Maldives is one of the most visited places on Earth. Every year, thousands of people flock to the island nation to relax and rejuvenate on the island’s breathtakingly beautiful beaches and landscape. Did you know that you can actually take your vacation one step further by planning one of the most special days of your life in the Maldives? If you and your spouse love being underwater and have always dreamt of sharing your wedding rings surrounded by the deep blue and its magical marine life, experiencing an underwater wedding in the Maldives may be just the thing for you.
There are many resorts in the Maldives that offer a host of services for couples who want to get married in its fantastical environment, some also offering underwater wedding services. In an underwater wedding ceremony, the couple can dive underwater with a guide and exchange their rings among the kaleidoscopic flora and fauna of the water.
Here’s everything you need to know about an underwater wedding in Maldives:
A wedding is the most special event in every person’s life. Why not take it a notch higher by celebrating it in one of the world’s most beautiful places? An underwater wedding could make your wedding memories so much richer and grander. Imagine putting a ring in your partner’s finger while hordes of vibrant marine life dance around you. If you both love snorkelling, your wedding could just be one of the greatest underwater adventures of your life. If you prefer not to get married, some resorts also have glass-like domes underwater wherein you can complete your wedding ceremony surrounded by exotic fishes and coral.
The Maldives is one of the best destinations in the world to get married underwater. The warm and rich waters of the Indian Ocean make for an epic set-up to make your loved one yours forever. There are many resorts where you can do an underwater wedding in Maldives. Here are some of the best resorts in the Maldives that offer underwater wedding ceremonies:
While the wedding resorts in the Maldives are always open throughout the year, an underwater wedding in Maldives may not be possible all the time. The underwater wedding season in Maldives coincides with the best scuba diving season which is between December to April every year. This is the time when the weather in the Maldives is dry and less humid. Since there is no rain, it is the best season to dive underwater. Make sure that you book your event well in advance as people across the world try to book dates for their weddings in the Maldives between December to April.
Between May to October, there might be a lot of rain in the Maldives, which would make it dangerous for you to dive underwater. While November experiences less rain, there are still frequent spells of rain around this time, so it is better not to risk it. One good news is that some of the resorts have built their spaces underwater, so you can still have your wedding underwater if your resort offers this facility. But you still won’t be able to scuba dive underwater.The cost of an underwater wedding in Maldives may differ from resort to resort and also depend on what is included in your package. On average, the cost of getting married underwater in the Maldives can be anywhere between INR 2,50,000 to INR 10,00,000. Some luxurious resorts may charge even much more than that. Please note that the fee is just for the wedding ceremony and may include a day-long treat like spa, dinner, etc for the couple. Hotel room charges for guests, food, air tickets etc are separate from this cost.
Most resorts offer a package to couples instead of individual services. Most packages include a scuba instructor, a guide to help you during the wedding ceremony, diving gear, wedding cakes, a spa for both spouses, a bath, Champagne, and other cocktails. In most cases, photoshoots are part of the package. Some resorts may also offer post-wedding private parties in a yacht or a private location away from the crowd. Some resorts also offer make-up and hair services for the couple as part of their wedding package. The cost of the package changes depending on the services that the couple wants to add to the event.
This depends on what kind of underwater wedding in Maldives are you planning with your partner. If you want to scuba dive underwater, then you can spend around 25-30 minutes getting married underground. Your private instructor will be part of the wedding and so will be the diver holding your wedding plaque. The rest of the event will happen out of the water and can be determined based on your discussion with the resorts. If you getting married in an underwater space, then, again, you can discuss the time with the resort. Most resorts may book the space for you for the entire day (or night) depending on what you’d prefer. Again, the cost of such arrangements will differ based on the time required and the resort.
A wedding in the magical land of the Maldives is a lifetime of romance!
If you want to make your special day even more special, then why not say “I do” in the traditional Maldivian style? Your destination wedding in the Maldives will include ceremonies against a background of cerulean blues and the swell of the Indian Ocean. You have the option of celebrating your wedding day and other functions on a private island with your friends and family or just the two of you under a white-flower canopy. Lavish properties in the Maldives offer extraordinary backdrops and destination wedding packages for your D-Day!
The best thing about having a destination wedding in the Maldives is that it is also the venue for your pre-wedding photoshoot. Soft white sands, azure waters, and lush greenery are ideal for a gorgeous professional photoshoot. Moreover, this island nation is also the best destination for a honeymoon. The properties here are one of a kind in the entire world, especially water bungalows! There are a number of packages available and you can pick one as per your preferences and budget.
Imagine getting married on a private island in the Maldives! You and the love of your life saying vows on a deck extending out over the ocean at sunset. Have the best time with oceanfront barbeque, champagne toasts, dancing, and a lot more during your destination wedding in the Maldives. There will be full catering capabilities, a bar, and restrooms, and is usually ideal for up to 100-150 guests.
How about walking down barefoot to a petal-strewn aisle with the rhythmic beat of the bodu beru drum in the background? Let the omniscient ocean be the witness to your unforgettable moments of exchanging vows. Dine with your near and dear ones under the stars by the seashore.
Celebrate your wedding in the Maldivian style
Destination wedding in the Maldives means a picture-perfect island wedding on this magical land. Imagine saying your vows under a braided coco palm archway in front of the serene ocean. Walk down an aisle of scattered petals on the sand. Listen to the rhythm of the native bodu beru drums. Exchange vows with the azure ocean as your witness. Raise a toast to your love with Champagne and cake. Absolutely mesmerising, isn’t it?
The destination wedding packages in the Maldives usually include the following:
The charges for a destination wedding in the Maldives start from Rs. 3-4 lakhs.
Your dream beach wedding awaits
You and your partner can also choose to get married in the traditional Maldivian style. The island chief may also preside over your ceremony if you wish. A dream beach wedding in the Maldives with your near and dear ones will surely give you memories of a lifetime. A honeymoon in the Maldives is also something extraordinary as there are so many luxurious and indulgent experiences available for you both.
Before the ceremony, you and your partner can relax while taking a spa. And when you both are totally relaxed, exchange rings under white silk and floral archway. Your honeymoon in the Maldives will comprise Champagne, canapés, a beach barbecue, and so much more for you two. Then next morning, enjoy a healthy breakfast perched over the lagoon.
Top things to do in the Maldives: Honeymooners Edition!
The Maldives is one of the most popular holiday destinations among people. Maldives always welcome you with new adventures and stays, from swimming, diving, and surfing and you can also enjoy many outdoor activities like badminton, volleyball, basketball, etc. These exotic beach resorts of Maldives will give you peace of mind away from all the hustle and bustle of the cities, You can just get out of your villa to see the unreal and magical resorts surrounded by marine life. There are many beach resorts which are just perfect for families and couples, Some of them have special play areas for the kids and some have perfect hidden spas for the couples to let them enjoy their stay. Maldives have so much for everyone, It depends on your budget whether you want a pocket-friendly property or a luxury stay, But one thing is sure, you will go with a memorable and lifetime experience. Here are the Top 8 most exotic beach resorts in Maldives:
This resort welcomes you with so many unreal experiences like water sports, yoga sessions and relaxing spas, The key attraction of this resort is that they have a unique underwater pool bar with beats of music. The property is very calm and beautiful, You can just grab a glass of your favourite cocktail and walk around the resort on the soft and warm sand to experience the most memorable time of your life.
This is one of the most budget-friendly resorts in Maldives with all the amazing indoor and outdoor activities and adventures for you. This place is covered with all the natural habitats like palm trees and bushes. Beautiful palm trees, crystal clear water and sandy beaches what else someone can ask for? You will see the ocean right outside your villas and get pampered by the super delicious food near the pool. To release your stress and forget all the chaos of the cities you can go for a relaxing spa that will take you to another world and leave a memory in your head for life.
This is one of the most amazing and iconic beach resorts and spas in Maldives, They welcome you with a wide variety of water sports and adventurous stays. Just escape from the chaos of the cities and indulge in the beauty of this mind-blowing property surrounded by nature that gives you the best hospitality. After having fun in all the water sports Go for a relaxing spa to release all the stress and book a customized dinner arrangement for you and your spouse. There is nothing better than having such a luxurious experience in the Maldives.
The Taj Coral Reef Resort & Spa guarantees guests a comfortable and unforgettable stay amid the beautiful vistas of the crystal blue ocean and stunning sunsets. Enjoy a culinary adventure featuring everything from light nibbles to rich meals cooked by the resort's talented chef staff. Dine-in options include the Pizzeria, which serves the best pizzas, the Open Grill, which serves South and Central American food, and the Bokkura, which serves continental, Indian, pan-Asian, and Western cuisine. Take in the sunken groove while sipping a mojito or other beverage of your choice and take in a limitless and unrestricted view of the Indian ocean. At the spa, unwind and give your body a break while enjoying a special combination of messages designed to revive you.
Karumba prides itself on being full of surprises, entertaining activities, and a welcoming staff. along with the breathtaking surroundings and the aquamarine lake. Kurumba elevates each moment into a treasure. You only need to relax and sip cocktails by the beach to have the ideal Maldives vacation. The resort offers customary experiences and celebrates leisure like no other, making it appropriate for all age groups, families, and couples.
Plan a trip to this captivating resort that offers opulent villas with pools to get away from the stresses of everyday life. Enjoy the unique culinary experience that will tantalise your palate and leave you wanting more. This resort offers a tranquil retreat in outstanding settings with first-rate service, guaranteeing a pleasurable stay. A kids club is available to keep children occupied.
If you're travelling with your kids and family, reserve a room at the Lily Beach Resort, one of the most family-friendly resorts. One of the resorts that ensure a comfortable stay is Lily Beach, which is surrounded by crystal-clear water and mesmerising natural scenery. Enjoy the stunning beaches and the marine life, which will let you forget about the hustle and bustle of daily life.
Your ears will be filled with the sound of rushing waves, and Cinnamon Hakuraa Huraa's beauty is enhanced by the presence of palm trees. The kind, helpful staff is at your disposal and will do all possible to make your stay memorable. Accept the luxurious accommodations and a wealth of amenities at the resort for a wonderful getaway.
These amazing and scenic beach resorts of the Maldives are just perfect for your vacation with family or friends. From sandy beaches, mouth-watering seafood, and crystal clear blue water dancing in the bright sunny rays to get rid of the chaos and hustle and bustle of the cities, the Maldives have it all under one roof. This place is just perfect for couples and honeymoons to escape from your families and spend some romantic and quality time with your spouses with candlelight dinner, scuba diving, Get a chance to see the marine life closely, What else do you need on a vacation! So quickly plan a trip to Maldives to experience the unreal magic of this place.
Planning a Dreamy Fairy Tale Vacation in the Maldives is not an easy task. You are showered with so many amazing and astonishing properties which are nothing less than heaven. The country is surrounded by crystal-clear blue water and villas. When it comes to the best hotels in Maldives to make your stay memorable then privacy and standard of living are what you see all around. There are beautiful spas, restaurants in deep jungles, Calm beaches, private villas and underwater restaurants are the new addition to the country. Maldives is nothing less than a paradise for nature lovers.
Every day, you will see something new coming up in Maldives like there are so many underwater restaurants and hotels increasing day by day and you can also buy a villa for yourself with a private beach and bar area. All the hotels in the Maldives have their own speciality. It depends on your budget and what you are looking for to make your Maldives Vacation memorable for a lifetime.
Here we have a list of the Top 5 Best Hotels in the Maldives.
This Island is just like a dreamy place where you can see all the beauty around sandbanks, beautiful lagoons and clear blue water attracting you towards it from dusk to dawn. These villas will give you wild and earthy feels with their wooden furniture, organic products and natural sunscreens. They have a special beach for the morning yoga sessions and a private jungle restaurant where they bring fresh ingredients from their own organic gardens. They also have a spa area where you get luxury spa experience from topmost therapists all the way from India, Thailand and Bali. Seven years have passed since Gili Lankanfushi began working on its coral programme; this means that the island was actively promoting sustainability long before it became a trend. And that's why it still stands out from the competition, in addition to the picturesque setting and first-rate service.
This is the world's first solar-powered hotel in the country covered with coconut trees all around with sandbanks on the sides of the beautiful deep oceans. These villas have a very unique wooden walkway which is made by keeping New York's architecture in mind. They also have a pool with a staircase which directly connects you with the never-ending oceans without compromising your needs and privacy. They will provide you with all the luxury 24/7 whether it's airy spas with earthy treatments or the fine wines of Maldives. You will get lip-smacking food from authentic Japanese to famous Maldives seafood. The villas are covered with coconut trees all around to give you an earthy feeling for some days.
