Over-water bungalows, water villas, turquoise waters, and white sugary beaches – these are some of the trademarks attributed to the Maldives. A small nation in South Asia, below Sri Lanka and India, the country is composed of atolls and has one of the best underwater treasures.
For years, the Maldives has been a favorite destination spot for honeymooners and couples. Its seclusion and exclusive resorts make these islands very appealing for romance.
The Maldives has also been known for luxury travel but with backpackers and DIY traveling braving the waters, more and more people have discovered how to tour these islands without breaking the bank.
Getting to the Maldives is expensive – a round trip ticket from the Americas is 1100 USD and up, from Europe is 700 US and up, traveling from Bangkok or Hong Kong is about 250 USD. Consider including other destinations in your travel plan to make the airfare not that painful on your pocket (or route your flights through Hong Kong or Bangkok and spend few days exploring these amazing cities). Check current prices on Tripadvisor.
The best time to visit the Maldives is May to November. Although you’ll experience some rain during the southwestern monsoon that occurs at this time, it is the off-peak season for the resorts so your get the cheapest prices in most hotels and restaurants (to offset the price of your airfare). Plus, if you are into water sports – surfers will catch the best waves and divers will see the most life on the reefs that surround the islands.
What to do in the Maldives? Well, you can say nothing. Just bask under the sun and chill – best vacation ever. But if you are curious on what itinerary ideas are available, here are some ideas how to spend a few days in this Paradise on Earth:
Day 1: Meet the and great with the Maldives
All tourists fly to Male, the capital of the Maldives. A ferry, catamaran, or a seaplane will transport you to your respective resort from the airport.
Where to stay in the Maldives:
Taj Exotica Resort & Spa (South Male Atoll, 2117)
Gili Lankanfushi Maldives (Lankanfushi Island,08290)
Cocoa Island by COMO (Cocoa Island, Makunufushi)
Baros Maldives (Baros Island)
Mirihi Island Resort (South Ari Atoll)
Constance Moofushi (Moofushi Island)
Kandolhu Island (North Ari Atoll)
Komandoo Maldive Island Resort (Lhaviyani Atoll)
Hotel Jen Male (Ameer Ahmed Magu, Male, 20096 – Formerly Traders Hotel)
Once you arrive, the first thing you have to do is relax in your villa! Wear your bikini and swimwear, get hold of your welcome drinks, get out to the patio and enjoy the unending blue-green hues of Indian Ocean. Enjoy your villa until you dine for lunch.
After lunch, you may want to take part in island tour adventure, snorkeling and diving. Most resorts will take you to South Atoll or Baa Atoll, a UNESCO World Biosphere Reserve. You don’t have to dive deep, even snorkeling will give you a good sense of how plentiful the fishes and live corals are in the Maldives.
Back to your resort, you may want to take a quick nap or explore your resort. Most resorts in Maldives are destinations themselves with plenty of facilities and sights to see. Lounge by the pool, if they have and wait for the stunning sunset.
You had a long day from traveling to island excursions that you might want to retire earlier than the usual.
Day 2: Male
Try mixing water and beach life with sightseeing tours while in Maldives to avoid the feeling of monotony – though it is hard to imagine feeling such way! On your second day, you could get to know more about Maldives.
Go back to Male and enjoy walking tours. There is Male Mosque (Masjid-al-Sultan Muhammad Thakurufaanu Al Auzam), the National Museum, Mulee-aage Palace, and the Islamic Center. You can also shop for handicrafts and have lunch at the capital.
Back to the resort, you may want to enjoy the beach or at the pool. Enjoy a good book, work on your tan or just have fun with your travel companions. At night, enjoy entertainment from live music and various dance performances. Night fishing is also a popular activity in Maldives.
Day 3: Trip to the SPA or an island trip?
On your last day, start your day with yoga, or meditation sessions offered by almost all resorts in the Maldives. After breakfast, try some of the water-sports that are being offered in the area.
Matching any tourist’s energy and fitness level, you can surf, paddle surf, kite-surf, go kayaking, parasailing or take a relaxing cruise with cocktails and fresh juices on board.
You can also hire a boat and visit some of the Maldives well-loved beaches and islands like Picnic Island, Maafushi Island, Hulhumale Beach, and Kuda Bandos. Some of the beaches do not allow swimmers to wear bikinis.
And what is a better way to end a trip to the Maldives than a soothing and rejuvenating massage? Reserve your slot ahead of time for spa services like massages or body scrubs.
The Maldives is one of the few elite destinations that offer total relaxation to its visitors. Unwind and recharge with its serene beauty and comforting activities. If you want to treat yourself with a travel holiday, the Maldives is the place to go!
Have you been to the Maldives? Do you have any tips or suggestions to share? If so, you can leave your comments below.
