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Exercise a high degree of caution in Maldives due to the risk of civil unrest and the threat of terrorism.

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Local emergency contacts

General emergency, fire and rescue services, medical emergencies.

Call 102 or go directly to the hospital.

Call 3322111.

You can also call the tourist police on 979 0070.

Advice levels

Exercise a high degree of caution in Maldives.

Malé has frequent protests and demonstrations. There are Parliamentary Elections scheduled for 2024. Avoid affected area and follow the advice of local authorities. 

• Terrorism can occur anywhere at any time. Terrorists may target areas visited by tourists. Follow the advice of local officials.
• Drug-related crime and gang-related violence occurs in urban areas, including Malé. Petty theft happens on beaches and in hotel rooms. Leave your valuables in a secure location. Monitor local media to avoid trouble spots.
• The monsoon season is from mid-May to November. Strong winds, rough seas and torrential rain can occur. Tsunamis can also occur. Keep in contact with friends and family. Follow the advice of local authorities.
• The sea around Maldives can have strong tidal currents and rips. A number of tourists drown every year. There may not be safety information at beaches. Take appropriate precautions.

Full travel advice: Safety

• Insect-borne diseases are a risk, including dengue, Zika virus and chikungunya. Use tropical strength insect repellent.
• Hepatitis and rabies are also a risk. Boil drinking water or drink bottled water.
• Medical services, including emergency services and decompression chambers, are limited. It can take several hours to reach medical facilities. If you become seriously ill or injured, you'll need to be evacuated. This can be very expensive.

Full travel advice: Health

• Don't use or carry illegal drugs. Penalties for drug offences are severe and can include life imprisonment.
• Serious crimes, such as murder, can attract the death penalty.
• It's illegal to import or drink alcohol unless you're on a resort island.
• It's illegal to publicly observe any religion other than Islam. Don't import pornography or pork products. 
• Maldives recognises dual citizenship. 
• Standards of dress and behaviour are conservative in Malé and non-resort islands. Dress modestly in Malé and non-resort islands. Take care not to offend.

Full travel advice: Local laws

• You can get a tourist visa on arrival to Maldives, provided you meet all entry requirements. Entry and exit conditions can change at short notice. Contact the  Department of Immigration and Emigration of the Republic of Maldives  for details about visas, currency, and customs.
• All travellers to Maldives must complete a  Traveller Declaration  within 96 hours before departure to and return from Maldives. 
• Airlines may require proof of certain vaccinations to travel. Check requirements with individual airlines prior to travel.
• Maldives may implement curfews, travel restrictions between islands, and entry restrictions at short notice. If you're in Maldives, follow the Maldivian tourism and health guidelines.
• The local currency is the Maldivian Rufiyaa (MVR), though $US is accepted at most resort islands.
• You can change money and use ATMs in Malé and many larger islands. Take cash if you're travelling to other areas.

Full travel advice: Travel

Local contacts

• The  Consular Services Charter details what we can and can't do to help you overseas.
• Contact the Australian High Commission in Malé, Republic of Maldives for consular help.
• To stay up to date with local information, follow the High Commission's social media accounts.

Full travel advice: Local contacts

Full advice

Civil unrest and political tension.

Public protests and events that draw large groups of people may occur in Maldives and can turn violent. 

To stay safe during periods of unrest:

• avoid all protests and large public gatherings
• monitor the media for planned or possible unrest
• obey curfews and seek local advice on safety and security
• follow the instructions of security personnel and local authorities

More information:

Demonstrations and civil unrest

Terrorism is a threat worldwide.

Terrorism can occur anywhere in Maldives at any time. Possible targets include government institutions and tourist areas.

To reduce your risk of being involved in a terrorist attack:

• avoid crowded areas
• always be alert
• follow the advice of local authorities
• monitor the media and other sources

Since February 2020, there have been several terrorism offences, including a stabbing attack on three foreigners in Hulhumalé, where an Australian was injured. Other incidents include an arson attack on a police speedboat in Laamu Gan in March 2020 and the detonation of an improvised explosive device in Malé in May 2021, which injured a high-profile politician and bystanders.

Terrorist threats

Drug-related crime occurs in Malé and other cities in Maldives.

Gang-related violence, including knife crime, has increased in urban areas, including Malé and Hulhumalé.

There is an ongoing risk of petty crime in Maldives, including pickpocketing, bag snatching and other petty crimes. Be careful of theft in crowds and these locations:

• hotels and guesthouses

To protect yourself from petty theft:

• carry only what you need
• leave valuables, including your passport, in a secure location
• follow local media for new security risks
• avoid trouble spots

Cyber security

You may be at risk of cyber-based threats during overseas travel to any country. Digital identity theft is a growing concern. Your devices and personal data can be compromised, especially if you're connecting to Wi-Fi, using or connecting to shared or public computers, or to Bluetooth. 

Social media can also be risky in destinations where there are social or political tensions or laws that may seem unreasonable by Australian standards. Travellers have been arrested for things they have said on social media. Don't comment on local or political events on your social media. 

More information:  

• Cyber security when travelling overseas  

Tours and adventure activities

Transport and tour operators don't always follow safety and maintenance standards. This includes adventure activities, such as water sports.

If you plan to do an adventure activity :

• check if your travel insurance policy covers it
• check the operator credentials and safety equipment before you book
• ask about and insist on minimum safety requirements
• always use available safety gear, such as life jackets or seatbelts

If proper safety equipment isn't available, use another provider.

Climate and natural disasters

The monsoon season is from mid-May to November. Strong winds, rough seas, torrential rain and flash flooding can happen.

If there is a natural disaster or severe weather :

• secure your passport in a safe, waterproof location or carry it on you at all times (in a waterproof bag)
• keep in contact with friends and family
• consult your tour operator about disruptions to your travel plans

Tsunamis can occur in Maldives. These are caused by nearby or distant earthquakes .

If you're near the coast, move immediately to high ground if advised by local authorities, or if you:

• feel a strong earthquake that makes it hard to stand up
• feel a weak, rolling earthquake that lasts a minute or more
• see a sudden rise or fall in sea level
• hear loud and unusual noises from the sea

Don't wait for official warnings, such as alarms or sirens. Once on high ground, check local media.

Register with the Global Disaster Alert and Coordination System to receive alerts on major disasters.

Travel Insurance

Ensure you have comprehensive travel insurance .

Your policy needs to cover all overseas medical costs, including medical evacuation. The Australian Government won't pay for these costs.

If you can't afford travel insurance, you can't afford to travel. This applies to everyone, no matter how healthy and fit you are.

If you're not insured, you may have to pay many thousands of dollars up-front for medical care.

• what activities and care your policy covers
• that your insurance covers you for the whole time you'll be away

Physical and mental health

Consider your physical and mental health before you travel, especially if you have an existing medical condition. 

See your doctor or travel clinic to:

• have a basic health check-up
• ask if your travel plans may affect your health
• plan any vaccinations you need

Do this at least 8 weeks before you leave.

If you have immediate concerns for your welfare or the welfare of another Australian, call the 24-hour Consular Emergency Centre on +61 2 6261 3305 or contact your  nearest Australian Embassy, High Commission or Consulate  to discuss counselling hotlines and services available in your location.

• General health advice
• Healthy holiday tips  (Healthdirect Australia)

Medications

Not all medication available over the counter or by prescription in Australia is available in other countries. Some may even be considered illegal or a controlled substance, even if prescribed by an Australian doctor.

If you plan to bring medication, check if it's legal in Maldives. Take enough legal medicine for your trip and consider bringing an extra supply in case your trip is unexpectedly extended.

Carry a copy of your prescription or a letter from your doctor stating:

• what the medicine is
• your required dosage
• that it's for personal use

Health risks

Insect-borne diseases.

There is a risk of insect-borne diseases in Maldives. These include:

• chikungunya

Zika virus is a risk to pregnant women. Read the Australian Department of Health's Zika virus bulletin for advice on how to reduce your risk.

If you're pregnant:

• discuss travel plans with your doctor
• consider deferring non-essential travel to affected areas

To protect yourself against insect bites:

• ensure your accommodation is insect-proof
• use tropical strength mosquito and insect repellent
• wear long, loose, light-coloured clothing

Other health risks

Waterborne, foodborne and other diseases are common. These include:

Serious outbreaks sometimes occur.

To protect yourself from illness:

• drink boiled water or bottled water with intact seals
• avoid ice cubes
• avoid uncooked and undercooked food, such as salads

Get medical advice if you have a fever or diarrhoea.

Infectious diseases

Medical care

Hospital services, including rescue and emergency services, are limited.

There are two general hospitals in Malé. They offer general medical and some specialist services. The larger private hospital in Malé offers a wider range of services.

It can take several hours to reach a hospital from resort islands.

Facilities are limited for scuba-diving injuries. There are limited decompression chambers in Maldives. It may take several hours to reach these in an emergency. Dive within safety limits.

You may need to be evacuated if you become seriously ill or injured. Medical evacuation can be very expensive.

You're subject to all local laws and penalties, including those that may appear harsh by Australian standards. Research local laws before travelling.

If you're arrested or jailed, the Australian Government will do what it can to help you under our Consular Services Charter . But we can't get you out of trouble or out of jail.

Penalties for carrying or using illegal drugs offences are severe and can include mandatory jail sentences and life imprisonment.

If you're caught with even a small amount of illegal drugs, you can be charged with trafficking. 

Carrying or using drugs

The death penalty can apply for serious crimes, such as murder.

In Maldives it's illegal to:

• import alcohol
• drink alcohol — unless you're on a resort island
• import pornography
• import pork products — see Maldives Customs

It is illegal to:

• publicly observe any religion other than Islam
• import non-Islamic religious material

LGBTI travellers

Same-sex sexual acts are illegal in Maldives.

Non-resorts islands

A permit is no longer required to visit a non-resort island.

Provided you have entered Maldives with a valid visa, you have permission to travel to any part of the country.

Australian laws

Some Australian criminal laws still apply when you're overseas. If you break these laws, you may face prosecution in Australia.

Staying within the law and respecting customs

Dual citizenship

Maldives recognises dual nationality.

Dual nationals

Local customs

Dress and behaviour.

Standards of dress and behaviour are conservative in most parts of Maldives.

Dress modestly in Malé (covering shoulders and knees for women) and on non-resort islands.

Take care not to offend. Public displays of affection outside of resorts are likely to cause offence.

The Islamic holiday month of  Ramadan  is observed in Maldives. Respect religious and cultural customs and laws at this time.

During Ramadan, eating, drinking and smoking may be illegal in public during the day. If you're not fasting, avoid these activities around people who are. 

Resort islands generally don't need to follow the rules of Ramadan, though guesthouses on inhabited local islands will. Seek local advice to avoid offence.

Explore our Ramadan page to learn more, including dates for Ramadan.

Visas and border measures

Every country or territory decides who can enter or leave through its borders. For specific information about the evidence you'll need to enter a foreign destination, check with the nearest embassy, consulate or immigration department of the destination you're entering. 

You can get a tourist visa on arrival to Maldives, provided that you meet all entry requirements. Entry and exit conditions can change at short notice. Contact the  Department of Immigration and Emigration of the Republic of Maldives  for details about visas, currency, customs and quarantine rules.

Border measures

Airlines may require proof of certain vaccinations to travel. Check requirements with individual airlines prior to travel. You must complete a  Traveller Declaration  form 96 hours before departure to and return from Maldives.

Tourists must have a confirmed booking at a registered tourist facility before entering Maldives. 

Other formalities

Yellow fever vaccination

You need a valid yellow fever vaccination certificate to enter Maldives if you're coming from a country with a risk of yellow fever. Some airlines may want to see one when you leave.

Find out about returning to Australia after exposure to yellow fever .

Countries with a risk of yellow fever (PDF 151KB)

Some countries won't let you enter unless your passport is valid for 6 months after you plan to leave that country. This can apply even if you're just transiting or stopping over.

Some foreign governments and airlines apply the rule inconsistently. Travellers can receive conflicting advice from different sources.

You can end up stranded if your passport is not valid for more than 6 months.

The Australian Government does not set these rules. Check your passport's expiry date before you travel. If you're not sure it'll be valid for long enough, consider getting a new passport .

Lost or stolen passport

Your passport is a valuable document. It's attractive to people who may try to use your identity to commit crimes.

Some people may try to trick you into giving them your passport. Always keep it in a safe place.

If your passport is lost or stolen, tell the Australian Government as soon as possible.

• In Australia, contact the Australian Passport Information Service .
• If you're overseas, contact the nearest Australian embassy or consulate .

Passport with 'X’ gender identifier

Although Australian passports comply with international standards for sex and gender, we can't guarantee that a passport showing an 'X' in the sex field will be accepted for entry or transit by another country. Contact the nearest  embassy, high commission or consulate of your destination  before you arrive at the border to confirm if authorities will accept passports with 'X' gender markers. 

• LGBTI travellers  

The local currency is the Maldivian Rufiyaa (MVR).

You can change money at resorts, though many will accept $US. You can also change money and use ATMs at banks in Malé and many larger islands.

Carry cash if you're travelling to other areas.

Most hotels and major tourist facilities accept credit cards.

Before you travel, ask your bank if your cards will work in Maldives.

Local travel

Travel between islands is by boat or seaplane.

Driving permit

To drive in Maldives, you'll need both:

• a valid International Driving Permit (IDP)
• a current Australian driver's licence

If you drive without an IDP, you may not be covered by your travel or vehicle insurance.

Road travel

There are few roads and vehicles in Maldives.

Road traffic accidents are common. Pedestrians and those travelling on motorcycles are at high risk of accidents. Follow road safety regulations and stay alert at all times.

Motorcycles

Check with your travel insurer to see if you're covered to use a motorbike.

Always wear a helmet.

Most helmets you can buy or rent in Maldives don't meet Australian standards.

Taxis and water taxis

Only use licensed taxis and limousines. Ask your hotel to arrange taxis.

Many resorts operate water taxis between the airport and other islands.

Always wear a life jacket, even if others don't.

Public transport

Public transport options are limited on land.

Ferries operate between major islands.

Contact your hotel for details.

Travelling by boat

Cruise ships and foreign flagged yachts arriving in Maldives must adhere to International Maritime Organisation (IMO) regulations and guidelines.

• Going on a cruise

DFAT doesn't provide information on the safety of individual commercial airlines or flight paths.

Check Maldives' air safety profile with the Aviation Safety Network.

Emergencies

Depending on what you need, contact your:

• family and friends
• travel agent
• insurance provider

Always get a police report when you report a crime.

Your insurer should have a 24-hour emergency number.

Consular contacts

Read the  Consular Services Charter  for what the Australian Government can and can't do to help you overseas.

For consular assistance, contact the Australian High Commission in Malé.

Australian High Commission, Malé

Level 5, JEN Maldives Malé

Ameer Ahmed Magu

Malé 20096, Republic of Maldives

Phone: +960 334 0080

Website:  Australian High Commission, Maldives

Facebook:   Australia in Maldives

Check the High Commission website for details about opening hours and any temporary closures.

24-hour Consular Emergency Centre

In a consular emergency, if you can't contact an embassy, call the 24-hour Consular Emergency Centre on:

• +61 2 6261 3305 from overseas
• 1300 555 135 in Australia

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13 things to know before going to the Maldives

Feb 8, 2024 • 5 min read

Be ready for your visit to the Maldives with this guide to planning and etiquette © Jannoon028 / Getty Images

Paradise personified. Heaven on earth. Screensaver goals. The Maldives has earned a lot of monikers since it opened to tourists in the 1970s.

Over the past 50 years, it’s become known as a honeymoon hot spot, a family-friendly getaway and one of the world’s most coveted vacation destinations.

And while it may seem like a lot of hype for one small, spread-out island nation in the Indian Ocean, the Maldives really does live up to it. From coconut-fringed islands and colorful reefs to warm smiles and even warmer curries, it’s often a once-in-a-lifetime getaway for travelers. Whether you’re heading off to a ritzy private island resort or a more affordable local island, there’s a handful of things to know before departure. Here are our top tips and best advice ahead of a trip to the Maldives.

1. Plan for at least 5 nights in the Maldives

For all travelers, it takes a plane ride or three to land in this far-flung slice of paradise. So, while a weekend to the Maldives may work for travelers based in Asia, five nights will suffice if you’re crunched for time and budget. And if neither is an issue, plan for at least a week to fully unwind and embrace island life.

2. You can get around via seaplane or speedboat

When choosing your island resort, pay attention to whether it’s reachable by seaplane or speedboat. Although seaplane transfers give picture-worthy views of the pearl-shaped atolls, they often cost much more. And be aware there’s a 25kg (55lbs) total luggage per person allowance on seaplanes. So, if you’re looking to save money, pick a resort closer to Male that you can transfer to via speedboat. You can also take a domestic flight to another atoll in the Maldives and a speedboat to the resort.

3. Island-hopping is doable (and encouraged)

Many travelers spend weeks poring over which private island resort is the best for them, but you don’t have to choose one. Beach bums can split their time between resorts. You’ll need to travel back to Male airport, where a representative from your next resort will meet you and transfer you there via seaplane or speedboat. If the resorts are close together, you can charter a speedboat from one resort to another.

4. Aim to land in Male in the morning

If you’re staying at a resort accessible by seaplane transfer, arriving in the morning is crucial. Once the sun sets, seaplanes stop flying, so you’d need to stay overnight in Male or Hulhumale to wait for the next seaplane. If your resort is accessible via a speedboat or water taxi, arriving at night is less of an issue, but the Maldives scenery is so stunning you’ll want to be able to see it.

5. Understand “island time”

These tiny private islands operate by their own rules, including their own time zones. Some resorts will ask guests to set their clocks to “island time,” an hour forward to give them an extra hour of sunlight for snorkeling or swimming .

6. Stock up well (there are no grocery stores for tourists)

There are no grocery stores or Walmarts on these tiny private islands. So, triple-check that you’ve got everything you need, including reef-safe sunscreen to help protect one of the Maldives’ most precious natural habitats. Every resort has a boutique store where you can pick up necessities you may have forgotten, but prices are often insanely expensive.

7. Familiarize yourself with the prohibited items list

The Maldives is a devout Muslim country with strict rules. So travelers entering cannot bring alcohol, pornographic materials, pork products or idols of worship  among other things . If anything prohibited is found, it will be taken away on arrival.

8. Local islands are a bargain but come with caveats

The local islands are a great and safe option for travelers on a budget and those not willing to shell out thousands for an island getaway. Small Maldivian-run guesthouses offer a much more intimate look at daily life, but there are a few things to know first. Alcohol is illegal on local islands, so don’t expect to enjoy a beer by the beach. Travelers must also dress conservatively on local islands by covering their shoulders and knees. Women don’t need to cover their heads, but wearing a bathing suit outside of designated “bikini beaches” is not allowed and could land you with a fine.

9. There’s no standard tipping etiquette

Tipping on top of your restaurant bill at the resort is not expected because a 10% tip is already included. However, if you want to leave something for your favorite server at the end of your stay that is more than OK. Guests can also write a review calling out their favorite team members; management often rewards staff for stellar service. Leaving a tip ranging from US$2 to US$10 per day for housekeeping is also customary. And if you have a butler, tipping 10% of the cost of your stay is a good rule.

10. You can pay in USD

The local currency is the Maldivian rufiya, but US dollars are also accepted. You can get some local currency from the ATM at the airport on arrival. If you want to exchange money for rufiya, you can do so in the airport at the Bank of Maldives Foreign Exchange. Keep your receipt with you so you can change anything extra back into your local currency when you leave.

11. Resort doctors can help with health concerns

The vast majority of travelers will go straight from the plane to a private island resort. Should you have any health issues during your stay, the on-island doctor will be able to assist you.

12. There is a “green tax” for tourists

Every tourist is charged a government tax to stay in a hotel, liveaboard or guesthouse. The tax is US$6 per day unless you’re staying in a guesthouse on a local island with 50 or fewer registered rooms, then the tax is US$3 per day. The charge will be included in your overall bill.

13. Sustainability initiatives are everywhere 

As the world’s lowest-lying country, the Maldives is under serious threat from climate change. Nearly every resort has sustainability initiatives, which might include coral regeneration, onsite gardens, turtle rehabilitation and/or unique mosquito trapping methods instead of chemical spraying. A few of the more sustainable resorts to choose from are Soneva , Six Senses , Four Seasons , Kudadoo and Gili Lankanfushi . Beware of greenwashing , where organizations claim sustainability credentials that aren't as impactful as they suggest.

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• 25 Maldives Travel Tips You Must Keep In Mind Before You Plan A Trip

28 Oct 2021

With nearly 1190 volcanic and coral islands sprawled across the Indian Ocean, Maldives has long been considered as one of the most popular romantic getaways to enjoy some tropical charm. Thanks to its crystal clear waters, beneath which lurk the shoal of fishes, rays, and sharks. For the warmth of the sun and a plethora of activities, Maldives should be on every traveler’s bucket list. The Maldives travel tips are to be given importance as right after being dropped at the private island, you will be busy at the powdery white beach.

So, have a look at all these tips on how to plan a Maldives trip before you head to this beautiful tropical nation. Following this Maldives travel guide will ensure you have a safe, comfortable, and happy vacation in this beautiful island nation. Planning a trip to the Maldives will give you a stunning experience, giving a work break from daily mundane life.

25 Maldives Travel Tips For Your Holiday

Here is a handy Maldives travel guide that will help you have better experiences without any hassles when you’re touring the beautiful nation of Maldives. Take a look at these travel tips to the Maldives islands before you head there. H ow to plan a trip to the Maldives and a few interesting tips while traveling are explained below which will help you to understand things. Read on and see our Maldives travel tips .

• Plan According To The Weather
• Choose Your Airplane Rides Wisely
• Book Hotels And Flights Online
• Follow The Basic Unwritten Rules Of The Land
• Choose Affordable Accommodation And Transportation
• Go For All-inclusive Or Half-board Facilities
• Pack Wisely
• Check And Compare Prices For Water Activities
• The Bioluminescent Beach Must Not Be Missed
• Keep Eyes Open For Tax And Hidden Costs
• Don’t Carry Alcohol In The Country
• Keep USD For Transactions
• Don’t Forget Your Sunscreen
• Bikinis Are Not Allowed Everywhere
• Avoid Changing Places Frequently
• Spend At Least One Night In A Water Bungalow
• Drone Photography? First Check If They’re Allowed
• Buy Sim Cards At The Airport
• From November To April Is The Best Time To Visit Maldives
• You Don’t Need A Visa While Travelling To Maldives
• Seaplanes Are Wonderful There In Maldives
• Save Money By Having Brunch
• Learn The Local Language
• BYOF – Bring Your Own Fins
• Should You Tip Or Not?

1. Plan According To The Weather

Image Source

November through April is the peak season of Maldives vacation due to prime weather with endless soft sunshine. Obviously, you will get sky-high prices on everything from accommodation to activities. For a budget Maldives trip plan, traveling during shoulder season, i.e., between the peak season and off-season, will be among the best Maldives travel tips as the weather will be still pleasant and 20% reduced occupancy in resorts will bring you exciting discounts and great services.

Tips on the M aldives trip plan mentioned below will help you to understand what is the best season to travel there in the Maldives.  Although rain is common during the off-season, it doesn’t rain all day. Hence, the period from April to September can be your best bet. Look out for Iruvai – winter monsoon during October and November in Maldives and Halhangu from May to August.

24 Utterly Romantic Things To Do In Maldives On Honeymoon

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2. Choose Your Airplane Rides Wisely

One of the most important tips for first-time visitors on how to visit Maldives on a budget is to choose regional or domestic flights from Middle East Asia as these are cheaper options. Choosing a flight to Male and then a speedboat for Maldives transportation between islands to reach the specific islands will be affordable although you can also choose a round trip seaplane ride which will be unforgettable, though expensive. You can also choose the Maldivian domestic flight for the transfer.

Flights can get delayed and there is also no scheduled time for seaplane transfer within its dawn-to-dusk window. So try to plan for the flight that lands in the first half of the day to get transferred to the island before 4 PM, otherwise you have to spend the night at Male and take the earliest transfer the following day.

3. Book Hotels And Flights Online

Traveling to Maldives tips and tricks are many and among them, one is to check for available flights online much before the trip to avail cheaper costs. The same goes for hotels or resorts, especially if you are planning the trip on shoulder or peak season, as most people and travel agencies book well in advance.

Where to stay in the Maldives, which island is best, are some of the common questions that come to mind. In this case, the Maldives travel guide will assist to plan for a wonderful trip there and explore the pleasure of staying in the Islands. Compare hotel prices and flight prices and obviously go for the cheapest option, after verifying if it is authentic.

Must Read: For The Love Of Nature, Romance, & Luxury: A Romantic Escapade To Maldives

4. Follow The Basic Unwritten Rules Of The Land

Planning during the 1-month period of Ramadan is a no-no as many hotel staff will be out for meeting families. Also, the availability of food during the daytime will be a challenge and many services and shops will be closed, especially during the time of prayer. Don’t expect to get pork and alcohol.

Also, one of the most major Maldives travel tips to follow at this time is to ensure you are decently covered, especially knees, shoulders, abdomen, chest, and elbows while visiting the local islands. When you are planning a trip to the Maldives the rules are for the time when one is taking a trip to the local islands but quite relaxed at the resort islands and one can dress the way they want to. There is also a restriction on the public display of affection and homosexuality is taboo as well.

5. Choose Affordable Accommodation & Transportation

When figuring out how to travel to Maldives , you must have all your options in hand to consider properly. Depending on the average cost of Maldives vacation, you can either go for the less expensive hotels on the local islands or make the best out of the luxury and privacy at the five-star resorts on private islands. Choosing those which offer excursions, airport transfers, and ferry service is a good idea according to tips for the Maldives given by previous travelers.

Check out the restaurants, bar, pool, kid-friendliness, reef condition around the island and of course, the view around. For those traveling with kids, choosing overwater villas can be a bad choice as they can be unsafe for them to play or climb on jetties. But living amid the reef fishes, rays and corals can be tantalizing.

Suggested Read: Maldives Vs Bahamas

6. Go For All-inclusive Or Half-board Facilities

When you are out on the beaches or enjoying water sports in Maldives , going for the all-inclusive deals can be quite expensive. All-inclusive buffet breakfast and lunch can be a great choice while half-boards will include breakfast, lunch, and drinks with access to A-la-carte restaurants according to many Maldives travel tips.

Before choosing a deal, make sure there are coffee, drinks, and special delights included, any activities or excursions offered, and whether there is a kid-friendly menu available if you are traveling with kids. Checking these things in advance is only going to make your Maldives trip fun and easier.

Planning your holiday in the Maldives but confused about what to do? These Maldives travel stories help you find your best trip ever!