The structure of this island was made by keeping the Dubai era in mind. The Jumeirah Maldives is special for its customized bathrobes and mouth-watering food of their restaurants with Live music to make your dinner nights amazing. They also have a private dining room with huge aquariums on the walls to give you the feel of aquatic habitat. To make this Vacation more magical you can just take a jet ski from your villa and get lost in the ponds of dolphins to feed them their breakfast. This hotel has a special place in the hearts of people who always visit here.
Conard Island is one of the most beautiful islands in the Maldives. It is covered with sandbanks all around and the sound of waves just makes you lost in another world with deep jungles covering the island. In 2018, This island was the first to create underwater suites and this time you and also book underwater villas on this island. They also have an underwater restaurant named Ithaa, which serves fresh and earthy flavour dishes from salty scallops to veggie asparagus. To see the aquatic life more closely you can do boating outside your villas to capture some beautiful creatures like sharks, parrotfish and turtles.
This Island has one of the biggest underwater restaurants in the Maldives which attracts tourists the most. They also have mainly 2 bars and restaurants which have open ceilings, table tops made with petrified wood and glass floors to spot the aquatic creatures while having your dinner. The most impressive thing about this Island is that they have a team of young divers who know half of the languages so that You can communicate with them easily. Another draw is the modest but exquisitely stocked wine cellar, which has been carefully curated by managing partner Lars Petre, a pioneering hotelier and businessman in the Maldives whose passion for the atolls is evident on every inch of his angular Swedish face.
So here we discussed the 5 best and most luxurious hotels in the Maldives to make your vacations more memorable and dreamy. These hotels have so much to keep you indulging in their activities and water sports that you will not get time to get bored. You can see any property according to your budget and needs. You will always see something new in the Maldives If you want to experience something beyond imagination then there is nothing better than underwater villas and restaurants. So quickly plan a vacation to Maldives with your families or friends and have a lifetime experience in these luxury hotels.
If you are always ready for an adventure and excited to explore what our wonderful planet has to offer, then trying your hands at various water sports in the Maldives sound perfect for you. While discovering the incredible marine life and the natural charm of the archipelago, you will challenge yourself at so many levels you wouldn’t have even imagined—both physically and mentally. Your experience will boost all your senses and open your eyes to a whole new magical world! That’s why, we would suggest you to get yourself a water sports safari package in the Maldives and go for several wonderful activities as soon as you can.
If you are still doubtful whether this is something for which you should spend your time, efforts, and money, then we present here the top water sports in the Maldives that you should try when you are vacationing in the island nation.
Water Skiing
Skiing is not limited to snow-clad mountains only. In the Maldives, you can try your hands at water skiing on its azure waters. While doing it, you can meet dolphins or turtles as well. This water sport is easier than wakeboarding. Go water skiing first, then wakeboarding, and then kneeboarding. In water skiing, you have to use a ski on each leg while gliding over the strong waves. The best time to go for it is from April to October. All resort islands, especially Malé, Ari Atoll, and Hulumalé provide this activity to their guests. A little bit of swimming proficiency is required for water skiing.
Wakeboarding
This thrilling and adventurous water sport is a gateway into kitesurfing. In this, you need to hold onto a tether as you try to stand on a wave. Before going for kneeboarding, you can try wakeboarding. Both sports require you to understand your centre of gravity so that you are able to balance on the board. Travel to the Maldives between April and October to try wakeboarding as this is the best time. The best locations are Malé, Hulumalé, and Ari Atoll. It would be good if you know swimming.
Kneeboarding
A little bit challenging for beginners, Kneeboarding is a more complex water sport than water skiing. But in all ways, the thrill is totally worth it. To do this, you have to hold on to a tether while you are on your knees on a board. All this, while you are zipping through the ocean. Kneeboarding leaves you immersed in a sea of memories by giving you a much closer experience of the Maldivian waters. March to October is the best time to do this. All resort islands offer this but the best locations are Malé, Hulumalé, and Kaafu Atoll. It would be good if you know swimming.
Underwater Scooters
Going for an underwater scooter activity is the coolest thing to do in the Maldives. Due to advancements in science and technology, now you can ride a scooter under the water. Sounds interesting, isn’t it? You can explore the deep blue ocean from the comfort of a scooter. Swim with turtles and wave to colorful fishes while riding. There will be a bubble over you that will keep your head dry. So you can wear glasses as well when you are inside the water. When we speak of unique water sports in the Maldives, underwater scooters hold a special place. The best time to go for it is between December and March. The best locations are Maafushi Island, Malé, Hulumalé, and Baa Atoll. Knowing swimming is not required to do this activity.
Stand Up Paddling
To explore the island at your own pace, stand up paddling is the most sought-after activity. It is a great workout activity too. A gateway to surfing, you can absorb the beauty of the gorgeous Maldives while doing this. Enjoy the excitement of surfing combined with the comfort of a boat while trying stand up paddling. The best time to go for it would be from March to May and from September to November. You can enjoy it at any beach with an instructor. However, the best wakes are in Baa Atoll and Thulusdhoo Islands. Also, you don’t need to know swimming to try your hands at this enthralling sport.
Snorkeling
If you are always ready for an adventure and excited to explore what our wonderful planet has to offer, then snorkeling in Maldives sounds like a perfect activity for you. While discovering the incredible marine life, you will challenge yourself at so many levels you wouldn’t have even imagined—both physically and mentally. Your underwater experience will boost all your senses and open your eyes to a whole new magical world! That’s why, we would suggest you to book a snorkeling slot and go for this wonderful water sport as soon as you can. While vacationing in the Maldives, snorkeling will add some extra adventure to your holidays. You can discover new underwater sceneries and species.
Glass Bottom Boating
If you are allured by the idea of a see-through kayak but are not willing to put so much effort and just want to sit back and relax while someone else does the hard work, then your best is to go on a glass-bottom boat ride. These special boats have clear glass paneling at the bottom. Thus, you can view the colorful corals and fishes underneath your feet while sitting comfortably. Knowing swimming is not required to do this activity. There are many resorts in the Maldives that offer tour packages including a glass-bottom boat ride with beach lunch so that you can make the most of your afternoon. Whether you are travelling alone, with your partner, friends, or the entire family, glass bottom boat ride is something that most people would agree to do.
Scuba Diving
For both new and experienced divers, the Maldives ensures a memorable diving experience as it is among the best places for scuba diving in the world. Second to none, its rich marine life and coral population offers a great experience. When you are under the water, vibrant and colorful fish often surrounds you. That feeling cannot be explained in words. Here, your dive is absolutely safe and stress-free as there is a perfect blend of clear waters and low water currents. Moreover, the experienced PADI certified scuba divers will accompany you under the water as well. Thus, you can enjoy the whole experience to the fullest, without any worry.
Underwater Walking
Underwater walking has emerged as the most sought-after water activity in the island nation. Definitely a unique experience, you must have seen its photographs on social media and craved to do the same! All you need to do is put on a special sealed oxygen mask that provides you air so that you can walk on the seafloor without any problem. You don’t go very deep when you do this exciting activity. You have to hold onto the rope so that you can walk along the bottom of the ocean. Underwater walking gives you unlimited memories for a lifetime that you can cherish with your friends and family. If you are someone who wants to do scuba diving but is a bit afraid to begin with, then you should go for underwater walking. People of all ages can do this. The best time to go for underwater walking is from January to April.
Windsurfing
Windsurfing in the Maldives is known for giving you the perfect thrilling vibe of surfing in the tropical breeze above the crystal clear waves. Riding on them at a high speed is quite a fun-filled experience. Counted among the best water sports in the country, you don’t need to know swimming to try windsurfing. Almost all Maldivian resorts offer this. You can also book the activity by enquiring a little bit from the locals or hotel staff. The best time to go for it is between May and October. If you are a beginner, taking windsurfing classes will definitely a great experience.
Cost of water sports in the Maldives
Water sports are sure to add some extra adventure to your vacation. You can discover new underwater sceneries and species. Whether you are travelling alone, with your partner or the entire family, trying exciting adventure activities is something that most of the people would agree to do.
Check out the cost of different water sports along with the duration in the Maldives below:
|
S.No. |
Water Sport |
Cost Per Person |
Time Duration |
|
1. |
Water Skiing |
USD 75 |
20 minutes |
|
2. |
Wakeboarding |
USD 70 |
30 minutes |
|
3. |
Kneeboarding |
USD 60 |
20 minutes |
|
4. |
Underwater Scooters |
USD 180 |
1 hour |
|
5. |
Stand Up Paddling |
USD 40 |
1 hour |
|
6. |
Snorkeling |
USD 85 |
2 hours |
|
7. |
Glass Bottom Boating |
USD 30 |
30 minutes |
|
8. |
Scuba Diving |
USD 130-USD 1000 |
45 minutes |
|
9. |
Underwater Walking |
USD 150 |
30 minutes |
|
10. |
Windsurfing |
USD 100 |
1 hour |
During your vacations in the stunning Maldives, don’t forget to go for as many water sports as possible.
Happy holidays!
The Maldives has emerged as the most sought-after water sports destination in the world. It is home to azure waters and excellent marine life. That is why trying a myriad of water sports here gives you the ultimate high. Whether you are travelling with your partner, friends, family, or solo, the water adventure activities available here are truly exciting and mesmerising. They are sure to satisfy the adrenaline junkie in you! The archipelago is the one-stop destination for luxury and adventure lovers.
In case you don’t know which water sports you should try when in the Maldives, then you have landed on the right page! We present below a full-fledged list of the best water sports in the Maldives that you must try out for a memorable vacation. Try as many as you want. The options are many!
Banana Boating
This fun-filled water activity in the Maldives is a must-try for everyone. With absolutely no requirement for swimming (you will be wearing a safety jacket), it involves a long boat where you are strapped to. You zoom over the turquoise waters of the ocean and all you have to do is maintain balance so that you don’t fall off. Banana boating can be done in a group. So take your friends and family members along to do this super thrilling water sport. The best time to try your hands at this activity is from April to October. The best thing is that you can do it in almost all beach resorts in the country. The most popular locations include Malé, Baa Atoll, Ari Atolls, and Kaafu Atoll.
Catamaran Sailing
As you lounge on a magnificent catamaran, the calm and serene waters of the Indian Ocean will give you much-needed relaxation. While sailing on these special kinds of luxury boats, you can experience amazing holiday vibes as you chill with your loved ones and appreciate the incredible panoramas of the island. The cherry on the cake, watch the most gorgeous sunset while on a catamaran. You don’t need to know swimming to go for this water activity. The best time for catamaran sailing is between November and April. Catamarans are offered on the charter basis at all major ports in the country. You can hire it from resorts as well apart from agencies.
Fishing
Highly relaxing and rewarding, fishing is one of the most popular activities in the Maldives. If you catch a fish, then you are allowed to keep it and cook it as well. While game fishing, you can come face to face with huge and exotic sailfish as well. Isn’t that exciting! Doing this exhilarating water activity is on the checklist of everyone who visits the Maldives. The best time is from November to March. The best thing is that all resort islands offer game fishing and you can also get in touch with agencies for taking you to good locations.
Flyboarding
Enabling you to hydro-fly, flyboarding is a futuristic ride that has a board, which is propelled into the air. Soaring above the water and looking at it from the top is definitely an unforgettable experience. Knowing swimming is not required to do this. The best time to try your hands at flyboarding is between April and October. The best location would be Lhaviyani Atoll, Maafushi Island.
Jet Skiing
Counted among the best water sports in the Maldives, jet skiing offers a thrilling as well as fun-filled experience. When you ride on the oceanic water at such a terrific speed, you are sure to have an amazing time. Getting a high adrenaline rush is inevitable. Do try this exhilarating water sport when in the island nation. Wear your life jacket properly. You can go for it with your partner or a friend but if you are trying it for the first time, then taking an instructor along with you is advisable. The best time for jet skiing in the Maldives is between April and October and you don’t need to know swimming to go for it.
Fun Tube
As clearly evident from its name, the fun tube is a fun-filled activity to do in the Maldives. There is a bed-like tube on which you can enjoy the ride with your gang while zooming through the bright blue ocean. This adventure activity is the perfect combo of laid-back fun and thrilling speed. Knowing swimming is not required for this. This crazy sport can be enjoyed the most between April and October. Almost every beach resort in the country offers a fun tube. The most popular locations include Malé, Baa Atoll, Ari Atolls, and Kaafu Atoll.
