The Maldives are the ultimate example of paradise on earth and the ultimate destination for pretty anyone you ask. Seriously Ask anyone you know today if they’d love to go to the Maldives.
The stunning, gorgeous, and pristine islands located in the Indian Ocean are a haven of natural beauty. It’s one of those spots that definitely live according to the hype we recently came to see.
Before making our flight reservations, I had not done any research on The Maldives (it was simply one of the destinations I was certain I wanted to visit), and soon after booking, it was then that I realized that it was much more difficult than I had initially thought.
There are more options than I realised, which means there are many things to consider packing (and plenty of things you should not) local laws that I had no idea about, and a plethora of activities that the pretty Pinterest pictures never show off. Read the Thrillophilia Reviews on Facebook before booking a vacation to the Maldives to get the best tour package at an affordable price.
In this regard, I’ve put together the following list to help you plan your Maldives Package. Some things might be more straightforward than others, but I’m sure that all of these tips will help you get the most enjoyment from your time in one of the most beautiful spots on the planet!
Seven things to know before going:
1.) The Maldives is a country that is Muslim. That means there is no alcohol, so when you arrive, avoid the duty-free purchases. If you do purchase alcohol items, you’ll have it removed from you when you arrive at the airport (they kept the item until you left, but I’m not certain if that is still the case). The point is that you’re not permitted to carry alcohol along with you.
2.) It is also the capital city. Male is a thriving city, which is likely to be one of the most photographed locations on this list. This is where the majority of the locals reside and where tourists rarely visit. When you do arrive in Male Airport, you don’t land on Male island, but you’re actually at Hulhule Island.
3.) Although the individual resort islands of the Maldives are quite liberal, The Maldives as a nation is very conservative, so be sure to dress accordingly when you’re at places like the airport. You’ll be able to put on your bikini or speedos when you reach your private island retreat.
4.) Each resort is situated on its own separate island.
5.) Each resort is likely to have distinct features and personalities, be aware of this when you book. They’re not identical, although the snorkelling and water-villa images might suggest.
6.) The peak season in the Maldives is from December through April, and prices in the period can reflect that! There’s an excellent reason to go during peak season, of course (the stunning weather being one of the reasons); however, Maldivian weather is generally good all year long, and if you’re looking to save money, you should consider travelling outside of peak seasons.
7.) Many of these islands are on their own clocks (island time can be a genuine thing in this area). It’s usually an hour behind the local timing in Male. It provides you with “more time” to do things such as enjoy the sunset prior to dinner and generally feel like you’re in a place completely different (yes I know that changing the time by one hour isn’t really adding time, but believe me when I say that when you’ve gotten used to islands time you’ll be very comfortable within this Island bubble).
WHAT SHOULD I INCLUDE IN MY BACK
Clothes:
This is where you absolutely do NOT have to pack too much for.
It’s all about breezy and light summer clothes. There’s no one here to help your style, and the mood all over is just too casual about paying attention. Take a few stylish clothes for when you’re feeling like dressing up for the evening, but it could be that you’re the only person that wants to.
If you do choose to dress up, keep it simple – everything except your bedroom is outdoors, and heavy clothes won’t be a good fit here.
Toiletries:
Take the normal things. Make sure to bring additional sunscreen, as there are plenty of water-based activities to do, so you’ll notice that you’ll have to replenish your sunblock with plenty of sunscreen here.
Cameras:
Do not forget to take an underwater camera. It’s almost impossible to resist some of the floaters to protect yourself in the event of dropping the camera
Everything other than:
Take your usual packing list. These islands are accustomed to hosting guests and have stored on them, and therefore if you’ve left out all the essentials, there is a chance you’ll be able to get them there, so don’t fret.
Do not forget to take your medications (if you’re taking any), even though certain islands offer their own island doctors.
HOW DO I GET THERE?
The flight from the destination you’re flying through to the Maldives is relatively simple and similar to booking a flight from London to Paris.
The journey to islands is the part you must remember to prepare for.
Straight upto islands:
A stay in more than one location on the Maldives is a great option to squeeze in the most diverse experiences feasible during your time in the Maldives (even the snorkelling experience is different).
Each island is distinct, and a trip around the island can help you experience the excitement of finding a new destination in the Maldives. I cannot recommend it enough. (Plus, you can look smug while others leave for home, and you’re merely moving to the next gorgeous Maldivian Island).
For getting to and returning to the islands, it’s common to choose the option of selecting one (or more) of three choices based on the island you’re on. You can either:
1.) Get to the boat
2.) Take a seaplane flight (the most expensive choice and the most picturesque). Seaplane flights are contingent on the weather, so keep this in mind when planning your return.
3.) Transfer to an airport in the local area and transfer to a boat.
It is essential to get in touch with the place you’re staying to organize your transfer ahead of time. Don’t wait until the very last minute.