Navangad Singh Chadha Talks About His Luxurious Honeymoon In Maldives

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7. Pack Wisely

While considering how to go to the Maldives with proper packing, make sure you don’t pack pork, alcohol or tobacco products (without health warning) along with any religious books. Coming to one of the most important accessories, do carry a water-resistant or underwater camera with a polarizer to shoot all the action on land and underwater. All Maldives travel tips will tell you to carry snorkeling, surfing, or diving gear to cut down on renting cost and stick to your budget. Carry minimal tropical-friendly clothing, swimsuits (for private islands), sunscreen, toiletries, surf wax, personal care products, and medical emergency kit. These are the things to know before going to Maldives and make sure you carry extra money for emergency or backup.

Suggested Read: Fulhadhoo Island

8. Check And Compare Prices For Water Activities

Among the common tips for traveling the Maldives on a budget is to check the distance of the coral reefs from the resort to verify whether you can reach by swimming a little or have to book a ferry from the resort for snorkeling or diving. Sea-kayaking, jet-skiing, parasailing, stand-up paddleboarding, wakeboarding, boating, and the whale, dolphin, or Manta watching trips are offered by resorts and private organizers.

Compare their prices before choosing. Manta-rays in North Male Atoll, dolphins and Whale Sharks in South Ari Atoll, and sea-turtles, rays, reef fishes, Reef Sharks, and Hammerhead Sharks in Rasdhoo Atoll should be on your list. Moreover, there are several adventurous things to do in Maldives with family, make sure to make the most of everything.

9. The Bioluminescent Beach Must Not Be Missed

Visiting the Baa Atoll should be among the top 10 travel tips to know before you go as this will be a once-in-a-lifetime experience to see the planktons emitting luminescent toxins during the night under the sky, creating a starry look on the ocean bed. This is one of the most unique things to do in the Maldives .

There are many resorts offering bioluminescent tours, but you must verify their authenticity first. Make sure you check the timing of this phenomenon beforehand when you are planning or figuring out how to travel to the Maldives , so you can pick the islands or resorts for your stay accordingly.

Suggested Read: Maafushi Island

10. Keep Eyes Open For Tax And Hidden Costs

One of the key Maldives travel tips would be to look out for the extra cost for the imported food and drinks at the luxury resorts along with their 10% service cost and 8% service tax (rapidly increasing). Don’t miss out on the public price on menus, taxes on equipment rentals, spa sessions, and more.

You don’t have to pay additional tips but you may offer it as a gesture of appreciation along with a 10% food tax. While traveling in a foreign country, just be careful of these few things, and you are good to go!

11. Don’t Carry Alcohol In The Country

The Maldives is a country that is slightly Muslim dominated and the only place where someone can enjoy a drink without any worries, is at the private resorts. One of the best Maldives travel tips we can give you is to not carry alcohol while entering the country. There is a risk of them being taken away or the travelers might be fined by the custom.

Suggested Read: Super Exciting Things To Do On A Budget Honeymoon In Maldives

12. Keep USD For Transactions

Although Maldivian Rufiyaa is the national currency used in the Maldives, USD is widely accepted almost everywhere. Apart from the local islands, most of the shops have things labeled in USD. Though credit cards are used widely including the resorts, keeping cash is also important as there is a need to purchase odds and ends. And it is also difficult to find an ATM in the vicinity of Maldivian islands, thus it is necessary to kee[p cash.

13. Don’t Forget Your Sunscreen

Being a tropical location, it is necessary for travelers to bring sunscreen with them to protect the skin from being damaged. But make sure to not plan on buying the sunscreen from the Maldives, as it is very expensive on the island. And alongside that also ensure that you try to use reef-safe sunscreen as the chemicals in other sunscreens damages the magnificent and preserved coral and marine life.

Suggested Read: Mauritius Vs Maldives For Holiday

14. Bikinis Are Not Allowed Everywhere

Try not to disregard the conservative culture of the Maldives which is still prevalent in the local islands. Practice modesty and wear bikinis or skin-tight clothing only when at the resort islands. On the local islands, there are some “bikini beaches”, which are specially meant for tourists to visit. Amon all the Maldives travel tips

15. Avoid Changing Places Frequently

While planning a stay in the Maldives, make sure to pick just one hotel or resort and spend your vacation there rather than doing island hopping. Moving from one place to another in the Maldives is quite hectic and it doesn’t seem like a seamless transfer. Apart from Male, one has to hire a speedboat or seaplane to travel from one island to another.

Suggested Read: 28 Best Islands In Maldives For Honeymoon

16. Spend At Least One Night In A Water Bungalow

You don’t visit such breathtaking tropical destinations with glamorous overwater villas every day. So, when you’re in the Maldives, make the most of this opportunity, even if it means spending just a little more. Your Maldives trip plan is incomplete without the experience of the crystal clear turquoise ocean right under your feet, especially if you’re on your honeymoon in Maldives .

While Maldivian beach villas are also pretty awesome, nothing can beat the experience of staying in a water bungalow where you will wake up to gorgeous sunrises and can slide right into the ocean from your room itself! Therefore, if you are planning to spend few days in those water bungalows and not being able to figure out what to prepare for the Maldives trip, this article will help you to understand the nature of the trip that you can plan for.  

17. Drone Photography? First Check If They’re Allowed

Who wouldn’t want to capture that incredible mix of white Maldivian beaches and blue waters from the skies? But if you’re planning on bringing a drone to the Maldives, then there are some things you must consider. Many resorts in Maldives have a “No Drone” policy to foster the protection of their guests’ privacy and violating these could land you in serious trouble. So the major travel tips for Maldives will always tell you to check with your resort if they would allow you to fly drones on the island that you’re staying on.

Suggested Read: 14 Finest Airports In Maldives

18. Buy Sim Cards At The Airport

One of the most common tips for a Maldives trip that all bloggers will give you is to buy a sim card (or two) at the airport itself once you land. And that makes sense if you like to keep your Instagram followers about what’s going on your trip, since the WiFi service in many resorts in the Maldives is untrustworthy.

You’ll end up relying on mobile data half the time, and it’ll come in handy in case there is an emergency or you’re stuck somewhere. So, while you plan a trip to Maldives, make sure you put this down as the first task post landing. This is one of the most important Maldives travel tips that you need to consider.

19. From November To April Is The Best Time To Visit Maldives

When you are planning to visit the Maldives, you must have an understanding of the climate over there so that you can have a memorable trip to the Maldives. Well, the best time to visit different Islands in Maldives . Usually, vacationers love to visit there in the Maldives in the month of December and the rush for visitors continue till the month of March. The Maldives are pretty much with perfect weather with an average temperature of 32 degrees Celcius. Moreover, some of the best places to visit in Maldives with family include Malé Atoll, Sun Island, Fihalhohi Island, Mirihi Island, and more. 

Suggested Read: Snorkeling In Maldives

20. You Don’t Need A Visa While Travelling To Maldives

If you want to enter to roam around the Maldives then you don’t need any pre-arrival visa. However, visitors of the Maldives will get a thirty-day visa which is issued on the day of arrival in the Country at the airport only. Therefore, arranging visa and its validity are not the things that you need to take into consideration but your passport should have 6 months of validity remaining. This validity is needed to ensure a valid return ticket from the Maldives.

21. Seaplanes Are Wonderful There In Maldives

The experience of flying to the Male International Airport is stunning. Tourists, who love to explore some wonderful Islands and places to visit in Maldives , you will have to bear some extra buck if they wish to cherish the journey by seaplane which starts from around US$200 but the views are really eye-pleasing that it is worth spending penny while traveling.

Whenever you are booking the hotels there in the Maldives, you need to make sure that you book the seaplanes also in advance as these seaplanes are scheduled and available as per the demand and you will be getting the booking confirmation only just one night before you start your trip to the Maldives. 

Suggested Read: Social Distancing In Maldives

22. Save Money By Having Brunch

If you are planning a 5 days trip to the Maldives then you must have an idea of the overall cost that will be needed for the trip. Though you have fixed the budget for the trip if you can manage to save some extra bucks while on the trip then that will be a cherry on the cake for you as you can keep the saved money for your next trip. Well, some planning can save your money and make your next trip budget-friendly. You can have a heavy breakfast between 10 am to 11 am and then you won’t feel like having lunch in the afternoon. 

23. Learn The Local Language

A Maldives travel guide remains incomplete without this point. Whether traveling to Maldives or any other country for a vacation, it is always better to learn the basic words in the official language for a smooth experience. In Mauritius, the official language is Dhivehi so you can learn a few phrases, questions, and words.

But, it is not necessary to do so as Mauritius has its tourism game strong which is why you will see most of the people speaking in English, especially at resorts and restaurants. As there is no language barrier, you might not find any problem on your vacation if you do not know the local language. It is totally up to you whether you want to include a translation book in your Maldives tour plan .

Suggested Read: Maldives Surfing

24. BYOF – Bring Your Own Fins

Image Credit: Petey21 for Wikimedia Commons

If you are a marine person and are thinking of exploring marine life yourself then it is better to bring your own fins. This is one of the best ways to save a few notes as the resorts and hotels charge you for the equipment on a daily basis. It is better suggested to bring your own equipment and skip all the hassles related to rentals that might get heavy on your pocket. You might not find this travel tip all Maldives guides . 

25. Should You Tip Or Not?

Here is another point that you might want to note while talking about Maldives travel tips . Tipping is not a conventional practice in the Maldives therefore, it is not an obligation to tip in this country. Whether staying at a hotel or eating at a restaurant, you will see that giving tips for the service is not a common practice in the Maldives like it is in many other countries. Having said that, if you still feel that the service provided was commendable and you should praise it then you can provide a tip but you are not obliged to. So, giving a tip totally depends on you and no one else.

Further Read: Maldives Or Bora Bora For Honeymoon

With all the above-mentioned Maldives travel tips, it is necessary to carry sufficient US Dollars for its wide acceptability along with MVR or Maldivian Rufiyaa Equals. The local islands are dominated by Islamic culture, be respectful towards it. For the rest, enjoy an awesome trip to Maldives ! with our well-planned packages.

For our editorial codes of conduct and copyright disclaimer please click  here . 

Frequently Asked Questions About Maldives Travel Tips

Do people tip in the Maldives?

Usually, in the Maldives, 10% is charged extra as a service tax and above that, it is not necessary to give a tip in the Maldives. If someone wants to still pay a tip, then they can do that generously.

What can you buy in the Maldives?

If you want to go shopping in the Maldives then these are a few items to buy there: 1. Traditional Maldivian mats called Thundu Kunal 2. Sarongs 3. Lacquer work 4. Dhonis

Can you drink alcohol in the Maldives?

Being an Islamic nation, there is a restriction on the consumption of alcohol locally. But the water resorts and liveaboards have a license to sell alcohol. This is one of the essential Maldives travel tips for people visiting the island for the first time.

Can I use Australian dollars in Maldives?

No. Though the national currency of Maldives is the Maldivian Rufiyaa, USD dollars are accepted across the island except for the local islands. So make sure you have the valid currency with you all the time.

How many days are enough for the Maldives?

5-7 days are good for exploring the Maldives and have an amazing time in the luxurious resorts there. You can go for more or fewer days but the ideal trip to the Maldives includes 5-7 days.

Which is the best time to visit Maldives?

November to April is the best time to visit Maldives. The peak season is from December to March so one can plan a trip before or after it to skip crowds.

What do I need to know before Travelling to Maldives?

Before heading to the Maldives, make sure you research the Island and its neighboring Islands to have a rough idea about this prominent landscape, avoid carrying alcohol with you, the expensive months of Maldives, what to bring, estimated budget, etc.

What to wear in Maldives?

In Maldives, you can wear comfortable and loose clothes whichever suits you according to the weather and government rules of the country. Additionally, it is recommended to opt for bikinis only in private resorts or Islands and it is prohibited in public places.

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Travel Advisory June 23, 2023

Maldives - level 2: exercise increased caution.

Reissued with updates to health information.

Exercise increased caution in Maldives due to terrorism .

Country Summary: Terrorist groups may conduct attacks with little or no warning, targeting tourist locations, transportation hubs, markets/shopping malls, and local government facilities. Attacks may occur on remote islands which could lengthen the response time of authorities.   

If you decide to travel to Maldives:

• Visit the CDC page for the latest Travel Health Information related to your travel.
• Avoid demonstrations and crowds.
• Monitor local media for breaking events and be prepared to adjust your plans.
• Be aware of your surroundings.
• Stay alert in locations frequented by Westerners.
• Enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program ( STEP ) to receive Alerts and make it easier to locate you in an emergency.
• Follow the Department of State on Facebook and Twitter .
• Review the Country Security Report for Maldives.
• Prepare a contingency plan for emergency situations. Review the Traveler’s Checklist  plan for emergency situations.

Embassy Messages

View Alerts and Messages Archive

Quick Facts

Must be valid Must be valid for six months from expected date of departure from Maldives.

One page required for entry stamp

Visitor visa available at the airport for stays up to 30 days

Required for entry if arriving from or transmitting through a yellow fever endemic country (see below)

Embassies and Consulates

U.s. embassy colombo.

210 Galle Road, Colombo 03, Sri Lanka Telephone: +(94) (11) 202-8500 Fax: +(94) (11) 202-8590 [email protected] U.S. Embassy Maldives

Destination Description

See the Department of State’s Fact Sheet on Maldives for information on U.S.-Maldives relations.

Entry, Exit and Visa Requirements

A valid passport, along with an onward/return ticket and sufficient funds, is required for entry. A no-cost visitor visa valid for 30 days is issued upon arrival. A Traveler Health Declaration (THD) must be filled in and submitted by all travelers travelling to and from Maldives, within 96 hours prior to their travel. You may submit the form electronically .

The  Department of Immigration and Emigration  routinely approves requests for extension of stays up to 90 days for travelers who present evidence of sufficient funds and who stay in a resort/hotel or present a letter from a local sponsor. Anyone staying more than 60 days without proper authorization faces heavy fines and deportation.

Yellow fever vaccine is required for individuals above nine months of age who are traveling to Sri Lanka from a country designated by the World Health Organization (WHO) to have a risk of yellow fever transmission, including transit wait time of more than 12 hours in an airport located in such a country. For more information, please refer to WHO .

Visit the Republic of Maldives, Department of Immigration and Emigration for the most current visa information.

The U.S. Department of State is unaware of any HIV/AIDS entry restrictions for visitors to or foreign residents of Maldives.

Find Information on  dual nationality , prevention of international child abduction and  customs regulations on our websites.

Safety and Security

Terrorism: Terrorist groups and those inspired by such organizations are intent on attacking U.S. citizens abroad. Terrorists are increasingly using less sophisticated methods of attack – including knives, firearms, and vehicles – to more effectively target crowds. Frequently, their aim is unprotected or vulnerable targets, such as:

• High-profile public events (sporting contests, political rallies, demonstrations, holiday events, celebratory gatherings, etc.)
• Hotels, clubs, and restaurants frequented by tourists
• Places of worship
• Public transportation systems (including subways, buses, trains, and scheduled commercial flights)

For more information, see our Terrorism page.

Crime: Maldives has a low crime rate and crime on resort islands is rare. Valuables may be stolen when left unattended on beaches or in hotels. The penalty for drug use or possession is severe.

Demonstrations  may take place in response to political or economic issues, but primarily take place in Malé or other larger cities and are unlikely to be noticed by tourists.

• Demonstrations can be unpredictable, avoid areas around protests and demonstrations. 
• Check local media for updates and traffic advisories.

  International Financial Scams:  See the Department of State and FBI pages for information.

Technology Usage Abroad: Mobiles devices are vulnerable to compromise, theft, and physical damage anywhere in the world. Best practices prior to traveling abroad are keeping all software (operating system and apps) updated, and use virtual private network and encrypted voice over IP (VoIP) applications if possible. Make sure that all VPN/VoIP are reputable, and U.S. based. Do not connect to unknown open Wi-Fi.

GPS Navigation Apps are helpful in getting U.S. citizens around in a foreign country. Prior to using the GPS app make sure you research the route to make sure it is safe. GPS navigation apps may give you the shortest route without safety consideration.

Be cautious of using dating apps/online dating websites abroad as U.S. citizens can be targeted by scammers. Make sure to inform your friends and family of your whereabouts, meet at a well-known public location, and do not consume suspicious food or drinks. Avoid traveling alone to bars or nightclubs.

Victims of Crime: U.S. citizen victims of sexual assault are encouraged to contact the U.S. Embassy in Colombo for assistance.

Report crimes to the local police at 119 and contact the U.S. Embassy in Colombo at +94-11-202-8500. Remember that local authorities are responsible for investigating and prosecuting crime.

See our webpage on help for U.S. victims of crime overseas .

• Help you find appropriate medical care ;
• Assist you in reporting a crime to the police;
• Contact relatives or friends with your written consent;
• Provide general information regarding the victim’s role during the local investigation and following its conclusion;
• Provide a list of local attorneys;
• Provide our information on victim’s compensation programs in the U.S. ;
• Provide an emergency loan for repatriation to the United States and/or limited medical support in cases of destitution;
• Help you find accommodation and arrange flights home; and
• Replace a stolen or lost passport .

Domestic Violence: U.S. citizen victims of domestic violence are encouraged to contact the Embassy for assistance.

Tourism: The tourism industry is unevenly regulated, and safety inspections for equipment and facilities do not commonly occur at all tourist facilities. Hazardous areas/activities are not always identified with appropriate signage, and staff may not be trained or certified either by the host government or by recognized authorities in the field. In the event of an injury, appropriate medical treatment is typically available only in/near major cities. First responders are generally unable to access areas outside of major cities and to provide urgent medical treatment. U.S. citizens are encouraged to purchase medical evacuation insurance. See our webpage for more information on insurance providers for overseas coverage .

Local Laws & Special Circumstances

Criminal Penalties: You are subject to local laws. If you violate local laws, even unknowingly, you may be expelled, arrested, or imprisoned. Individuals establishing a business or practicing a profession that requires additional permits or licensing should seek information from the competent local authorities, prior to practicing or operating a business.

When transiting Maldives, travelers should ensure their luggage does not contain prohibited or restricted items, which include weapons, ammunition, alcohol, pornography, and religious material offensive to Islam, among other items. In some places, it is illegal to take pictures of certain buildings.

Religious Laws : Public observance of any religion other than Islam is prohibited. Religious gatherings such as Bible study groups are prohibited; however, a family unit may practice its religion, including Bible readings, within its residence. It is against the law to invite or encourage Maldivian citizens to attend these gatherings. Offenders may face jail sentences, expulsion, and/or fines. Although Maldivian law prohibits importing “idols for religious worship,” tourists traveling to the resort islands are generally allowed to bring in items and texts used for personal religious observances.

Furthermore, some laws are also prosecutable in the United States, regardless of local law. For examples, see our website on crimes against minors abroad and the Department of Justice website.

Arrest Notification: If you are arrested or detained, ask police or prison officials to notify the U.S. Embassy immediately. See our webpage for further information.

Students:  See our  Students Abroad  page and  FBI travel tips .

LGBTQI+ Travelers:   The law prohibits same-sex sexual conduct. Under the penal code, the punishment for conviction includes up to eight years’ imprisonment and 100 lashes. None of the legal provisions prohibiting discrimination covers discrimination based on sexual orientation or gender identity and the law does not recognize LGBTQI+ individuals, couples, and their families. See our  LGBTQI+ Travel Information page and section 6 of our Human Rights report  for further details.

Travelers with Disabilities: While in Maldives, individuals with disabilities may find accessibility and accommodation very different from what you find in the United States. The Maldivian constitution provides for the rights and freedom from discrimination of persons with disabilities, and parliament passed a Disability Act in 2010. The new law requires public places such as supermarkets and parks to have facilities that will enable access for people with disabilities. Despite the law, most public places do not yet have access for the disabled, and implementation of the law may take some time.

Travelers: If you find yourself in a life-threatening situation, you should call the police immediately and follow up with a call to the U.S. Embassy in Colombo (+94-11-202-8500). We can sometimes connect you with a non-governmental organization in the Maldives that may be able to provide assistance. 

If you are victimized overseas, you may be entitled to receive compensation for counseling and/or other services such as relocation back to the United States. For further information, visit the U.S. Department of Justice's Office on Violence Against Women .

Remember that local authorities are responsible for investigating and prosecuting crime committed in the Maldives.

See our tips for  Women Travelers . 

For Ambulance services in the Maldives, dial 102.

Ambulance services are not present throughout the country or are unreliable in most areas except Malé/Hulhumalé. Available ambulances are not staffed with trained paramedics and often have little or no medical equipment. Some inter-island sea ambulance service is available via the Maldivian Navy but does not serve the entire country.

We highly recommend that all travelers review the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s Travelers’ Health webpage and general Traveler Advice for Maldives.

• Review all sub-sections including the Travel Health Notices, Vaccines and Medicines, Non-Vaccine-Preventable Diseases, Stay Healthy and Safe, Healthy Travel Packing List, and After Your Trip.
• Reasons for Travel (for example: Adventure Travel, Spring Break Travel)
• Travelers with Special Considerations (for example: Allergies, Long-Term Travelers and Expatriates)
• and General Tips (for example: Traveling with Medications, Travel Vaccines)

The Department of State, U.S. embassies and U.S. consulates do not pay medical bills. Be aware that U.S. Medicare/Medicaid does not apply overseas. Most hospitals and doctors overseas do not accept U.S. health insurance.

Medical Insurance: Make sure your health insurance plan provides coverage overseas. Most care providers overseas only accept cash payments. See our webpage for more information on insurance providers for overseas coverage. Visit the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention for more information on type of insurance you should consider before you travel overseas.

The Department of State strongly recommends supplemental insurance to cover medical evacuation.

Medical Facilities: There are three large hospitals in the Malé area: ADK Hospital, Tree Top Hospital, and the government-run IGMH. Medical facilities outside Malé are limited. Hospitals and doctors typically require payment “up front” prior to service or admission. The availability of medical supplies is uneven and many common medications used in the United States are not available in Maldives; therefore, travelers should always carry any prescription medications with them.

The U.S. Embassy maintains a list of doctors and hospitals . We do not endorse or recommend any specific medical provider or clinic.

Vaccinations: Be up-to-date on all vaccinations recommended by the U.S. Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Recommended vaccines that are specific to this region include Japanese encephalitis and typhoid (and rabies pre-exposure prophylaxis only if exposure to bats is anticipated).

Pharmaceuticals : Exercise caution when purchasing medication overseas. Pharmaceuticals, both over the counter and requiring prescription in the United States, are often readily available for purchase with little controls. Counterfeit medication is common and may prove to be ineffective, the wrong strength, or contain dangerous ingredients. Medication should be purchased in consultation with a medical professional and from reputable establishments. Please visit U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website for more information.

Always carry your prescription medication in original packaging, along with your doctor’s prescription. Check with the Maldives Ministry of Health to ensure the medication is legal in Maldives.

Air Quality: Visit AirNow Department of State for information on air quality at U.S. Embassy and Consulates.

Water Quality : You should use ONLY boiled or bottled water for drinking, making ice, and for beverages.

Further health information:

• World Health Organization
• U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)

Travel and Transportation

Traffic Safety, Road and Aviation Conditions: While in Maldives, you may encounter road conditions that differ significantly from those in the United States. The information below concerning Maldives is provided for general reference only and may vary by location or circumstance. 

Only a few of the islands are large enough to support automobiles. Maldives has good safety standards for land, sea and air travel. Roads in Malé and on the airport island are brick and generally well-maintained, though congested. Dirt roads on resort islands are well-kept by the resorts. Transportation in Malé is either by foot, by bus, or by readily-available taxis that charge a fixed fee for any single journey. Transportation between the airport and Malé is by vehicle or by a public ferry. Travel to nearby resort islands is usually by motorized water taxi and speedboat or seaplane. Trans Maldivian and Maldivian Air Taxi provide charter seaplane service to outlying islands during daylight hours. Maldivian, Manta Air, and Villa Air run fixed-wing domestic service to some of the atolls with land runways during night hours as well. Many resorts stop boat transfers between the airport and the resort island after sunset. Visitors to distant resorts arriving in the country at night can expect to stay overnight at a hotel in Malé or at the airport hotel and should confirm transfer arrangements in advance. 

See our  Road Safety  page for more information. Visit the website of the Official Travel Guide of Maldives and national authority responsible for road safety.

Aviation Safety Oversight:  As there is no direct commercial air service to the United States by carriers registered in Maldives, the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has not assessed the government of Maldives’ Civil Aviation Authority for compliance with International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) aviation safety standards. Further information may be found on the FAA's safety assessment page .

Maritime Travel: Mariners planning travel to the Republic of Maldives should also check for U.S. maritime advisories and alerts . Information may also be posted to the U.S. Coast Guard homeport website , and the NGA broadcast warnings .

For additional travel information

• Enroll in the  Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP)  to receive security messages and make it easier to locate you in an emergency.
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Wanderlust Movement | A South Africa Travel Blog

20 Maldives Travel Tips to Plan The Tropical Getaway of Your Dreams

June 25, 2022 by Lauren Melnick

Last Updated on March 5, 2024 by Lauren Melnick

I won an all-expenses trip to the Maldives. 😳

The person who is too lazy to enter a classic Instagram-tag-three-friends giveaway.

(Shout out to all my fellow Taurians who relate!)

So, how did it happen? How did I win a trip of a lifetime?

Well, one day, while I was definitely NOT procrastinating about writing an article for a client, I opened my email and saw a competition with AirSeychelles and the Maldives Tourism Board.

To win, I had to flex my Google skills and hunt down facts about the destination and airline.

Twenty minutes later, I sent in my answers, went back to work, and completely forgot about the competition.

…Until I got a Zoom call a few months later that I had done it. I had somehow come out on top over thousands of other hopeful travellers and would be spending 7 incredible nights in the Maldives .

*C ue twerking on every piece of furniture in my room while blasting “Best Friend” by Saweetie and Doja Cat *

Although I didn’t pay for my flights and accommodation, I still had many things to figure out, like…

• When to go to the Maldives
• What are the PCR requirements
• What to pack
• Where are the whale sharks

And the BIGGEST surprise to my wallet… all the taxes.

If the Maldives is on your travel radar, keep reading.

Below you’ll find a complete list of the best Maldives travel tips that’ll help you plan your trip with the finesse of a professional agent.

Psst…Want more Maldives travel tips and Asia travel inspiration? Check out these other posts:

• The Complete List of Visa-Free Countries for South Africans
• A Quick and Easy Guide to Train Travel in South India
• The Best of Bangkok: The Perfect 3-day Bangkok Itinerary
• Singapore 4 Day Itinerary: The Ultimate Guide for First-Time Travellers
• How to Travel Bali on a Budget as a Frugal South African
• How to Backpack Sepilok, Borneo on a Budget

Table of Contents

20+ Maldives Travel Tips You Need to Know

Where is the maldives, how to get to the maldives from south africa, you don’t need a visa for the maldives, how to get around the maldives, where to stay in the maldives, is it worth booking an overwater bungalow, the best way to book a maldives holiday, is an all-inclusive maldives package worth it, how many days to spend in the maldives, the best time to travel to the maldives, what to do in the maldives, what to pack for a trip to the maldives, can i bring a drone to the maldives, how much does a trip to the maldives cost, keep an eye out for local and green tax, is the maldives only for couples, maldives faq: quick fire round, so is the maldives worth visiting.