Kayaking
Feel the adrenaline rush running through your veins as you indulge in various water sports in the Maldives! Counted among the most exciting water adventure activities, kayaking is all about moving across the water in a kayak. A kayak is a type of canoe made up of very light material having a small opening on top for the person to sit. Kayaking amidst the lush greenery and crystal-clear water of the ocean is a mesmerising experience that leaves you awestruck with stunning diversified views. The Maldives is known for the calming sound of its water. If you want to experience total bliss while vacationing on the island, then go for kayaking as it is the perfect fit for you. It will be one of the memories that you will cherish for life.
Kitesurfing
Absolutely thrilling, while doing kitesurfing, you have the additional pull of the tropical winds. Become one with the waves and experience the mighty ocean like never before. Soar into the wake with your huge kite. If you want to do surfing, then kitesurfing can be a great gateway sport. The best time to go for it would be from April to October. It can be done on all resort islands, especially Malé and Hulumalé. You don’t need to know swimming to try kitesurfing.
Parasailing
While parasailing, you are into a different space flying free above everyone else and witnessing gorgeous views of the island. This adventure activity offers you an amazing experience that stays with you for a lifetime. It is an incredible water sport that anyone can enjoy in the Maldives. Parasailing offers a fantastic combo of water and airborne adventure. While harnessed in a parachute, you are tied behind a motorboat with a rope. As the boat speeds off into the sea, you start flying like a kite in the sky! You may get to dip into the water as well. The whole experience is extremely enthralling! This activity is something that you should not miss at any cost while holidaying in the archipelago. And don’t forget to wear clothes in which you can move comfortably.
Surfing
A lot like kitesurfing, surfing is a popular water sport in the Maldives. Even if you are doing it for the first time, it is sure to give you unforgettable memories. Imagine enjoying the cool tropical breeze brushing your hair as you sail over the Indian Ocean with the bright sun shining softly down on you. There will be qualified and experienced instructors of the water sports center who will help you in learning the basics of surfing so that you get familiarised with this incredible sport.
Surfing in the months between April and October is considered the best as, during this time, the winds pick up and provide an exhilarating experience. The best locations are Baa Atoll and Thulusdhoo Islands. You can also contact agencies to take you to the best locations for surfing.
Cost of water sports in the Maldives
Counted among the most intriguing places to explore you can ever find, the Maldives is surrounded by miles and miles of sea. It is one of the best places in the world to perform a number of water sports and activities. Its crystal-clear blue waters are popular for unparalleled and awe-inspiring underwater diversity.
We present below the cost of various water sports in the Maldives along with the duration so that you can have a fair idea of which ones you want to try.
|
S.No. |
Water Sport |
Cost Per Person |
Time Duration |
|
1. |
Banana Boating |
USD 50 - USD 80 |
20 minutes |
|
2. |
Catamaran Sailing |
USD 50 - USD 80 |
1 hour |
|
3. |
Fishing |
USD 80 – USD 100 |
1 hour |
|
4. |
Flyboarding |
USD 150 |
30 minutes |
|
5. |
Jet Skiing |
USD 70 - USD 100 |
30 minutes |
|
6. |
Fun Tube |
USD 130 for two people |
20 minutes |
|
7. |
Kayaking |
USD 10 - USD 50 |
1 hour |
|
8. |
Kitesurfing |
USD 50 - USD 90 |
1 hour |
|
9. |
Parasailing |
USD 90 |
10 minutes |
|
10. |
Surfing |
USD 130 |
2 hours |
If thinking about it makes you excited, imagine actually doing it!
A trip is never complete without knowing its neighbourhood. The beach paradise Maldives known for staycation and luxury also hosts some amazing cafés for those who wish to step out of the comfort of their beach-facing rooms. And, to know the island and its vibe closely, what's a better place than its cafés. Maldives houses a bunch of some amazing cafes and each comes with its own uniqueness. From ambience to multiple cuisines and sumptuous coffees, all the cafes have it all and have the best.
MERAKI COFFEE ROASTERS
The brick walls and the dim lights complementing each other bring a vibe that is exclusive to this place. With lively vibe, coffee table books and aroma of freshly brewing coffees at the counter, Meraki Coffee Roasters becomes an instant favourite of anyone who visits. It won’t be considered strange but absolutely normal if you go there to just grab a cup of coffee and end up spending more time than desired as many people who have been there have done exactly that. And, if you are in Husnuheenaa Magu don’t miss to indulge in this aromatic experience.
Must Order: Cascara tea with honey, Cappuccino, Latte, Granola with healthy fruits, Chocolate cookie and Cold brew coffee.
SEAGULL CAFÉ HOUSE
Have an itch for exploring ice-cream flavours then Seagull Café House will melt your heart. With 30 varieties, this café is a paradise for ice-cream lovers in and around Male. A pretty two-storey building with interior and exterior setup gives a great view of the amazing landscape from the first floor. This sand floored café gets a distinguished crowd making it a perfect place to interact and socialise with fellow travellers. Be it any time of the day, the café offers a great vibe. Sitting in this café adorned with greenery and having one of the best breakfasts in Maldives is so calming and post evening with lights and open sky it turns into a place perfect for a romantic date. No matter when you visit, you must never call for a cheque before ordering an ice-cream from the plethora of options on the menu.
Must Order: Ice-cream any flavour, Tuscan shrimp, Snapper in coconut curry sauce, fish and chips and Spinach curry.
JAZZ CAFÉ
If music is as important as food to you in a café, we assure the café is exactly as the name suggests. Full of jazzy vibes and good food, the ambience here lifts the mood as one enters. It is its unmatchable vibe that attracts both young and old to the café. The Maldivian and International dishes served along with live jazz, soul and rock renditions performed by local musicians in a modest setup creates a soothing environment for guests to relax and unwind. From flooring to ceiling and furniture adorned with different shades of wood, there’s not too much drama to the interiors for a subtle experience. For people and music lovers in Haveeree Hingun, Male this is the go to place for some refreshment.
Must Order: Roast Chicken with barbeque sauce, Yellow Chicken Curry, beef, roshi and few other Maldivian dishes.
THE CIVIL COFFEE SOCIETY
Sipping a cuppa coffee whether cold or hot is ever exciting while on a vacation and the umpteen coffee options at Civil Coffee Society definitely can make your day. Located in Haveeree Hingun, this cozy little coffee joint offers a perfect ambiance for people to relax and unwind. The aroma of hot brewing coffee from their coffee counter to your table fills the heart with happiness and their super friendly staff make the visit more comforting. Though known for coffee, the place also offers a lot of yummy dishes to relish. If you love coffee and staying neat Male, you better not miss this place.
Must Order: Cheesecake, Cappuccino, Pastries, Almond Croissant, Café Latte, Tea, Ice-chocolate and fresh juices.
KAVARNA
A great piece of art that is what you can call it. The old textured rustic walls giving the feel of a vintage space win your heart as soon as you enter the cafe. It is a tiny coffee shop nestling in the centre of Hulhumale with a local vibe boasting a menu that is international. From piping hot coffee to homemade jam which many tourists swear by you will love all that is mentioned in the menu. All the dishes are curated keeping the taste of travellers coming from diverse parts of the world in mind. In short, for the ones staying at Male and Hulhumale, it’s a café you should walk into during anytime of the day or simply start your day here with a sumptuous breakfast. We bet! You won’t be disappointed as their jazz playlist adds to the vibe.
Must Order: Pancakes, coffee, homemade jam and many sumptuous international dishes
Maldives has been the favourite destination of many travellers over the years to rejuvenate and cut off from the worldly things because holidaying doesn’t always mean the hustle to tick mark the bucket list. Sometimes it means to just relax through the day and catch the sunrise and sunset from your room and distance yourself from the otherwise hectic travel plans. Sleep and wake up whenever you want, read a book by the picturesque view or simply lie down staring at nature’s bounty is all things Maldives.
To be able to do all the leisurely things you dream of, staycation is a great way to break free from the monotony and find yourself a blissful space and when in Maldives you can surely afford to do that. A paradise for all kinds of travel enthusiasts, Maldives boasts stays that are synonymous to peace and luxury. Preferred by travellers looking for tranquillity by the magnificent water, the island boasts many resorts that are affordable yet best at offerings.
Reethi Faru Resort
Standing above the turquoise blue lagoons, the overwater villas of the Reethi Faru Resort open to the vast ocean. A perfect blend of luxury and nature, the villas are the best place to unwind and be in bliss with the unending sea. What makes this resort unique is its offerings and the way it caters to all kinds of travellers. Besides water villas overlooking the infinite ocean that come with a separate deck ensuring complete privacy, some villas boast private pools merging into the sea and others have spa tubs and Jacuzzi at the decks. Each overwater villa has been crafted with special attention to the design and privacy, making it worth staying in.
For the ones who wish to stay near the beach but not right above it, Reethi Faru also has villas and suites on the white sand and surrounded by vegetation with spacious decks and secluded beachfront. While you stay here away from all the chaos, release your stress hormones by starting your day with Jet Ski or experience the underwater thrill with snorkelling or Scuba Diving as Atoll is famous for diving the world over. You can also simply go for Coconut Spa located in the coconut grove or just hit the gym to calm your mind a little extra.
Well, food is one of the first things people think of while at a new place and Reethi Faru got it covered with its six restaurants and six bars. From live grills to authentic Maldivian dishes and exotic cocktails to fine wines, all are served in mesmerising setups overlooking the turquoise blue water.
Where? Raa Atoll, Filaidhoo
Price: $ 357- $ 517 (price may vary depending on the demand and season)
Embudu Village Resort
Simplicity has a unique charm which Embudu Village Resort resonates with and staying here means experiencing the harmony of living amidst nature and interacting with its creations. The opal white beaches, blue waters and the tropical vegetation make this resort an ideal hideaway for anyone craving for solitude. Catering to different choices Embudu has, Superior Beach Bungalow and Water Bungalow. While Superior Beach Bungalow opens to the beach through the white sand, the Water Bungalow is on the ocean at the far end of the island.
Well, nothing more fascinating than staying above the ocean and why not when you are in Maldives. Get the infinite view of the ocean and when you feel a little adventurous dive deep into the ocean to witness some magnificent corals. Embudu is known for its breathtaking dive sites and house reefs so you will spot manta rays, turtles, morays and manti shrimps amongst others. Here, you dive under the guidance of instructors from Diverland as well as you can enrol in any of the scuba diving courses the resort offers.
When all the adventure comes to end, pamper yourself at Serena Spa in Embudu. Indulge in some beauty treatments and some Ayurveda and Asian massages offered by the experience and trained therapists of this international wellness group to give some relaxation to your body once your mind and soul feels the calm post indulging in water sports. Spread across 3 km, the Embudu Village Island is a beautiful and private island for a perfect vacation. It may not be as luxurious as other resorts but boasts the best location you would ever want to be at on a laid back holiday.
Where? Embudu Village, South Male Atoll
Price: $ 314- $ 430 (price may vary depending on the demand and season)
Ellaidhu Maldives by Cinnamon
Who doesn’t want to relax and rejuvenate by the infinity pool? And, when in Maldives, everyone surely does. For swimmers who like to spend a day in the water, Ellaidhu Maldives by Cinnamon seals the deal. The resort is a paradise located on the very magnificent Alifu Alifu Atoll and boats stays that are synonymous to luxury with 24 water villas as well as 46 beach bungalows and 28 superior rooms. If your idea of vacation is to just stay indoors, you won’t regret it here. Look around and you will be greeted by immense beauty and enjoying candle light dinner while sitting in your deck overlooking the pristine water is all things romantic. Eating here is fun as much as lounging as each corner of the resort offers you breathtaking views. Apart from the sun deck, an open shower is also a thing to indulge in.
While you enjoy the calmness here, the Chavana Spa adds more to the therapeutic vacation. After an eventful day by the beach or underwater you would want to head to the spa to give your body some rest. If you are on a romantic holiday with your partner where you want everything to slow down, this resort with a very calming vibe should be your nest for those special days.
Where? Ellaidhu, Alifu Alifu Atoll
Price: $315 - $ 495 (price may vary depending on the demand and season)
Sun Siyam Olhuveli
If water villas are your fascination then Sun Siyam Olhuveli got you covered with eight gorgeous accommodation options. Each water villa or suite comes with unique characteristics and amenities as well as designed distinctly. Spacious and private sun deck with sunset view, steps to the lagoon, outdoor jet tub, private pool and more come with the villas for you to pick your favourite. A perfect blend of traditional Maldivian culture and modern day architecture, you find both Maldivian inspired suites and contemporary villas to choose from. Apart from water villas, beach suites and villas too are the steal deals with private cabana, open-air bathroom and beachfront terrace with a view of an unending sea.
