The Maldives
Best Time to Visit the Maldives
November – April is the dry season and therefore your best time to visit The Maldives. During this time, you can expect clear blue skies, warmth and no rain.
May – September is the rainy season so best to avoid these months.
What to Expect in the Maldives
The Maldives is synonymous with white sand, crystal clear waters and tropical Robin Crusoe islands. A bucket list for romantics and beach lovers alike. All of which is correct!
Located in the Indian Ocean, this tiny island nation attracts tourists from all continents. They are drawn to a near paradise like destination to relax, unwind and admire the beauty and serenity surrounding them.
Tourism has really take off in the Maldives over the last 20 years. This is no more apparent than in the growing number of luxury five star hotels in the country. Most of these are resort style hotels located on their own private islands.
The natural geography of the Maldives consists of many islands, some no more than 100-200metres in length. It is an archipelago consisting of 26 atolls and one of the world’s most dispersed sovereign states. This in turn, has enabled resorts to enjoy the luxury of sitting on their own private islands.
You will be treated to an abundance of marine life in the ocean. The clarity of the aquamarine waters also means you do not have to go far to admire it. As you sit on your balcony you will marvel at the sea life beneath you and once in the water you will not be alone for long. The reefs are a Mecca for divers and snorkellers alike.
How to Get to The Maldives
Transport to the individual island resorts is either by speed boat or sea plane from the capital city of Male. Male has an international airport which is well served by a number of major airlines such as Emirates, Qatar Airways and Singapore Airlines.
Once you book your hotel resort, they will contact you to arrange your specific transport to their resort. This can depend upon personal choice or indeed some resorts do not allow motor sports or noisy sea planes so your only option would be to reach them by speed boat.
The islands or atolls furthest from Male are often reached only be sea plane otherwise you’d be spending hours on a boat transfer. The mode of transfer to the islands is something that you may wish to consider when you are making your hotel resort choice so please bear this in mind.
Whichever one you chose, it is is all very professionally run and you are swiftly transported from the international airport to your ongoing mode of travel and ultimately paradise!
What to Do in The Maldives
The Maldives is a beach destination for all those who like sun, sea and great service. Although, It is a wonderful ‘couples’ destination and perhaps largely known for this. It does offer far more.
There are resorts that are more family oriented, others that offer a lively environment for groups of friends and, of course, the idyllic island getaway with nothing but the sound of the ocean. It really depends what type of holiday you are looking for.
Nowadays, there are so many resort options to suit every kind of traveller. Therefore, it is important to do your homework to get the best island for you!
Here is a list of some things on offer:
- Motorised sports- water skiing, jet-skies
- Scuba-diving
- Snorkelling
- Sailing
- Non motorised sports – paddle boards, kayaks
- Sports, gym etc
- Spa
- Excursions – sunset cruises, island hopping
- Kid’s clubs
- Cooking classes
- Cultural activities
- Evening entertainment
Choosing the Right Resort for You
This is so important for you to get the best out of your trip to the Maldives. You really need to look closely into what each resort you like offers. The Maldives is not a cheap destination either so budgeting may come into play more so here than in many of the destinations I cover.
Coupled with this, please also consider:
- the transfer options provided
- the accommodation types – water villas, beach villas
- package options – all inclusive, half board, b & b
- island size
- adult only, family
- motorised sport allowed
- is there a good reef nearby for snorkelling/diving
Some Pointers for You re Accomodation
Adults only:
Luxury for all but more geared towards adults:
Family friendly :
Quiet Resorts with Non Motorised Sports:
My recent trip was to Como Cocoa Island. It was stunning and everything I was looking for – quiet, intimate, luxurious, stylish and the list goes on. Look out for my upcoming blog on Cocoa Island.