Feeling overwhelmed with how to plan a trip to the Maldives? Sit back, relax, and whip out your Notes app.

These Maldives travel tips will help you avoid surprises, save money, and have an unforgettable holiday.

Here are all the things to know before going to the Maldives:

The Maldives is a picture-perfect island nation in the middle of the Indian Ocean. Its closest neighbouring nations are Sri Lanka and India . 

The country is made up of more than 1,000 islands and 26 atolls .

Incredible, right?!

But how many of the Maldives islands are inhabited? Well, despite the large number, only 200 are inhabited by locals, and 154 are private resort islands.

What about the rest? You can see for yourself by planning a day trip to one of the MANY deserted islands.

You know what’s amazing? Direct flights.

I’ll happily sit on a plane for 12+ hours straight if it means not getting stuck in layover purgatory. 

And that, my friends, is my kind of love language.

So when I heard AirSeychelles and Priority Escapes are operating semi-direct flights to the Maldives from South Africa , my excitement levels went through the roof.

How long does it take to get to the Maldives? Only 9 hours.

Not only will you fly over the Maldives, but the flight has a short one-hour fuel stop in Seychelles, meaning you’ll see another slice of paradise from above.

…And when you consider the other airlines going to the Maldives have total journey times of 18 or 32 hours…

Flying with AirSeychelles and Priority Escapes is a no-brainer. It’s the best way to get to the Maldives .

NB Maldives Travel Tips: Flights from South Africa to the Maldives depart on a Sunday and return on a Monday. If you don’t want to spend a full week here or wait until Monday to leave, you can hop over to Sri Lanka. You don’t need a visa (unlike India, which requires an embassy visit and a sacrifice of trees). You just need to apply for your Sri Lanka ETA .

And speaking of visas…

My fellow South Africans, rejoice!

The Maldives is one of the 103 countries visa-free destinations for South Africans .

All you need is a valid passport with more than six months left of its life, your return flight, a hotel booking, and you’re good to go!

NB Maldives Travel Tip: Don’t forget to fill out the Imuga traveller declaration form 24 hours before arrival and departure. It generates a QR code you’ll need to print out or keep handy on your phone.

I know those seaplanes in the Maldives look incredible, but boy, oh boy, are those flights EXPENSIVE.

If you’re not choosing an all-inclusive package with a resort, you’ll need to fork out a couple of hundred dollars EACH WAY to reach your humble abode via seaplane.

Speedboat transfers to the resorts are slightly less expensive but are not cheap at all.

How much is the damage? Our transfers would have cost $200-$500 each way, and we had a total of 5.

For the most frugal option, stay at a local island (like Mahibadhoo, Omadhoo, Guilhi and Maafushi), and you can take a local transfer for as little as $25.

It all depends on your budget.

Are you looking to explore the Maldives on a shoestring or activate full baller mode?

If it’s the latter, I highly recommend staying at Kagi Maldives .

Why is it the best place to stay in the Maldives for a holiday?

• No kids under 12 allowed (pure bliss)
• Insane house reef that you can snorkel for FREE (I saw turtles, black tips sharks, and SO many tropical fish!)
• You can order as many items as you want off the menu (if you opt-in for full board)
• The overwater bungalows are incredible (yes, it comes with a private pool + the deepest outdoor bathtub of your dreams)

But if you want to plan a trip to the Maldives on a budget, stay on a local island at one of the guest houses.

What’s a local island?

It’s a non-resort island where regular Maldivians stay. While it won’t be as glamorous as the resorts, it’s a great way to experience a more authentic side of the Maldives and save money .

Plus, you can always visit a resort island on a day trip.

If you opt for a local stay, here are some Maldives travel tips to keep in mind:

• Bring cash as most local islands don’t have an ATM, and few shops and restaurants accept card payments. The resorts do accept card payments, FYI.
• You can use the local currency, Rufiyaa (MVR) or USD.
• Local islands have a dedicated “bikini beach” where you can swim and not offend the locals.
• Choose an island 2-3 hours from Mahe to keep your costs down.

This comes from someone who stayed in a beach villa and an overwater bungalow.

While the beach villas are decked out for the gods, they can’t hold a candle to the magic of the bungalows.

The house reef was right by our bungalow, and we could jump off our deck and snorkel whenever we felt like it. We had stingrays, schools of colourful fish, and blacktip sharks cruising past every day. 

Plus, I feel the bungalows had way more privacy than the beach villas, making the splurge on an overwater bungalow worth it for a once-in-a-lifetime trip.

When I opened my Instagram DMs to questions, one of the top questions was about booking a trip to the Maldives.

• Did I use a travel agent?
• Did I plan everything myself?
• Are single supplements a thing?

As mentioned earlier, I didn’t have to do much because I won a competition, but I still have some tips on how to plan a Maldives trip.

In my opinion, it works out cheaper to go with a travel agent if you want to stay on a resort island. Most packages include flights, accommodation and some of your meals.

If you’re happy to stay on a local island and skimp out on all the luxury and opulence at the resorts, you can DIY your trip and book everything separately.

Absolutely!

But let’s weigh up your two options and see which one is best for you.

*ding! ding! ding!*

On the left side of the ring, we have your DIY Maldives package.

• You control everything
• You have more flexibility
• You can stay on a local island to bring your costs down
• No extras like your meals are included
• You’ll need to organise your transfers
• You need to book your flights
• It can work out more expensive

On the right, we have your Maldives half-board and full-board packages.

• All you need to do is show up at the airport
• Your flights are usually included (depending on your package)
• Most or all meals are included
• The resort handles your transfer bookings
• Travel agents like Priority Escapes get different rates from resorts
• It might work out more expensive than the DIY option 
• You don’t have the same amount of control over the booking process
• Your arrival and departure dates are fixed (depending on your package)

I had an all-inclusive full-board package for my trip, and I think it’s worth the money.

…But if you want to cut costs, one of the best Maldives travel tips I can give you is this: go half-board.

Why? Because you can eat as much as you want for breakfast and dinner. 

So if you fill up, eat like a Hobbit, and you can skip lunch while holding out for dinner.

7-nights is the perfect amount of time to spend in the Maldives.

If you opt for the 4 to 5-night packages, your trip will start and end in the blink of an eye.

A full week in paradise gives you time to slow down, explore your island, book day trips, and wait out any bad weather that might blow your way.

But if a 7-night Maldives package is out of your budget, 5-nights is still enough time to see everything.

The best time to visit the Maldives is in the dry season. From November, the monsoon clouds disappear, and you’ll have ridiculously good-looking weather until March/April.

By May, the rains are back with a vengeance until October, with the worst months being June, July and August. While you can still have good weather, it all comes down to luck.

On the bright side, visiting the Maldives during monsoon season means you can pick up incredible travel deals, and the resorts are practically empty.

If you want to roll the dice on the weather, it’s the cheapest time to visit the Maldives.

I went in mid-May, and the first 3-days were, well, sh**. The heavens opened up continuously, and activity after activity got cancelled. 

Thankfully, on the last 4-days of our trip, we had classic is-this-place-even-real-life weather and not a single drop of rain.

The Maldives have more to offer than lounging on the beach all day or sipping cocktails by the pool.

If you’re looking for some adventure, add a couple of these activities to your Maldives itinerary:

• Scuba Diving: Try out scuba diving with a Discover Scuba or go all out and get your Open Water qualification in the Maldives.
• Snorkelling: Most resorts give you snorkelling gear for free. Use it and explore the house reef or book a snorkelling activity to a reef further out.
• Swim with Whale sharks and Manta Rays: The Maldives’ whale sharks and manta rays swim around the western atolls from November to April and the eastern side from May to October. I highly recommend a resort in the Baa Atoll if you want to swim with these magnificent creatures.
• Night Snorkelling: At Kagi Maldives, I had an incredible opportunity to snorkel with nurse sharks at night. It was my first time snorkelling after sunset, and I loved every minute.
• Glass-Bottom Kayaking: Depending on where you stay, your resort’s dive centre might have glass-bottom kayaks you can rent for an hour or two. This is the perfect activity for someone who isn’t comfortable in the water and still wants to see the fish and coral reefs.
• Visit a Deserted Island: Book a day trip and visit an uninhabited island. It’s a wonderful way to see more of the Maldives and experience the parts untouched by human beings.
• Dolphin-Watching Sunset Cruise: I wish I had done this activity at Kagi, but none of the other guests were keen, and the price for only two people was waaaaay out of my budget.
• Skydiving: If you have the money, skydive over the atolls. Prices start at R10k for a flight with no extras like photos or video footage.

Looking for the essentials that you don’t want to leave at home? I’ve got you.

Here’s are the most important things to take to the Maldives:

• SPF 50+ Reef Safe Sunscreen: You’re going to do A LOT of swimming, snorkelling, or diving. Make sure your activities won’t ruin the pristine reefs by swapping your regular sunscreen for one that’s environmentally friendly. I wouldn’t recommend buying sunscreen in the Maldives. It’s super pricey .
• After Sun: In case the sun’s harsh rays decide to teach your skin a painful lesson, pack a bottle in your suitcase.
• Mosquito Repellent: I don’t know what is happening with the mosquitos here, but I’m pretty sure they all go to spy school. Firstly, they chow you 24/7 and do not care about waiting for dusk. Second, these motherflyers don’t make a noise. They fly on silent mode. It’s weird. It’s unusual. I was eaten alive.
• Motion Sickness Tablets: Bring some of these tablets with you if you can’t handle bumpy seaplanes or speedboats. Trust me, you won’t regret it, especially if you’re travelling to the Maldives during monsoon season and the sea is rougher than usual.
• Lightweight Clothing: When deciding what to wear in the Maldives, pack breathable fabrics and leave your pair of jeans at home.
• Sandals or flip-flops: You won’t need another pair of shoes. Save space in your suitcase for bikinis. You can never have enough bikinis.

Yes, and no.

I packed my little DJI Spark and couldn’t wait to fly it around and get some siiiiick drone footage.

…But alas, it wasn’t allowed.

Both of the resorts I stayed at had a strict no-drone policy.

It’s to protect the guests’ privacy.

Most overwater villas open onto the ocean and have floor-to-ceiling windows. With many travellers heading to the Maldives to do the devil’s tango in paradise, privacy is taken seriously here.

If you want to fly your drone, always check with the resort before lugging it across the Indian Ocean like I did.

Ummm…a lot.

One of the top questions I had on Instagram Stories was, “ Is the Maldives expensive to visit ?”

The honest answer? Yes.

While I did win an all-expenses-paid trip to the Maldives, I still spent R10k.

• 2 snorkelling trips (both cost around $120-150 USD each)
• 10 gin & tonics and other drinks (I was paying almost R200+ per drink)
• Tips (We tipped $2-$10 dollars for breakfast, lunch, and dinner as well as for house cleaning and our personal butler)
• Taxes (the 10% and 12% adds up quickly)

How much does it cost to travel to the Maldives? (If I paid for everything myself)

Well, packages with the resorts I stayed at range from R45,800 to R120,000 for 7-nights. The price depends if you’re staying at a 4 or 5-star resort and if your food, drinks, and flights are included or not.

I’d recommend booking your package through Priority Escapes. At the moment, you can pick up some incredible deals like 7-nights in the Maldives for as low as R26,500!

One of the hidden costs of a Maldives trip are all the taxes.

Most of the prices for resorts or guesthouses don’t include the local government tax or the Green Tax (a tourist tax).

The fee is $6 USD per person per day for resorts and $3 USD for travellers staying at local guesthouses.

Then there’s the additional service charge (12%) and a government tax (10%) on every restaurant, bar or spa treatment bill.

Oh no, no, no.

Don’t wait until your honeymoon to come here.

Tell your mom you’re a rich man and take yourself to paradise.

While the Maldives is a romantic destination, and you’ll definitely spot at least one engagement proposal, you can come here for the ultimate girl’s trip or a solo adventure.

• What are the COVID Entry Requirements? You no longer need a negative PCR test to enter the Maldives. This applies to vaccinated and unvaccinated travellers.
• What is the main religion in the Maldives? Sunni Islam is the main religion in the Maldives. You’ll need to dress conservatively and use the tourist “bikini beach” when you’re on a local island.
• Can you drink alcohol in the Maldives? Yes, but it’s illegal to consume alcohol outside the resorts, and you can’t bring any with you on the plane.
• What languages are spoken in the Maldives? The national language is Dhivehi, but most Maldivians can speak English.
• What is the best currency to take to the Maldives? US dollars are widely accepted, and the main currency found on menus and activities. You won’t need the local currency (the Maldivian rufiyaa) unless you’re staying on a local island and need to use local shops and services.
• Is it illegal to take seashells home in the Maldives? Yes, it is. The shells are homes to the local hermit crab population and are essential in keeping the sand flies in check.
• Do you need to buy a SIM card? No, you don’t. All the resorts have decent WiFi with coverage around the island. However, if you’re staying on a local island or want coverage while transferring between islands, you can buy a Maldives tourist sim card at Male International Airport.

It’s a once-in-a-lifetime trip, but it’s no Thailand or Bali .

The Maldives is an expensive trip, but it’s possible to experience this slice of paradise even if you aren’t rolling with the Elon Musks of the world.

Hopefully, this Maldives travel guide answers your questions and gives you a few ideas on how to cut costs and what to expect.

Keep an eye out for travel packages (like those offered by Priority Escapes), and your South African Rands can take you there…even on a budget.

Got any Maldives travel tips you want to share? Or any questions about planning a trip to the Maldives? Hit ya gurl up in the comments below!

If you like it, then you better put a Pin on it!

About Lauren Melnick

Lauren Melnick is the founder of Wanderlust Movement, Wander to Here and is a South Africa travel blogger. She's been travelling the world as a full-time freelance writer since 2016 and has visited over 40 countries.

When she isn't typing up a storm, you can find her conquering overnight hikes around the Western Cape, rock climbing, and hosting sold out group travel trips around South Africa, Namibia and Morocco.

Reader Interactions

November 20, 2022 at 8:19 pm

Just booked a 7 day Maldives package with Priority Escapes on your recommendation for our Honeymoon. We are so excited!!

December 19, 2022 at 7:37 pm

Awww! That’s exciting! I hope you guys have the best time Olivia!

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9 tips for first-time visitors to the Maldives

Don't head to the island paradise unprepared.

In his book The Maldive Mystery , famed explorer Thor Heyerdahl writes: “That afternoon we passed the most beautiful palm islands I have ever seen. With the sun low on our starboard side it threw a glowing sidelight on the tiny islets, which seemed to float by like flower baskets ... Under the spell of this picture of an earthy paradise I made an entry in my notebook that the Maldives are even more beautiful than any of the coral atolls in Polynesia.”

Those fortunate enough to have seen both regions will attest that Heyerdahl is indeed correct: the Maldives is one of the most beautiful places on earth. But while the islands are a dream destination, there are some caveats. Here, nine essential tips for the first-time visitor:

1. Don’t scrimp on the experience

You may find yourself fretting over the price of things, but try to remember that the Maldives is a once-in-a-lifetime experience. A generous dash of indulgence is part of the Maldives experience, and you won’t enjoy it if you’re constantly worried about cash. Build out your budget before you arrive, so you won’t have to worry about pinching pennies.

2. Do go local

For insights into local life, you need to visit one of the officially designated “inhabited islands,” where most of the 400,000 Maldivians make their homes. Until 2009, tourists needed a permit to explore non-resort islands, but today many inhabited islands are open for both day trips and overnight stays. A liveaboard trip is a great way to go local in the Maldives, allowing you to enjoy a spot of boduberu (traditional folk music and dance), sample tasty hedhikaa (sweet or savoury tapas), and wander local villages.

3. Don’t drink alcohol outside the resorts

Many of the people of the Maldives are Muslim, which means there are strict rules around the consumption of alcohol. Tourists cannot bring alcohol into the country or consume it on inhabited islands. Don’t fret, though: resorts and liveaboard boats are licensed to serve alcohol, so you can indulge in a cocktail (or two, budget permitting).

4. Do dress (and act) modestly outside the resorts

Dress modestly while on inhabited islands, including the capital, Malé. Men and women alike should avoid wearing shorts above the knees. Women should cover their shoulders and elbows and wear loose-fitting clothes. Couples should refrain from public displays of affection.

Inside your accommodations, you are free to dress as you wish — but do note that sunbathing topless or in the nude is prohibited, no matter where you are.

5. Do be aware of environmental risks

The Maldives is the lowest-lying country in the world: Some islands barely break the surface of the water, and it’s said that dolphins can jump higher than the Maldives’ highest natural peak (which is just 2.4m, or 8 ft, high). This puts the country in a uniquely delicate position in the face of climate change. With this mind, choose activities that prioritize sustainable practices and try to minimize your own water consumption, energy use, and waste production while on the islands.

6. Don’t feel like staying in an overwater villa is a requirement

A stay at an overwater villa, or “bure,” is an item for the bucket list, and rightly so: they’re idyllic, secluded, and utterly indulgent. Be warned, however, that they can be overrated. Yes, they offer your own passage into the ocean, but they’re usually set a far walk from the actual beach. Some bures are packed together in an effort to maximize the number of travellers that can fit in a small space, and therefore don’t actually offer that much seclusion.

7. Do buy a quality underwater camera

The Maldives offer some of the best snorkelling and diving in the world. If you plan on trying some watersports — and I strongly recommend that you do — consider splurging on a decent underwater camera. The Maldives offer a trip of a lifetime, and preserving your memories is well worth the cost.

8. Do pack a lightweight outfit

Island resorts tend to operate on a “barefoot luxury” basis, with an easygoing, laidback vibe. With that said, some of the more upscale restaurants will likely have a dress code. Women can get away with casual dresses, but men may need collars and trousers — less than ideal in sweaty tropical heat. With this in mind, if you plan to dine at any resort restaurants, make sure you pack a pair of smart, lightweight trousers and a shirt or two with sleeves and collars. Even if you’re not eating out, you’ll be grateful for shirtsleeves when the evening breeze cools the air.

9. Don’t expect perfect weather

The typical vision of the Maldives is of gin-clear water and bone-white sand. This is certainly a reality — but not all the time. The best weather in the Maldives is between November and April, and the high tourist season falls between December and March. Beginning in May, the weather is less predictable (but rarely bad enough to completely dampen a holiday). Temperatures remain warm during the rain, which rarely lasts very long.

Getting there

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36 Stunning Hotels and Resorts in the Maldives

By Lee Cobaj and Lauren Burvill

To create a definitive guide to the best hotels in the Maldives in no easy feat. The archipelagic country sets the standard when it comes to superior island living. It’s where overwater stays come as standard, privacy is a given, and natural beauty is all around. The caliber is sky high. Boutique stays and lo-fi boltholes are a rarity; instead, world-class hotels are spread out on their own private islands, nestling state-of-the-art spas and multiple restaurants amongst lush jungles, pristine beaches, and house reefs.

The new generation of Maldives hotels are taking this formula one step further. It’s not enough for just villas to be overwater anymore. Spas dangle above lagoons now too, with glass floors allowing guests to spy turtles as they enjoy a massage. The classic pool bar has been outdone by a beachside treehouse bar, and restaurants have relocated underwater. Steps towards sustainability are also commonplace too: Most hotels have their own conservation projects and coral programs. One is even completely solar powered.

How we choose the best hotels in the Maldives

Every hotel on this list has been selected independently by our editors and written by a Condé Nast Traveler journalist who knows the destination and has stayed at that property. When choosing hotels, our editors consider both luxury properties and boutique and lesser-known boltholes that offer an authentic and insider experience of a destination. We’re always looking for beautiful design, a great location, and warm service—as well as serious sustainability credentials. We update this list regularly as new hotels open and existing ones evolve.

Which Maldives hotel is best for couples?

As the stuff of honeymoon legends, the Maldives has plenty to offer couples. For the truly standout spots, we love Cheval Blanc Randheli (as do the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge), and the Four Seasons Maldives at Landaa Giraavaru . See our pick of the best Maldives honeymoons for more recommendations.

Which Maldives hotel is best for families?

The Maldives might be best known for honeymoons, but its private island resorts will fulfill family holiday dreams too. Spacious villas mean there’s plenty of room for everyone, while kids clubs, restaurants, and pools are all at your fingertips. Some of our favorite hotels for families include JW Marriott Maldives Resort and Spa and Fairmont Maldives, Sirru Fen Fushi .

Which Maldives hotels are leading the way in terms of sustainability?

When it comes to nurturing this precious ecosystem, the Four Seasons resorts have been setting the bar for more than two decades with their full-time resident marine biologists and reef restoration programs. From the Marine Discovery Centres at  Four Seasons Landaa Giraavaru  and  Four Seasons Kuda Huraa , their work with Reefscapers, along with the Maldivian Ministries, they’ve been coral-frame planting, rehabilitating marine life, and carrying out vital research.  Six Senses Laamu  is a member of the respected conservation collective, The Long Run, and the only luxury resort in the southern Maldives’ Laamu Atoll, and their endeavors include next-level protection of seagrass meadows—one of the most effective carbon-storage marine vegetation systems. Soneva has always been sensitive to hospitality’s delicate relationship with nature, on land and in water, since 1995. Their NGO, Soneva Namoona, was set up recently to roll out their holistic sustainability strategy as modeled at their Eco Centers at  Soneva Jani  and  Soneva Fushi , and it’s changing the way waste is understood by local communities and handled in the Maldives. A tour of the back-of-house might not be your typical holiday activity, but it’s actually very inspiring. Soneva’s Waste-To-Wealth initiative sees the hotels recycle 90 percent of the solid waste and alchemize trash into bricks, food matter becomes compost, cans are compacted, and glass bottles are reused. As with all paradise-island destinations, fossil-fuel-run generators powering these dreamy escapes will always be one of the biggest sustainability hurdles. Recognizing the fragility of their ocean home, too,  Kudadoo  deserves praise for their solar energy innovations since a remarkably extensive surface area of photovoltaic panels is required to generate even a little electricity in this context. Few blue, watery landscapes rival the drama of this romantic-as-can-be location—which means all the more reason to celebrate the hotels that show a genuine passion for protecting this unrivaled setting. — Juliet Kinsman, sustainability editor

More stand-out properties:

• For an all-inclusive stay: Kudadoo
• For an underwater restaurant: Hurawalhi Island Resort
• For a focus on wellness: COMO Cocoa Island
• For rooms with retractable roofs: Soneva Jani
• For an independently Maldivian owned stay : The Nautilus
• For your own private island: Coco Prive Kuda Hithi

All listings featured on Condé Nast Traveler are independently selected by our editors. If you book something through our links, we may earn an affiliate commission.

Six Senses Kanuhura Arrow

As you swoop into the Lhaviyani Atoll by seaplane, it's easy to see why Six Senses were so keen to bring this trifecta of natural coral islands ringed by turquoise seas and aquamarine lagoons into the fold. The second Six Senses property in the Maldives (the other being Six Senses Laamu) is a beauty, with great sweeps of broad white beach, a flourishing house reef, and a jungly heart overflowing with soaring coconut palms, twisty screw pines, and fragrant sea almonds, which you can explore on complimentary bicycles. Dotted around the island are 91 beachfront and overwater villas, including 12 sprawling retreats, all decked out in a pulse-slowing palette of warm woods, peach, and teal, with big beds hung with billowing nets. Seven superb bars and restaurants include Drift, a little clapboard and thatch cafe on sister island Jehunuhura, and The Point, a circular building set on the sunset side of the island housing a Spanish restaurant and a round rooftop infinity pool. Alongside stacks of complimentary daily activities—core training, yoga, meditation, sound healing—and a tip-top spa, a stay here can be as lively or as sleepy as you like. — Lee Cobaj

InterContinental Maldives Maamunagau Resort Arrow

Despite opening in September 2019, this blissful resort flew under the radar due to the pandemic. But the delayed opening celebrations ended up being a blessing in disguise—the resort had ample time to smooth out any newbie crinkles and ensure that everything was functioning as perfectly as possible. And while the hotel is now getting its fair share of industry buzz, the private lagoon, white-sand beaches, and nature offerings still feel like a well-kept secret. Guests can choose between three different room categories, from beach villas that fringe the shoreline and lagoon villas bordering the shallow waters to overwater bungalows hovering over lapping waves.

The resort is home to six restaurants and bars—The Lighthouse is our favorite, with 360-degree views of the Indian Ocean and spectacular Mediterranean-inspired dishes. The spa is also noteworthy, with a rotating schedule of visiting practitioners and floating treatment rooms over the water. But the most impressive aspect of the resort is the partnership with the Manta Trust and Ocean Conservation Program. The hotel hosts marine biologists from the trust to conduct research and take guests on safe and responsible excursions to see them in their natural habitat. As both reef and Oceanic mantas are listed as vulnerable and endangered on the IUCN Red List, the work of this organization is critical, and it was a magical experience to swim with these graceful giants alongside scientists who have dedicated their career to helping protect them. Seeing a luxury resort taking ocean conservation and sustainability is seriously is a joy. — Olivia Morelli

Renowned Istanbul -based design studio Autoban (behind London’s Duck + Rice, the extraordinary airport in Baku, and numerous hotels in their hometown such as the House Hotels and the Witt Suites) were commissioned to come up with something fresh and different at Joali. The design details in the overwater and beach villas are beautifully curated. Locally hand-carved wood panels and bamboo-slatted headboards are counterbalanced with rose gold bathroom taps resembling giant pebbles. In the dressing rooms you’ll find heron-and-palm-leaf printed robes by Ardmore and slippers like chubby clouds.

Joali is a hybrid of the best that the Maldives has to offer. Turn up barefoot at Mura Bar for a sunset martini, a buttermilk-chicken slider, and a shisha pipe. Or get dolled up for dinner at Japanese restaurant Saoke. It’s this deep-rooted, solid luxury, without the slightest hint of dictating who guests should be, what they should wear, and how they should relax, that immediately aligns Joali with the frontrunners. For Maldivophiles, here is a worthy winter-sun detour that is every bit as high-achieving as some of the beloved old-timers and big-name brands. — Alice B.B.

The Ritz-Carlton Maldives, Fari Islands

Design in the Maldives has been slowly dismantling its thatched- roof image, and The Ritz-Carlton continues the trend thanks to the studio of the late architect Kerry Hill. Its 100 contemporary circular villas are scattered above the water and up and down a stretch of beach. Each is polished, pared back, and pulse-slowing, with glass doors that open onto half-moon decks, teardrop-shaped plunge pools, and the high-definition blue of the ocean. The rest of the resort, by contrast, feels a little conservative, if still beautiful. Most of the action is confined to the island’s southern tip, where there’s a gym and photography studio, plus a water sports center (with the usual kayaks , SUPs, and windsurfing) and a large kids’ club with dancing fountains hidden in a Teletubbies -style mound of grass. This is also where you’ll find Jean-Michel Cousteau’s Ambassadors of the Environment program, the only one in the Maldives, staffed by marine biologists who are monitoring sea life with underwater robots and airborne drones, in addition to guiding guests.