Apart from water sports that are synonymous with Maldives, Manta Point is the most thrilling experience you can enjoy from the resort jetty itself. Watch these exotic fish circle around the feeders and savour their plankton dinner. It’s a sight to behold for a few hours in the evening.
To add more to the comfort, the resort hosts nine restaurants and five bars for guests to explore their Maldivian as well as their favourite cuisines and sip a glass of wine surrounded by the magical view.
Where? South Male Atoll Maldives
Price range: $ 504 – $ 700 (price may vary depending on the demand and season)
Summer Island Maldives
Crafted keeping Maldivian aesthetics in mind, each water villa boats a Jacuzzi and sundeck to relax and feel at one with nature with either sunrise or sunset views. The rooms spanning over the lagoon are just a few metres away from the sea and you can just step down and enjoy splashing in the lagoons. A perfect place for lazy summers with great water related activities, detox and holistic wellness treatments at Firuma by Serana Spa and wine & dine at its four exotic restaurants, you can experience the laidback lifestyle. And, roaming around barefoot with all the comforts of luxury resort living is just a thing here. Apart from the adventure, luxury, tropical vegetation and the mesmerising view of the aquatic ocean, sustainable practices at Summer Island Maldives makes it an amazing place for a memorable stay. From banning single use plastic to keep the beach clean and safe space for marine animals to solar water heating and most importantly installation of the world's largest 3-D printed coral reef for the restoration of the damaged coral reefs due to increasing sea temperature as a result of climate change. Staying here, you do not only enjoy peaceful time but embrace a sustainable way of living. Once you get there, you surely will be surprised with more unique practices.
Where? North Male Atoll Maldives
Price: $294 - $ 2,042 (price may vary depending on the demand and season)
A popular water adventure activity in the Maldives, kayaking gives you an opportunity to witness the lovely palm trees and sugary sand beaches while you paddle around the island. Along with being a fun-filled activity, it is also a good workout for your arms. There are see-through kayaks also that offer you a glimpse of the marine world when you paddle in the cobalt waters of the Indian Ocean. You can see which creature is swimming underneath you! Moreover, always wear a hat and apply sunscreen lotion for your protection while you are out on the ocean.
The best way to explore the Maldives is via a kayak as it lets you move at your own whim. There are a number of places throughout the archipelago from where you can rent kayaks. Some have transparent bottoms as well. If you want to reveal the fascinating sea life below, then head to calmer beaches like North Ari Atoll and Haa Alif. The water is quite clear enough at these places. You can also go to South Kaafu Atoll, which is considered the prime paddling territory owing to its serene waters.
This water sport in Maldives is especially for those travellers who are nature lovers. Paddle your way through the azure waters of the island nation during this activity and explore the mesmerising sounds and lovely sights of the tropical destination. Along with the guidance of an expert (in case you need), you will also be provided with gear, equipment, and a life jacket while you go for this soulful water sport. While making your way, find solace in listening to the birds chirping and enjoy the peacefulness of the surroundings. Capturing the beauty of this splendid place in your camera would be a great thing to do here. The whole activity is especially loved by photographers owing to the breathtaking splendor. If you are looking for some adrenaline rush, then kayaking in the Maldives is the perfect choice for you. Kayaking through the gorgeous surroundings and exploring the rich diversity of the marine world would be an unforgettable experience for sure.
Almost 99 per cent of the Maldives comprise crystal-clear water in stunning shades of turquoise and blue. Thus, it goes without saying that you should carry your swimwear while vacationing here. It is made up of nearly 1,200 islands and is home to meandering shorelines and expansive lagoons. The island nation is a haven for thrill-seekers and water worshippers. The aquatic adventures are a must-do when you are in this tropical paradise.
The Maldives are popular all over the country for picturesque shorelines and unmatched greenery. Kayaking in the clear waters is the best way to experience natural beauty on the islands. This water sport is both- relaxing and exhilarating. You may also see a number of birds while kayaking. One can have all kinds of kayaking experience on this archipelago. You can enjoy the up-close wonders of unexplored waters of cyan-colored crystal-clear lagoons. You are sure to have an exhilarated experience if you have a kayaking experience in the Maldives. You can cherish these memories lifelong.
A rejuvenating and fun activity to do in the Maldives, you are sure to get so much more than your imagination. Kayaking in the Maldives is extremely popular among various water sports. All you have to do is paddle a small boat, which is known as a kayak, using a double-bladed oar. You can experience every little turn of the water as these special boats sit low in the water. Almost all resorts here have provisions for kayaking (a kayak, oar, and a guide). The price is not so much in comparison to the kind of enthralling experience you have while kayaking in the blue ocean. The best time to enjoy this water sport in the Maldives is from April to October.
Going for this special kind of adventure water sport is surely a great experience! While doing it, you can glance at the flawless natural beauty of the place. Kayaking here is the best way to witness its stunning beauty as the island nation is popular all over the world for its splendid waters. Making an ideal escapade, the complete kayaking activity can be enjoyed for a couple of hours.
The Maldives is a great destination for everyone, be it solo travellers, families, or couples. Everyone can indulge in water activities of their choice. Try your hand at some of the best water sports here if you are in the Maldives for the first time. Even children can have an unforgettable time while enjoying water sports. The country offers a plethora of water sports. Kayaking is one activity that offers relaxation as well as excitement. You will be pleasantly surprised by becoming a part of such a thrilling adventure of your lifetime. Head over to the water sports arena and splash in the water of the Indian Ocean.
Kayaking is counted among the most popular adventurous activities in the Maldives. You can explore and experience the coastline at your own pace. You can rent a kayak on almost every beach in the island nation. You can get a kayak free of cost if you are at a resort. If you are not at a resort, then you can hire a kayak at around USD 10-USD 50 per head.
Best islands in the Maldives for kayaking
The Maldives, the island nation, comprises as many as 26 oval-shaped atolls and more than 1,000 coral islands. All over the world, it is known as the top destination for an exotic destination for adventure lovers. Along with honeymooners, it is an equally perfect vacation spot for families, solo travellers, and married couples as well. Following are the islands where you can get the best kayaking experience.
Male Island
Hulhumale Island
Biyadhoo Island
Fihalhohi Island
Maafushi Island
Alimatha Island
Veligandu Island
Nalaguraidhoo Island
Vaadhoo Island
Villingili Island
Milaidhoo Island
Kuredu Island
Mirihi Island
Experience kayaking in the Maldives and enjoy the vacation of a lifetime!
The Maldives are famous throughout the world for their untouched white silky sands, cobalt blue waters, and seriouslygorgeous islands. The archipelago is an ideal destination for a luxury yacht escape. Yachting in the Maldives is bound to offer you the best experience of this wonderful country. If you are looking for a luxurious escape while vacationing in the island nation, then hire a plush yacht and get ready to be amazed by the endless opportunities.
You can choose to commute in the Maldives via luxurious yachts for discovering the dazzling natural beauty of the island comprising incredible beaches and breathtaking coral reefs. The country is one of the best yacht chartering destinations across the world. It has a total of 26 major atolls containing nearly 1,200 picturesque islands dotted on the Indian Ocean. Of these, only 200 islands are occupied and thus, it is an ideal destination for rejuvenating and unwinding in the truest sense. Here, you can explore serene beaches and swim in the depths of azure clear waters. A good alternative to the Caribbean and perfect for island hopping, the Maldives is a stunning winter charter destination.
The Maldives is home to 26 different atolls and more than 1100 islands dotted in the Indian Ocean. Thus, it is not less than a paradise for yacht visitors. Moreover, it is quite easy to find your own private space there; with only 200 of the islands inhabited. You can relax and absorb the beauty of the surroundings while yachting in the Maldives. If you are a lover of ocean life, then be ready to get delighted. The nation offers excellent diving opportunities, lovely coral reefs, and rich marine life- more than 2000 fish species can be spotted in its clear waters.
You can also choose the option of chartering a private luxury yacht in the Maldives. You can do so by contacting your preferred yacht charter broker. They will help you in planning your travel itinerary and combining your requirements with recommendations about the best time to travel to this gorgeous destination.
A world-renowned diving destination, there really is a dive for everyone in the Maldives. It has countless dive spots for advanced divers as well as absolute beginners. Make sure that when you are here, you make the most of its natural marine life (of course, from a distance). Home to one of the largest groups of coral reefs in the Indian Ocean, explore the Baa Atoll Biosphere Reserve and look at the diverse variety of reef animals. To enjoy the sounds and sights of the busy markets and rich local culture, visit the capital of the Maldives, Malé.
If you want to enjoy the outdoor life at sea in the truest sense, then a Maldivian yacht charter is the best way to explore everything the archipelago has to offer. While yachting in the Maldives, you can also enjoy a private fishing expedition. Your private chef will prepare your catch for you and serve you in the lunch. Visit the underwater restaurant on Kihavah Island to have a memorable experience of enjoying mouth-watering food surrounded by colorful fishes as you dine. Enjoy the most beautiful sunset from your private yacht, with your favorite drink in hand. Marvel at the night sky studded with stars from your private deck.
In Hanifaru Bay, watch Manta Rays gathering to eat. You will never forget looking at hundreds of rays coming to eat at a space that is as big as a football field. On Halaveli Island, have a “lagoon wine tasting” experience. Here, you can taste fine wines in a stunning lagoon setting with waves crashing at your feet. Visit a world-class spa resort in the Maldives to pamper yourself and relax. Enjoy a lavish treatment and relax under the cool shade of a palm tree. Before lazing at the beach, enjoy a scrumptious picnic or barbeque prepared by your private chef.
A beautiful collection of islands in the Indian Ocean, the Maldives is growing as a popular destination for luxury yacht charter. If you want to have the maximum fun at this exotic destination, then hire a luxury yacht in the Maldives and soak in all the beauty of this heaven on earth. While vacationing here, you can have a wonderful time at some of the best beaches in the world, and incredible lagoons and coves. The archipelago comprises 1,190 coral islands. There is a lot to see, do, and experience. What better way to explore this paradise than a luxury yacht?
Containing groups of as many as 26 atolls, the Maldives has emerged as the most stunning destination in the world. On your Maldivian yacht journey, you will be left wonderstruck by the jade green tropical vegetation, pristine soft white sands, different shades of aqua and turquoise, and dazzling coral gardens. It is the perfect place for you if you are a nature and marine life lover. The island nation is characterized by unique underwater life and ecology. The year-round tropical climate, as well as the remote and unspoiled Indian Ocean location currents, are the major factors.
There are direct flights from Europe and parts of Asia to reach the Maldives. It is an ideal tourist attraction for those who are seeking an exceptional yacht charter vacation. You can choose to relax on a motor or sailing yacht, scuba diving and snorkeling, or soaking up the natural beauty. There are a number of luxury resorts and hotels for vacationers. You can find here top-class luxury yachts as well as some local yachts too.
Yachting is the best way to commute in the Maldives if you are rich and famous! Gliding through the blue waters and providing access to secluded reefs and remote islands. There are many luxurious resorts and hotels that have their own docks for offering complete convenience to seafaring travellers. You can also bring your own yacht as well as a charter one once you get here. You should be aware that tour operators, who are licensed, can take you to islands that are off-limits to tourists.
Do you want to know how standing on a wave would feel? If you have this fantasy, then wakeboarding in the Maldives is the perfect water activity for you. This amazing sport includes holding onto a rope while you are walking on the water. All you need to do is maintain balance so you don’t fall. Swimming is preferable. While doing it, acquire an understanding of your center of gravity. The best time to do this in the island nation is between April and October.
To add to your incredible experience in the Maldives, include wakeboarding in your travel itinerary. Dash through the water and ride on a wakeboard behind a speedboat to feel the much-needed adrenaline rush. If you are an adventurous type of traveller, then trying your hand at wakeboarding in the Maldives is perfect for you. Whizz through the tranquil and turquoise lagoons, and launch yourself into the air at a rapid speed! You can also bump into the warm Maldivian waves while learning and mastering the basic, intermediate, and advanced tricks.
The Maldives, a tropical destination for your exotic vacation, is so much more than being the most sought-after place for rest and relaxation. Tourists from all over the world go there to lounge on swaying hammocks, indulge in massages and spa treatments, and sip fruity cocktails during sunset. However, along with these lazy moments, the island nation also is home to a huge array of water adventure activities for all the adrenaline junkies out there! Wakeboarding is one of the most sought-after enthralling activities here.