If you’re planning to move between islands, notify the islands to know that you’ll be leaving from and coming in for. It’s difficult to control the timing if you’re flying between islands since the flights are scheduled.
However the islands will be in contact with each other and ensure they are synchronising the time of your departure and arrival. All you have to do is tell them what the name of the location you’re headed to and back to drinking your drinks in the sun.
If you can, there is a consensus that you should take a seaplane ride at the very least. The flight is beautiful and is an unusual way to view the Maldives.
WHERE CAN I STAY?
We scour the world for a place to stay and have come up with a winner of the best accommodation options within the Maldives. Here are our suggestions on the best places to stay and what they are (not in any particular order, and completely supported by our own personal experience):
1.) Dusit Thani Maldives
The Dusit Thani has an individual butler and several different luxury accommodations (ocean villas, Beach villas, ocean villas… and more). The hotel has a personal butler and the biggest swimming pool with an infinity edge in the Maldives.
You can choose to travel around by golf buggy or bike around. And, this is the place that produces the bioluminescent plankton strands on the beach in the evening, so be sure to look for them whenever you go.
2.) Angsana Ihuru
It’s all about intimateness at Angsana Island. It’s one of the smaller islands in the area. Everything it offers, everything from sunset cruises to candle-lit dinners at the beach (plus tiny deserted sandy island) is meant to create a feeling special in the true sense of the word.
The coral reef in this area is among the most beautiful available here (you’ve had turtles, dolphins and sharks as well as clownfish all the usual), and you’ll be able to observe animals you can’t be able to see elsewhere.
3.) Kurumba Maldives
Kurumba Kurumba is the largest of the bunch, and that’s a large part of the reason that it offers many things to do and see while you’re there. The selection of lodging in this resort is huge, so although it’s a luxury resort (it is a 5-star resort in the end) it can cater to the widest range of price ranges (e.g. If you’re in the market for an individual villa with a bed or a 4 bed mansion there’s in this section).
The life at sea here is quite good, too and being close to Male makes it the perfect location to begin or end your Maldivian vacation here.
WHAT TO EAT ON MALDIVES TOUR?
Our insights suggest that the food served in the Maldives is the most comfortable thing to worry about. Each place offers a wide range of choices and if you have any specific food preferences, ask ahead, though it will be difficult to find a restaurant that doesn’t meet your needs. Check out the Thrillophilia reviews on Sitejabber to see our customer’s experience with Maldives cuisine.
WHAT TO DO AND SEE
There’s a lot you can do here, and while it’s always best to contact your island resort to find out what’s available, here are some trustworthy options that you can count on no matter the place you’re situated.
1.) Go snorkelling.
When you dive in from the beach right just in front of you, immediately begin to explore the stunning and diverse Maldivian wildlife.
2.) Enjoy a romantic dinner.
The options are limitless for restaurants on the island, candle-lit dinner on the beach, exclusive villas. Pick one, and make it memorable.
3.) Swim with sharks.
Whale sharks swimming with you is certainly one of those amazing experiences that you’ll talk about for years, but even if you’re out of season, you are able to take a dip with sharks with black tips that are present all the time.
4.) Go on a guided tour with a marine biologist.
It’s excellent, but working with a professional is much more enjoyable. They can spot things you would not otherwise notice and help you get the most out of your time here.
5.) Take a tour of the sunset.
If you’re lucky enough, you’ll be able to spot dolphins in the process of doing it as well. If you don’t, the sunset here is amazing and can be enjoyed very well with a couple of glasses of sparkling champagne.
6.) Take a day to relax.
There’s no need to think about this issue too much. Simply do it.
7.) Swim with manta Rays.
Like whale sharks, mantas rays are enormous and stunning to observe when in nature. In the Maldives is the best spot to observe them but it is important to go during the season to see them.
MONEY-SAVING TIPS
I’ll be upfront about this: going to the Maldives will cost you just a few dollars. So to book a budget trip to Maldives, and check out the Thrillophilia reviews on Reviews.io. It’s a luxury, premium destination, and that’s the real reality, but there are a couple of ways to earn smart savings while enjoying the vacation that will last a lifetime.
1.) Half board.
You’ll be amazed at how simple it is to accomplish this. The result is that you eat breakfast at a late hour, and if you’re like me, you’re prone to overindulge in every meal, and when lunchtime rolls in, you’re still not hungry enough for a second meal.
You could opt to have an energising snack at lunch or go for the pros and eat lunch with champagne. However, taking a half-board holiday is an excellent choice for a trip to the Maldives. We had full-board, but we even had days when we stayed in to swim or lounge in the pool since we didn’t have food and that I really enjoyed my food. It speaks volumes!
2.) Visit outside of the season.
The cost is lower, the supply is greater, and you have fantastic weather. It is possible to save money by going in the months from May to November.
3.) Moving around.
Stay in larger, more costly water villas for the first time (or towards the end of your vacation) and then move to a beachside villa later. Or perhaps even just move across islands.
