Heading to this slice of paradise in the Indian Ocean? Here’s what you need to know before you go to the Maldives!
The Maldives are the epitome of island paradise and the dream destination of pretty much everyone you ask, as I have discovered first-hand.
Let’s be honest, who hasn’t longed to visit the picture-perfect Maldives? The archipelago is made up of more than a thousand tiny islands surrounded by crystal clear water, and is probably one of the most popular holiday destinations in the world.
Read on for what you need to know before you visit the Maldives and some essential Maldives travel tips - here is my ultimate #allthingsmaldives guide.
Main photo: Vakkaru Maldives
Geography
Made up of around 1200 islands, the Maldives is hands-down one of the most interesting tropical destinations in the world. It first became popular with jet-setting celebrities a few years ago, particularly loved-up couples looking for a romantic getaway to a private tropical island.
TIP - The Baa Atoll is a Unesco-designated Biosphere Reserve, making it a year-round draw for snorkelling and diving over thriving coral reef. The months of June to November hundreds of manta rays and whale sharks gather at Hanifaru Bay, making it the optimum time to go to see these mesmerising sea creatures.
When to go
Like a lot of tropical destinations, the Maldives only has two seasons - wet and dry. The dry season runs between December and March. This is the high season when resorts will be busier so room rates and flights may be a little more expensive.
The rainy season (monsoon) or low season runs between June and November. You should expect some rain during these months but it is mostly just light drizzle that passes over pretty quickly. Temperatures are still warm during this time hovering at about 27-30 degrees so it shouldn’t really affect your holiday too much, and still allow you to get your tan on!
TIP - Through global warming I have seen a shift in seasons, and if you go in the shoulder months April, May and June you can get some great offers on accommodation if you're looking to bag yourself a bargain.
Transport
When flying into the Maldives, you will fly to Male International Airport which is actually located on the island of Hulhule. From there you'll still need to get on a boat or seaplane to your chosen Maldives resort.
Seaplane rides are an incredible experience, the views are mind blowing and worth every single penny, and all part of the Maldives adventure.
Seaplanes are only allowed to depart during daylight hours so if your flight arrives late at night you may want to stay overnight in Hulhule and depart the next day.
TIP - Grab a window single seat, or a double seat a the the front of the plane, enjoy the view and take some amazing pictures!
Accommodation
You don’t have to stay in an overwater villa to enjoy the Maldives, with many land villas having their own private pool, with the ability to walk right out onto the beach every morning. They also can provide more protection when it's windy or raining in the monsoon season.
However a stay in a water villa is a must if budgets allow, it is definitely a Maldivian experience worth having.
TIP- Consider splitting your stay on resort between a land villa and water villa, even if it is for one night.
One island, one resort
A unique thing about the Maldives is that most resorts are situated on their own private island — in fact, one island, one resort is the typical approach for hotels within the archipelago.
You don’t necessarily have to stick to one resort for your whole Maldives trip. Whether you tour multiple islands by staying at more than one resort over the course of your vacation, or you charter a boat or take a day tour to an adjacent atoll, Move around to different islands to get a slightly different experience.
TIP - This also means you can splash out on a more expensive resort for a couple of nights and then reign it back in at a more budget local one. It’s all part of the adventure!
Food - What to eat
As you can see, I love sushi!
Many resorts draw their food influences from the rich and vibrant Maldivian cuisine. If you want to sample some local dishes then try some bubbling coconut curries, breadfruit, cassava, or fishing and eat the freshest catch you’ve ever had! TIP - Go half-board and not full board if you wish to save money. As most of the resorts have huge buffets, you’ll probably find that you won’t even need to eat lunch after trying everything on offer at breakfast and dinner!
Alcohol - Culture and customs
The Maldives are a Muslim country and there are some customs you should adhere to when visiting. You are not allowed to bring alcohol into the country, so definitely don’t go crazy in duty-free on your way over as contraband will be confiscated and you won’t be getting it back! It is also illegal to bring in any sort of pork products or religious texts.
However you can get alcoholic drinks at the resorts so you don’t need to worry if you like a tipple or two... my favourite as you can see is Whispering Angel!
TIP - Many resorts will offer a drinks package on island, this can make alcohol (and non alcoholic drinks) not quite as expensive as you'd think.
Island time
Don’t be surprised if your hotel is one hour ahead of Male time. Many resorts have their own “island time”to make the most of sunlight hours, like enjoying the sunset before dinner. Trust me, once you get started with island time (yes its a real thing here), you’ll find yourself settling rather nicely into island life.
TIP - Sunsets make a great opportunity for a stunning time lapse video, oh, and a good opportunity to have another glass (or two) of Whispering Angel!
Snorkelling
Maldives is a world-class diving and snorkelling destination, where snorkelling at the resort’s bustling house reef is an essential experience of the Maldives. You will find incredible coral reef, and discover a diverse array of marine life, from schools of colourful fish, to reef sharks, ray and turtles.
TIP - One of the best ways to snorkel here is with a guide for your initial snorkel session, where they will be able to introduce you to the islands resident turtles by name, yes they all have a name and identified by their shell markings. If you are lucky, and spot a new turtle you have the privilege of naming rights... yes you guessed it, I named mine Whispering Angel!
Solo travel
The Maldives is for much more than just honeymooners, it is just as well-suited for the solo traveler, a girls trip or family holiday. In fact, many island resorts cater specifically to families. And more than being a spot for couples, the Maldives is a place where you can relax and leave your real-life worries at home — and I feel this luxury shouldn't be reserved solely for honeymooners.
TIP - Wellness resorts like COMO and JOALI BEING make great solo destinations to meet like minded individuals.
Final word
And yes...I confess, I love all things Maldives!
Jane