The Maldives - You can't fault anyone who thinks it is a place all for spending your honeymoon, leisurely enjoying your family getaway in one of those aesthetically pleasing water villas amidst the turquoise ocean because it is... well, for the most part! BUT, there is more to this perfect island destination than what meets the eye, and we assure you it is as adventurous as it can get. One could even say fascinatingly adventurous!! Wanna know how fascinating it can get? Let's delve deeper.

Did you know that the Maldives has 1,192 islands scattered in its chain of 26 atolls stretching from north to south? But only 200 of those are inhabited, and few other islands are used as all-inclusive luxury resorts for vacation. Due to the scattered presence of these islands, most of the hotels and resorts are naturally isolated and uncrowded, making your seascape to the Maldives an ultimate getaway and a personal favourite. 

When to plan your visit?

Due to its proximity to the equator, the Maldives experiences a tropical monsoon climate, making it one of the best tropical island vacation spots. The land experiences two distinct seasons - wet & dry, and the best time to visit the Maldives is from November to April, which is the dry season. 

How to get there?

This stunning group of islands lies 700 kilometres from the Asian mainland (southwest of Sri Lanka and India), and the best way to reach them is by flight. Housing the major international airport of the country - Velana international airport, Male, the capital city of the Maldives, acts as the gateway to this paradise. Though surrounded by the ocean, the airport remarkably connects to the whole country by domestic flights, seaplanes, or speedboats based on the destination. Travellers can choose the mode of transfer (flight, seaplane, or speed boat) to their respective resorts while booking. The island also houses the Gan international airport in its south atoll region and receives flights from Europe and Asia. 

Your place of stay - things to keep in mind:

Where to stay in the Maldives? This is one tough choice to make. The Maldives offer everything from exotic resorts to chic boutique-style stays, from less expensive hotels to rustic eco-stays. As a result, travellers have a plethora of options to choose from based on their vacation goals. But before opting for your place of stay, it is vital to know the area better to choose better. 

In the Maldives, you can choose your stay-islands as per your preference and budget- either on the local islands or in the resort islands. And to make things easier for you, we bring you the main points and features of both these options.

Local Islands:

After a long shutdown period due to the pandemic, the Maldives reopened their local islands from October 20, 2020. Local islands in the Maldives are the ones that the local Maldivians inhabit. Here, you will get the opportunity to explore the local Maldives at their best. Also, it is a more affordable option for those who don’t prefer to burn a hole in their pockets while visiting this pristine island paradise.

Leisure options: Shopping, cafes, restaurants, water sports, etc.

Approx. Cost Per Meal: $10 - $20

The average cost of stay per day: Ranges between $ 30 to $ 150 per night for two adults.

Stay options:

1. Maafushi Island: If you're looking for a place to refresh and rejuvenate your soul, then Maafushi Island is your go-to place in the Maldives. Connected by a ferry service from Male, the islands are indeed a slice of paradise on earth. 

2. Thoddoo: Mostly visited by Russian-speaking visitors, this island offers one of the best chances to view sharks, stingrays, and turtles. If you want to relax with your family in the Maldives, Thoddo could be the right choice. 

3. Feridhoo: If you love remoteness and want to spend some time in the calm and serene ocean ambience, Feridhoo is for you.

4. Fuvahmulah: Known for its pristine beauty, Fuvahmulah is the second nearest atoll to the Equator. If you are looking to explore the history of the Maldives, you can surely visit this island. 

We have specified a few of the most sought after and popular Local Islands of Maldives. Yet there are a lot more Local Islands that you can choose from for your stay. 

Resort Islands:

Unlike local islands, the resort islands are separate, a territory occupied by a single hotel. Island resorts tend to be smaller than the local hotels, and not to forget the costlier side. Here you will have private villas or bungalows located either on the beach or on the water. Resort islands are the best options for those who want to spend some intimate moments in the Maldives.  

Leisure options: Spa, pools, diving centres, fitness centres, and much more.

Privacy: High

The average cost of stay: $250 and upwards per night for two adults.

Stay options: 

1. Hulhumale Island: If you prefer staying in a congestion-free island, then you can choose Hulhumale island, an artificial island. This is also one of the most popular honeymoon destinations in the Maldives.

2. Paradise Island: Paradise Island is one of the most beautiful, luxury resort islands in the Maldives and has a local name “Lankanfinolhu.” This resort lets you experience a tropical island paradise.

3. Constance Halaveli: The Constance Halaveli Resort Island is a combination of crystal waters and sparkling sand amidst the lush green foliage. This specific resort has a lot to offer if you’re looking for spacious stays in overwater and beachside villas.

4. Fihalhohi Island: If you are looking for a combination of romance and serene nature, spend a few days in the overwater bungalows at Fihalhohi Island Resort.

5. Vaadhoo Island: Vaadhoo Island boasts bioluminescence ocean water. If you want to witness the magic, visit the island beach in the nighttime with your loved one.