There will be experts to give you wakeboarding lessons and ensure your complete safety. Mastering your skills will be quite a fun experience in the Maldives. Learn lessons with your loved ones to spend quality time together.
The huge and lavish resorts have their own water sports centre, which has a wide range of equipment available for hire for under and over-water fun activities. Many of the water sports in Maldives are often included in the package if you book an all-inclusive resort. An extra fee is required for some water outings like sunset cruises, scuba diving, etc. The Maldives is the hub of water activities and you may find it difficult to fit them all in one vacation.
When in the Maldives, you will be absolutely stunned to know that there are a lot of things that you do there. Whether you choose to go for wakeboarding in Male or enjoy a sunset cruise, you can make your vacations on this archipelago an action-packed affair or a laidback holiday. Suiting the demands of every fun and thrill-seeker, you can try a myriad of fun activities on this island nation. You can go for exciting water sports, shopping, island hopping, food touring, and a lot more while holidaying here.
Wakeboarding is thrilling as well as adventurous. While doing this, you are required to hold on to a tether as you stand on a wave. The water sport requires a good sense of understanding your centre of gravity so that you can maintain balance on the board. It is a must-do activity in the Maldives and is loved by every adventurer around the world. However, not every ocean-facing landmass is perfect for wakeboarding. The Maldives is one of the best wakeboarding destinations in the entire world as its gigantic waves curl up at the maximum and offer a great experience to you. It has a suitable geographical advantage allowing wakeboarding throughout the year, especially in and around Male Atoll, Central and Southern Atolls.
When in the Maldives, get ready to do enthralling activities both over and under the ocean waters. While adventure lovers can indulge in so many undersea activities like diving, seafloor walking, and diving, honeymoon couples can pamper themselves with rejuvenating couple massages and get the perfect tan lazing on the pristine white, silky sand beaches. If you are a party animal, then get ready to drink and dance in the world-famous underwater bars. Shopaholics can buy lovely seashell souvenirs from colorful street markets.
Try your hand at wakeboarding if you want to improve your balancing skills and also looking for a real thrill. While doing this, you are attached to a speedboat that lets you skim across the sea at an extremely fast speed. Requiring a little skill, you may need to enroll in a few lessons at your resort to be able to get the hang of it. Go for this sport when the southern-westerly winds arrive during the low season from April to October as it is considered the best time. However, some resorts offer this activity all around the year.
Even if you are doing it for the first time, it is a wonderful water sport to do in the Maldives. Imagine enjoying the cool tropical breeze brushing your hair as you sail over the Indian Ocean with the bright sun shining softly down on you. There will be qualified and experienced instructors of the water sports centre who will help you in learning the basics so that you get familiarised with this incredible water sport. So what are you waiting for? Include wakeboarding in Maldives itinerary today!
There is so much to do in the Maldives that can never be compiled in a list, but we share with you the best activities that you should do on this archipelago for an unforgettable beach vacation.
Most popular water activities to do in the Maldives
Glass-bottom boating
Jet skiing
Banana boating
Undersea walking
Kitesurfing
Windsurfing
Catamaran sailing
Flyboarding
Fun tubing
Parasailing
Big-game fishing
What else can you do in the Maldives?
Enjoy a sunset cruise
Go for an island hopping tour
Visit the glowing beach on Vaadhoo Island
Indulge in a spa treatment
Stay at an overwater bungalow
Take a stroll at Hulhumale Beach
Explore Male, the capital island
Take a helicopter tour
On July 15, 2020, the Maldives reopened borders for all travellers around the world. The tightly packed capital city of Malé is the primary exception to this. It has been the source of most of the country’s coronavirus cases and thus, it is off-limits to travellers. The paradise is popular as the most romantic destination among honeymooners. It is home to a number of luxury resorts on private islands that have gorgeous bungalows over the azure water.
As long as you have proof of a negative Covid test, you can travel to the Maldives at present, irrespective of the country you belong to. However, cruise ships are currently banned. The country was one of the rare travel successes of the past year and the trend is continuing for 2021, it seems. As of February 22, more than 140 resorts and over 330 guesthouses served international tourists.
What are the restrictions?
Everyone else except Maldives citizens is required to present a certificate of a negative PCR test done within the 96 hours prior to their departure. It should clearly show the name and address of the laboratory along with the date of the sample taken. Travellers have to attach their results to the Traveler Health Declaration form that has to be submitted online within one day prior to arrival. Tourists will also be asked to download the national contact tracing app, TraceEkee. They should use it during their journey as well. You can split your stays between different hotels. However, you must take another PCR test before moving elsewhere in case you spend more than two days in the Greater Malé area.
After the new UK variant was discovered in late December, people arriving from the UK are required to undergo a quarantine of ten days. The same applies to the transiting passengers.
After arrival, all the passengers leaving from the airport will have a health check. Those returning to the United States will have to present proof of a negative Covid test within 72 hours of departure to be able to get back into the county. This can be facilitated by most guesthouses and resorts.
What’s the Covid situation?
As on April 1, as many as 24,079 Coronavirus cases and 66 deaths have been reported in the Maldives. On February 1, the country has begun its rollout of the India-made AstraZeneca COVISHIELD vaccine. In the first round of citizens to get vaccinated, hospitality workers were included. By March-end, as many as 237,716 people had received their first dose of the vaccine in the Maldives.
The Maldivian Minister of Tourism, Dr. Abdulla Mausoom, announced that the country is thinking about upscale “vaxication” vaccination packages for foreign visitors who are willing to visit and get inoculated.
What can tourists expect?
The Maldives is selling itself as a tourist destination that offers a “normal” vacation at this time. This has been greatly possible due to the isolation of resorts along with the fact that most of the travellers stay inside their luxurious accommodation rather than going out. This means that those going to and from the airport are exempt from the restrictions, unlike locals who are subject to them. If the hotels meet government requirements, then split stays between different hotels are allowed. Such requests should be made to the Ministry of Tourism at least 48 hours before travel.
Your resort may also have some travel rules, for instance, a temperature check on arrival, a mask to be worn indoors, etc. You should bring things like masks and sanitizers with you from your own place as buying these in the Maldives will be quite expensive for you.
The Maldives is the one-stop destination for nature and adventure lovers. It is the most sought-after place for honeymooners owing to its pristine and flawless beauty. But most resorts don’t allow children below the age of five years. So check if children are allowed before you book your accommodation for a dream vacation. Most of the honeymoon resorts have an age requirement of at least ten years. There are a number of Maldives packages to choose from. You can pick any one as per your budget and desired duration.
How to reach the Maldives via air?
Also known as Velana International Airport, the Male International Airport is the main airport in the country. It connects the archipelago to other countries and cities in the world, especially Southeast Asian countries like India, China, and Sri Lanka. Near the capital island of Male, it is located in the North Male Atoll on Hulhule Island. Apart from the Male International Airport, the following are the three international airports in the Maldives:
Gan International Airport, Gan
Maafaru International Airport, Maafaru
Hanimaadhoo International Airport, Hanimaadhoo
Along with that, there are some domestic airports that serve atolls like Laamu, Dhaalu, and Gnaviyani to name just a few.
There are a number of direct flights to the Maldives from a number of Indian cities like Mumbai, Delhi, Bangalore, and Kochi. Tourists from Dubai, Europe, and Singapore fly in there on a regular basis either via direct flights or chartered flights. Airlines such as Air India, Air France, Qatar Airways, Emirates, Alitalia, Turkish Airlines, etc. serve the country of Maldives. It also has its own national airline which is Maldivian. A domestic and international airline, it connects various cities and countries.
How to reach the Maldives via sea?
There are no scheduled routes between the Maldives and its nearest neighbors–India and Sri Lanka. Therefore, reach there by boat is uncommon. However, there are cargo ships that go there often but it is not for tourists.
Top 10 resorts in the Maldives
Raffles Maldives Meradhoo
Gili Lankanfushi Maldives
Lux* North Malé Atoll
Kudadoo
The St Regis Maldives Vommuli Resort
Lux South Ari Atoll
Soneva Jani
Drift Thelu Veliga Retreat
The Nautilus
Four Seasons Maldives Private Island at Voavah, Baa Atoll
A majority of people think that the Maldives is a destination for couples only. But that is not true. Beyond private pools and sunset supper, there are a number of incredible hotels across the 26 Indian Ocean atolls that are ideal for families as well. Their staff is especially trained for taking care of families and their little ones. They know how to take care of tantrummy toddlers and make teens happy. There are gleaming kids’ clubs that are fully equipped with all the modern facilities that ensure your memorable stay in the Maldives.
The resorts feature water parks, themed rooms, a marathon of exciting activities, a sand-floored playground, and so much more. A refuge from the equatorial sun, these family resorts are a spirited hideaway for kids. If you are parents of smaller ones, you will be delighted to know that there are a few properties that take kids from one-year-old as well. So you can enjoy wine at the bar without any worry. If your kids are tech-obsessed, then there are separate game zones with Xboxes as well as stimulator rooms (for cinema screenings, golfing, goal-scoring practice, shooting, etc.). The splendid beaches, snorkeling sessions, dives, banana boating, and dhoni rides will make your family vacation unforgettable!
In this blog, we present the top ten Maldives hotels where you can stay when holidaying with your whole pack. Keeping different parameters in mind, these ten Maldivian properties stand apart from the rest of the resorts. These have something for everyone, whether it’s a kid or parents. If you are travelling to the Maldives with your family anytime soon, then have a look at these hotels.
Baros
This elegant resort, which is the best for diving, has a loyal following. The food served here is amazing and some of its noteworthy cuisines include seafood at Cayenne Grill, informal meals at Lime, and the Mediterranean at white-tented Lighthouse. It is one of the Maldives’ original dive centres. Also, it is also home to the first EcoDive Centre in the archipelago that has certification from International Reef Check.
Number of villas: 75
Transfer time: 25 minutes by seaplane from Malé
Address: North Male Atoll, Maldives
JW Marriott Maldives Resort and Spa
If you a water baby, who just wants to relax by the pool, then this resort is perfect for you. Here, you can experience infinite horizons, rich underwater life, and luxury for you and your family members. Family can spend time in rambling villas, huge terraces, or private pools. There is also a24/7 baby-sitting service, which means that the grown-ups can enjoy at the adult-only infinity pool or bar. Its kids’ club has a pool, a huge pirate ship, and numerous activities (for instance, yoga, balloon twisting, treasure hunts, etc.). The teenagers of the family can have fun while racing around on kayaks, trying kite-surfing or playing table tennis. For the full Swiss Family Robinson experience, one of the restaurants is set in the treetops! At the outdoor cinema, every night is a movie night. JW Marriott is equipped will all the modern facilities to ensure that every family has an unforgettable experience here.
Number of villas: 60
Transfer time: a 55-minute seaplane ride from Malé
Address: JW Marriott Maldives Resort and Spa, Van'gaaru Island Shaviyani Atoll, Maldives
W MALDIVES
Counted among the best resorts in the Maldives for water sports, W Maldives is a great accommodation for your family. Encapsulating ‘jet-set glamour’, the resort has everything ranging from a white-tented spa to a swim-up pool bar. Its 77 plush villas are equipped with all the modern amenities such as a barbecue station, sundeck, wine fridge, plunge pool, etc. The overwater villas have glass floors and beach villas have muslin-draped daybeds. You can get the adrenaline rush while doing enthralling activities here such as diving, kite-surfing, Seabob, diving, snorkeling, and a lot more. Moreover, you can also enjoy great music here in the evening that I splayed by the DJ.
Number of villas: 77
Transfer time: 25 minutes by seaplane from Malé
Address: Fesdu Island North Ari Atoll, 09110, Maldives
Fairmont Maldives, Sirru Fen Fushi
Perfect for a family that has teens as well, this hotel in the Maldives appears like a sugar cube in the vast sea when you look at it from the shore. When you get closer, then you will start noticing big twisting tentacles, banyan trees, plush villas, and so much more. A sculpture of a pyramid of starfish is worth noticing. Acting as an artificial reef, it is made with non-toxic marine-grade compounds that attract a kaleidoscope of pink and orange sponges. You can go for snorkeling around Coralarium, the hotel’s underwater art gallery if you want to do something exciting. It is a delightful experience for the whole family, especially teenagers. Fairmont’s kids’ club is split in two- a hangout spot having pool tables, video games, and a music-mixing station for teens, and a play area for four to twelve-year-old kids. The lavish property features a 200-metre swimming pool, inventive menus, art and photography studios, bright, boho-ish villas, and a kilometer-long gorgeous beach.
