Taj Exotica vs Taj Coral Reef Maldives: Which Taj Resort is Right for You?

When making a decision on Taj Exotica vs Taj Coral Reef Maldives, this can be a dilemma all by itself. Both destinations are part of the renowned Taj Hotels family, blending Indian hospitality with Maldivian island life, but each resort caters to slightly different travel styles. In this guide, we will flip and compare the two blended Maldives resorts on everything from villa types, snorkelling options, dining, transfer times and cost to allow you to identify which features suit your idyllic Maldives travel plans.

Key Takeaways

• Taj Exotica vs Taj Coral Reef Maldives is simply a decision of your priorities– luxury and proximity, versus snorkelling and value.
• Book Taj Exotica Maldives if you want a room in your water villa, easy transportation from the airport, and easier, fancier dining. 
• Book Taj Coral Reef Maldives if you want to snorkel, shipwreck dive, and have a chill island vibe. 
• Consider transfer times and prices when planning travel to Maldives resorts. 
• Remember to compare inclusions: meals, transfers, excursions, and taxes when booking.

Overview of the Two Resorts

Taj Exotica Maldives

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Situated on Emboodhu Finolhu Island, just a 15-minute speedboat transfer from Velana International Airport, Taj Exotica Maldives is suited for travellers who want to get to paradise without a lengthy trip! This resort offers large beach villas or tenously luxurious water villas in Maldives right on the water and lagoon. It is all about seclusion or indulgence, and is great for couples looking for romance or families wanting a taste of comfort near Malé. 

Taj Coral Reef Maldives

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On the contrary, Taj Coral Reef Maldives is also located on Hembadhoo Island, which is about a 45-minute speedboat transfer from the airport. What is distinctive about this property is that it has a house reef and even a shipwreck nearby that are very suitable for snorkelling and diving fans. With comfortable but tasteful villas, it also offers good value to those who prefer marine activity to proximity. 

Villas: Beach Villa vs Water Villa Maldives

Selecting the better water villa or the beach villa is one of the biggest choices to make, because there are a number of comparisons between various Maldives luxury resorts. 

• Taj Exotica, the water villas are the best thing about it, private decks, private plunge pools, unobstructed access to the blue water lagoon. It is idyllic for honeymooners or couples wanting unlimited lagoon and ocean views. 
• At Taj Coral Reef, the beach villas are most notable. The beach villas are tucked away amongst the tropical flora and provide easy beach access to families travelling with children. While there are water villas, they are not as expensive as Exotica’s exquisite options. 

So, which Taj resort in Maldives is better for water villas – Exotica or Coral Reef? The answer is Exotica, because it has larger, more luxurious, and more private water villas, boasting better unobstructed ocean views.

Transfers: Accessibility vs Seclusion

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Travel time and convenience can play a big role in your decision.

• Taj Exotica Maldives is closer, requiring only a 15-minute ride by speedboat. This makes it perfect for short stays or travellers arriving late in the evening.
• Taj Coral Reef Maldives takes about 45 minutes by speedboat. Many guests love this slightly longer transfer since it feels like a proper journey to seclusion.

Marine Life & Activities: Snorkelling and Diving

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If you need a place for marine life in the Maldives, Taj Coral Reef Maldives has an advantage in the house reef & snorkelling offerings. They are fantastic! And for divers, the wreck that is nearby is a bonus! Many past guests still say that it is the best resort in the entire Maldives for snorkelling and marine life, according to the Taj Coral Reef Maldives contact point.

On the other hand, Taj Exotica Maldives also offers water sports & excursions to the island and the Indian Ocean outside the resort, but it does not have as good a house reef. Instead, Taj Exotica Maldives focuses on curated experiences, including private lagoon dining, sunset cruise experiences, and a luxury spa.

Dining Experiences

Both resorts are known for their culinary standards, but they differ in focus.

• Taj Exotica Maldives offers a variety of gourmet restaurants with international cuisines, fresh seafood, and fine dining experiences. Perfect for couples who want luxury meals as part of their stay.
• Taj Coral Reef Maldives has fewer dining venues but focuses on hearty, flavorful meals with an emphasis on Maldivian and Asian cuisines.

Travellers often ask: What food options are available at Taj Exotica vs Taj Coral Reef Maldives? The answer: Exotica is more upscale and diverse, while Coral Reef offers a relaxed, community-style dining atmosphere.

Cost Comparison

Of course, cost is certainly a determining factor in a comparison of luxury resorts in the Maldives.

• If we look at Taj Exotica vs Taj Coral Reef, and the cost comparison with transfers, we can see that Exotica is the more expensive resort, and the starting prices are higher for both Beach and Water villas. But in addition to the other more premium amenities, the villas in Exotica are larger and closer to Malé.
• Taj Coral Reef Maldives is one of the more budget-friendly options among the Taj properties in the Maldives, especially considering the superb snorkelling experience.

Tip: The prices all vary by season, so always check the current rates. And if you would like budget-friendly excursions, you can always check Maldivian Resort Day Tours.

Who Should Choose Which?

It’s a common traveller question: is Taj Exotica more suitable for couples or families? Outlined below helps with that question: 

• Couples / Honeymooners: Taj Exotica Maldives is a better option for couples/honeymooners because of the nice water villas, gourmet dining, and easy access to Malé. 
• Families: Taj Coral Reef Maldives is more appropriate for families because of the beach villas, casual feel, and value for money.
• Snorkelers/divers: Taj Coral Reef Maldives is more appropriate, because of the house reef & snorkelling.
• Short stays: Taj Exotica Maldives is more to your advantage, as transfer times are shorter.

Final Thoughts

While both resorts embody the Taj standard of service and hospitality, the best fit will depend on your travel style. Couples dreaming of luxury, the Taj Exotica Maldives, may be the better option, and families, more snorkelling-focused travel, may contemplate Taj Coral Reef Maldives. Whichever resort you choose, the Maldives has unique, blue, crystalline waters, white sands, and an unforgettable experience. What are you waiting for? Book your Maldives tour package now!

FAQs

1. Which Taj resort in Maldives is better for water villas: Exotica or Coral Reef?

Taj Exotica Maldives offers larger, more luxurious water villas, making it the better option for couples or honeymooners.

2. Is Taj Exotica better for couples or families?

Yes, Taj Exotica Maldives is more couple-focused, while Taj Coral Reef Maldives is family-friendly with more beach villa options.

3. How long is the speedboat transfer to Taj Coral Reef from Velana airport?

It takes around 45 minutes by speedboat, while Taj Exotica Maldives is only 15 minutes away.

4. What food options are available at Taj Exotica vs Taj Coral Reef Maldives?

Exotica offers more fine dining and international cuisines, while Coral Reef has fewer restaurants but emphasises fresh seafood and Maldivian dishes.

5. Taj Exotica vs Taj Coral Reef: cost comparison, including transfers, which is cheaper?

Generally, Taj Coral Reef Maldives is more budget-friendly, especially for long stays. Taj Exotica Maldives charges more but includes premium amenities and quick transfers.

6. Which resort is better for snorkelling and marine life?

Taj Coral Reef Maldives is the clear winner, thanks to its house reef &snorkelling opportunities and the nearby shipwreck dive site.