The Maldives is truly a paradise filled with every kind of site and resort to satiate your wanderlust. Study the place, plan your itinerary, explore the islands at your own pace, and thoroughly enjoy its beauty from one of their famed stay options. 

Things to do in the Maldives:

Well, now you have an idea about the kind of sites the islands offer, it's time to know the best things to do in the Maldives for the adventure seeker in you. These vivid blue waters are a haven for water sports, and there are endless opportunities in every atoll for you to go surfing, kite surfing, scuba diving, jet-skiing, and much more. So here, we have picked the top 5 things to do in the Maldives which you cannot miss.

1. Snorkelling & Diving:

The name is so popular it doesn't even need an introduction anymore. You do not have to be an expert in swimming. All you need is your snorkel mask and fin, and you're good to go (or, should we say, dive!) 

Additionally, you can enjoy scuba diving with different scuba packages available with the local water sports organizers. Take a deep dive into the azure ocean and come close to the diverse marine life species.

2. Catamaran Sailing & Fishing:

In the Maldives, you can go where the sea breeze takes you, and that's by sailing in one of those elegant catamarans. Then, as the warm currents guide you through the sea, channel your inner Jack Sparrow and cruise in style in the big blue. 

And to make your moments most special, undertake a boat ride during the sunset. The pink-hued sky at twilight can indeed create the magic, filling the ambiance with romance and ecstasy. Of course, you can also go for night fishing with lines and raw fish as bait to get an extra thrill.

3. Flyboarding:

Want to feel like Iron Man but with a bit of twist? Opt for Flyboarding, and we guarantee you it's going to be one heck of an experience. Oh, we are not going to dish the details of how it is done. Just check your sense of balance and core strength before hopping on, and live the moment to see how it feels. 

4. Fun Tubing:

The most exhilarating ride that's going to let you have a laughter riot with your homies. Imagine a tube big enough to hold 4 to 5 people, and it almost looks like a giant banana floating in the water. Now, you're made to sit on the tube and dragged on the water for a good 10 minutes. Oh, not to worry, you will be strapped to the tube to avoid falling into the ocean, so it's going to be a good 10 minutes of fun and laughter, as the name suggests. 

5. Parasailing:

It's time to soar through the wind and go up in the air. Once your boat prepares to set your sail in the air, you will realize the incredible beauty of the deep blue sea from above. Just make sure to record yourself squealing like a kid when you're let go in the air because that's where the fun is.  

6. Island Hopping & SandBank Picnic:

To get the ultimate Maldivian experience, spend your day on a sandbank tour and picnic. Imagine having a traditional meal amid a snow-white beach with the pristine ocean in the front. Exciting, right? You can book your Sandbank trip and picnic with any of the local tour agents in the Maldives.

And if you wish to explore the indigenous culture of this place, then spare a day and undertake the island-hopping tour. Travel privately or as a part of a group, stay in the local guesthouse, and get the chance to interact with the locals and their food.

7. Stingrays Feeding, Dolphins, & Sperm Whales:

Do you want to get a closer look at the island's marine life without diving into the ocean? If yes, then you can surely take part in the wildlife cruise, dolphin cruise, etc. Under this cruise, you can get the opportunity to see dolphins, Sperm Whales, and Stingrays from proximity and feed some of them as well.

Cuisine:

The Maldivian cuisine, also known as Dhivehi cuisine, is heavily based on fish and coconut, and it has some of the scrumptious native dishes on earth. Garudhiya, Bis Keemiya, Boshi Mashuni, Saagu Bondibai are some of the must-try dishes while you're in the Maldives. Indian cuisine is also popular and available. One can find more Indian chefs employed there. That being said, you can also enjoy lip-smacking Indian dishes with a view of the pristine snow-white beaches and turquoise blue ocean. 

Things to note:

1. As a country that practices Islam, it is strictly prohibited to carry alcohol, worship idols, religious books, pork, and related products. 

2. Not all the accommodation places cover your transfer rides by seaplane/speed boat so, plan your bookings accordingly.

3. Do not get on a plane within 24 hours of going for a diving activity to avoid decompression sickness. 

4. The only accepted currency in the Maldives apart from their local currency is the USD. 

5. The airport is the only place to exchange your currency for USD or Maldivian Rufiyaa. Apart from the airport, your hotel is the only other place where you can exchange your money. 

6. The Maldives offer a no-cost visitor visa valid for 30 days upon arrival, regardless of your nationality.

7. Due to the pandemic, it is mandatory to have a negative RT-PCR test report is mandatory to be taken at least 96 hours before your travel. 

As the best vacation destination for travellers, the Maldives offers some of the best kaleidoscopic views of its natural beauty when explored profoundly. So get ready to seize your dose of the Maldivian sunshine and rock on your 'sun and beach' vibes. Experience the true meaning of your perfect seascape full of enthralling adventures and good times.