Number of villas: 120
Transfer time: a 55-minute seaplane ride from Malé
Address: Fairmont Maldives, Sirru Fen Fushi Shaviyani Atoll, Maldives
Conrad Maldives Rangali Island
The resort is popular for underwater dining. The size of this place is quite huge. Conrad Maldives Rangali Island is spread across two islands and is linked by a bridge. It has as many as 150 villas along with a two-level residence (fully-submerged underwater bedroom with dome ceiling). There are seven restaurants for dining, Vilu Restaurant (Asian-Mediterranean) and Koko Grill (Japanese) being the best ones. The resort features an underground wine cellar that has a degustation menu for complementing tastings. At Ithaa Undersea restaurant, you can enjoy your mouth-watering meals sixteen feet below sea level while looking at the wonderful marine world. You can have a great family time here!
Number of villas: 150
Transfer time: Half an hour by seaplane from Malé
Address: Rangali Island Alifu Dhaalu Atoll, 20077, Maldives
Amilla Fushi
Perfect for glamping, this Maldivian hotel is known for offering the best of everything to its esteemed guests. Located in the UNESCO biosphere Baa Atoll, you can have a look at the amazing manta rays here along with the house reef having its very own blue hole (a tunnel of corals). Grand, whitewashed pool villas above the Indian Ocean hug the dazzling beach. If you want to experience glamping under the stars, then you can do so in bubble tents. You can view your zodiac constellation as well! The resort provides complimentary babysitting. Tiny tots can hang out at the Sultan’s Village kids’ club. Older children can spend time at the badminton court, tennis school, beach volleyball, and sailing. For adults, there are beautiful restaurants, private gym pods, the Javvu Spa, Sensora light suite, overwater yoga pavilions, and Margaret Dabbs pedicures.
Number of villas: 67
Transfer time: a 30-minute seaplane ride from Malé
Address: Amilla Fushi, Baa Atoll, Maldives
Soneva Fushi
Filled with eco vibes, Soneva Fushi is a peaceful Maldivian hotel to stay with your clan. After selling their Six Senses empire, the owners Eva and Sonu, are pouring all their passion here. A wild tropical spot, it is a highly stylish accommodation as well. The teardrop pools at wooden houses, treetop restaurants with Noma chefs, private lunches in the gardens, chilled chocolate room, and alfresco cinema screenings- all this make this family resort a paradise on Earth. It is a happy place! Whether you want to spend endless hours in the spa or try your hand on various exciting water activities with your family, the place has something for every mood.
Number of villas: 55
Transfer time: Half an hour by seaplane from Malé
Address: Soneva Fushi, Kunfunadhoo Island Baa Atoll, Maldives
Ozen by Atmosphere at Maadhoo
If your family loves adventure, then you have to stay at this place, which is famous for its sporty vibes. A number of adrenaline-packed action activities take place at The Hub, one end of the island. There is a water sports centre where you can go flyboarding, wakeboarding, and a lot more. There is also a pool by the thatched bar along with five of the hotel’s six restaurants. If you have taken this vacation for relaxation purposes only, then there is a pretty spa, big enough pools, intricately designed stones over ponds displaying half-submerged vases and lily pads. There are a total of 41 beach villas that are ideal for families. You can also choose to stay at overwater villas, which are 48 in number. These offer more privacy and have plunge pools that face the sunset. A butler will be there to show you around the lovely island in a buggy. When the hunger strikes, head to the health-food restaurant Raw for sushi and sashimi. Given the huge size of the hotel, you can have your yummy meal anywhere here. You can try the following as well if you are a serious foodie:
Hong Kong-style, stir-fried lagoon crab at Peking
Delectable hoppers with coconut chutney at Indo Ceylon
Six-course seafood menus at underwater restaurant M6M
It is all-inclusive. Every little detail is taken care of at Ozen by Atmosphere.
Number of villas: 90
Transfer time: 40 minutes by speedboat from Malé
Address: Ozen by Atmosphere at Maadhoo, Laccadive Sea, Maldives
Finolhu
This island delivers on all levels. Counted among the top beach restaurants across the world, Crab Shack in the Indian Ocean is extremely popular among foodies. You can savor mouth-watering soft-shell-crab tacos as well as refreshing pink wine here. The resort’s staff is charming, funny, and top class. Beach Kitchen is the main hangout, which is an all-day dining restaurant offering gorgeous views of the oasis-style swimming food along with the experience of an open kitchen. Food is outstanding here. From contemporary Japanese food at Kanusan to mezze and shisha pipes at Middle Eastern restaurant Arabian Grill, you are sure to get beyond your imagination. The resort has as many as 91 overwater villas and 34 beach villas. Some of them face facing reef-protected calm waters, whereas others face the pool. The rooms are highly comfortable, stylish, and fun. They feature decorations from South Africa and Java, rattan furniture, and handmade lamps. Head to The Fehi Spa for unwinding and detoxification. It has a jungle gym, basketball and tennis courts, along with the Milk LAB serving protein shakes, flat whites, and açai bowls. If you are looking for an extremely professional hotel that has excellent rooms, staff, and food, then staying at Finolhu would be a great decision.
Number of villas: 125
Transfer time: Half an hour by seaplane from Malé
Address: Finolhu, Kanufushi Island, Baa Atoll, Maldives
COMO Maalifushi
The resort is best for the little ones. While its sister COMO hotel in the Maldives focuses on couples, Maalifushi takes care of the next stage- parenting. Its kids’ club is great for four to twelve-year-olds as they can learn to fold palm leaves into parrots, grow crystals, and learn a few words of Dhivehi. They can also enjoy hunting for geckos or shark spotting. These activities have been planned keeping in mind COMO’s new play philosophy that aims at making children responsible and boosting their confidence. To keep teenagers busy, there are a number of adventurous water activities and desert-island hijinks. You can also go for family yoga sessions if you are a fitness-lover. The beach villas are perfect for families. Just a few steps from the sand, plunge pools and shady gardens are there, thus making these villas are perfect for family holidays. A cool and peaceful beachy vibe floats throughout. Children can eat plenty of healthy meals here such as lentil cakes with crushed avocado, coconut, cinnamon and almond porridge, etc. The sensational spa at Maalifushi is the real joy and every member is going to love the whole experience. Such a relaxed time of the day!
Number of villas: 32 overland, 33 overwater villas
Transfer time: one hour by seaplane from Malé
Address: Maalifushi by COMO, Thaa Atoll, Maldives
Who says vacationing in the splendid beauty of the Maldives is only for honeymooners or other married couples? This is just a myth! The overflowing natural charm of the island nation is for everyone. Anyone can go there and have a blast. Even if you want to explore the archipelago on your own, unaccompanied, then you can do so by all means. There are solo travellers from all parts of the world who travel to this paradise on Earth to see what it is like to experience immense luxury at such an exotic destination!
Here are the top ten resorts in the Maldives where you can stay if you are travelling alone.
Joali
An ideal resort for staying if you are exploring the Maldives on your own, Joali is a unique accommodation that was built by the well-known Istanbul-based design studio Autoban. The resort has beautifully curated overwater and beach villas. Here, you will see locally hand-carved wood panels, bamboo-slatted headboards, rose-gold bathroom taps looking like huge pebbles, and a lot more. You will find heron-and-palm-leaf printed kimonos by Ardmore as well as extremely soft slippers in your dressing room. It is the hybrid of the best that the archipelago has to offer. Visit Mura Bar in the evening to enjoy a refreshing martini, a shisha pipe, and a buttermilk-chicken slider. Enjoy a delectable dinner at the Japanese restaurant Saoke. At Joali, experience solid luxury and total comfort amidst the natural charm of the island. For a perfect solo trip in the Maldives, staying at this resort would be a great idea.
Number of villas: 73
Transfer time: a 45-minute seaplane from Malé
Address: Joali, Muravandhoo Island Raa Atoll, Maldives
Milaidhoo Island Maldives
If you want to completely cut off from the outer world, then staying at this Maldivian resort is all that you need. Here, you can experience the joys of getting back to basics. A fresh contemporary twist is given by Milaidhoo to the classic Maldivian island style. The 50 villas are perfect to pamper you in the best way. These intricately designed villas, displaying great panache and charm, are located amidst vivid blue water and greenery. You can get around the island on foot as it is a tiny one. Thus, you can enjoy the barefoot luxury here.
Located in Baa Atoll, which is a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, the resort is an ideal place for spotting manta rays, which are present in abundance here. You can go for snorkeling, sailing, or scuba diving with a resident marine biologist if you love adventure. The experience would be life-transforming, the kind that can change your entire perception attitude towards the marine world. Ba’theli, the renowned restaurant, makes use of three cleverly interlinked dhonis for serving Maldivian and trade-route-inspired dishes. Have you seen anything like that before? The Deep Sleep Mood Menu is also intriguing. You can enjoy your dinner on a lovely candlelit terrace. You can also cherish a spa treatment, meditation session, and herb-infused bath. A glass of warm milk can also be arranged if you want.
Number of villas: 50
Transfer time: a half an hour seaplane from Malé
Address: Milaidhoo Island Maldives, 1 Milaidhoo Island, Maldives
Hurawalhi Island Resort
Stay at this resort if you are a marine aficionado as it has the biggest underwater restaurant in the Maldives. You will get awestruck by the wonders on both sides of the glass. Surrounded by around 50 outstanding diving sites, Hurawalhi is the place where you can easily spot manta rays. The spectacle of marine creatures is outstanding here. Uncomplicated and compact, the 90 villas are distinguished by their position and the absence or presence of a private pool. The bars and restaurants are airy spaces and have high ceilings. The unpretentious design is perked up with discreet touches highlighted in table-tops in a mosaic of wood, etc. There are transparent panels on the floor so that you can spot fish from above. The menu and the views at the underwater restaurant are extraordinary. Tuna carpaccio with pickled daikon, yuzu gel, and shiso is a must-try! Curated by managing partner Lars Petre (a famous entrepreneur and hotelier in the Maldives), there is an amazingly stocked wine cellar that is an alluring temptation. At the resort, there is an inspiring dive team that will help you in trying your hand at various enthralling water adventure activities.
Number of villas: 90
Transfer time: a 40-minute seaplane from Malé
Address: Hurawalhi Island Resort, Huruvalhi, Maldives
Ayada
Only 30 kilometers north of the Equator, Ayada is located on the southern rim of the Gaafu Dhaalu Atoll in the Maldives. While exploring the whole island by walking or cycling, more and more natural surprises will keep on popping up. There are six restaurants where you can try authentic Maldivian cuisine. Also, enjoy a glass of wine along with cheese by the beachside. You have to spend some time at the Ottoman Lounge and enjoy a coffee with a Turkish delight and a shisha pipe. The villas reflect the Middle Eastern mood- a flounce of Turkish fabric on your bed, a filigree lampshade, a joss-stick, etc. There is also a Turkish bath in its modern spa. There is not a single speck of light pollution in the inky night sky. During the day, go for snorkeling with whale sharks or surfing.
Number of villas: 62 beach villas, 50 overwater villas
Transfer time: A 55-minute flight from Malé to Kaadedhdhoo. After that, a 45-minute ride by speedboat.
Address: Gaafu Dhaalu Atoll Maguhdhuvaa Island, Maldives
Six Senses Laamu
If you are an eco-conscious solo traveller, then Six Senses Lamu is where you should be holidaying in the Maldives. It is famous for seeing gorgeous sunsets. You can also go for catamaran sailing and paddleboarding along with house-reef snorkeling and usual boating. Amidst all this going on, you will not even notice that there isn’t a single pool on the island owing to its eco-agenda. The use of air-con is discouraged here. Other initiatives include wooden slats in the walls for catching the breeze at night, thatched roofs suspended low for providing shade, beds draped in gauzy white canopies, etc. The twig pencils on your desk are sourced responsibly. To take care of your total comfort, there is a 100-plus cocktail menu at the bar, a sushi restaurant, a cheese-and-wine tower, and so much more to keep the vibe more laidback than other flashy Maldivian resorts. And in its spa, relax at a thatched, nest-like pod for hours.
Number of villas: 72 overwater, 25 beach
Transfer time: 35 minutes from Malé by seaplane. And then, fifteen minutes by boat.