Head out snorkeling with them at night for spooky encounters with nurse sharks, unfurling feather stars and bioluminescent squid. At the showpiece restaurant Iwau, knife-juggling chefs prepare pretty nigiri rolls and just-caught lobster, but there are six more restaurants to choose from, including one in a Bedouin tent and a food truck in the Fari marina. One of the island’s luxuries is its space (which is why Ritz-Carlton ended up opting for this man-made spot), giving guests with less tolerance for lazing about plenty of opportunity to cycle around on bicycles. Another is the timber-clad spa in the middle of the lagoon—look out for stingrays hovering below on your walk to a treatment—offering therapies by British brand Bamford. Ritz-Carlton is known for its classic, old-school luxury, but here is an exciting forward-looking update. — Lee Cobaj

Jessica Puckett

Alex Erdekian

Four Seasons Private Island Maldives at Voavah, Baa Atoll Arrow

Wide-brimmed straw hats off to the Four Seasons. With this five-acre, seven-bedroom, profoundly private island it has raised the proverbial bar. How much or how little you make of Voavah is likely to be your main—and only—concern. There's no shortage of possibilities. You've got the splendors of the Baa Atoll lapping at your shores and your own yacht on which to explore it. You've got your own dive center and every beach toy known to man. Not to mention your own spa, the immaculate Ocean of Consciousness (surely missing an ‘un’), and 28 staff dedicated to making your life as agreeable as possible. There may be no better circumstances in which to simply retreat to a shady spot with a book and give everyone the day off.

The place looks great and feels great too. The juxtaposition of smooth and rough textures, and traditional and contemporary materials, is brilliantly managed. Voavah is where woven seagrass met diamond-polished concrete and fell hopelessly in love. The muted palette of the interiors may at first appear unduly subdued—until you realize that what seems like conservatism is really a form of reverence. It serves to draw your eye outwards, back into the sublime, saturated color and endless space of sea and sky beyond. — Sophie Knight

Alila Kothaifaru Maldives Arrow

Situated on a lush, natural private island with pool villas and wonderfully friendly and professional staff, this is easily one of the most charming hotels in the Maldives. About 45 minutes north of Malé International Airport by seaplane, in the Raa Atoll on a natural island known as Kothaifaru, the setting here is blessed with long white beaches and endless palm trees. Throughout the 27.6 acres, there is also thick jungle vegetation that gives the new space an already settled-in feel. The 80 villas—all with pools—are split between overwater villas (with bathrooms that open up to the sea) and beach villas (with sunrise and sunset options). There are two restaurants and two bars to choose from, as well as a spa tucked away deep within the jungle vegetation. But the service here is what makes this resort stand out in the crowd of smart hotels in the Maldives. After a few days, it will start to feel like home with staff remembering your preference for still or sparkling water, the names of your children, and where your favorite table is—so much so that there is an urge to book a repeat trip before you have finished the first one. — Mary Lussiana

The St. Regis Maldives Vommuli Resort Arrow

This is an island that attracts a fashionable globetrotting crowd, and loyal St Regis fans—arguably one in the same. During the day it’s less barefoot luxury and more Chanel heels on the beach. At sunset its Amina Muaddi slingbacks, when honeymooners head to the bar to make the most of the martini shots while a could-be-a-model DJ plays cool and breezy beats in a midriff-bearing top. It’s a scene that wouldn’t look out of place in Manhattan , and yet this bar couldn’t be further from New York, sitting over the Indian Ocean and shaped to resemble a whale shark.

The American hotel brand landed a prime spot of tropical paradise when it opened in 2016 on the previously uninhabited natural island of Vommuli. This lush environment has played a key role in the hotel's nature-inspired design—overwater villas are shaped like manta rays and made from predominantly cross laminated wood, while the impressively large library swirls into the sky like a cone shell. Morning yoga classes are held at the overwater Iridium Spa, with mats placed over the open-air lounge’s glass floor portholes, so you can watch trumpetfish paddle past in-between poses. Follow it up with a glass of crystal-infused water and a dip in the Blue Hole Pool, one of the largest hydrotherapy pools in the country. The seven restaurants scattered across the island are all undeniably decadent, with Maldivian lobster plucked straight from the sea and served at every turn—even in the omelettes at breakfast. At the Pan Asian restaurant, the lobster comes to the beachside tables looking like plump scoops of ice cream. Don’t sleep on the intriguing looking Maldivian section at the morning breakfast spread either—its a delicious adventure you won't forget.

The Standard, Huruvalhi Maldives Arrow

Born from star-studded Hollywood roots and having conquered cities like New York, Miami, and London , The Standard brings a rare sense of irreverent cool to the Maldives. Instead of the typical cream-covered and thatched roof signatures of the region, villas here are brightly colored, with disco balls in the bathroom and neon pink pool floats on the walls. Such playful touches attract an international mix of not just couples and families but also groups of friends.

Mornings start with freshly prepared eggs and proper coffee topped with fish foam art in the breezy beachside all-day restaurant, Kula. Or you can order in to your villa, or more specifically to your villa’s plunge pool, with a full breakfast spread served on a floating tray . During the day, the house reef is just steps away from the overwater villas, while dolphin cruises and swimming with manta rays can also be arranged. Supper is served either on the beach at BBQ Shack, or at overwater restaurant Gudagudaguda—cheekily named after the sound that shisha makes. It's here that you can enjoy a traditional Maldivian experience with cushion floor seating, tuna sambal, and authentic curries with just the right spice level. Keep the party going at the overwater nightclub Beru Bar, where the largest disco ball in the Maldives shines bright above a see-through dance floor.

If anyone understands what discerning visitors to the Maldives want, it’s Lars Petre, the Swedish entrepreneur who not only developed the country’s first sea plane company but co-manages nine other island resorts. On Kudadoo, he has created the country’s first solar-powered hotel and its first all-inclusive luxury hotel—all off a tiny coconut-forested sandbank. Arranged around a circular wooden walkway out at sea, its 15 rooms conjure spacious Japanese ryokans—designed by New York–based architect Yuji Yamazaki from soothing wood, stone, and reed-thatch, and fronted by a wide deck, plunge pool, and ladder into the swirling blue sea. When Petre says ‘all-inclusive’, he means it: whether that’s two-hour Healing Earth treatments in the airy spa, a butler 24/7, Jet-Skiing and deep-sea fishing, or feasts involving fine wines (80 from Wine Spectator’s Top 100 list) and impeccably presented dishes, from light Japanese teppanyaki to Maldivian seafood curry, concocted by French chef Antoine Lievaux, who has worked for Joël Robuchon and Alain Ducasse. Unusually, thanks to the 989 solar panels that roof the airy living area, there is not a single generator to be heard; just a gentle lap of waves on the beach, and the occasional thud of a coconut.  — Lisa Grainger

Emerald Faarufushi Resort & Spa

Looking for a Robinson Crusoe-style getaway? Powder-puff sands and jungly green on the inside, with a turquoise lagoon teeming with rainbow-colored parrotfish, blacktip reef sharks, and cow tail stingrays, this hotel is a dazzling addition to the Maldives. It’s small (around 17 acres) with 80 villas split between overwater and beach. There’s no bad room here—they all overlook that twinkling, breath-stealing Indian Ocean, where water and sky merge seamlessly. You’ll be assigned a personal butler, who’ll organize spa treatments, book you in for a game of tennis, or dig a heart-shaped seat for two in the sand. Food is a winner with five restaurants to choose from. Don’t sleep on teriyaki chicken and locally-caught miso reef fish at Teppanyaki Grill. Then there’s the spellbindingly romantic overwater restaurant Mediterraneo, where you can feast on homemade tortellini and decadent tiramisu with stars overhead and lapping waves below, all washed down with as much house Champagne as you wish (this might be the smartest all-inclusive resort in the Maldives). Book a Balinese massage in the spa, nestled among the trees with chattering terns for company. Snorkel, learn to dive, book a wine tasting on a private sandbank, or simply sit on your villa’s deck and watch pods of dolphins diving in the distance. — A.S.

Gili Lankanfushi Maldives

When this spot in the North Malé atoll came into existence just over 20 years ago (originally under sustainability hero Soneva’s wing), Malé’s international airport was barely more than a tin shed, postcards were the main mode of communication, and most islands were without regular electricity. The pancakes of sand surrounding the capital were about as isolated a destination as travelers could get to. Now, Gili Lankanfushi is considered within easy reach (just a 20-minute speedboat transfer), yachts and seaplanes criss-cross the ocean and sky from morning until night, and the neighboring islands have street lights and a Coca-Cola factory. But relax, some things never change.

This hotel is still set in one of the most eye-catchingly beautiful lagoons in the country, a vision of broad white beaches, shape-shifting sandbanks, and waters that dance from peacock green to sapphire blue. All the villas here are stilted over the water, keeping the island wild and the beaches on full dazzling display. When fire ravaged the resort in 2019, it was an opportunity for renewal. Interiors were redesigned, with handmade wooden furniture and woven lampshades sourced from sustainable suppliers in Bali; bathrooms are stocked with organic potions and reef-safe sunscreen. For the ultimate Do Not Disturb energy, maroon yourself in one of the clapboard Robinson Crusoe villas, cast out on the edges of the lagoon reached by a little pontoon, where you can lie on your rooftop deck tracing the spine of Scorpio across the night sky.

Putter back to the island and there’s sunrise yoga; beach and jungle restaurants where ingredients come fresh off the boat or pulled from organic gardens; and expert therapists from Thailand, Bali, and India at the Meera Spa. Baby coral being grown on ropes in the house reef will eventually be replanted in the sea in a bid to create reefs that are more resistant to climate-change bleaching (they also work as an underwater hammock for a big green turtle that stops by most days). Gili Lankanfushi has been working on its coral program for seven years—it was championing sustainability long before it became a literal hot topic. And it’s for that reason, as much as the dreamy location and impeccable service, that it still stands head and shoulders above the crowd. — L.C.

Emerald Resort & Spa

A thrilling 45-minute seaplane ride from Malé, over uninhabited jungly islands and twinkling turquoise lagoons, Emerald Resort and Spa feels like you’re landing into your own Bounty advert. Set on Fasmendhoo Island in Raa Atoll, with miles of endless cotton-white beaches, perfect for snorkeling and diving, gin-clear waters with reef fish bursting all around like confetti—manta rays, black-tip tiger sharks and dolphins—it’s  Finding Nemo  on acid. There are 120 jaw-dropping villas here, split between overwater and beach, designed by American architect Edward David Poole and built using bamboo, natural stone and langhi langhi leaves so they blend seamlessly with the tropical setting. The look is minimalist and modern—contemporary furniture and lots of sea-breezy colors. Overwater pool villas have sprawling marble bathrooms with sunken bathtubs made for gazing out at the ocean and the beach stretching in both directions. The good life comes easily here with your own butler to take care of your every whim—from ferrying you around in a buggy like a personal chauffeur to booking tables and organizing a private movie under the stars with homemade popcorn and cocktails to boot, they’re on it. The retreat operates a deluxe all-inclusive package. There’s Asiatique, where you’ll feast on extraordinary Asian grub (sticky wings, seafood gyoza) and Amazonica for mouth-tingling South American food (red snapper ceviche in tiger’s milk and Peruvian quinoa salads). Sprogs can go feral without anyone lifting an eyebrow thanks to the largest kids’ club in the Maldives—perfect while you nest down at the Balinese-style spa. After dark, lie back on your deck and make a wish on a shooting star—there’s not a glimmer of light pollution. —A.S.

Raffles Maldives Meradhoo

So far south its skimming the equator—the delicious remoteness is well worth the longer transfer time—this tiny island resort takes all the charm of its older Singapore sibling and fuses it with clotted-cream sands, raspberry sunsets, and a coconut version of its famous Sling. Complimentary neck massages are doled out while you wait for breakfast (French boulangerie, Sri Lankan egg hoppers, detox juices) with your feet in the sand. Lunch could be catch of the day—smoked tuna, say, grilled with lemon oil. At the overwater spa, Balinese therapists perform signature massages that start with the hum of a Tibetan singing bowl and end with warm coconut oil being poured onto your third eye. And the marine life is so profuse you can spot an aqua-menagerie without even getting your feet wet (20 hawksbill turtles have been recorded as living around the island).

Jumeirah Maldives

A lively speedboat ride from the airport, on the edges of the tranquil North Malé Atoll, is where Jumeirah have chosen to make their return to the Maldives (having pulled out of the country in late 2020). The island of Olhuhali was formerly inhabited by Lux* North Malé and the Dubai-based hospitality group has stuck with the original's sleek South Beach Miami design while adding their own distinctly glitzy touch, from monogrammed bathrobes to new restaurants and live bands you really want to listen to. The 67 villas are some of the largest entry-level villas in the Maldives and come in overwater and beach flavor. The former have knee-trembling sunset views; the latter are more private; all have masses of outdoor space, big private pools, and splendid rooftop decks for stargazing and outdoor movie nights. Bathrooms are decidedly modern and concrete, and have tubs that sink down deep in that way only hotel bathtubs ever do.

The sapphire-blue pool has pops of red and an ice cream cart straight out of South Beach, while the Barium private dining room has aquariums for walls. And then, well, there is Inti restaurant where the fresh ceviche blows the typical menu of grilled fish out of these turquoise waters. The surrounding corals aren't in great shape due to climate change (something that's becoming more and more of a problem across the Maldives) but you can hire a Jet Ski in the morning and hang out with 100-strong pods of bottlenose dolphins catching breakfast just outside of the lagoon. This is a place where the children of families who used to come to the Maldives every year are now choosing to return to themselves as grown-ups.

Conrad Maldives

Having staked its claim on the beautiful all-natural twin islands of Rangali and Rangali Finolhu over a quarter of a century ago, the Conrad's location remains one of the best of any resort in the Maldives—with long, broad stretches of sand wrapped around both jungly islands and manta rays pirouetting in the channel between. But there have been changes afoot: the installation of The Muraka (the world's first underwater hotel suite ) in 2018 was followed by a revamp of the cathedral-like beach villas in 2019, while the water villas got their turn this year. New chef Christian Pedersen has breathed new life into all 12 restaurants. From the sand-between-your-toes breakfast to the healthy seared scallop and asparagus salads to the tasting menus at underwater restaurant Ithaa, his food never fails to impress. Resistance is futile, but you can work off any excesses by paddleboarding around the lagoon staring at shimmering parrotfish and sashaying reef sharks through a mesmeric turquoise lens.

JW Marriott Maldives Resort and Spa

There isn’t a hibiscus out of place or a palm that hasn’t been preened at this Indian Ocean version of the white-picket perfection of the Hamptons. It’s set in the far-northern Shaviyani atoll—where the neighboring islands are mostly undeveloped—so the seaplane transfer, at around an hour, takes a little longer than most, but the payoff comes in the form of never-ending horizons, uninterrupted expanses of sea, and crystal-clear night skies. It takes about 20 minutes to walk from one end of the island to the other, which makes it medium-sized by Maldivian standards.

Offshore there’s a large house reef—although the corals aren’t in the best shape (a jarring reminder of global warming)—but you can still see large white-tip reef sharks, moray eels and clouds of shoaling fish. For bigger marine thrills, the dolphin cruise yields sightings of thousands rather than the usual handful in less remote waters, or join a fishing expedition in search of sailfish the size of schoolchildren. The Shaviyani atoll is mega-fauna central. Back on dry land, there are two main swimming pools, a glass-encased spa, a gigantic kids’ club, and 60 pool villas, shaped like upturned galleons. Skip the tightly packed overwater variety and plump for one on the sand instead, where each sits on its own spacious bougainvillea-veiled plot, just feet from the ocean, and the duplexes, with their upstairs dens, are excellent for families.

Inside, the decor strays from the traditional Maldivian teak-chic, favoring muted shades of blue textiles and amethyst-topped tables. Among the five superb restaurants, lunchtime-only treetop Kaashi is a standout for authentic Thai, and there are three bars: one by the Missoni-striped swimming pool and another serving 98 types of rum inside a treehouse overlooking the beach. While there aren’t many surprises, this is an ultra-slick take on the tropical paradise blueprint. — L.C.

Hurawalhi Island Resort

It has the biggest underwater restaurant in the Maldives—and there are wonders on both sides of the glass. Hurawalhi is surrounded by no fewer than 50 outstanding dive sites, including one of the most reliable manta ray hotspots in the archipelago, where you can marvel at the spectacle of these creatures lining up to be fussed over by lesser marine life. The 90 villas are compact and uncomplicated, differentiated only by their position and the presence or absence of a private pool. The two main restaurants and bar are airy spaces with soaring ceilings. Discreet touches—tabletops in a mosaic of petrified wood, transparent panels in the floor to allow fish-spotting—perk up the unpretentious design. Both the views and the menu (tuna carpaccio with pickled daikon, yuzu gel, and shiso) at underwater restaurant 5.8 are deeply impressive. Another temptation is the small but splendidly stocked wine cellar, curated by managing partner Lars Petre, a pioneering hotelier and entrepreneur in the Maldives whose love of the islands is written all over his craggy Swedish face. But at Hurawalhi, it's what's below the surface that really counts. There's an inspiring young dive team—all of whom appear to speak half a dozen languages and hold higher degrees in easy-going charm—to help you into your mask and fins. — S.K.

Patina Maldives

This is an island for aesthetes. One of the coolest, cleverest resorts to open in 2021—even more of an achievement during a pandemic—and the first of a progressive new brand of hotels from Capella, which counts the Sir Norman Foster –designed Capella Singapore and Bill Bensley’s Capella Ubud among its show-stopping properties. (Patina Ubud is in the works.) Here, Brazilian architect Marcio Kogan has been handed the reins, designing his first hotel, and has come up with something that feels truly special, transplanting his take on tropical modernism to the Indian Ocean. In keeping with the movement, the architecture encourages interaction with nature. Long, linear wooden structures are open to the elements, and cooled by swirling fans and perforated screens, all chiaroscuro light and shadow. Custom-made furniture from Dedon and Paola Lenti sits beneath triangular sun shades strung between towering palms. Then there’s the art collection, like a treasure hunt for grown-ups, with James Turrell’s Skyspace light gallery the star attraction.

Yoga gurus from Rishikesh hold classes inside the installation in the soft morning glow. In the evening, when it’s illuminated violet, the skylight frames the moon. The 90 pool villas aren’t the largest in the Maldives but they impress in other ways, with glass walls that fully retract on three sides. In the bathrooms, there are exfoliating seaweed soaps from Haeckels and 3D-printed vitamins appear on pillows instead of chocolates at bedtime. The Flow Spa is original too, with treatment rooms that look like sugar cubes tossed into the long grass. High-tech therapies—flotation pods, LED-light therapy, Iris sound immersions—are offered alongside deep-reaching rituals that might include an out-of-body experience in the watsu pool with Balinese healer Purnomo Diretno.

But the best part might be the eight bars and restaurants, each one exceptional. Patina, as well as the new Ritz-Carlton, are the first hotels built in the manmade Fari Islands in the North Malé atoll. With space at a premium, artificial isles aren’t new in the Maldives—the Waldorf Astoria, Hard Rock Hotel, and local Hulhumalé island are all also fresh arrivals. But at both resorts currently open in the Faris, serious sustainability efforts and conservation projects try to go a long way to mitigate any environmental impact of the construction. This is next generation Maldives, smart and thoughtful. —L.C.

COMO Cocoa Island

Over its 20-year history, bigger, flashier resorts have tried to upstage little Cocoa. All-singing hotels with submerged spas, snow rooms, and ice-skating rinks. But this living coral island, still in a plum, not-too-hectic spot in the often-busy South Malé atoll, 40 minutes from the airport by speedboat, has remained in the limelight precisely because of its gimmick-free simplicity. The newly refreshed overwater villas (34 in total, some shaped like Maldivian dhoni boats) are the epitome of less is more, with dark teak, crisp white walls and deep bathtubs. Compared to its Bali sibling, the sandy-floored COMO Shambhala spa here is less comprehensive, which feels like a bit of a missed opportunity, but the therapists are still top of their game and soothe, stroke, and crush out every molecule of tension in the signature massage.

There’s a new Pilates studio, where head-to-toe alignment programs straighten out even the most WFH-weary postures and new COMO wellness retreats are promised by the end of the year. For now, extra reinvigoration comes during an hour being pummeled by a dozen jets in the free hydrotherapy pool. But, of course, it’s the Indian Ocean that’s the main watery attraction and unlike a lot of the reefs that surround Malé, Cocoa Island’s are colorful, varied, and recovering well from the 2016 worldwide bleaching event. You’ll also spot octopus, lobster, lionfish, reef sharks, and amber-eyed hawksbill turtles—take a trip with Aminath Angeela (a rarely spotted Maldivian female marine conservationist) to learn more about rising sea temperatures and coral regeneration. In keeping with the low-key vibe, there’s only one restaurant, but the food is always enticing. There are coconut smoothie bowls for breakfast; proper pizzas and lobster rolls for lunch; and an Indonesian feast or a surf ’n’ turf barbecue come evening. Plus, the same thoughtful, delicious wellness menus you find at every COMO hotel. Peaceful, pampering, smart but unpretentious: this is the essence of what a Maldives hotel should be. — L.C.

Finolhu Baa Atoll Maldives

Not all Maldivian islands are made equal; some only have natural beaches along one shore, the other eroded away by the sea. Not here. From above, Finolhu looks like a comet shooting across the heavens, its tail formed by a 1.2-mile platinum sandbank. If resorts here were ranked solely on their beaches, Finolhu would be on the medal table (along with Kanuhura and The Residence at Dhigurah) purely because there’s so much sand. And the marine life is just as magnificent. There are dozens of exceptional dive sites within the hotel’s orbit, including caves haunted by barracuda, kaleidoscopic gardens of hard-tree coral, and Hanifaru cleaning station, where hundreds of manta rays come to be preened by little blue wrasse (visit between May and November for the best chance to swim with them).

Almost as exuberant is the hotel itself, which emerged in November 2020 under new management and with a fresh look. Out went the ’70s design in favor of a mood board of color, with 125 villas kitted out in electric blue, sherbet yellow, or lime green. What remains, however, is the Ibiza-in-the-Indian-Ocean vibe; for the full effect book a Rock Star Villa with its giant disco ball and cocktail bar (and a golf buggy decked out like a mini Rolls-Royce). Food at the five restaurants is good, if less dazzling than the rest of the place; the premium all-inclusive option is especially good value, covering everything from wagyu steak in Japanese restaurant Kanusan to post-workout protein drinks at the Milk Lab cafe and Taittinger Champagne from the bar. And the weekly list of activities runs from the standard yoga and beach volleyball to acrobatic shows and mermaids in the swimming pool. Many hotels have tried to bring the party to the Maldives—Finolhu hits the sweet spot between indulgent fun and carefree affordability. — L.C.

Lux South Ari Atoll

Fresh from a total overhaul, this revamped island has 193 villas, both on the beach and on two jetties (one of which is adults-only), with vaulted white ceilings, gray wood–effect ceramic floors, and tree-trunk furniture. Many of the overwater villas are brand new, the spa is bigger, and the interiors have been smartened up. There's a mellow beach club vibe throughout, with bicycles to nip between the two bars at opposite ends of the two-mile-long island: one more chilled beside the pool, and the other, livelier, with colorful reclaimed wooden tables, a reggae soundtrack, surfboards propped against the wall, and inflatable swans standing by to drift about on the sea. There's coffee—roasted on-site—in reception, an ice-cream parlor with 32 homemade flavors such as bubblegum and pistachio, and live DJs at Beach Rouge, one of the six restaurants, including Allegria for Italian dishes and Senses for Indian.

The expanded spa offers yoga in a grove of palms, or on stand-up paddleboards, as well as a tennis coach for private lessons and a marine biologist to take guests swimming with whale sharks in a protected area. Frequent pop-ups include a mixologist making Aperol cocktails at East Point, an open-air movie theater on the beach, and the sudden appearance of a rack of Panama hats guests can borrow. It's impossible to miss home, but just in case, there's a red telephone box by reception for free old-school phone calls. This hideaway, above all, is incredibly fun. — Emma Love

Soneva Jani

The pioneering Soneva team, the first to introduce overwater villas to the Maldives as well as a strong environmental code and a determination to disconnect from the noisy outside world, brings us its third property. What sets Soneva Jani apart is that it is actually made up of five little islets in the Noonu Atoll. Snaking off the biggest is a 1.1-mile jetty with 24 overwater villas, each one bigger than some hotels (the largest can fit a family of 10). And later this year there will be an equal number of beach villas hidden in the forests of screw pine, banyan trees, and sea trumpet. A second island is home to the cute-as-pie tented restaurant hub, serving everything from grilled seafood to freshly baked pizzas. But the other three will remain undeveloped, so there will always be somewhere to play castaway.

The scale of the villas is extraordinary: built using wood from sustainable plantations and crafted in great sweeping curves, they are a charming jumble of pitched roofs and rondavels with fairytale turrets, ladders leading into the Indian Ocean, and portholes in floors to reveal marine life below. Retractable ceilings above beds unveil a starry night sky. There's a bar and wine-tasting space, spa, gym, yoga studio, and a phenomenal kids' club, which takes an inclusive approach, helping families holiday together. You'll also find an observatory with a telescope and live monitors that share the view through the eyepiece. Cycle across the island to the open-air, floating movie theater, where guests wear Bluetooth headphones to avoid disturbing the turtles. Of all the openings in the Maldives, this is the drop-dead gorgeous one, with the best villas, best service, best green credentials, and best vision. — Michelle Jana Chan

Drift Thelu Veliga Retreat

On one side of this island retreat—a circular two-and-a-half-acres bisected by a sandy path lined with banana trees and bougainvillea—is an open-air thatched bar, restaurant, and water sports; on the other are the villas and a tiny but brilliant spa. The 10 beach and 20 overwater villas are simple and rustic, with apple green wood-paneled exteriors, coconut-leaf-thatched roofs, and wicker sun loungers on the terraces (but no televisions, as the point here is to unplug). An early riser can practice hatha yoga with Rasmika Sahan before a snorkeling trip nearby (the house reef is a treat too, with angelfish and baby blacktip sharks). Serious foodies might find the nightly buffet a tad repetitive, but it is, nevertheless, delightfully laidback, carefree, and barefoot. There are also beach barbecues and Sri Lankan feasts under the eye of chef Chaminda Udabage, who cooks up his homeland favorites of fish curries and dhal. This is a small, unhurried, good-value island aimed at those who spend their days drifting between sun beds and the ocean. —E.L.

