Having flown EK from the UK to Male, the only real problem with this route was the timing of the flight from DXB to MLE. It leaves at about 3am which is precisely when you want to try and get some sleep, but only takes about 3 or 4 hours. Although they didn't serve a meal after take off (just breakfast before landing) you only get a couple of hours sleep so you land and are exhausted.

That said, can't think of many nicer places to be exhausted.

The lounge at MLE was nothing special, but I suspect the one in DAR is probably about the same.

BTW, there is very little going on in the Maldives. You get to the resort and that's it, you're as good as stuck on the island for a week. Ideal for a honeymoon, but if they want anything a bit more stimulating (i.e safari) and assuming they don't scuba dive, Tanzania might be the better choice!