Address: Laamu Atoll 15090, Maldives
Cheval Blanc Randheli
If you are fascinated by architecture, then you will be intrigued by this resort. Cheval Blanc Randheli was designed by Jean-Michel Gathy, who also created One&Only Reethi Rah. The detailing is superb with the cathedral-roofed template in beach villas. The resort is so chic with the presence of the following:
Square, slate-lined pool
Insouciant little armless sofas
White bicycles for getting around
De Havilland seaplane bobbing in the water
Taupe espadrilles in the villas’ dressing rooms
Vincent Beaurin lemon-yellow sand-disc artwork
You can reach the Guerlain spa via a dhoni. Its exquisitely woven rattan ceiling is a sight to behold. The resort is counted among the most sensational new resorts in the Maldives. Pamper yourself with a wholesome breakfast on the terrace comprising molten-centered brownies, a cup of a refreshing café latte, and doll-sized mouthfuls. However, there may be some things that you will not like. For example, for opening the front door of the villa from inside, you have to press a switch.
Number of villas: 45
Transfer time: 40 minutes by seaplane from Malé
Address: Noonu Atoll Republic of Maldives, Maldives
Four Seasons Landaa Giraavaru
If you want to have a completely relaxing vacation in the Maldives, then stay at this resort for the ultimate spa experience. When vacationing in this archipelago, remoteness is the most important aspect. You would not want to stay at a resort that is too close to Male as you will be able to see the high-rise skyline that definitely doesn’t give tropical vibes. From other resorts, you may be able to look at other neighboring resorts on another island. So again, there will not be total seclusion. But that’s not the problem with Four Seasons Landaa Giraavaru, which is a glorious, isolated property. A former coconut plantation, the villas here are huge enough and designed for privacy. The food here is known to be very tasty. Try Lebanese mezze at Al Barakat. And the spa here is extremely incredible. It offers its guests the most meaningful experience at overwater treatment rooms and a shady Ayurvedic area where prayerful therapists from Indonesia relax you. Its 14- or 21-day panchakarma cleanse takes off your pounds noticeably. Run by a team of biologists, there is a Marine Discovery Centre on the island. The major focus is manta ray research. You are sure to get wonderstruck after the secrets of the marine world are revealed to you while snorkeling or scuba diving.
Number of villas: 103
Transfer time: Half an hour by seaplane from Malé
Address: Baa Atoll, Maldives
Coco Prive Kuda Hithi
Unbelievably beautiful, Coco Privé Kuda Hithi is available for private hire only. Earlier, it was a boutique hotel. There is an enormous master suite in the island’s main building. Five other villas are also there. Its stunning architecture features massive expanses of glass, natural materials, and organic shapes for echoing the peaceful surroundings. The attention to detail is phenomenal. Would you believe it if we tell you that the whole place is repainted between every stay! The chef is brilliant and will cook anything for you at your own kitchen. You can ask for anything including baked red snapper in aromatic herbs, banana fritters with sweet crêpes in caramel, etc. Relax at the sun-bleached decking and take a stroll in the mini jungle where you can witness red flowers burst, wicker baubles dangle, resident fruit bats, and a lot more. In addition to all this, the team of experts monitors the reef.
Number of villas: Six
Transfer time: 30-40 minutes by speedboat from Malé
Address: Kuda Hithi Island, Kuda Hithi 20079, Maldives
One&Only Reethi Rah
This plush resort is known for its glamour quotient. Guests staying here especially dress up for dinner, breakfast, lunch, and even dive school. This hugely successful hotel has a total of twelve private beaches. The super-smart stone baths are designed for two and when you are on a solo trip, you can have double the fun. At its Zen spa, you can detox fully. Its teen zone has ping-pong tables and different water sports. You will also find a cookery school there. Its overwater villas have pools but still, the beach pool villas are the best. They are immensely grand with shoe space and wardrobe to match.
Number of villas: 122
Transfer time: Fifteen minutes by seaplane or 45 minutes from Malé by yacht
Address: Reethi Rah, North Malé Atoll, Malé 08440, Maldives
Velaa Private Island
Best for state-of-the-art facilities, this private island is counted among the most expensive resorts in the Maldives. Czech billionaire Jiri Smejc owns this place that is popular for the following:
An ocean-view sauna
Ultra-modern framework
Snow room and snooze pod
A spa with experienced therapists
A nine-hole golf course; tennis and squash courts
A three-storey wine tower with a 6,000-bottle, £970,000 inventory
An overwater, open-kitchen restaurant, and champagne lounge with a Sri Lankan chef
You can see a little retro theme going on at some places. For instance, suede-effect giant-weave cushions, three massive vases, the hanging chair, patchwork carpets, etc. The outdoor bathrooms of the resort are splendid. A lesser-known fact about this resort is that when it was opened in December 2013, Saudi’s crown prince was among the first guests to stay here.
Number of villas: 47
Transfer time: 50 minutes by seaplane from Malé
Address: Noonu Atoll, Maldives
We present here the ultimate guide to the Maldives resorts that are totally worth it. There are all kinds of accommodations ranging from the most lavish overwater villas to sustainable back-to-nature style bedrooms. These resorts have the best access to the most bountiful and healthiest reefs. So that you can get it right the first time, we have explored the best ten resorts in the archipelago.
Raffles Maldives Meradhoo
Staying at Raffles by the beach is a lovely experience. Its tempting remoteness is well worth the longer transfer time. This tiny island resort overflows with charm owing to raspberry sunsets and clotted-cream sands. With your feet in your sand, while you wait for the alluring breakfast comprising French boulangerie, Sri Lankan egg hoppers, detox juices, you are given complimentary neck massages here. Enjoy a mouth-watering lunch- smoked tuna grilled with lemon oil. The resort has a modern overwater spa where Balinese therapists give signature massages to esteemed guests. Starting with the hum of a Tibetan singing bowl, this special massage ends with warm coconut oil being poured onto your third eye. The marine life here is so rich that you can see an aqua-menagerie without even getting inside the water. Around the island, a total of twenty hawksbill turtles have been recorded as living.
Number of villas: 37
Transfer time: a 55-minute domestic flight from Malé to Kaadedhdhoo airport. After that, a ten-minute speedboat transfer.
Address: Raffles Maldives Meradhoo, Gaafu Alifu Atoll, Maldives
Gili Lankanfushi Maldives
Gili Lankanfushi is counted among the best resorts in the Maldives due to its greenery, cleanliness, stylish appeal, and sustainability. You will find here different kinds of options such as beach pool villas, two-storey overwater villas, and standalone villas cast out at sea and reached by boat. It also has a private reserve with its own spa, gym, screening room, and waterslide splashing you straight into the ocean. These are extremely gorgeous and are constructed in a back-to-nature style. They have recycled teak bed frames, thatched roofs, catamaran nets strung above the water, and bespoke rocking chairs. Including innumerable vegan options, there are four places where you can eat and drink. You can also go for wine and sake tastings as well as themed evenings showcasing food from different parts of the world including India, the Middle East, South-east Asia, and the Maldives. The Meera Spa is sublime due to its Ayurvedic treatments and organic products.
Number of villas: 45
Transfer time: a twenty-minute speedboat ride from Malé
Address: Gili Lankanfushi, North Malé Atoll, Maldives
Lux* North Malé Atoll
Having a splash of Miami glamour, you are going to love your stay at Lux* North Malé Atoll. Its villas are fabulous. They are all double-decker, huge enough, and have rooftop decks offering breathtaking ocean views. There is a lot that you can do here. You can go paddleboarding at sunrise or have a yacht party during the day. Visit the art studio, try photography, or play beach volleyball. You can gulp down Pina Coladas at the beach club or snorkel in the lagoon. Modern and moreish, the menus have chia bowls for breakfast, charcoal-grilled lunches by the lovely pool, and scrumptious Japanese-Peruvian for dinner. To make you look and feel your best, it has a spa as well.
Number of villas: 67
Transfer time: a 55-minute speedboat ride from Malé
Address: Lux* North Malé Atoll, Maldives
Kudadoo
Surrounded by some of the healthiest and most bountiful reefs in the Maldives, Kudadoo is highly stylish as well as sustainable. It is home to colorful corals, tropical fish, and huge sea turtles. Your stay here is surely going to be unforgettable. There is no hassle about spending credits or extra charges as everything is included such as scooter dives, jet skis, unlimited spa treatments, deep-sea fishing, and a lot more. You can drink your favorite champagne or wine around the clock, at the beach or along the sandbank. In your rooms also, you will have minibars that can be stocked with your favorite tipples. It has only fifteen overwater pool villas. So expect even more seclusion and privacy. New York-based Japanese architect Yuji Yamazaki designed these villas that feature sliding screen doors, cedar wood, muted honey-colored hues.
Number of villas: 15
Transfer time: a 40-minute seaplane ride from Malé
Address: Kudadoo, Lhaviyani Atoll, Maldives
The St Regis Maldives Vommuli Resort
If you are a serious foodie, then this is an ideal resort for you. Its retro-futuristic design is probably inspired by The Jetsons. Made entirely of wood, it looks like a big docking station for flying saucers! The interiors also reflect a Space Age. Its translucent bathroom surfaces lighting from below and modular ceiling lamps resembling chemistry diagrams are unique. The house reef is bountiful. The dry land is also capable of keeping you occupied with a lot of things to do. There are a number of superb restaurants and among them, the most amazing is Cargo. It is a street-food emporium in a ship’s container. It has as many as 77 villas and the biggest in the Maldives is the John Jacob Astor Estate. It was named after the man who built the original St Regis hotel in New York. The resort features all the signature St Regis touches including the mural in the bar, the butlers, the Champagne sabrage ceremony, and the majestic staircase. The classic Bloody Mary is served in a seashell here and is called the Island Mary. Consult the wine list if you are not fond of fancy cocktails in novelty vessels. It also has a 1775 Madeira, which is a treasure in itself. Enjoy it on the west-facing deck of The Whale Bar during the stunning Maldivian sunset. As many as 41,000 Yankee dollars is the tab for the nectar.
Number of villas: 77
Transfer time: a 45-minute seaplane from Velana International Airport
Address: The St Regis Maldives Vommuli Resort, Dhaalu Atoll, Maldives
Lux South Ari Atoll
This revamped island has a total of 193 villas, both on two jetties (one of them is adults-only) and on the beach. These feature grey wood-effect ceramic floors, vaulted white ceilings, and tree-trunk furniture. Several overwater villas are brand new, the spa is bigger, and the interiors are beautified. Having a mellow beachy vibe throughout, its guests enjoy the following:
Huge pool
A reggae soundtrack
Colorful wooden tables
Live DJs at Beach Rouge
Surfboards propped against the wall
Coffee - roasted on-site - in reception
Inflatable swans standing by to drift about on the sea
Six restaurants ( including Allegria for Italian dishes and Senses for Indian)
An ice-cream parlor serving 32 homemade flavors like bubblegum, pistachio, etc.
Bicycles for commuting between the two bars at opposite ends of the three-kilometre-long island
If you are a fitness freak and want to stay fit while vacationing as well, then you can do yoga at the resort’s expanded spa in a grove of palms. Or you can go for paddleboarding, which is great for strengthening the core. You can take private tennis lessons from a coach or training from a marine biologist for swimming with whale sharks in a protected area. Spend your time looking at a mixologist making Aperol cocktails at East Point or in open-air cinema at the beach. And if you are willing to see something old-school-style, then there is a red telephone box in the reception for free phone calls. This resort is absolutely fun-filled!
Number of villas: 193
Transfer time: a 20-minute domestic flight from Malé
Address: Lux South Ari Atoll, South Atoll, Dhidhoofinolhu, Maldives
Soneva Jani
This resort in the Maldives is perfect for families that want to holiday at a peaceful tropical place. It was the first to introduce overwater villas in the island nation so that one can cut off from the noisy outside world. Made up of five little islets in the Noonu Atoll, Soneva Jani is a pioneering name across the archipelago. Its 1.8-kilometer long jetty has 24 water bungalows that are bigger than a few hotels. The largest one can fit ten members. Moreover, there are plans of launching beach villas tucked in the screw pine forests, sea trumpets, and banyan trees as well. There is a cute tented restaurant hub on the second island that serves delicious grilled seafood, freshly baked pizzas, and a lot more. The other three islands are kept undeveloped on purpose.