The Nautilus

If city living is all about the lean-in, the Maldives is for the recline. Named after Nemo’s submarine, the Nautilus private-island retreat of 26 overwater and beach houses has maxed out on relaxed luxe. Sitting above the indigo Baa Atoll and its eddying UNESCO biosphere reserve of pale sandbars and just visible coral gardens, it’s a place where schedules are decidedly lacking and guests duck in via seaplane or yacht to zone out. The USP here is that everything is fluid: unscripted dining means scallop carpaccio or oyster ice cream at 5 a.m. if you wish. Waterborne adventures are impromptu, too, with watches and iPhones swapped out for snorkels and paddleboards at any time. This is very much a barefoot-and-board-shorts hideaway, crisscrossed with polished hardwood walkways and lofty palms beside walls of fragrant clerodendrum. Only the arrival of whale sharks and manta rays on their May to December migration provides a discernible sign of time passing. Unusually for hotels in the region, the Nautilus is independently Maldivian owned, and is designed for the next generation of smart travelers who are seeking out the latest go-with-the-flow modern boho experience.

Milaidhoo Island Maldives

A wonderful reminder of the joys of getting back to basics. Milaidhoo gives classic Maldivian island style a refreshing contemporary twist. Understated, refined, and properly spoiling. The 50 villas are enlivened with deft decorative flourishes—the vivid blue-on-blue accents and curvaceous lines of the Beach Pool villas, in particular, display great charm and panache. The island is small enough to get around without a buggy, so you can put a little of the barefoot work back into the enjoyment of barefoot luxury. Milaidhoo's location in Baa Atoll—a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve with the world's highest concentration of manta rays—is a huge plus. Nearby Hanifaru Bay is to ray fanciers what La Scala is to opera buffs. A snorkeling, diving, or sailing expedition, especially in the company of the resident marine biologist, is likely to be as instructive as it is beautiful—the sort of experience that could alter a person's entire attitude towards the oceans. The signature restaurant, Ba'theli, serving Maldivian and trade-route-inspired dishes in three cleverly interlinked dhonis, is a show-stopper. No less intriguing is the Deep Sleep Mood Menu. Four courses contrived for maximum soporific effect (passion-fruit-and-green-tea soup—who knew?) are served on your candlelit terrace. Ideally, it will be preceded by a spa treatment and followed by a meditation session and herb-infused bath. A bedtime story and glass of warm milk, though surely unnecessary by this point, could no doubt also be arranged. — S.K.

At 12 acres, Ayada, on the southern rim of the Gaafu Dhaalu Atoll and just 19 miles north of the equator, is big enough to get lost on, and the more walking or cycling about you do, the more surprises keep popping up. Take a stroll after dinner (there are six restaurants) and... hello, what's this? A wine-and-cheese station for a glass of rouge and a sliver of brie while sitting on a bench fashioned from a fishing boat. As you head off to Zuzuu (the kids' club), you might stumble across The White Room, a part-colonial, part-tropical folly (pillars and a thatched roof) of such kitschness, you half expect the ghost of Elvis to emerge in a white tuxedo. Or you could stop in at the Ottoman Lounge (a nod to Ayada's Turkish ownership) and settle in for a coffee with a squidge of Turkish delight and a shisha pipe. The Middle Eastern mood shimmies through the villas: a filigree lampshade here, a joss-stick there, a flounce of Turkish fabric over the bed. And there's a full-on Turkish bath in the spa. This far from Malé, there's not a hint of light pollution in the inky night skies; by day there are dive sites, snorkeling with whale sharks and (unusually for the Maldives) surf breaks.

Six Senses Laamu

The Maldives is more famous for romantic sunsets than right-handers, but Six Senses—the only resort in the southern Laamu Atoll—sets itself apart from the fly-and-flop brigade with its Yin Yang surf break. There's also paddleboarding and catamaran sailing, alongside the usual dive boats and house-reef snorkeling. Its eco-agenda means that Six Senses does the at-times-clichéd Robinson Crusoe rustic look with feeling: to discourage the use of air conditioning, the beds are draped in gauzy white canopies and there are wooden slats in the walls to open at night and catch the breeze; the thatched roofs are also low-slung to keep things shady and cool. Even the twig pencils on the desk are responsibly sourced. Of course, there's no shortage of comforts—a 100-plus cocktail menu at the bar, a cheese-and-wine tower, a sensational sushi restaurant—but the vibe is very laidback compared to some of the Maldives' more flashy resorts. And nowhere more so than in the spa, where it's all too easy to hole up in one of the thatched, nest-like pods for hours on end.

Cheval Blanc Randheli

Beautiful Randheli in the Maldives was designed by Jean-Michel Gathy, who also created One&Only Reethi Rah. Here he's used the same large-scale, cathedral-roofed template for the beach villas, and the detailing is superb. Those insouciant little armless sofas; that Vincent Beaurin lemon-yellow sand-disc artwork, which slowly turns as the weight of perpetually falling grains of sand rotate it; the square, slate-lined pool; the de Havilland seaplane bobbing in the water; the white bicycles for getting around; the taupe espadrilles in the villas' dressing rooms. It's all so chic. In the Guerlain spa, reached by dhoni, even a glance upwards from the massage bed prompts a smile in appreciation of the exquisitely woven rattan ceiling. Some bits grate: having to press a switch to open the villa front door from the inside, for instance. But from breakfast on the terrace—molten-centered brownies, celestial with a cappuccino—to the doll-sized mouthfuls on the tasting menu at Le 1947 restaurant, named after Cheval Blanc's most famous vintage, every element confirms this as the most sensational new resort in the Maldives.

Four Seasons Landaa Giraavaru

Something to keep in mind when planning a holiday in the Maldives is that the remoteness once guaranteed by these faraway atolls can no longer be taken for granted. Resorts too close to the capital, Malé, may have views across to its high-rise skyline; others may have a neighboring hotel within earshot or clear sight. But the gloriously isolated Four Seasons Landaa Giraavaru, a former coconut plantation, has no such problems. The villas are also big and well spaced for privacy, the food couldn't be healthier (catch of the day at Fuego Grill; Lebanese mezze at Al Barakat and the spa is truly outstanding. Our 2020 Spa Guide winner for most meaningful experience, as well as overwater treatment rooms, it has a shady Ayurvedic area in a clearing, where prayerful therapists from a Tantric Ayurvedic centre in Indonesia administer rituals lasting hours. The island's Marine Discovery Center, run by a team of biologists whose main focus is manta ray research, could get anyone hooked on the wondrous world revealed as one sinks below the ocean surface with a snorkel or tank. — Anna Pasternak

One&Only Reethi Rah

When you spot a woman in Prada getting off one of the seaplanes arriving at Malé airport, there's a good chance she'll have been staying at Reethi Rah. The hotel is deeply glamorous: guests dress up for dinner in its dimly lit, gently gleaming environs, and sometimes for breakfast, lunch, and dive school, too. Super-smart, with its stone baths designed for two, often with a royal in residence (never seen but identifiable by uniformed bodyguards sitting outside the villa), this is an immense and hugely successful hotel, with 12 private beaches. There's a very zen spa where you can fully detox, and an amazing teen zone with ping-pong tables and all kinds of water sports. Since it opened, a cooking school has been added and its overwater villas now have pools, but the beach pool villas are still the best: thrillingly big and impressive, they have wardrobes and shoe space to match.

Velaa Private Island

One of the most expensive resorts in the Maldives is owned by 42-year-old Czech billionaire Jiri Smejc, who asked his villa butler at Huvafen Fushi, Maldives, to find him an island. He then hired a hot-shot general manager, Hans Cauchi from the Corinthia in London, installed his former butler front-of-house, and brought in 500 Czech builders for six months. The result? State-of-the-art toys (not even glossy rivals Cheval Blanc or One&Only Reethi Rah have a Seabob or semi-submarine); a spa with expert therapists, an ocean-view sauna, snow room and snooze pod; a nine-hole golf course; tennis and squash courts; an extraordinary three-story wine tower with a 6,000-bottle, $1.2 million inventory (including a 1978 Romanée-Conti for $46,000); and Aragu, an overwater, open-kitchen restaurant and Champagne lounge with a Sri Lankan chef. Some design elements are a little retro: suede-effect giant-weave cushions; patchwork carpets; the hanging chair and three massive vases you have to dodge to get to the bath. But the outdoor bathrooms are quite wonderful, and four-bedroom villas plus top-notch security are great for those who need it.

This understated, elegant resort has a loyal following. Among its most notable attractions are the cuisine (seafood at Cayenne Grill, Mediterranean at white-tented Lighthouse, informal meals at Lime) and the diving. Baros is home to one of the archipelago's original dive centers, as well as the first EcoDive Centre in the Maldives to be certified by International Reef Check.

Coco Prive Kuda Hithi

The ludicrously pretty and impossibly slick Coco Prive Kuda Hithi is only available for private hire. Previously a boutique hotel, the island's main building has an enormous primary suite, and there are five other villas to fill. The architecture is stunning, with massive expanses of glass to draw the outside in, and natural materials and organic shapes to echo the surroundings. Every light, heat source, and sound setting can be zapped from your personal iPad, and the attention to detail is phenomenal (the place is repainted between every stay). The kitchen is yours to use, but the chef is brilliant and will prepare anything you want (stories include a specific variety of apple being flown in at a guest's request), such as baked red snapper in aromatic herbs, and banana fritters with sweet crêpes in caramel. Sun-bleached decking around the island leads to mini jungle paths where pretty wicker baubles dangle, red flowers burst, and the resident fruit bat swings from palm to palm. As a bonus, the reef is monitored by a team of experts who know each turn and turtle intimately.

Anantara Kihavah Maldives Villas

When this hotel landed in the Baa atoll in 2011, it was a sleeker, clubbier Anantara outpost than family-friendly Dhigu, honeymooners ’ Veli, and quiet Naladhu that the brand already had in these waters. And there were plenty of head-turning attractions: the glass-bottomed baths in the overwater villas, the underwater restaurant, reportedly the country’s longest swimming pool. Plenty more splashier arrivals have since played their cards, but Anantara’s latest update puts it back on the board, with knockout new multi-bedroom beach and pool residences, each with their own kitchen, gym, spa treatment room, and pool deck.

The rest of the island is lush (no trees were felled during construction) and its central sandy path provides peekaboo pops of turquoise water while leading to diversions including an art studio, kids’ club, and outdoor movie theater beneath a celestial sky. At the overwater spa, there are new vitamin-drip therapies, part of the region’s only Cocoon Medical Spa, and an updated relaxation platform with saunas and plunge pools. That underwater restaurant is part of Sea Fire Spice Sky, a quartet of dining spaces varying from teppanyaki to grills from an authentic tandoori oven. The overwater observatory, the only one in the Maldives, has the country’s most powerful telescope (a research-grade 16" Meade LX200). Here, astronomer Ali Shameem, who grew up fascinated by the stars on the island of Maalhos, guides guests through the cosmos—the bonus of being almost on the equator means you can see constellations in both hemispheres. For all the slick hotel tricks, it’s always the hypnotic sea and sky that are the real knockouts. — Ramsey Qubein

Arrival by seaplane from Malé sets the tone; and from white-tented spa to swim-up pool bar, this resort encapsulates jet-set glamour. The 77 villas offer all the mod cons you could possibly want plus plunge pool, sun deck, wine fridge, and barbecue station. The overwater accommodation features glass floors and beach villas are equipped with muslin-draped daybeds that—cleverly—can be cantilevered over the pool. The resort is also big on action, with diving, kitesurfing, and SeaBobs (which zoom underwater like dolphins), and scheduled DJs spinning tracks in the evening.

This article was originally published on Condé Nast Traveller UK . It has been updated with new information since its original publish date.

Every item on this page was chosen by an ELLE editor. We may earn commission on some of the items you choose to buy.

ELLE Escapes: Maldives

Located smack in the middle of the Indian Ocean and a solid 8,760 miles from New York City, the Maldives are the ideal vacation destination for anyone who wants to truly feel transported to the middle of nowhere. The small south Asian country is comprised of a chain of 26 atolls, each with stunning 365-views of limitless blue sea. Best known for its resorts featuring over-water bungalows, the country has long been one of the leading luxury destinations for travelers, including Sophia Richie Grainge, Sophie Turner, and Madonna. Below, the best places to eat, stay, drink and things to see in The Maldives.

What to See

Hanifaru bay.

For the intrepid travelers among us, the Maldives offers plenty of adventurous outdoor activities, including the opportunity to snorkel with manta rays and whale sharks. For the best and most environmentally ethical experience, go with a licensed tour guide to Hanifaru Bay, a Marine Protected Area that lets you swim with these gentle giants without any risk to their habitat or wellbeing.

SO/ Wellness Camp

Banana Reef

If you’re looking to spot more undersea wildlife, head to Banana Reef in the North Male Atoll for some of the country’s best snorkeling. There, you can spot live coral reefs inhabited by dozens of varieties of fish, including barracudas, reef sharks, and moray eels.

Hunza G Square-Neck One-Piece Swimsuit

Veronica Beard Franzi Stretch-Linen Short

Hermès Oran Sandal

Where to eat, ithaa undersea restaurant.

You can’t go to the Maldives without experiencing an undersea restaurant, and Ithaa is the nation’s most famous. Located at the Conrad Maldives Rangali Island—the favorite Maldivian resort of the Kardashians—you can dine on fish while among the fish (assuming that doesn’t freak you out).

If you’re craving food from the Middle East North Africa region while on your dream trip to the Maldives, Hadaba has got you covered. The Levantine-heavy menu features mezze like hummus and spiced lamb ribs alongside main dishes like tagine and kofta.

For authentic Maldivian cuisine, head to Guduguda at The Standard Hotel, where fresh fish, curries, and coconut dishes reign supreme. Guests can enjoy their meal in the traditional Maldivian way, at low-top tables atop cushions.

Soko Teak Interlocking Bangle Bracelets

Johanna Ortiz Ancient Peru Strapless Cotton Maxi Dress

Dolce & Gabanna Woven Platform Wedges

Where to drink, lazuli beach club.

This neon-lit beach club, which hosts DJ sets and a weekly beach barbecue, brings the vibe of summer parties in the south of France to the Maldives. During the day, you can enjoy a piña colada poolside, and at night you can cozy up in a booth with an Aperol spritz to watch the stars.

When you’re ready to go out out , head to the club at Beru Bar , also at The Standard, where you can party with what is apparently the largest disco ball in the Maldives. Unfortunately it’s only open until 12 A.M., but that’s island life.

For a relaxing sunset beverage, Coco Bar is the perfect location. Grab some apps on the al fresco deck and watch the sun go down, or nab two over-water pool chairs for a bit of swimming and day drinking.

Farm Rio Multicolor Waves Crop Top

Farm Rio Multicolor Waves Midi Skirt

Gianvito Rossi Embellished Leather Sandals

Where to stay, so/ maldives.

SO/ Maldives, which officially opened at the end of 2023, is one of the country’s newest—and best—resorts. Fusing French flair with Maldivian hospitality, the chic five-star resort is accessible by speedboat from the airport in Male, making it one of the most convenient locations on this list. The stunning over-water villas feature private pools, endless views of the Indian Ocean, and a staircase that leads directly into the water.

Waldorf Astoria Maldives Ithaafushi

Offering a myriad of nearby activities and a whopping 11 restaurants on property, you will never get bored (or hungry) at the Waldorf Astoria Maldives Ithaafushi . The resort also boasts an in-house marine biologist, who protects and oversees the coral nurseries near the island.

Soneva Jani

If it’s good enough for Stanley Tucci and Gwyneth Paltrow, it’s good enough for us. Soneva Jani is an A-lister favorite, and for good reason: Upon check in, you’ll be introduced to your private butler, and given the opportunity to partake in dozens of wellness activities, like cryotherapy and Ayurvedic massage.

Miu Miu Cashmere and Silk Top

Miu Miu Cashmere and Silk Shorts

Aura Smart Sleep Mask

Beauty picks.

Agent Nateur holi (soleil) firming & plumping mineral spf 50 sunscreen

This lightweight sunscreen leaves no white cast, nor does it make darker skin tones look dull and gray. Containing antioxidants and hydrating ingredients, including silver ear mushroom extract, which holds 500 times its weight in water—this formula will leave you moisturized and protected while you lay on the beach.

Byredo Mineralscapes Eyeshadow Palette

This limited-edition eyeshadow palette offers better-than-your-average neutrals. The beautiful blues and greens will inspire you to create an evening look reminiscent of the Indian Ocean.

Diptyque Fleur de Peau Hair Mist

While your partner whispers sweet nothings into your ears, let this musky, floral hair mist awaken their senses.

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The Ultimate Maldives Travel Guide 2023: DIY Itinerary, How to get there, and more

Your travel guide to the maldives.

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Budget Travel Guide to the Maldives

Table of Contents

T ranquil, unspoiled lands, blue skies, and fresh air. A tropical paradise with a population of fewer than 400,000 people. An archipelagic nation with 1,190 islands, where seaplanes are the default mode of transportation. These are just some of the things that make the Maldives the perfect retreat for weary souls or travelers looking for fresher adventures. Check out our handy Maldives travel tips for planning and preparation.

The Maldives’ tourism did not flourish until the early months of 1972, after the first resort opened in the country. Maldives’ fairly recent involvement in the tourism industry makes the country some of the lesser-known tourist destinations in the world.

However, the Maldives’ tourism continues to blossom yearly, making up an average of 30% of the country’s GDP.

Today, the Maldives is starting to be recognized for having some of the best beaches, diving, and snorkeling spots worldwide.

Only 185 of its islands are inhabited; most uninhabited islands are dedicated to tourism (hotels, restaurants) and agriculture.

Each island is unique, and there’s much to explore in the Maldives. If you’re feeling overwhelmed, read on. This is the travel guide for you.

Maldives Visa Requirements

Filipino Passport holders are not required to secure a tourist visa to visit the Maldives. Philippine passport holders can travel to the Maldives completely visa-free for 30 days.

Immigration officers will ask you to present your passport, valid for at least 6 months, return flight tickets, and confirmed hotel reservations upon arrival in the Maldives.

Best Time to Visit Maldives

As a tropical country, It’s hot, sunny, and humid all year round in Maldives, with average temperatures of 23ºC-31ºC.

The best time to visit the Maldives is between November and April; these are the months with less precipitation.

The peak season falls between  December and March . If you want to maximize your vacation, avoid visiting the Maldives during the monsoon season from May to October.

How to get there

Cebu Pacific and AirAsia are two local carriers offering Manila (MNL) Philippines to Malé (MLE), Maldives’ capital. Cebu Pacific’s Malé flights stopover at Singapore (SIN), while AirAsia’s Malé flights stopover at Kuala Lumpur (KUL).

Both carriers land at Ibrahim Nasir International Airport, Velana International Airport, or Malé International Airport.

Getting around

Malé International Airport is an island in itself. Getting to the neighboring urban island, the center of Malé requires riding either a boat, a ferry, or a seaplane. Seaplanes can take you to almost any island. They are the equivalent of taxis.

Riding a seaplane is the preferred method of traveling between islands and atolls in the Maldives. Riding a ferry is less expensive; however, ferries travel less frequently.

Speedboats are similarly a less preferred mode of transportation, as they can become expensive despite their convenience.

Where to eat

Thila Restaurant in Vihamanafushi

Thila Restaurant is perhaps the most famous fine-dining restaurant in the Maldives. Aside from having a menu that ranges from classic Maldivian dishes to European cuisines, Thila also offers its guests a breathtaking view of the ocean.

There’s nothing better than enjoying a full-course meal of classic local cuisines while staring at the best sight the Maldives offers. Thila is located in Vihamanafushi of the Kaafu Atoll, just north of Malé International Airport island.

Just Veg by Atmosphere on Kanifushi Island

You can probably already tell from its name alone that Just Veg by Atmosphere is a vegetarian restaurant.

Much like most restaurants in Maldives, this one has an excellent location, facing the sea on the secluded edge of Kanifushi Island of the Lhaviyani Atoll.

If you’re not a vegan and are wary of pure vegetable meals, Just Veg by Atmosphere is a good place to try some vegan dishes.

Family Room Cafe in Hulhumale

If you’re craving some pastries or a cup of coffee, Family Room Café in Hulhumale, Kaafu Atoll, should be your first stop. Known as serving the best cup of coffee around, this café is perfect for families and a large group of friends.

However, if you simply want to enjoy some time to relax alone, Family Room Café is open for you, and its fast Wi-Fi will surely come in handy.

Sea Fire Salt on Dhigufinolhu Island

Sea Fire Salt Restaurant is perfect for romantic dinners. It’s a seaside restaurant that specializes in seafood and several Mediterranean cuisines.

You can order a bottle of wine if it gets a little chilly during the nighttime. Sea Fire Salt is one of the few restaurants that serve alcohol.

Things to do and see in Maldives

Walk around. A walking tour is one of the best ways to enjoy the Maldives. The islands in the country are relatively small and are suitable for such activity. The capital city Malé is a great place to walk around.

Go to the National Museum, and scurry over to the bustling Republic Square, which is less than a kilometer away.

Try out local food

Venture out from what’s served in classy restaurants and visit small-time food joints. Maldivian meals use many coconuts, fish, and starch in their food, so going food-stall hopping wouldn’t be too heavy on your tummy! Masroshi is a classic savory snack that you should try.

Visit Mosques

The Maldives is mostly Muslim, and their religion is a huge part of their culture. The coralline Old Friday Mosque in Malé is the oldest in the Maldives and is one of the most visited.

Sunbathe and unwind

You’re in the Maldives, a tropical paradise. Not going to a beach will mean missing out on a lot! Veligandu Beach is one beach that shouldn’t be missed.

Explore Maldivian marine life

There are plenty of things to enjoy underwater as well. Prodivers Maldives in Kuredu and Maldives Passions in Maafushi Island are two of the most recommended diving schools. Providers offer nighttime diving.

Where to stay

Mirihi Island Resort

Address: Mirihi Island Resort, Maldives ( check rates and book online )

Just a 30-minute-ride on a seaplane from the capital Malé, Mirihi Island Resort is located on the small Mirihi Island of the Southern Ari Atoll. This resort offers water villas with talc-white sands and clear water: overwater bungalows that protrude from Mirihi Island’s shores. Get an unobstructed view of the horizon on your villa’s balcony, and breathe in plenty of this beach paradise’s air.

Velaa Private Island

Address: Republic of Maldives, Maldives Telephone: +960 656-5000 ( check rates and book online )

With 18 overwater private villas and an exclusive, Romantic Villa, Velaa Private Island has a relaxing ambiance. This resort has a spa house, babysitting services, and even an outdoor pool. It also offers airport transport and complimentary breakfast meals for certain packages.

Baros Maldives

( check rates and book online )

Nothing beats a holiday by spending an hour or two in a spa house or some time alone in a hot tub by the ocean. Getting to Baros Maldives is just a 30-minute boat ride from Malé. If you arranged to be picked up, the hotel could transport you for a shorter 20-minute ride.

If you don’t feel like pampering yourself in a spa house, it’s okay to hang out on your beachfront balcony. The waters are so clear that there’s no need to snorkel your way to see the teeming marine life.

AYADA Maldives

Address: Gaafu Dhaalu Atoll, Maguhdhuvaa Island, Maldives Telephone: +960 684-4444 ( check rates and book online )

Each villa in AYADA Maldives in the Gaafu Dhaalu Atoll has its own outdoor pool and butler services. With six restaurants and bars, guests can indulge in its wide range of cuisines.

Staying in a spa, chilling out on the deck, and swinging peacefully on a hammock by the sea are just some things you can do here in this secluded island resort.

Also Read:  Ultimate List of The Best Maldives Luxury Hotels and Resorts

Shopping in the Maldives

There aren’t many big malls in the Maldives like the ones you can see in Manila. However, plenty of small souvenir shops on each island sell various souvenirs, ranging from Maldivian woven mats to t-shirts.

The small Rasdhoo Island, for instance, has five souvenir shops. There are also plenty of hawkers around where you can haggle for prices. Island Bazaar in Malé is a European-style shop that might also interest you.

Local fish markets also abound and are present on each inhabited island. Although you can’t bring home a fish for a souvenir, seeing the bustling Maldivian markets firsthand is a souvenir in your memory that will go a long way.

Shopping last-minute in Duty-Free in the Malé International Airport before leaving can also be an option.

Is it Expensive to Visit Maldives?

In most cases, the answer is Yes. A vacation in the Maldives can be cheap, and it can be expensive too.

It depends on the accommodation you book, the food you eat, and the activities you prefer on this island paradise.

Maldives Travel Tips

• The Maldives is predominantly Muslim; therefore, you must observe its customs. Specifically: observe the dress code in public areas. Women and men should cover their thighs, and women should cover their shoulders. This should be strictly observed when you plan to visit mosques. On the other hand, most resorts allow any kind of clothing. Make sure to always consult with your accommodation about this.
• Don’t schedule flights that arrive on a Friday. Friday and Saturday are weekends in the Maldives. Most modes of transportation and local establishments close these days to observe customs. Make sure to consult with your travel agency so that you arrive on a weekday morning.
• Riding a ferry is the cheapest mode of transportation and is more culture-immersive. Seaplanes are generally for tourists. The downside of ferries is that they infrequently travel per island and stop operating completely on the weekends. However, if you chance upon one, it will give you the best Maldivian experience.
• The Maldives is a tropical country, so expect March to be the hottest month and January the coldest. August and September are generally rainy, and there will be fewer crowds. If you plan well enough, you might chance upon nice, rainy weather on the weekend and enjoy the seclusion of one of the resort islands as if you own it.
• There are relatively few ATMs in the country, so make sure to bring ample money. If you plan on staying in a resort during your entire stay, then money won’t be a problem. However, if you plan to explore more of the country (i.e., walking tours, budget apartments), make sure to have enough to cover you up. Most local, small-time shops won’t accept dollars.

Things to Avoid in Maldives

• Avoid Public display of affection
• Importing Alcohol To Maldives Is Prohibited
• Wearing Bikinis Is prohibited outside the boat, and resorts
• Avoid Drinking Tap Water
• Do Not Wear Shoes On The Beach
• Avoid Littering

[ Click here to search for Discounted Hotels and Resorts in the Maldives]

For more Maldives Travel Tips, you may also read:

• Best Things to do in Maldives

Other Travel Guides:

• The Ultimate Travel Guide to Ha Long Bay
• Balabac Budget Travel Guide
• Koh Samui Travel Guide
• Jomalig Island Travel Guide

Do you have a Pinterest account? Please pin this Budget Travel Guide to Maldives blog post.

Written by Melo Villareal

Melo Villareal is the Online Publisher of Outoftownblog.com. He is an Accountant by profession who left the corporate world at the age of 23 to explore his beautiful country and the rest of the world. Today, Melo works as a part-time Social Media Manager for local and international clients. His full-time work focuses on discovering interesting culture, explore different cuisines and take memorable photos from local and international destinations he's visiting.

