The airport

Velana International Airport, Male (MLE), the Maldives.

The flight

Maldivian Q2-956 from Male to Melbourne (Luxury Escapes charter).

The arrival

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Forget the typical airport taxi. From the Maldives’ island resorts, you’ll be ferried to the airport by seaplane or speedboat. I make the most of a 5pm late check-out at Anantara Veli Resort, a perk gained by booking this hotel and flight together as a Luxury Escapes bundle. A 5.30pm speedboat departure has me strolling into the airport at 6pm with plenty of time to spare. Be sure to book your transfer in advance – you can’t exactly order an Uber if you miss the boat.

The look

Finally, the Maldives has an airport to match the calibre of its five-star resorts. The previous tin shed now exclusively serves domestic flights, while all international departures get this shiny new building (Terminal 1). High ceilings and artful wave patterns, echoed across the walls, floors and ceiling, create a great sense of space and location.

Check-in

Prominent “Luxury Escapes” signage makes Maldivian’s check-in counters easy to locate. With several desks open for this single flight to Melbourne, I’m rid of my checked bag within five minutes. Queues for other airlines are also noticeably short, even in the economy lines.

Security

There’s a fast-track passport line for business class, but on this quiet Sunday night, there isn’t a lengthy queue to side-step, anyway. Security is simple and swift, although as I begin unloading a sea of electronics into the trays, I suggest that those behind me might find things speedier in another lane. My advice is heeded, and it’s a good call: they’re into duty-free as I’m still repacking. A secondary security check at the boarding gate is more chaotic, with a snaking long line creating a bottleneck. This step is an Australian government requirement – if only they’d thought to provide a fast-track lane here where it would be of most use. The shemozzle delays our flight as travellers haven’t been warned to arrive at the gate early.

Food + drink

KFC is doing a roaring trade, although Palm n Spice next door – curiously selling chicken wraps next to the toughest possible neighbour – is much quieter. Gloria Jean’s is similarly bustling, no doubt aided by its central location. Meanwhile, Costa Coffee is much quieter, tucked away near the boarding gate for Melbourne. There’s enough here to cure hunger, but nothing worthy of an early arrival. As alcohol consumption is banned in Male (permitted only at the Maldives’ many resorts), there’s understandably no airport bar.

Retail therapy

Duty-free is like a spacious, high-end department store. I skip the luxury goods in favour of a budget-friendly fridge magnet and a box of savoury Maldivian biscuits. I also eschew the duty-free liquor – it’s more expensive than buying on arrival in Melbourne. A one-litre bottle of The Botanist gin is $US60 (about $85), but $83.99 at Melbourne Airport. Veuve La Grande Dame is $US283 ($401.50), but $269 in Melbourne. Evidently, duty-free isn’t always a bargain.

Passing time

Many seats provide easy access to power, and there’s free terminal-wide Wi-Fi, but it’s slow (speeds below 3Mbps). While walking, a swing set catches my eye. A bored barista spots me taking selfies and appoints himself as my photographer – offer accepted. For eligible passengers, there’s one airside lounge shared between all premium airlines. It’s a peaceful and inviting space, and included for those flying business class to Melbourne on the Luxury Escapes/Maldivian flight. But as with the flight, beverage choices are all non-alcoholic.

The verdict

Male’s new terminal brings a night-and-day difference to its previous tin shed. It’s a beautiful building, but there’s little to do once you’ve passed through security. Take full advantage of any late hotel check-out. There’s no need to be here three hours before departure.

Our rating out of five

★★★★

The writer travelled as a guest of Luxury Escapes (see luxuryescapes.com), Maldivian (see maldivian.aero), Centara Grand Lagoon Maldives (see centarahotelsresorts.com) and Anantara Veli Maldives Resort (see anantara.com).