)and captain yourself (or with others + captain on a bigger one) around the 70 or so islands, its a beautiful place the Whitsunday's. We have done this any times over the years.

Great Idea Limewood... Sounds superb..

Honeymooner... Take note