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Travel guide to the Maldives

Glamorous overwater resorts , pristine white-sand beaches , and a spectacular underwater world make the Maldives the ultimate travel destination for the discerning traveler. The sovereign archipelagic nation – positioned in the Indian Ocean southwest of India – consists of 26 breathtaking atolls boasting rich cultural traditions and natural treasures. All 1192 coral islands and sandbanks (200 inhabited islands, plus 100 islands with tourist resorts) are the visible coral tips of an oceanic volcanic mountain range whose outer edge at some points plunge to depths of over 3 km (10,000 ft). The tiny islands are encircled by magnificent beaches and incredibly beautiful lagoons, blessed with crystal clear waters and protected by reef structures. Every resort in the Maldives is built on its own private, picture-perfect palm island, with the world’s most exclusive hotel brands  competing with each other to offer their guests unprecedented levels of mind-blowing luxury. A holiday in the Maldives can be easily combined with a stay in Sri Lanka  as there are numerous direct flights – most of them operated by  SriLankan Airlines  – between Sri Lanka and the Maldives (with a flight time of around one hour).

Get the most out of your (luxury) trip to the Maldives with my travel guide. Find out more about:

• Best time to visit
• How to get there
• Getting around
• Travel requirements
• Inspiration, highlights, & travel tips
• Suggested itineraries
• Recommended luxury hotels (+ reviews)

BEST TIME TO VISIT

The Maldives enjoys a tropical climate, hot all year round, with a weather pattern that is mainly determined by two monsoon seasons in which the trade winds blow from opposite directions.

• The best weather in the Maldives is between January and mid-April, when the dry northeast monsoon prevails. You can expect blue skies and low humidity, although occasional, short showers can still occur (especially in the southern atolls). The dry season also coincides with the northern hemisphere’s cold winter season, which means this is high season in the Maldives, with low availability (although it never gets crowded) and often insanely expensive room rates at the resorts.
• The wet southwest monsoon runs from May to October, peaking in June. Although the temperatures remain as warm as in the dry season, rainy days and thunderstorms are far more likely. There may be days, or periods of a few days, when the sky is cloudy. However, even during this period, there are usually long periods of bright sunshine, and more affordable room rates mean this is still a good time to visit.
• The transition periods  between the dry northeast and the wet southwest monsoon usually occurs sometime in late November or December and the end of April or May. These transition periods are often accompanied by a longer period of unsettled weather and overcast, rainy days.

It has to be noted that the tropical climate in the Maldives and the exact timing of the transition periods have become very much unpredictable in recent years, with the wet season becoming drier and the dry season seeing more showers. Also, there a subtle differences in the weather patterns from atoll to atoll, since the Maldives is a very large country, stretching out over 800 km (500 mi) in the equatorial area. The northern atolls – which are home to the archipelago’s most luxurious resorts – enjoy more sunshine and have lesser annual rainfall than the central atolls (where the capital Male is located) and the atolls located south of the Equator. This geographic difference is mainly due to the fact that the dry season is more pronounced in the northernmost atolls.

Some travelers visit the Maldives, not so much for the beaches and resorts, but for the world-class diving and the opportunity of swimming with manta rays and whale sharks. Diving conditions are superb throughout the year, but the areas frequented by the larger marine animals vary with the seasons. During the dry northeast monsoon season, manta ray and whale shark diving in the Maldives is best on the western side of the atolls, whereas during the Southeast Monsoon season, manta rays and whale sharks will typically be encountered near the eastern edge of the atolls.

IMHO, it is worth paying higher prices and sticking to the dry season in the Maldives (January to mid-April) as there is not much to do on a rainy day, except drink, eat, work out, or scuba dive.

HOW TO GET THERE

The majority of the Maldives’ secluded resorts on far-flung private islands are within a one hour boat or floatplane ride from the Maldives’ main airport, Male International Airport (MLE; also known as Velana International Airport ), which is located in the North Male Atoll near the capital of Male. The airport is served by a wide array of international Asian and European airlines, both charters and mainstream carriers. Click  here for a list of airlines that offer direct flights to Male International Airport.

Before you buy a plane ticket, consider reading my  tips & tricks for buying the cheapest plane ticket .

GETTING AROUND

Transfers from Male airport to the hotels are taken care of by the resorts:

• Hotels located in the North and South Male Atoll are reached by speedboat from the airport, with a transfer time between 15 minutes and one hour. Due to their proximity to the airport, these resorts experience more boat traffic and noise levels as compared the more remotely located resorts in other atolls. Boat transfers run 24 hours a day.
• Hotels located in all other central atolls (except the Laamu Atoll) as well as the northernmost atolls can be reached by seaplane from the airport, with a flight time between 20 minutes and one hour. Admiring the picture-perfect archipelago from a bird’s eye perspective is one of the  ultimate experiences that the destination has to offer . However, keep in mind that seaplanes operate during daylight hours only, so you may have to stay overnight near the airport when you arrive in the Maldives after 4 pm. In addition, getting to a resort in a remote atoll by seaplane does take more time as compared to reaching one of the hotels closer to the airport, because of additional waiting time at the airport. On a positive note, most five-star hotels offer a private lounge near the airport to ease the waiting process which seldom exceeds two hours.
• Hotels located in the Laamu Atoll and all southern atolls are reached by a domestic flight , operated by a turboprop plane, followed by a speedboat transfer. Getting to these resort requires an often lengthy and tiring trip, something you may not be looking forward to after your long-haul flight arrives in the Maldives. Besides the 30 to 60 minute domestic flight, you also have to take into account waiting time – varying from one to maximum five hours – at Male airport, both at the start and the end of your journey. All in all, it means that getting to these resorts may take a large chunk of your holiday time on the day of your arrival and departure, making the southern atolls not ideal for a short trip. I suggest you stay at least 5 nights here to make the most of the long journey getting there. The good news is that once there, you will completely relax in otherworldly tropical scenery.

TRAVEL REQUIREMENTS

Requirements for entry into the Maldives differ from country to country, and are subject to change. Prior to departure, always check with your government and your nearest Maldivian embassy or consulate what documents you need for travel to the Maldives.

• You need a valid  passport . The passport should be valid for a minimum period of 6 months from the date of entry into the Maldives.
• The Maldives have a remarkably easy visa policy: everybody gets a free 30-day visa on arrival, provided that you have a valid travel document, a ticket out and proof of sufficient funds, defined as a confirmed reservation in a hotel.

Make sure you read my 10 tips to plan a worry-free trip .

INSPIRATION, HIGHLIGHTS, & TRAVEL TIPS

There are several good reasons why you should put the Maldives on your bucket list:

• Magnificent white-sand beaches, that rank among the best beaches in the world .
• Incredible marine  wildlife viewing opportunities (the Maldives is the world’s best snorkeling and diving destination).
• Ultra-luxury overwater resorts, unmatched in the world.

The following articles may also inspire you and help you plan your holiday to the Maldives:

• Top 10 best things to see & do in the Maldives
• Top 10 most insanely beautiful resorts in the Maldives
• Top 10 best resorts in the Maldives for snorkeling
• Top 10 best resorts in the Maldives close to Male airport
• Top 10 most fabulous overwater villas in the Maldives
• Top 10 best resorts in the Maldives for couples
• Top 10 best resorts in the Maldives for families
• Maldives vs Seychelles vs Mauritius: which one is best?
• Maldives vs Bora Bora: which one is best?
• Get complimentary VIP perks at the Maldives’ most exclusive resorts: the Soneva properties
• Tips & tricks for getting the best deal at a luxury hotel

SUGGESTED ITINERARIES 

Most people who travel to the Maldives stay at one resort for one week. I don’t recommend to travel around too much within the Maldives, since getting from one resort to another is an expensive and often time-consuming affair (since you mostly have to backtrack via Male airport).

However, if the prospect of staying an entire week at one resort on a little island sounds too much for you, there are a few resorts that can be easily combined in one and the same itinerary, because they are either located in the same atoll or connected via a direct and private (and often pricey) speedboat transfer. A few examples:

• Noonu Atoll: Soneva Jani , Cheval Blanc Randheli , and Velaa Private Island
• Baa Atoll (a UNESCOBiosphere Reserve): Soneva Fushi , Four Seasons Landaa Giravaaru , and Anantara Kihavah
• Raa Atoll:  JOALI Maldives , JOALI BEING , Alila Kothaifaru Maldives , and InterContinental Maldives Maamunagau Resort
• North Male Atoll: One&Only Reethi Rah , Patina Maldives , The Ritz-Carlton Fari Islands , Four Seasons Kuda Huraa , and Gili Lankanfushi
• South Male Atoll: Taj Exotica Resort & Spa , Waldorf Astoria Maldives Ithaafushi , Naladhu and COMO Cocoa Island
• Huvadhu Atoll: Park Hyatt Hadahaa and Raffles Maldives Meradhoo Resort

In addition, a select group of ultra-luxe hotel companies operates more than one resort in the archipelago, offering an enhanced and more convenient transfer experience between their properties. A few examples:

• Soneva: Soneva Fushi  and  Soneva Jani  (60 min speedboat transfer between both resorts)
• Four Seasons:  Four Seasons Landaa Giravaaru  and  Four Seasons Kuda Huraa  (40 min watertaxi transfer)
• COMO hotels & resorts:  COMO Cocoa Island  and COMO Maalifushi  (45 min watertaxi transfer)
• JOALI:  JOALI Maldives and JOALI BEING (25 min speedboat transfer)

RECOMMENDED LUXURY HOTELS (+ REVIEWS)

I recommend to visit my top 10 travel lists if you are eager to know how I rank the Maldives’ top hotels, based on my own experience:

Below, you find my reviews of hotels in the Maldives (with pros, cons, and tips to save money per hotel).

* ** Follow me on  Instagram ,  YouTube ,  Twitter  or  Facebook  for a daily moment of travel inspiration ***

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These are the island of the paradise.

Yes! Finally something about cialis interactions.

Hello, I am from New Hampshire and would be flying out of MHT or Boston Logan to start my journey (alone)..which comes to my next question. I would like to stay in a Villa on the island in the Maldives, the smallest one available. What would I be looking at for cost to fly round trip with all transfers, food, all inclusive, by myself, for one week? Thank you for your time and thoughts in advance.

Nice blog author. Thank you. Keep it up.

This is a great site. We’ve been watching your YouTube channel for a while now and our normal Caribbean trip is likely to be replaced by a Maldives stay. Advice is always appreciated. Our budget is reasonable but not unlimited.

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© The Luxury Travel Expert 2024

25 Maldives Travel Tips to Know Before Your Trip in 2024!

Last Updated on February 4, 2024 by gregor

Ultimate Travel Tips for the Maldives

The Maldives, an island nation in the Indian Ocean, is known for its stunning beaches, luxurious resorts, and vibrant marine life. If you’re planning a trip to this tropical paradise, you must be well-prepared to make the most of your experience. From visa requirements to beach essentials, here are some must-know travel tips for visiting the Maldives.

What are the must-know travel tips for visiting the Maldives?

Traveling to the Maldives for the first time is an exciting adventure into a world of azure waters, white sandy beaches, and tropical bliss. This archipelago of more than a thousand islands in the Indian Ocean is a dream destination for many. To ensure your trip is as magical as the Maldives themselves, here are 25 Maldives travel tips for first-time visitors :

• Choose the Right Island Resort : The Maldives is home to numerous islands, each with its unique features. Research and select a resort that matches your preferences, whether it’s for luxury, family-friendliness, diving, or solitude.
• Book in Advance : Especially if you’re aiming for peak season (December to April), booking your flights and accommodations well in advance can save you a lot of money and hassle.
• Consider the Weather : The best time to visit is during the dry season from November to April. The monsoon season from May to October brings rain but also offers the advantage of lower prices and fewer tourists.
• Pack Smart : Light, airy clothing is a must. Don’t forget sunscreen, a hat, sunglasses, and a good insect repellent. Most resorts are casual, but one or two nicer outfits for evening dining can be a good idea.
• Currency and Payments : The Maldivian Rufiyaa is the local currency, but US dollars are widely accepted. Ensure you have a mix of cash and credit cards, as some remote islands may have limited ATM facilities.
• Understand the Local Culture : The Maldives is a Muslim country, so it’s respectful to dress modestly when visiting inhabited islands. Alcohol is only available on resort islands.
• Respect the Environment : The Maldives is famous for its stunning coral reefs. Use reef-safe sunscreen, avoid touching the coral, and take all your trash back with you.
• Stay Hydrated : The tropical climate can be dehydrating, so drink plenty of water throughout your stay.
• Snorkeling and Diving : The Maldives is one of the best places in the world for marine life exploration. Even if you’re not a diver, snorkeling is a must-do activity.
• Seaplane Transfers : Many resorts require a seaplane transfer from Malé International Airport. Enjoy the scenic flight, but be mindful of weight restrictions for luggage.
• Local SIM Card : For staying connected, consider buying a local SIM card for data and calls, as roaming charges can be exorbitant.
• Try Local Cuisine : Don’t miss out on the local dishes like Mas Huni and Maldivian curry. Seafood lovers will be in heaven here.
• Stay Active : Apart from water sports, many resorts offer yoga, pilates, and gym facilities. Keeping active is a great way to enjoy your vacation fully.
• Explore Local Islands : If possible, take a trip to one of the local islands to see the Maldivian culture up close. Remember to respect the local customs and dress modestly.
• Be Prepared for Island Time : Things in the Maldives may happen at a more relaxed pace than you’re used to. Embrace it as part of the experience.
• Learn Basic Dhivehi Phrases : While English is widely spoken, learning a few phrases in Dhivehi can be a fun way to connect with locals.
• Use Water Wisely : Freshwater is a precious resource here. Be mindful of your water usage during your stay.
• Nightlife : If you’re looking for parties, select a resort known for its nightlife. Many islands are more about tranquility than late-night entertainment.
• Photography : The Maldives is incredibly photogenic. Make sure to bring a good camera or drone to capture the stunning landscapes.
• Travel Insurance : Always a good idea, make sure your travel insurance covers activities like diving and snorkeling.
• Tipping : Tipping is not mandatory but is always appreciated for good service.
• Health and Safety : The Maldives is generally safe, but it’s always wise to check travel advisories and have necessary vaccinations in advance.
• Be Mindful of Over-tourism : Choose eco-friendly tours and accommodations that contribute positively to the local environment and community.
• Sun Protection : The equatorial sun can be stronger than many travelers expect. Reapply sunscreen regularly.
• Relax and Unwind : Above all, the Maldives is a place to relax and enjoy the breathtaking beauty of nature. Take time to unwind and soak in the serene environment.

By following these tips, you’ll be well on your way to a dream vacation in paradise. Enjoy the journey, the exploration, and the relaxation that the Maldives uniquely offers.

Where should I stay in the Maldives?

Choosing the best resort in the Maldives can greatly enhance your overall experience. There are numerous private resorts scattered across the Maldivian atolls, each offering its own unique blend of luxury and natural beauty. Whether you opt for an overwater villa or a beachfront bungalow, the Maldives provides an array of accommodation options to suit every traveler’s preferences.

Staying on a resort island in the Maldives offers a secluded and tranquil environment, perfect for those seeking a relaxing escape. However, it’s also worth considering the option of staying on inhabited local islands to experience a more authentic side of the Maldives and engage with the local community.

What are some top travel tips for enjoying the Maldives beaches?

For beach enthusiasts, snorkeling is a must-do activity in the Maldives . The vibrant coral reefs and diverse marine life make for incredible underwater experiences. It’s advisable to pack your own snorkeling gear for added comfort and hygiene, although many resorts also provide equipment for guests.

Given the strong tropical sun, it’s important to choose the best sunscreen for the Maldives to protect your skin. Opt for a high SPF sunscreen that is reef-safe to minimize environmental impact while enjoying the crystal-clear waters of this island paradise.

When packing for a beach vacation in the Maldives, lightweight clothing, a wide-brimmed hat, and a good book are essential. Additionally, don’t forget to include your favorite swimwear, as the Maldives offers ample opportunities for sunbathing and swimming in the warm waters of the Indian Ocean.

How can I make the most of my Maldives resort experience?

Many resorts in the Maldives offer all-inclusive packages , providing guests with a hassle-free and indulgent experience. From gourmet dining to exciting water sports activities, an all-inclusive resort stay allows you to maximize your time and enjoyment during your trip.

If you’re seeking the ultimate luxury experience, consider enjoying a private island getaway in the Maldives. Several resorts offer the option of booking an entire island for a completely exclusive and personalized retreat, ensuring privacy and seclusion amidst breathtaking natural surroundings.

No trip to the Maldives is complete without indulging in a luxury spa experience . Most resorts boast world-class spa facilities, where you can unwind with rejuvenating massages and treatments while overlooking the azure waters and pristine beaches.

What are some cultural and practical tips for traveling in the Maldives?

Understanding Maldivian cultural customs and etiquette is crucial for respectful and enjoyable interactions with the local community. While Maldivians are welcoming and friendly, it’s important to be mindful of local traditions and dress modestly when outside of resort islands.

When it comes to planning excursions in the Maldives, seek advice from your resort’s activity desk or tour operators for authentic and enriching experiences. From dolphin cruises to island hopping, numerous excursions allow you to explore the beauty and diversity of the Maldivian atolls.

Navigating the Maldivian atolls and understanding island transfer options is essential for seamless travel within the archipelago. Whether you’re traveling by speedboat or seaplane, knowing the best transfer options can help you efficiently move between different islands and resorts during your Maldives getaway.

Frequently Asked Questions about travel to the Maldives

Q: what are the best travel tips for the maldives.

A: Some of the best travel tips for the Maldives include choosing the right resort, packing light, and being mindful of the local customs and traditions.

Q: How can I find the best places to stay in the Maldives?

A: Researching and booking villas or overwater bungalows in a resort in the Maldives can provide a luxurious and picturesque stay.

Q: Can I wear a bikini in the Maldives?

A: Bikinis are acceptable on resort islands, but it’s important to dress modestly while visiting inhabited islands to respect the local culture.

Q: What are some important tips to know before traveling to the Maldives?

A: Before traveling to the Maldives, it’s essential to familiarize yourself with the local customs, transportation options, and necessary travel documents.

Q: Is it possible to visit the Maldives on a budget?

A: Yes, it’s possible to visit the Maldives on a budget by opting for guesthouses on inhabited islands, using travel credit cards, and finding affordable travel packages.

Q: Can I drink alcohol in the Maldives?

A: Alcohol consumption is allowed on resort islands, but it’s prohibited on inhabited islands in the Maldives due to it being a Muslim country.

Q: What’s the best time to visit the Maldives?

A: The best time to visit the Maldives is during the dry season, which generally runs from November to April, offering ideal weather for water activities and beach vacations.

Q: How can I plan my trip to the Maldives?

A: Planning a trip to the Maldives involves selecting the right resort, arranging transportation, and considering activities such as snorkeling, diving, and relaxing on the beautiful beaches.

Q: Do I need travel insurance for a trip to the Maldives?

A: It’s always a good idea to have travel insurance when visiting the Maldives to protect against unexpected events such as flight cancellations, medical emergencies, or lost luggage.

Q: What should I take note of when traveling to the Maldives?

A: When traveling to the Maldives, it’s important to respect the local customs, preserve the environment, and be mindful of the restrictions on alcohol and dress code on inhabited islands.

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20 Must-Know Tips & Advice For Traveling In The Maldives In 2024

Are you planning a dream vacation to the Maldives and wondering what to pack? Make a note of these Maldives travel advisories before your vacation. The water is filled with diverse marine life, & snorkelers may experience close encounters with sharks, rays, and whales, as well as a dazzling array of fish. To top it all off, some of the world’s most luxurious resorts with beach bungalows & luxurious water villas lie atop these atolls.

There are various misunderstandings about the Maldives that many visitors have, and I want to clarify them. You may be asking why there is a need for more information. That’s because the Maldives is still relatively young to tourism; villa resorts first opened their doors to guests in the 1970s, and traditional guesthouses just became authorized ten years ago! Because tourism hasn’t yet caught up to the level of other prominent island destinations like the Dominican Republic or Bali, it is an ideal time to visit right now.

So, without further ado, here’s everything you’ll need to know before visiting the Maldives, including travel tips, what to do, and what to avoid. Let’s have a look!

Table of Contents

A list of 20 things to know before traveling to the Maldives:

1. plan your vacation considering the weather.

Due to the ideal temperature and endless gentle sunshine, November to April is the best season for Maldives vacations. Everything from lodging to activities will be horrendously overpriced.

Traveling during cooler months, i.e., between peak and off-season, will be one of the top Maldives travel ideas for a cheap Maldives trip plan since the weather will still be beautiful and 20% reduced capacity in resorts will provide you fantastic savings and superb services.

The Maldives trip planning tips provided below will assist you in determining the ideal season to visit the Maldives. Rain is prevalent during the off-season, although it does not last all day.

2. The Maldives is not an economical destination

First, I want to emphasize that the Maldives is not a cheap vacation location. That doesn’t mean you can’t travel to the Maldives on a budget, but living the life you’ve probably shown on Instagram and in multiple advertising will cost some money.

You should budget for an oceanfront villa, an all-inclusive package with a spa & daily diving trips for you and your beloved. I estimate at least $1000 daily and more for brand-name resorts like The Four Seasons and Park Hyatt.

The Maldives has some reasonably priced resorts. We spent a few days at Cinnamon Ellaidhoo, which bills itself as an economical luxury beach resort. Budget accommodations are available near Male at places like the Sheraton Fullmoon Bay. A board package in seaside accommodation costs around $300 per night.

3. Dress conservatively when visiting the nearby local islands

Remember that you are in a Muslim country, and visitors of all nationalities are supposed to be humble. While scrolling through your Instagram feed and seeing amazing photographs of ladies in bikinis and short skirts, remember that they are most likely on the resort islands.

Avoid exposing your elbows, knees, and shoulders on the nearby islands. Wearing a full-length dress with sleeves is your best bet. Some bikini beaches on nearby islands are designated for visitors. Couples should also avoid public displays of love.

4. Do not carry any alcohol with you

The Maldives is a majority Muslim country, and alcohol is only permitted in private resorts. Do not purchase alcohol before arriving in Male, and do not bring wine bottles or champagne. If you try to import alcohol into the Maldives, you may be punished by customs.

If you want to spend a significant amount on alcohol, you might consider purchasing an all-inclusive package.

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5. Choose Low-Cost Accommodation and Transportation

Depending on the typical cost of a Maldives holiday, you may choose between less costly hotels on local islands and the luxury and solitude of 5-star resorts on private islands. Choosing companies that provide airport transfers, excursions, and ferry service is a wise option, according to Maldives travel advice from past visitors.

Examine the restaurants, kid-friendliness, bar, pool, reef condition around the island, &, of course, the scenery. Those visiting with children should avoid overwater villas since it is dangerous for them to play or climb on jetties. However, living among reef fishes, rays, and corals might be enticing.

6. Rooms at Sunset vs Rooms at Sunrise

When selecting a room type, consider whether you want sunrise or sunset views and adjust accordingly. I only mention this as most people are late risers, and if you are in a dawn room, you may lose sunlight on your back terrace by lunchtime.

We chose a sunset room because our sunbeds were in the sun from around midday, which worked better with our itinerary. If, on the other hand, you like morning with a cup of coffee, do you know what you should choose?

7. Check whether drones are permitted or not

Do you intend to carry a drone to the Maldives? The Maldives are breathtaking, especially from the air, so anyone owning a drone will desire to get it up in the air. However, several resorts have a no-drone policy to safeguard their visitors’ privacy, and they take it very seriously.

In Maldivian resorts, there are numerous overwater suites with large open windows. Many people prefer to vacation in the Maldives for privacy and isolation, so they don’t want a drone flying above their bedroom while they’re taking a bath or sitting in the restroom.

8. Pack your stuff wisely

While deciding how to pack for a trip to the Maldives, avoid taking meat, alcohol, or tobacco items (without a health warning) alongside any religious publications. When it comes to one of the most critical pieces of equipment, bring a water-resistant or underwater camera with a polarizer to capture all of the action on land and underwater.

All Maldives travel recommendations will encourage you to bring your snorkeling, surfing, or diving equipment to save money on renting. Carry only the essential tropical attire, swimwear (for luxury resorts), Sunscreen, surf wax, toiletries, personal care items, and a medical emergency pack.

9. To save money, participate in water sports at Male/Hulhumale or other nearby islands

Water sports such as scuba diving and snorkeling on a native island would cost less than half of what you would spend on a resort island.

You can’t blame luxurious resorts for their high prices. You have immediate access to all activities when you arrive at the property. So, the high pricing for aquatic activities is very understandable.

You must stay in Hulhumale first after arriving in the Maldives if you want to split your time between Hulhumale and a resort island. While there, participate in water activities before departing for the resort island.

10. Not all resorts welcome children

Adults-only resorts include Anantara Veli Maldives Resort, Kudadoo Maldives, and Hurawalhi Island Resort. Other resorts may accept children, but the overwater villas do not for safety concerns. Check with your facility before making a reservation.

11. However, there are several possibilities for children

Yes, the Maldives are well renowned for their honeymoon destinations. However, several resorts are built explicitly for parents to kick back and unwind. A kid’s club with games like treasure hunts & pasta-making, as well as babysitting services, allows you to fit in some spa time.

When it concerns safety, most resorts have precautions such as rails and child-safety locks on the decks of overwater villas. Beach cottages bordering small island lagoons are ideal for families with young children.

12. Purchase a Sim Card at the Airport

Grab a local sim when you arrive in the Maldives if you need to stay connected. The WiFi at many resorts could be more reliable, but what can you expect on an island in the middle of the ocean?

However, the 4G signal will be available everywhere! Most resorts & local islands have cellphone towers so that you can get a good signal anywhere. Ooredoo and Dhiraagu, the Maldives’ two cell operators, are located to the right after exiting the luggage carousel. They’ll be able to provide you with a sim card in less than five minutes. Data prices are affordable. You’ll have to spend around $30 for 17GB of data over two weeks.

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13. Keep cash on hand

Although the Maldivian Rufiyaa is the native currency, USD is commonly accepted practically everywhere. Aside from the regional islands, most stores have prices in US dollars.

Credit cards are generally accepted, particularly at resorts, but cash is still vital since odd ends must be purchased. Furthermore, it isn’t easy to find an ATM near Maldivian islands; thus, cash is required.

14. Carry Sunscreen with you!

Because this is a tropical environment, tourists must pack Sunscreen to protect their skin from sun damage. However, avoid purchasing Sunscreen in the Maldives because it is prohibitively costly on the island. Along with that, make an effort to use reef-safe Sunscreen, as the ingredients in other sunscreens harm the exquisite and protected coral and marine life.

15. In their own time zone, several resorts are open

Unlike India, the Maldives (MVT) is 30 minutes behind IDT.  To provide their visitors extra daylight hours, some resorts, nevertheless, operate in their own time zone. They, therefore, extend MVT by an hour or 1.5 hours. Verify with your hotel to ensure you leave on time for your flight.

16. Even at all-inclusive resorts, some water activities may be extra

Non-motorized activities such as kayaking, paddle boating, windsurfing, and canoeing are often included in all-inclusive resort plans. If you spend three to four nights, they may include snorkeling, dolphin watching, and a night of stargazing in your package.

However, in other resorts, such as the Kudadoo Maldives Private Island, you will be fine with providing your room number at any point because everything is included in your package.

17. You do not need a visa to visit the Maldives

You do not require a pre-arrival visa to visit the Maldives and walk about. On the other hand, visitors visiting the Maldives will be awarded a thirty-day visa at the airports on the day of their arrival.

As a result, you do not need to worry about organizing a visa or its validity, but your passports should be valid for at least six months. This validity is required to obtain a valid return flight from the Maldives.

18. Should you leave a tip?

Tipping is not a common practice in the Maldives; hence it is not mandatory to tip in this nation. Whether staying in a hotel or dining at a restaurant, you will notice that tipping for service is not as customary in the Maldives as in many other nations.

Having said that, if you still believe that the service given was noteworthy and that you should applaud it, you may leave a tip, but you are not required to. So, offering a tip is entirely up to you and no one else.

19. Avoid often switching places.

When arranging a trip to the Maldives, choose a single hotel or resort and spend your holiday there rather than bouncing from island to island.

Moving from one location to another in the Maldives is somewhat chaotic and is not a smooth transition. Aside from Male, traveling from one island to another requires hiring a speedboat or an aircraft.

20. Be sure to check out Bioluminescent Beach!

Exploring the Baa Atoll should be one of the top 20 travel tips. It will be a lifetime experience to observe the planktons produce luminous toxins at night beneath the sky, producing a glittering look on the ocean bed.

This is among the most unusual activities in the Maldives. Several resorts provide bioluminescent trips, but you must first confirm their legitimacy.

Here’s a practical Maldives travel guide to help you have good experiences with less worry when visiting the lovely Maldives. Before you go, have a look at these Maldives island travel recommendations. How to organize a vacation to the Maldives and a few fascinating travel suggestions are presented above to help you comprehend things.

View more information about the Maldives:

• 10 Popular Maldives Places to Visit
• Top 10 Places the Maldives To Visit For a Honeymoon
• 10 Reasons to Trip to Maldives
• Best Time and Season to Visit Maldives: Complete Guide
• Maldives Popular Hotels for the honeymoon
• 14 Most Famous Beaches in Maldives
• Maldives in December 2024: 10 Famous Places to See
• Popular Destinations for Shopping in Maldives
• 10 Best Dining Restaurants in the Maldives
• From Application to Arrival: Your Ultimate Maldives Visa Requirement Travel Guide
• 10 famous Locals Foods to Try in Maldives
• 20 Must-Know Tips & Advice For Traveling In The Maldives In 2024
• 8 Most Famous Underwater Restaurants in Maldives
• Most 10 Popular Dining Restaurants in Maldives

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Travel Smart to the Maldives with A2D

In this Special Edition, we’re inviting you to two exceptional resorts in the Maldives, with some special offers available only for our valued Club members.

Like his trip to South Africa last year , Stig has been exploring A2D’s Travel Smart concept for himself and his family, traveling in low season for quiet spots, fantastic service and great rates. He recently did the same in the tropical paradise of the Maldives, spending 6 nights there with his wife Ruth and daughter Amba, where a bungalow at the Four Seasons for a family of four around that time of year starts at USD $800 per night.

The Maldives: A Haven of Adventure and Serenity

Welcome to the Maldives, with over 1,000 islands renowned for their white sand beaches, turquoise waters, and vibrant coral reefs. Whether you need to switch off from work and relax, or wish to have a more dynamic time, there are a plethora of family-friendly activities that await: surfing, water sports, yoga, snorkeling alongside the largest known population of gentle manta rays and engaging in coral reef conservation activities and sea turtle rehabilitation efforts – to name a few.

Two Exceptional Resorts

Stig experienced two exceptional resorts during his trip, both part of the Four Seasons brand:

Four Seasons Landaa Giraavaru

This exquisite resort offers a 44-acre playground i n a breathtaking location: one of the world’s most beautiful islands, a natural UNESCO Biosphere Reserve wilderness. Experience the best in service and enjoy the resort’s amenities: from private pools and captivating ocean views to world-class, Michelin-star level dining. Landa Giraavaru provides an oasis of tranquillity to relax, as well as an extensive menu of activities and wellness offerings supported by an expert team of doctors, naturopaths and therapists.

Four Seasons Landaa Giraavaru offers an array of 18 villa and suite choices suitable for different group sizes . From on-water villas with breathtaking views to oceanfront bungalows with pool, and beach villas with private pools and direct access to the pristine 1-kilometre white sand beach, these accommodations cater to a variety of preferences.

Four Seasons Kuda Haraa

This intimate resort, with its boutique setting and serene atmosphere, is a true home away from home . Enjoy the myriad of amenities, pristine beaches, exquisite dining options including a world-class Indian restaurant, rejuvenating spa treatments on the resort’s private spa island, and limitless (and thrilling) water sports activities.

Choose from 16 different accommodation options to suit your family’s needs : a serene sanctuary with a pool and private garden view, a villa over the water with an infinity pool or a bungalow giving directly onto the beach.

What does travelling Smart to the Maldives look like?

Traveling Smart is all about making simple but smart choices in order to make the most out of your trip. And we are on hand to help you navigate the jungle of flights, accommodations and travel as effortlessly as possible:

• Book your Maldives trip for example during the low season , which spans from April to October, to take advantage of more affordable rates. Stig experienced six days of beautiful weather in May, and the average temperature remains around 28ºC!
• Navigate the complexity of room bookings, especially for families with older children , is another jungle made effortless with our Travel Smart ethos: our strong relationships with accommodation providers allow us to negotiate on your behalf. Whether it’s securing a single villa with an extra bed or a sofa bed, we help find the ideal arrangement for your family’s comfort and convenience.

Our Special Offer

As a member of the A2D Travel Wonders Club, you can book a suite for seven nights or more at either resort and receive complimentary half-board for two guests per room.

Those staying fourteen nights or more will also enjoy an exciting excursion , such as a fishing expedition or dolphin cruise, for all guests, along with a 60-minute spa treatment for two.

These offers are available throughout the year, excluding the Festive season and Easter.

Embark on a Travel Smart trip to the Maldives and create cherished memories with your loved ones. Contact us today to book your extraordinary journey with A2D, and let us handle every detail to ensure a seamless and unforgettable experience: email us today.

© A2D World 2023. All Rights Reserved.

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Smart Strategies: Budget-friendly Travel Hacks for Exploring the Maldives

Dreaming of exploring the stunning Maldives without breaking the bank? With savvy planning and a few ingenious travel hacks, discovering this paradise on a budget is within reach. Let's uncover some practical tips and hacks that will make your Maldivian getaway affordable and unforgettable.

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Opt for Local Island Stays:

Consider staying at local guesthouses on inhabited islands instead of luxury resorts. These accommodations offer a more budget-friendly option while providing an authentic experience of Maldivian life.

Travel During Off-Peak Seasons:  

Plan your visit during the off-peak seasons (typically May to October) when accommodations and flights might be more affordable. You can enjoy the serene beauty of the Maldives with fewer crowds and potentially snag some great deals.

Embrace Public Transportation:  

Utilise the local ferry system or public speedboats to hop between islands. They are significantly cheaper than private resort transfers and offer a chance to mingle with locals and enjoy scenic views.

Explore Free and Low-Cost Activities: 

Engage in free or low-cost activities such as snorkelling in public beaches, visiting local markets, exploring cultural spots, and relishing sunset views. These experiences offer glimpses of the Maldives' charm without hefty price tags.

• Sample Local Cuisine:

Indulge in Maldivian street food and local eateries, which often serve delicious and affordable meals. This not only introduces you to authentic flavours but also helps in reducing dining expenses.

• Look for All-Inclusive Deals:

Keep an eye out for all-inclusive packages that bundle accommodation, meals, and activities. Some resorts offer affordable packages that can save you money in the long run.

• Plan in Advance and Book Early:

Book your flights and accommodations well in advance to take advantage of early bird discounts and promotional offers.

• Negotiate and Bargain:

Don't shy away from negotiating prices at local markets. Bargaining can sometimes lead to better deals, especially when buying souvenirs or taking local tours.

• Pack Wisely:

Pack essentials like sunscreen, mosquito repellent, and snorkelling gear to avoid purchasing them at higher prices on the islands.

• Travel Responsibly:  

Practise responsible tourism by supporting local businesses and respecting the environment. Engaging in eco-friendly activities and using resources mindfully can contribute positively to the local community and preserve the beauty of the Maldives.

By implementing these travel hacks, you can embark on a budget-friendly adventure in the Maldives, savouring its beauty, culture, and experiences without straining your wallet.

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Maldives travel blog — the fullest maldives travel guide for a great trip on a budget for the first-timers.

Maldives tourist paradise with 1.192 coral islands, famous for its luxurious resorts, is the most romantic and most expensive honeymoon spot in the world. Blue and clear sea water can see fish swimming at the bottom, the color of the sea changing during the day, sometimes transparent, sometimes light yellow, purple and red when the sun goes down. Maldives is the dream destination of many travel followers around the world. Get the best travel tips in this latest Maldives travel guide, make sure you have a convenient journey to fully experience the best things in this island nation. So, when is the best time to visit Maldives, how to get to Maldives, what to do in Maldives…? Let’s check it out our Maldives travel blog (Maldives blog, Maldives budget travel blog, Maldives trip blog) with the fullest Maldives travel guide (Maldives visitor guide) for a wonderful trip to Maldives on a budget for the first time with Living Nomads below.

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Overview of Maldives

Maldives is a country with nearly 1.200 large and small coral islands formed in South India, in the Indian Ocean. Among them, about 200 islands are inhabited by locals. This country is a collection of many very small islands quite far apart and slightly fuzzy because of the relatively low altitude. The size of most islands is only 200-500m in length.

In the Maldives there are two types of islands: One are normal islands inhabited like the Male capital or the islands that travelers are often come such as Maafushi, Guraidhoo, Fulidhoo; The second is the Resort islands only for tourists, which is also the main industry in the Maldives.

If referring to truly “Maldives Tourism”, that means, you should only fly to this island nation, choose a resort to stay in a few nights and fly back. It is the best way to enjoy this real paradise. Or if you good financial conditions, more time, you can stay in more than 1 resort to experience because each resort has a different style.

Tourism is a key industry for economic development in this country. That’s why Maldives waives visas for all travelers of all nationalities within 30 days. However, your passport must be valid for at least 6 months.

Today, there are many ways for you to experience and explore Maldives, including those with low budgets. With an amount of only about $900 you can also come here, stay in the local islands but not necessarily stay in the resorts.

Maldives travel guide: Some useful notes when traveling to Maldives

According to our Maldives travel guide, visas will be issued directly at Male airport. You need to present the round trip airfares, a credit card to prove your finance and your hotel or resort booking vouchers.

The currency in the Maldives is Rupiah (USD1 = 15 Rupiah). However, the USD is also very popularly used in the Maldives. When you exchange currency, remember to keep the invoice so you can convert it back into the USD at the same rates.

Maldives is a Muslim country. Therefore, the following things must be especially cautious: prohibit bringing alcoholic drinks, prohibit bringing pork and depraved cultural products into this country. At the resort, tourists can wear a swimsuit but absolutely not nude. When walking outside, you should focus on dress discreetly, do not wear tight-fitting tops, two strings, shoulder or pants, short skirts on your knees to respect the local culture. Discreet clothing that both help you to protect the sun and respect the local religion.

The sea level in Maldives is not too deep, many shallow places can be seen the bottom but when participating in sea activities such as kayaking, snorkeling or diving, you still have to comply with safety principles such as life jackets, wearing fake legs, oxygen tanks … to ensure safety.

The weather in Maldives is quite hot, it is sunny during the day, so when you go swimming, go for a walk, don’t forget to apply a layer of sunscreen, use sunglasses, hats or parasol.

The built-in underwater camera or waterproof case for the camera, the phone will be great for you to record the best images while swimming or diving under the clear turquoise water. You can buy these products at the resort but the price is quite “expensive”, so it is better to prepare in advance.

The greeting way of people in Maldives is very interesting. If they love you, they will greet you by grabbing their fists or hitting them on the other side in a very innocent and friendly way. Don’t be surprised if you receive it that way!

The Maldives is the most flat country in the world with an average height of only about 2.3 meters above sea level. Due to global warming, the sea level is rising, in the Maldives it has increased by 20 cm in the last century. According to scientists, many of the Maldives’ islands will sink completely in the next 20 years. So what are you waiting for, but come to this paradise right away.

Note: Hotels and resorts often do not offer transfer service to pick you up if you landing in Male at night. Of course, that time also is hard to check in. You will have to overnight in Male capital, wait for morning. So, choosing the departure time and landing time to make your journey smooth, the most convenient also need to consult and consider carefully.

Maldives travel blog: When is the best time to visit?

Maldives is located in a tropical climate area. The year-round heat background is extremely high, rarely falling below 25 degrees Celsius. The weather in the Maldives is also deeply affected by the sea so even with the high heat of the sun, there is no drought or discomfort. In general, you can go to the Maldives at any time.

You should note in the Maldives travel guide, the rainy season in the Maldives lasts from June to October due to the operation of the Southwest wind. However, Madives still welcomed the guests so much. No matter how heavy the rain is, the Maldives Sea is still blue, quiet, not big waves. Tourists still enjoy swimming and participating in coral diving activities. If you don’t like the rain, choose visit Maldives in the remaining months.

Maldives travel blog: How to get to Maldives?

Vietnam currently has no direct flights to Maldives. Your flight journey must have at least 1 stop. You still have to transit in a third country. The third country here can be Malaysia, Singapore, and to reach this heaven almost have to fly all day long. Some of the following airlines have flights to Maldives that you can choose from: Bangkok Airways, Sri Lankan Airlines, Malaysia Airlines, Singapore Airlines …

All international flights to Maldives must land at Velana International Airport. The airport is an island called Hulhumale, separated from the capital island of Male which takes 10 minutes by public ferry or can take a taxi because they have built a bridge to connect the capital and the airport. On Hulhumale Island, besides the airport, also has a part of the artificial island where concentrates on hotels and motels and can travel to and from the airport by car.

Maldives travel guide: Getting around Maldives

Talking about getting around when traveling to Maldives, means traveling between islands on the ocean. Because in addition to the Hulhumale airport island and Male capital are have cars, taxis, and motorbikes, the remaining islands are very small and do not have these means of transport. Moreover, in one of your package trip, you almost always travel between islands. Some vehicles travel between islands:

A type of canoe, boat has many different sizes depending on the luxury, carrying 10-20 people. This is the means that resorts use to transport their pre-booked guests. The price set by the resort is usually around several hundred dollars per round trip, depending on the luxury of the resort and the distance traveling. The cheap and convenient experience to traveling between local islands is you can rent boat from the hotel / guesthouse, or speedboat from the transport companies.

Sitting on the seaplane you will see the whole view of Maldives, the beautiful islands below. However, Seaplane is not owned by resorts, but it is managed and operated by Trans Maldivian. Seaplane prices range from $300 to thousand dollars per round trip.

Local ferry

A small boat is the main means of the people of Maldives, traveling between the local islands, the cost is also the cheapest (usually a few dollars per trip) but will not be used to travel to private islands and resorts.

Maldives budget travel blog: Where to stay?

Here we will come to the most important part for a Maldives trip, which is the selection of hotels / resorts. A trip to Maldives, is very different from trips to other countries like Singapore, Korea, Japan or Europe, where you have to plan to visit the sightseeing sites. Going to the Maldives is mainly a vacation, it can also be called a little discovery with some people, but the main feature of the Maldives has always been a luxury tourist country for the rich people. Of course they go to Maldives to stay at the resorts.

Accommodation in Maldives has 2 main types, one is small hotels in local islands, and the other is luxury resorts (accounting for 90% in this island nation).

Group of local islands: These are the islands where local people live, compared to the total number of islands in the Maldives, the local island accounts for a small part, only about 10-20 islands. The hotels here are also very affordable, only $50-200/night. Of course it is cheap compared to the resorts, but it is still expensive compared to other countries. A hotel of $100/night is just a simple small room with no special things.

Group of resort islands: In Maldives, each resort is a small island, and this group accounts the majority of the total islands in the Maldives. The cost of traveling to and staying at these resorts is of course from expensive to super expensive.

In Maldives there are more than 100 resorts large and small, also divided into many grades depending on the level of luxury. Can be listed as follows:

3-4 star resort

These are the lowest luxury resorts, 3-4 star standard (mostly 4 stars). These resorts also have a full range of services, rooms are also diverse but not too beautiful, affordable. Average room rates range from $200-500/night, dining cost around $20-50/meal, traveling by speedboat about $100-200/round trip. One of the most beautiful resorts in this 4-star line is Olhuveli Beach & Spa, Kuramathi Maldives, Fun Island Resort & Spa.

5-star resort

Some resorts with 5-star standards, are quite good, beautiful in light style and are suitable for those who want to experience a little more advanced than 4 stars. Room rates averaged $400-700/night, eating and drinking about $50-100/meal. Traveling by speedboat for about $200/round trip or $300-500 by seaplane per round trip. The most beautiful 5-star resorts like Sun Aqua Vilu Reef, Anantara Dhigu, Anantara Veli, Sheraton Full Moon Resort, Amilla Fushi.

Luxury 5-star resort

If the normal resorts have made you “Wow, wow” when you arrive, these resorts are ranked 5* Luxury you will really feel like coming to another world. Blue and clear water, sea villas with super beautiful private pools. Average room rates range from $600-1000/night, eating about $100-150/meal, traveling by seaplane about $500-700/round trip. The most luxurious 5-star resorts like The Sun Siyam Iru Fushi, Niyama Private Islands, Conrad Rangali Island Maldives .

Super-luxury 5-star resort

The resorts come to this level, maybe I don’t know how to describe them, you should come and feel for yourself. Because it’s a different world, a different life and experiences you probably won’t be have at anywhere in the world. Super high-class 5-star resort can be mentioned such as Anantara Kihavah, Soneva Jani, Soneva Fushi.

Below are some best hotels, resorts with good ratings and reviews you can refer to.

Olhuveli beach & spa maldives.

Olhuveli Beach & Spa Maldives is a luxurious resort with the best services of the Maldives. Resort with over 164 rooms of different types, especially villas built on the sea. It also organizes sea sports activities, 2 large swimming pools, super beautiful beaches and serves fresh local dishes. Olhuveli Beach & Spa Maldives is also the recommended place for sweet honeymooners. A 4-star resort with room rates from $163/night. (Check rates and reviews on Agoda.com or Booking.com ).

Bandos Maldives

Just 10 minutes away from Male Airport, Bandos Maldives is an ideal resort for those who are passionate about diving. The location of the resort is also home to the most beautiful coral reefs. This resort has won many great awards for diving service with professional, friendly, multilingual staff. A 4-star resort with room rates from $124/night. (Check rates and reviews on Agoda.com or Booking.com ).

Noovilu Suites Maldives

The hotel has 7 neat and clean rooms, one of the smart choices if you want to save money for the stay. Noovilu Suites Maldives is located near the city center, on the beautiful Mahibadhoo island, so you can easily find basic services as well as experience the cultural characteristics of the local people. From Noovilu Suites Maldives, you are only need minutes away to reach the sea. A guest house with room rates from $56/night. (Check rates and reviews on Agoda.com or Booking.com ).

Hotel Raffles Maldives Meradhoo Resort

This is a luxury resort located at Gaafu Alifu atoll. Resort also has an enchanting collection of coastal villas with full swimming pools, spas, massage therapies and is particularly suitable for romantic couples. Hotel Raffles Maldives Meradhoo Resort has 2 accents as a classy Johari restaurant for spectacular sunset views on the sea and a 5-star PADI diving center with the best equipment for you to freely explore the natural color reefs. A 5-star luxury resort with room rates from $744/night. (Check rates and reviews on Agoda.com or Booking.com ).

Mala Maldives Dhangethi

Continued reading…

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10 Best Eco-Friendly & Sustainable Tours in the Maldives

Everyone knows that the Maldives is home to the world’s most beautiful beaches. Just scroll through Instagram and you will see countless examples of travelers bathing in the bluest and clearest waters on earth. But this pristine paradise is also a fragile environment, which is why you should only book eco-friendly and sustainable tours when traveling to the Maldives.

There is no better local company than Secret Paradise Maldives for sustainable and environmentally conscious trips across the archipelago of 1,200 coral islands. Award-winning and long-established, this tour operator can transport you outside the comforts of a luxury resort to the true Maldivian culture and to secret hidden gems that you could only dream of.

With a range of day trips, multi-day tours and tailor-made journeys to choose from – the options are endless to explore the Maldives responsibly. Those who need to escape the resort for the day can dive into the culture of Malé – a densely populated city with a bustling atmosphere. Or day-trippers could enjoy a snorkeling trip out in colorful coral reefs.

Day tours are just the beginning of what Secret Paradise offers. The multi-day tours include everything that makes authentic travel so special. On these trips, travelers will stay at guesthouses where local families participate in the running of the properties. Visiting destinations outside of resorts ensures tourism dollars get into the hands of local people.

Not only will guests be introduced to the natural beauty of the Maldives, but they will also have the chance to meet locals and discover the cultural elements which make these islands such a unique place. Every traveler knows that it’s always the people that make the place and the same is definitely true about the Maldives. The people here are wonderful.

One unique aspect about Secret Paradise is that they partner with NGOs, marine-life charities and local organizations in order for guests to get involved in conservation efforts. One of their island-hopping tours, for example, incorporates a mini volunteer program. Another allows guests to stay in the Maldives for a few months to work on volunteer projects.

On their ocean-based tours, guests are briefed on a proper swimming and snorkeling code of conduct. This is called the Green Fins Guidelines and it helps people stay responsible in the water. Local guides can also give presentations on coral reef preservation and recycling practices, which is rewarding for travelers interested in these important topics.

So, whether this is your first visit to the Maldives or your fifteenth, what better way to experience the islands than on one of the eco-friendly and sustainable tours offered by Secret Paradise. Travel with a clear conscience and help create a better Maldives for future generations. Meet local people along the way and exchange greetings, stories, laughs and more.

Best Eco-Friendly & Sustainable Tours in the Maldives

1. malé city walking tour (4 hours).

It’s hard to believe that 150,00 people live in Malé, a tiny atoll in the Indian Ocean, but they do. This is the business heart of the archipelago where commerce is done and life is faster paced than what you would expect in the Maldives. Buildings are tall and packed together and there are great cafes and restaurants where you can find traditional Maldivian food.

Experiencing Malé on a walking tour allows travelers to step inside the life of an ordinary Maldivian for a few hours. Soak up the city as you walk past incredible architecture, taste local delicacies at the food markets, learn interesting facts about the world-class education system and see what traditional life is like. You can choose to book morning or afternoon tours.

2. Villimale Eco Walking Tour (4 Hours)

Villimale has a long and checkered history. Once a prison and then a resort, today it boasts a small community of Maldivians who moved here to escape some of the hustle and bustle of Malé. Located 15 minutes away by ferry, Villimale has a more relaxed atmosphere than the Maldivian capital. Here you can find a dash of greenery and a few beautiful beaches to visit.

Heading through the island, on a 60-minute walking tour, reveals a touch of “city life” in combination with conservation projects. The community in Villimale have partnered with an NGO called Save the Beach. Together they help protect the island and surrounding oceans. It’s fascinating to learn about the challenges of coastal development on tiny atolls such as this.

3. Maldives Local Food Tour (4 Hours)

Foodies will relish the opportunity to try some of the most authentic flavors of the Maldives on this tour. Beginning at a fish market in Malé, travelers will shop for fresh ingredients and produce (to cook for lunch) as well as try some of the most colorful and unique fruits and vegetables in the world. After, they will jump on a 20-minute public ferry to Hulhumale.

Here a local family will host the group for lunch – limited to six people. Meeting a Maldivian family is a special experience and cooking with them is even better. Your job will be to chop the veggies, grate the coconut and prepare the fish. Then sit down for a nice lunch together and share your thoughts on the cuisine and how it compares to food back home.

4. North Malé Island Hopping Tour (Full Day)

Visit the islands of Huraa and Himmafushi on this full-day tour with Secret Paradise. In between these island trips, travelers will also get the chance to go snorkeling in pristine waters and see different fish species, colorful coral, sea turtles, reef sharks and rays. With a snorkeling guide nearby at all times, you will be able to snorkel with confidence and in total safety.

The great thing about this tour is that the islands are very different from each other and they contrast beautifully. Himmafushi is a surfing island and has a modern economy with industries like water bottling and tuna. Huraa, on the other hand, is known for its simple village life. Here you will see how boats are made and how Maldivian dry fish is prepared.

5. 3 Point Snorkeling Tour (2.5 Hours)

A two and a half hour, eco-friendly snorkeling tour where guests will learn how to snorkel responsibly while having a blast out on the water. The three snorkeling points can differ depending on the weather conditions but they usually include: Kandu Giri, Coral Garden, Stingray City or Kurumba House Reef. All of these spots have guaranteed tropical fish and coral sightings.

Most snorkeling trips also have sea turtle sightings, clownfish swimming among the array of different tropical fish (the fish from Finding Nemo) and the chance to see reef sharks and rays. Even if you don’t consider yourself a strong swimmer, you can utilize the buoyancy aids and get instructions from the guide on how to stay afloat and snorkel under the water.

6. Maldives Cultural Break (3 Nights)

The multi-day tours offered by Secret Paradise are where they can really take your Maldives experience to the next level. On this cultural break, guests are transported to the South Malé Atoll – to the tiny Guraidhoo – where they will be able to immerse themselves in local island life. This island is known for its laid-back fishing, palm trees and sandy roads.

Highlights of the tour include a dinner with a local family, snorkeling around the island on guided tours, the chance to go scuba diving or surfing, exploring cultural sights such as mosques and learning how local wooden boats (‘dhoni’) are made at the harbor, trying some savory treats and black tea, and enjoying a beach BBQ under the stars on your last night.

7. Maldives Marine Life Break (3 Nights)

Paradise awaits on this tour in Dhigurah – the definition of an island postcard located in South Ari Atoll. In Dhigurah, you will be treated to a long beach, a sandbar and a lagoon. After you have settled in on your first night, the next day will give you the chance to spot whale sharks on a boat trip. Nothing is guaranteed but usually at least one shark can be found.

On the third day, visitors have a free day where they can spend their time how they please. Options include sunbathing, snorkeling, kayaking, hiking, sunset gazing and more. You can book this tour to kick start your Maldives travels and then move onto other islands or fly into Malé, do the tour and then fly out again. Either way, Dhigurah will take your breath away.

8. South Malé Island Hopping Tour (7 Nights)

This tour is a bestseller and provides a beautiful way to spend seven nights in the Maldives. The South Malé Island Hopping Tour takes you to four islands where natural beauty and local culture go hand-in-hand. These four islands are: Hulhumale, Guraidhoo, Maafushi and Gulhi. On the trip, guests can get involved in environmental projects too like beach clean-ups.

Guraidhoo is the first port of call and the highlight is having a traditional dinner with a local family. You will be staying in a guest house and sharing meals with locals. Maafushi provides the best snorkeling on this tour while Gulhi gives visitors a sneak peek into the fishing and boating traditions of locals. These seven nights will create one of the best weeks of your life.

9. Maldives Discovery Cruise (7 Nights)

Travel for seven nights through the Indian Ocean onboard a beautiful boat – navigating your way through countless atolls and waking up with the sun everyday. There is an option to book this trip as a private charter or in a public group setting with a maximum of 10 people (minimum of six). The boat cruises slowly through the paradisiacal South Malé and Vaavu Atolls.

Along the journey, revel in the island scenery that passes you by during the day and at night soak up the stars on the boat’s deck. All the best Maldives activities can be expected on this cruise such as snorkeling with turtles, swimming at beaches and sandbars, fishing and eating your own catch for dinner, traditional dancing ceremonies, delicious traditional cuisine, etc.

10. Maldives Volunteer Local Tour (1 Week – 6 Months)

Imagine taking your gap year in the Maldives and spending six months giving back to the community, learning about conservation and having the time of your life. That is what’s on offer with the volunteer opportunities at Secret Paradise Maldives Tours. Each volunteer program is different depending on the skills and interests of the volunteers themselves.

Some might join the Maldives Whale Shark Research Program, while others might get involved in education or development. Of course, these programs are suited for people of all ages – whether you want to take a gap year at 21 or wish to do something unique in your retirement years. The Maldives has to be one of the most unique volunteer places in the world.

Author:  Cameron Kennedy

Cam is a New Zealander who has been traveling the world since he was young. From family trips in Egypt and Jordan as a teenager, to solo backpacking South America at 18, to currently exploring Southeast Asia with his partner Kat - Cam is a traveler through and through.

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Creating SMART Travel Goals

Both Brett and I have always been big fans of setting goals and then working to achieve them, whether that’s downsizing or moving to Hawai’i or saving for travel.

We create our goals using the SMART criteria, and it’s worked especially well for travel planning. The SMART acronym stands for S pecific, M easurable, A chievable, R ealistic and T ime-bound. Long before we ever travel, Brett and I sit down, talk about what we want to do, what we can afford, and then make our travel goal the SMART way. We’ve been using this method for many years, and it’s led us to success over and over again, no matter what we want to achieve.

Here’s how we use the SMART criteria when creating a travel goal:

• Specific:  Being specific means knowing exactly what we want to do. Instead of saying We want to travel  or We’d like to visit xxx , both of which are vague, we spell out exactly where we want to go, when we want to go, and who will be going. We   want to visit Japan with our daughter for a week in March during her spring break is very specific while  We’d like to go to Japan is not .  The first example has a where, when and who will be traveling, while the second example is just an idea.
• Measurable:  This means creating a precise way to quantify our goal. A travel goal contains both time- and money-related aspects, and both require some research. Instead of We want to stay 10 days and spend less than $10,000,  a measurable goal is We want to spend 10 days and nine nights. We want to pay less than $700 each for airline tickets, no more than $xxx for lodging and our total budget can be no more than $8,000 (or whatever we decide our top limit is) . The top limit of our budget is the number we will be working toward, and the time aspect is making sure we can take vacation at that time or that there’s nothing else that might make it difficult to travel.
• Achievable: The travel goal needs to be what we know we can attain and complete in a specific amount of time . Giving ourselves a goal of saving $8,000 in a year for our trip is not achievable if we know that will be impossible, or that we’ll need to raid our savings or use credit cards or borrow money (and we don’t want to do those things). A specific SMART goal would be: We need to save $8,000 in the next 12 months (~$670/month) in order to make this trip during spring break. We’ll set up a monthly savings allotment, save all our refunds and gifts, save all change and $1 bills, and find other ways to save as much as possible.  If we are sure we can achieve our goal, then we go for it; otherwise, we start over or reset our parameters with what we know we can achieve.
• Realistic: This part of the goal is tied very closely to achievable, and allows us to visualize the results of our efforts. Besides just getting to our destination and knowing where we’ll stay, we also need to think about what we can afford or will have time to do when we’re at our destination. Realistic means that while we may dream of flying first class or staying at the Four Seasons, there’s no point in doing so if it will consume all or most of our budget, and not allow us to do anything else at our destination. However, if flying first class and staying at the Four Seasons is our dream, then we’ll have to reset our original time parameters or figure out a way  to earn or save more within our original time constraints.
• Time-bound:  We make sure we have a timeline for achievement. Setting a SMART goal for travel not only requires that we set the actual date for travel that we work toward, but that we also research and set specific time-goals along the way. So, while we’ve figured out that we can save $8000 in a year to cover all our expenses, we also need to know time-sensitive issues that will arise while we’re saving. For example,  We will need to have $2500 of our $8000 by such-and-such date to purchase airfare and reserve our lodging (because we don’t want to leave these until the last minute). Besides air fare and lodging, our trip may also involve several other time-related issues that arise before actually traveling, things like booking tours, or getting restaurant reservations, so those may need specific time deadlines as well. Once again, research is our friend.

Because Brett and I can’t just whip our checkbook and cover any trip whenever we feel like it, using the SMART criteria has meant we’ve been able to make most of our travel dreams a reality without using credit cards or dipping into our regular savings, or putting ourselves into debt. Setting up a SMART goal can take a little more time, but almost always ups the chances for success.

Published by Laura & Brett

Slow traveling the world with a sense of adventure! View all posts by Laura & Brett

2 thoughts on “ Creating SMART Travel Goals ”

And what you do is SMART! I am like that too. I like to plan ahead and be very specific about what I want to do. Now this post inspired me to write a post about my upcoming trip to the US. Thank You!

I remember what a revelation it was to learn about SMART goal setting – it came up in a college course I took. I had always bee goal-oriented, but this framework helped me learn how to do it better, and be more successful in reaching my goals.

I will be looking for your post!

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7 of the best all-inclusive experiences to book this year, from a travel planner

• As a travel planner, my clients seem to be increasingly interested in all-inclusive trips .
• Some of my favorite luxury resorts are in Costa Rica, the Maldives, and Isla Mujeres.
• Cruises, group tours, and adults-only lodgings can also come with all-inclusive options. 

As a travel planner at Marvelous Mouse Travels , I know vacations are expensive — especially if you're looking to go somewhere this summer . But all-inclusive travel is often a great way to get the most value out of a luxury experience.

I've been on several all-inclusive vacations with my family, friends, and work, and I've helped other people book them in destinations around the world .

Here are some of the best all-inclusive experiences I'm recommending to my clients this year.

Try a split-stay vacation to see the best of Costa Rica.

Costa Rica is one of the most sought-after vacations , and for good reason. It's great for both relaxation and adventure.

I recommend booking a split stay, starting at an all-inclusive resort in Guanacaste near the beach for some fun in the sun and moving to a resort near the famous Arenal Volcano for a jungle adventure.

Some of my favorite resorts in Costa Rica are the Westin Reserva Conchal and the Dreams Las Mareas. And if you're looking for an even more unique experience, check out the glorious swim-out suites with private pools at Dreams.

Baglioni Maldives is one of my favorite all-inclusive resorts.

The Maldives, a remote set of islands in the Indian Ocean, offers a plethora of resort options for couples and families, but Baglioni Maldives is my favorite.

For many in the US, getting to the islands can be daunting — there are very few direct commercial flights, and it can take almost an entire day. But it's hard to beat the country's luxury accommodations and gorgeous landscape.

The Maldives also has some of the most beautiful marine life and coveted spots for snorkeling and scuba diving.

No matter where you go, overwater bungalows are the ultimate all-inclusive splurge.

Overwater bungalows — villas standing on poles over open ocean water — are prevalent at all-inclusive resorts in destinations like the Maldives, Fiji, and Bali.

But I've also come across the luxurious accommodations at select adults-only Sandals Resorts throughout the Caribbean.

I think having a private villa on the water is the perfect way to unwind and relax.

Adults-only vacations are on the rise.

Traveling with kids can be a blast, but I also think it's important for adults to take a much-needed break on their own.

Adults-only resorts have been a total respite for me and my husband after hectic months of juggling work with our kids' school and sports schedules.

If you're looking to unwind with a partner, relax on a girls' trip, or even connect with your adult children, there are countless adults-only, all-inclusive resorts to choose from, depending on where you're looking to visit.

Some properties, including Sandals and Beaches Resorts, also offer butler service. Designated staff members can help with anything from room requests and dining reservations to cabana rentals and transportation coordination.

I upgraded to the service at my favorite adults-only spot, Le Blanc Los Cabos, and I felt totally pampered.

Isla Mujeres is pure luxury.

Isla Mujeres, a small island off the coast of Cancún, is known for its crystal-clear, turquoise water and peaceful vibe. It's also home to Playa Norte, one of the best beaches in Mexico .

Impressions Isla Mujeres by Secrets is a gorgeous all-inclusive resort on the island. It offers luxury at its finest, but with only 125 rooms, it has a boutique feel.

One of my favorite features of the resort is the waterslide that leads right into the beautiful ocean.

There are plenty of all-inclusive packages at sea.

Cruising is one of the most popular vacations , whether it's an epic adventure on a Royal Caribbean Cruise, a couples-only journey on Virgin Voyages, or a regal tour of Europe on Viking River Cruises.

Although cruises aren't traditionally considered all-inclusive, with the right booking, they can have the same feel as a luxury resort.

Most cruise bookings include food, nonalcoholic drinks, and live entertainment. If you add beverage packages and excursions in advance, your trip should be fully paid for before you depart.

Book a small-group or private tour if you're looking for adventure.

Group travel is a great way to explore new places while soaking up culture and history.

Popular destinations include Italy, Japan, Costa Rica, and Alaska, and many travel companies take care of everything for you, essentially making it all-inclusive.

I like Adventures by Disney , which offers small-group travel all over the world facilitated by seasoned guides. All the trip details are taken care of, including experiences, food, lodging, and transportation.

Additionally, Kensington Tours offers luxury private travel where every facet of the trip is meticulously planned for you.

• Main content

Maldives Tries to Win Back Indian Tourists As Arrivals Fall 40%

Peden Doma Bhutia , Skift

April 16th, 2024 at 9:11 AM EDT

While Maldives enjoys record-breaking arrivals, its tourism companies aren't about to let the Indian market keep falling. They're on a mission to reverse the trend.

Peden Doma Bhutia

The Maldives Association of Travel Agents and Tour Operators is determined to increase Indian arrivals to the island destination and is taking steps to achieve this.

“Indian arrivals to the Maldives have gone down by almost 40%,” said Abdulla Ghiyas, the association’s president, in an exclusive interview with Skift.

In early January, #BoycottMaldives started trending in Indian social media following a diplomatic dispute between the two countries. Indians accused Maldivian politicians of making disparaging remarks against Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

As a result, India, which was the number 2 source market for Maldives, has now fallen to number 6 . India’s share of visitors had been almost 11% – it has shrunk to 5.6%.

Promotions in Indian Cities

Ghiyas said the association will be hosting roadshows in 3 Indian cities in July and confirmed to Skift that one of the cities would be Bengaluru.

The association also plans to engage with Indian social media influencers. “We also want to see how we can work with the tourism board in Maldives as we have partnered with them in the past as well. There are talks that the tourism board is also planning of doing something in India,” Ghiyas said.

At the July roadshows, he said he’s keen to look at cities that have direct connectivity with Maldives.

Ghiyas expressed a desire to have conducted the roadshow earlier, noting that May is when Indian outbound travel peaks. However, he mentioned plans for another round of roadshows towards the end of the year, aiming to include Tier 2 cities. “Even if they lack direct flights to the Maldives, these cities would represent an important market for us,” he said.

Maldives has so far received (from January 1-April 15) 693,867 tourists, up from 606,395 arrivals for the same period last year, as per the latest data from the Maldives tourism ministry.

China is the top source market for the island destination, followed by UK and Russia.

Between January 1-April 15, almost 39,000 Indians visited Maldives, a decline of almost 40%, compared to the 64,250 arrivals for the same period last year.

“We might not talk immediately about the growth scenario, but I would definitely like to see the 40% decline narrow down,” Ghiyas said.

Can’t Ignore India

While Maldives has experienced record-breaking tourism arrivals so far, Ghiyas said it still needs India. “There are properties and resorts that rely heavily on the Indian market, which have been severely affected. This will hurt us in the long term and that is why we have decided to engage with the India market.”

Aminath Suzan, CEO of Maldives Association of Travel Agents and Tour Operators, pointed to cultural ties, such as similarities in food, language, and pop culture. “We must ensure that unrelated matters do not negatively impact the bond, for which we have dedicated years and built this alliance.”

MATATO Meets with Indian High Commissioner to Foster Tourism Cooperation The Maldives Association of Travel Agents and Tour Operators (MATATO) engaged in a productive meeting with His Excellency Munu Mahawar, the Indian High Commissioner to the Maldives, to explore collaborative… pic.twitter.com/PNXiy3QdVz — MATATO – PATA Maldives Chapter (@matatoMV) April 9, 2024

The association members also recently met with Munu Mahawar, the Indian high commissioner in Maldives, to collaborate closely with his office to boost tourism initiatives.

Dubbing the meeting with Mahawar “positive,” Ghiyas said the high commission has offered assistance to the association. “Once we have a concrete plan, we will definitely follow up with the High Commission and share our plans.”

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I Spent 10 Days in Thailand and the Maldives With Just a Carry-on Thanks to This Roomy Duffel Backpack

It went through four flights, a boat ride, a shuttle, and a buggy — and still looks brand new.

Jennifer Chan is a seasoned fashion, beauty, and luxury travel writer, and a respected on-air media personality. Her work has been featured in InStyle, Elle, StyleCaster, Real Simple, Travel + Leisure , and Lonely Planet .

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Travel + Leisure / Daisy Rodriguez

If there’s one thing to know about me, it’s that I pride myself on packing light and packing right . As a frequent flier, who also happens to change outfits several times a day whilst traveling, it’s my superhero skill to magically pack plenty of wardrobe changes in just one carry-on and one personal item — no more, no less (I haven't checked a suitcase since 2016, and that was when I was moving from Los Angeles to London). That being said, I’ve been on a perpetual quest to find the perfect personal item, and finally found it in the Calpak Terra 26-liter Laptop Duffel Backpack . 

Before I wax poetic on the wonders of this sturdy and stylish bag, it’s important to understand what I’m looking for in a personal item. For starters, it should hold as many things as humanly possible while still easily fitting underneath an airplane seat or overhead compartment (bonus points if the bag itself is ultra lightweight to start with). Since my carry-on roller bag is often packed to its limit with clothing, I generally rely on my personal item to double as a catchall for toiletries, extra shoes, souvenirs, hair tools, and anything else that I couldn’t possibly jam into my suitcase before zipping. 

Calpak Terra 26-liter Laptop Duffel Backpack

My personal item must also have a luggage trolley sleeve to secure onto my suitcase (since I am often lightly jogging through the terminal to catch flights), and it should also hide wear and tear as much as possible since my bags tend to take a beating no matter how careful I am on farflung getaways. Ideally, it would also have a water bottle sleeve for easy access and plenty of pockets to keep my charging cables, passport, laptop, and the like as organized as possible when trekking from hotel lobbies to airport lounges at any given time. 

For my recent 10-day journey to Thailand and the Maldives , I ambitiously decided to test out my new Calpak Terra Laptop Duffel Backpack for the first time ever and hoped for the best. I’ve waited my entire life to finally cross these two dream destinations off my bucket list, so I needed my luggage to be nimble and lightweight to keep up with the fast pace of my trip to paradise. Much to my delight, this sturdy backpack did not disappoint. 

Made with recycled water bottles, this durable, eco-friendly bag has a glossy ripstop finish and a water-resistant exterior, which means that it maintains a pristine condition despite a bit of a rough and tumble travel day. I boarded four planes, one boat, one shuttle, and a buggy to finally arrive at my dreamy overwater villa at the Avani+ Fares Maldives Resort (absolutely worth the trek, in case you were curious), and I couldn’t believe how flawless my backpack looked after it was handled by a number of transportation operators along the way.

During the trip, I used my backpack as my go-to carryall for toting around snorkel equipment, wet swimsuit storage, and souvenir shopping purchases, and it came in clutch for every occasion. It also doubled as a makeshift tripod whenever I needed to capture the indescribable beauty of the resort or the majestic sea life in the crystal clear blue ocean (baby black tip reef sharks, sea turtles, and manta rays aplenty) since its structured shape makes for a sturdy base whilst propping up a phone. 

But what I appreciated most about the Calpak Terra Laptop Duffel Backpack is that it's a thoughtfully designed travel bag. The padded shoulder straps took a load off my back and the clamshell opening was convenient for quick packing when time was of the essence. I loved that it had a separate padded sleeve for my laptop so I never had to worry about spills, and found that the backpack (which also doubles as a duffel with the switch of the detachable shoulder strap) to be incredibly comfortable to wear; and also roomy with several mesh integrated pockets to keep swimwear, sandals, snacks, and sunscreen perfectly stowed and neatly compartmentalized throughout my travels.

It's safe to say that the Calpak Terra Laptop Duffel Backpack passed its inaugural test run with flying colors, and that it's earned a permanent spot in this carry-on-only traveler's gear repertoire. In case you need a bit more convincing, Calpak makes plenty of other pretty-much-perfect bags of all sizes and shapes, so keep scrolling for more options to explore on your next adventure. 

More Travel Bags at Calpak:

Calpak terra laptop backpack.

If you’re a fan of the Terra collection, but want something smaller for everyday living, school days, or office commuting, you’re in luck because this compact backpack is currently on final sale in select colors. This sleek style features a back slip pocket to hold laptops up to 14 inches and adjustable padded shoulder straps for all-day comfort. If the great outdoors are calling your name, you’ll be delighted to know that you can even swap out the removable laptop sleeve for a 2-liter hydration reservoir for hikes or weekend adventures.

Calpak Luka Duffel Bag

Up until I discovered the Terra Laptop Backpack, the Luka Duffel, which has even earned a stamp of approval from Oprah , was my go-to personal item for years, so I can enthusiastically vouch for this travel bag, too. It’s stylish, functional, and holds all of my essentials with ease, which is likely why I have three of these must-have bags at home. The separate shoe compartment on the bottom is a brilliant feature that often comes in handy when you're a carry-on-only traveler, and the color options for the Luka (there are over 17 shades and counting) can’t be beat. 

Calpak Luka Laptop Backpack

If you’re looking for a cool, contemporary-looking backpack that will keep all of your essentials safe and protected, look no further than the Luka Laptop Backpack. This scratch-resistant carryall looks playful thanks to its puffy exterior and is ideal for city commutes or quick day trips. It features multiple exterior and interior pockets and also boasts a padded laptop sleeve for your most prized possession.  

Calpak Hue Laptop Duffel

If you consider yourself a minimalist, you may love the Hue Laptop Duffel Bag since it features clean lines, buttery soft faux leather fabrication, and discreet details like a secret phone pocket and padded laptop sleeve that match its understated aesthetic. This elevated option comes in four neutral colors (blush pink, black, olive green, and hazel) and will look elegant atop any suitcase. 

Calpak Compakt Duffel Bag

Foldable, lightweight, and durable, this nylon duffel is perfect for packing inside your suitcase if you know that you’ll be shopping and bringing back more souvenirs on the way home. Made with ripstop, water-resistant material, this affordable find is ideal for long- or short-haul flights without the bulk of a more structured bag. It’s currently available in three whimsical prints to put your travel style on full display. 

At the time of publishing, the price started at $175. 

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Best Smart Luggage of 2024 to Make Travel Easier: Shop Smart Suitcases Ahead of Summer Travel Plans

Set out in style with smart luggage from top brands that anticipates and accommodates to your needs while on the go.

If you're planning on seeing the world this summer, make sure you're ready with the right luggage for you. For some, that means carry-on luggage that can actually hold all your belongings. For others, it's the best smart luggage available. The best high-tech bags and spinners can do plenty of the heavy lifting that comes with travel for you, and with style. 

Smart luggage can include bags with charging ports to keep your electronics (especially your smartphone ) juiced up, automatic navigation to help your spinners follow you, and even built-in scooters to make getting to your next gate a breeze. 

While some of these features can make prepping for a trip pricey, you might find that the extra bit of cash adds to the convenience factor when traveling. When you don't have to search for a plug around the airport to charge your phone or you have your luggage follow you around instead of pulling it with you, you'll remember what a good investment you made. 

With that in mind, we've gathered up some of our favorite picks with a variety of smart components, from USB ports to ride-on framework and automatic, motorized luggage that goes where you go on its own. You'll also see familiar brands like Samsonite and Wrangler among some of our picks. Below, find options for the best smart luggage this year to make travel a cinch this summer. 

Best Smart Luggage of 2024

Wrangler smart luggage set.

This affordable luggage set keeps things simple with a USB port to charge up your mobile devices and a 3-in-1 cup holder to complement its hardshell exterior and double spinner wheels. It also comes in a wide variety of colors. 

Ovis Auto-Follow Suitcase

This suitcase can be filled to the brim and will follow you around the airport so you don't even have to carry it. Just charge up the battery, connect via app, and you're good to go. It sports a lightweight shell made of polycarbonate with a glossy finish in multiple colors as well. 

Olotu Cycling Suitcase

Why carry or roll your luggage around when you can ride on it instead? This load-bearing hardshell luggage has space for you to stand on it and ride it as a scooter. It supports up to 242 lbs and still has plenty of storage area for your belongings. It's pricey, but imagine being able to zip through the airport with your own transport — you can do it with this suitcase. 

Feilario Expandable Spinner Wheel Luggage

This affordable spinner wheel luggage comes with all the niceties you need for heading through the airport or wherever it is you're traveling from. It includes a USB port, Type-C port, a phone holder, water cup holder, and a handle hook all for your convenience. 

Iubest Luggage Carry-On Scooter Suitcase

If you're traveling with kids, help keep them out of the way and moving along with this ride on suitcase. It features a detachable scooter that the kids can jump right on and follow you along through every terminal, all without dropping their luggage somewhere. 

Faginx Electric Rideable Suitcase

This electric suitcase doesn't only follow you around, but you can ride it as well. It's a sturdy, aluminum alloy suitcase made with aviation-grade aluminum alloy. Its 250W brushless motor gets you where you're going in a snap, and if you're sitting still, you can use its lithium battery to charge up your phone and other devices. 

Luggex Carry-On Luggage with USB Port

This fashionable luggage set comes with both USB-A and USB-C charging ports so you can add your own power bank and fill up on power while out and about. It also offers a separate cosmetic case that you can carry all those important goodies in that you can't lose on the way to your destination.

Samsonite Underseat Carry-On Spinner

This bag is small enough to fit under your seat once you board the plane, so you can keep a close eye on it. It also has a USB port so you can charge everything up on the go. With its multiple pockets and other compartment features, it's perfect for just about any use case. 

$145   $108

Space Suitcases Smart Rideable Suitcase

This fun, space age-esque suitcase is half motorized scooter, half luggage. It has a built-in electric motor that means you can sit down and ride through the airport, train station, or wherever you're going. Just pack your belonging  and get gong. It has 26 liters of storage and a TSA-approved lock built-in. Plus, its 250W motor can get you where you want to go quickly, even with a full compartment. 

Nomatic Travel Pack

If you don't have enough items to necessitate a larger hardshell bag or even a larger carry-on, consider this waterproof, expandable backpack that has plenty of room for laptops, clothes, and other essentials. It has an RFID lockable security pocket, a USB port, plenty of pockets, and 30 liters of space for everything you need to bring with you. 

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Here are the top 10 smartest cities in the world — and none are in the U.S.

Smart cities in Europe and Asia are gaining ground globally while North American cities have fallen down the ranks, according to the 2024 Smart City Index released April.

Of the top 10 smart cities on the list, seven were in Europe.

This year's index was produced by the IMD World Competitiveness Center's Smart City Observatory in collaboration with the World Smart Sustainable Cities Organization (WeGO) that's based in Seoul, South Korea.

The report ranks 142 smart cities worldwide based on data analyzed by researchers, as well as survey responses of 120 residents in each city. The study captures an overview of how the infrastructure and technology available in a city impacts the city's performance and the quality of life of its inhabitants.

So, what is a smart city?

According to the IMD , a smart city is defined as "an urban setting that applies technology to enhance the benefits and diminish the shortcomings of urbanization for its citizens."

With very few exceptions, cities in the top 20 are geographically located in areas where social and economic environments are relatively predictable, even against the overall climate of global uncertainties. IMD Smart City Index 2024

The cities that perform well on the list have also developed initiatives that cater to their citizens' overall quality of life.

"Such initiatives have focused on developing green spaces and broadening opportunities for cultural events and social bonding, for example," according to the report.

"In the majority of these leading cities, such efforts have been combined with innovative strategies to attract and retain talent, foster investment in a selective fashion [e.g. pro-sustainability], and tackle long standing issues regarding geographical inequalities and inclusion," the report said.

Here are the top 10 smart cities, according to the 2024 Smart City Index.

• Zurich, Switzerland
• Oslo, Norway
• Canberra, Australia
• Geneva, Switzerland
• Copenhagen, Denmark
• Lausanne, Switzerland
• London, England
• Helsinki, Finland
• Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates

Notably, for the first time since the index's inception in 2019, there is an absence of North American cities in the top 20.

"Using three year moving averages (i.e. comparing a city's average ranking for the period 2021-24 to that of the period 2020-23), a significant number of US cities have been losing ground," according to the report.

"This is the case in particular for Washington DC, Denver, and Los Angeles (-12, -12, and -11 respectively), but also for San Francisco (-9), New York City (-7), and Chicago (-4)."

The highest ranking U.S. city this year is New York City which ranked 34th, followed by Boston at 36th and Washington DC, coming in at 50th place.

While European cities dominated the list, Asian cities are gaining ground too.

Here are the top 5 smart cities in Asia:

• Singapore (5th)
• Beijing (13th)
• Taipei City (16th)
• Seoul (17th)
• Shanghai (19th)

Singapore has consistently ranked among the top 10 positions since the index's inception in 2019. It ranked 7th from 2020 to 2023 — except in 2022 when no rankings were released, and jumped up two positions this year.

Taipei City has also jumped 13 positions over the last year, from 29th in 2023 to 16th this year.

"Cities must design and adopt strategies that can resist the test of a future plagued with growing uncertainties, " said Bruno Lanvin, president of the Smart City Observatory.

"Health-related concerns remain high, while climate-related ones grow even larger; a mix complicated by renewed international tensions. Trust and good governance are growing in importance, and the significance of Al in city design and management is set to increase," he said in the report.

"Counterintuitive as it may sound, Al can help cities to become more human-centric," Lanvin added.

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