Built with wood from sustainable plantations and crafted in beautiful curves, the scale of the villas is splendid. You can see pitched roofs, rondavels with turrets, ladders leading into the Indian Ocean, and floors with portholes that reveal underwater life. You can gaze at the starry night from the retractable ceilings above your bed. There is a bar and wine-tasting space, yoga studio, gym, spa, and a kids club. There is also an observatory having a telescope and live monitors for those who want to look into space. Paddle on a bicycle to the open-air, floating cinema where you will have to wear Bluetooth headphones so that the turtles are not disturbed. This resort is counted among the most gorgeous resorts in the Maldives because of its best villas, extraordinary services, along with best vision and green credentials.
Number of villas: 24
Transfer time: a half an hour seaplane from Malé
Address: Soneva Jani, Medhufaru Island, Noonu Atoll, Maldives
Drift Thelu Veliga Retreat
This resort is best for adventurous couples. It is a sandy path dotted with bougainvillea and banana. On one side, there are villas and spa, and on the other, there is a restaurant, an open-air thatched bar, and exciting water sports. It is home to a total of twenty overwater villas and ten beach villas. These are rustic and simple featuring apple-green, wood-paneled exteriors, wicker sun loungers on the terraces, and coconut-leaf-thatched roofs. As you have come here to unplug from the outer world, you will not find any televisions. If you are an early riser, then you can practise yoga before a snorkeling session nearby. The house reef is amazing as well with angelfish and baby blacktip sharks. For serious foodies, there are beach barbecues and Sri Lankan feasts. Fish curries and dhal are absolutely mouth-watering. If you are willing to have an unhurried vacation at a stunning island, floating between the ocean and sunbeds, then Drift Thelu Veliga Retreat is perfect for you.
Number of villas: 77
Transfer time: a half an hour seaplane from Male International Airport
Address: Drift Thelu Veliga Retreat, Thelu Veliga Island, South Ari Atoll, Maldives
The Nautilus
For a great boho experience, stay at this resort, which was named after Nemo’s submarine. It has 26 overwater villas and beach houses in the exotic Maldives. It sits above Baa Atoll and is an ideal spot for rejuvenating your soul. You can try your hand on a number of enthralling water activities such as snorkeling, paddleboarding, etc. It has lofty palms beside walls of aromatic clerodendrum and polished hardwood walkways. You can spot whale sharks and manta rays here. This resort is independently Maldivian-owned, which is unusual for hotels in this area. The property is especially designed for those travellers who want to have the modern boho and go-with-the-flow experience.
Number of villas: 26
Transfer time: a half an hour seaplane from Malé
Address: The Nautilus, Thiladhoo, Baa atoll 20066, Maldives
Four Seasons Maldives Private Island at Voavah, Baa Atoll
Best for total privacy, this resort is spread across five-acre land having seven bedrooms. Raising the proverbial bar, there is no shortage of possibilities here. Its ultra-modern and highly aesthetic bar is a great place to hang out after a long day. You can explore the beautiful Baa Atoll on your own yacht as per your own convenience. It also has a dive centre along with your own spa that has a staff of 28 members. They are committed to make your life as pleasant as possible. If you are a bibliophile, then there are plenty of lovely spots where you can read your book in silence.
The resort has peaceful vibes everywhere. It has the perfect blend of smooth and rough textures. The contemporary and traditional materials are brilliantly managed. Voavah is where you can see both- woven seagrass as well as diamond-polished concrete. It is home to saturated colors and endless space of sky and sea.
Number of villas: seven bedrooms
Transfer time: a 40-minute seaplane from Malé
Address: Four Seasons Maldives Private Island at Voavah, Baa Atoll, Maldives
Top reasons why you should plan your destination wedding in the Maldives
Having a destination wedding is the hottest trend when it comes to weddings. Tying the knot in a foreign land has its own charm and couples from all over the world are drawn towards this wonderful idea. For their once-in-a-life-time celebration, love birds are ready to spend their money and time. All over the world, there are a number of locations where partners prefer to say “I do”. And when we talk about a heavenly place on earth to get hitched, then the Maldives is a sought-after name among everyone owing to its natural splendor of being a tropical beach destination. Getting married amidst cobalt blue waters with lovely reefs, white silky sand beaches having warm waters, and lush greenery is sure to give you a lifetime of magic as these make the perfect background for your wedding. Having a destination wedding in the Maldives is like having the most beautiful time of your life in paradise on earth.
A bit about the Maldives…
An island nation in the Indian Ocean, the Maldives has an area of nearly 298 square kilometers with a population of around four lakh. It is an extensive group of over a thousand coral islands that are grouped into more than twenty atolls. The official language here is Maldivian (Dhivehi). English is used as a second language. Island is the main religion in the Maldives. The currency used here is Maldivian Rufiyaa (MVR).
Surrounded by the scenic of azure, clear waters of the Indian Ocean, the islands of the archipelago nation are pristine white just above sea level. The majority of islands are uninhabited. Thus, it is a perfect place to get married, far from the hustle-bustle of city life and crowds. There are a number of luxurious private resorts along with budget resorts and hotels for wedding ceremonies.
The most populated place in the Maldives is Male- the capital city. It is a hub of Maldivian culture. There is a lot to do and see here. You can visit local markets, mosques, museums, and many more beautiful places.
The coral islands of the Maldives are grouped into atolls, which are ring-shaped coral reefs including a coral rim encircling a lagoon. The cays or islands here are mostly on the top of the coral rims of each atoll. Unique in their own ways, these atolls offer amazing possibilities for your destination wedding in the island nation.
Top reasons why you should have your destination wedding in the Maldives
Stay at heavenly resorts
One of the most gorgeous places in the world, the Maldives is also the home to the plushest and most beautiful resorts to exchange your vows. You can book any property, ranging from a grand resort to a budget resort, as per your budget. All types of resorts and hotels are available here.
Splendid beauty
The Maldives is popular all over the world owing to its stunning beaches, crystal clear blue water, silky sand, and greenery. All these provide a captivating natural backdrop for a beachy ceremony. What else could you ask for a perfect destination wedding!
Enchanting beaches
The beaches of the Maldives are some of the most gorgeous beaches in the world. It is a perfect location for a mesmerising wedding ceremony owing to the grandeur of Maldivian beaches.
Everyone will be automatically engaged
Almost all the islands in the Maldives lie in close proximity. Your guests will have time to go island hopping via local dhoni, ferry, speedboat, or seaplane. The island nation houses exotic marine species and the best diving spots in the world. Your friends and family can explore the unexplored while there and can have a good time.
Perfect place for rejuvenation
You would definitely look for some time for relaxation after going through a busy journey of wedding planning. The resorts in the Maldives offer excellent services of spa, ultra-modern facilities, and incredible oceanfront views. Before the D-Day, you can relax here and de-stress yourself completely.
A perfect honeymoon destination
For newlyweds, the Maldives has always been the first choice for their honeymoon. Getting wed-locked here and then having a romantic vacation with your spouse is a wonderful plan. Also, it will save your money as you will not have to spend money on flying to another place and making separate bookings. Exploring the island together will surely strengthen your bond. Couples, who are PADI certified, would definitely love the idea.
Enjoyable things to do for newlywed couples
Have fun at the beaches
The beaches of the Maldives are counted among the top beaches in the world. While you are here, you have the exclusive opportunity of soaking yourself in the equatorial sun, enjoying sunset strolls, taking a seaplane or a motorboat to the secluded atolls, doing island hopping, having romantic dining and drinking experience, and so much more. The options here are innumerable. It is an ideal destination for you if you are a peace-seeking couple.
Enjoy at restaurants and spas
In this tropical destination, foodies can enjoy local cuisine here. Savor vegetables served with seafood platters that are prepared with authentic flavors ranging from sweet to spicy. Moreover, there are a number of spas there. You can rejuvenate your senses and relax amidst the overflowing beauty of the island.
Go for underwater adventures
Along with trying your hand at various enthralling water activities like scuba diving, snorkeling, undersea walking, etc., you can also have a unique experience of eating at an underwater restaurant at the Conrad Maldives Rangali Island. You can also get a wonderful massage at the Huvafen Fushi, which has the world’s only undersea treatment rooms.
We hope these reasons are enough for you to get hitched on the beautiful land of the Maldives. It is the perfect picturesque location for your destination wedding. The memories of exchanging vows here will stay with you and your partner your whole life. Plan your destination wedding in the Maldives and enjoy it in the truest sense.
Happy wedding!
The best way to get around in the Maldives is to walk. Male, the capital city, is nearly 2.2 square miles. Moreover, the resort which you will be picking can also be explored on foot. Island hopping in the archipelago nation is one of the best things to do here and it can be done via ferries. You can also choose to commute via yacht if you want luxury and more comfort. After your arrival at Velana International Airport (MLE) on Hulhule Island, a representative from the resort will escort you to the island where you are staying. To reach your final destination, you will have to take a ferry, speedboat, seaplane, or even a combination of them. Some accommodations include this journey in their final package.
Walking is the best and the most convenient option once you are on your choice of island. Male as well as all the resort islands can be easily explored on foot as these are not so huge.
This way is the best way to commute in the Maldives if you are rich and famous! Gliding through the blue waters and providing access to secluded reefs and remote islands. There are many luxurious resorts and hotels that have their own docks for offering complete convenience to seafaring travellers. You can also bring your own yacht as well as a charter one once you get here. You should be aware that tour operators, who are licensed, can take you to islands that are off-limits to tourists.
You can choose to commute in the Maldives via luxurious yachts for discovering the dazzling natural beauty of the island comprising incredible beaches and breathtaking coral reefs. The country is one of the best yacht chartering destinations across the world. It has a total of 26 major atolls containing nearly 1,200 picturesque islands dotted on the Indian Ocean. Of these, only 200 islands are occupied and thus, it is an ideal destination for rejuvenating and unwinding in the truest sense. Here, you can explore serene beaches and swim in the depths of azure clear waters. A good alternative to the Caribbean and perfect for island hopping, the Maldives is a stunning winter charter destination.
You can also choose the option of chartering a private luxury yacht in the Maldives. You can do so by contacting your preferred yacht charter broker. They will help you in planning your travel itinerary and combining your requirements with recommendations about the best time to travel to this gorgeous destination.
If you want to enjoy the outdoor life at sea in the truest sense, then a Maldivian yacht charter is the best way to explore everything the archipelago has to offer. The capital city, Male, is home to a myriad of nice restaurants, busy markets, museums, and beautiful art galleries. You will find lagoons, heavenly beaches, and caves on the more remote islands. The warm waters of the ocean offer ideal conditions for enjoying various water sports. You can whizz around on jet-skis, snorkel, or scuba dive to see the ancient shipwrecks and protected coral reefs.
Take a ride on a seaplane if you want to reach somewhere in less time. This service can be facilitated by your resort to transport you to and from the airport. This exciting journey will let you enjoy the serene bird’s eye view of the islands and reefs. Therefore, you can do island hopping via seaplane as well.
The network of local ferries is not extensive. These are often late and in some cases, don’t even show up. This mode of transit is not recommended for tourists as it is quite unreliable.
This mode of transfer is considered the best and the most popular in the Maldives. Your resort may book your speedboat transfer while in some cases, you may have to make the arrangements of speedboat transportation on your own. The fare depends on the resort and distance.
Some taxis can also be spotted in Male. These are quite useful when you have luggage or are stuck in a thunderstorm. You have the choice of either hailing a taxi or call for one. The usual fare is nearly 20 rufiyaas (about $1.30). Nearly 10 rufiyaas (about 65 cents) is the fee for bags.
The Maldives is an ideal destination for couples who want to have a fairytale wedding at an exotic destination. Getting hitched in the archipelago is the perfect idea for those who are looking to have a lifetime of magic. Imagine how lovely your wedding photographs will be that are clicked amidst gorgeous beaches, palm trees, corals, and sand. It is a great place for an intimate destination wedding. Even your family members and friends would love the idea of you tying the knot there.
In this blog, we present the most important considerations that should be kept in mind while thinking about having a destination wedding in the Maldives.
You should understand up-to-date legal requirements before you plan your wedding in the Maldives. For this, contact the Maldivian embassy in your home country or your country’s embassy in the Maldives to avoid any confusion.
The island nation has a huge wedding industry. However, the destination weddings held there only have ceremonial importance as the marriage of non-residents is not legally approved by its government. Therefore, you can have wedding functions there and take care of the legal part of your wedding ceremonies in your home country.
Divided into 100 Laari, the currency of the Maldives is the Maldivian Rufiyaa (MVR). If you are going to spend all your time at your resort, then you don’t need to get your currency exchanged as the resorts here charge in US dollars and the accepted payment mode is hard currency and credit card.
The archipelago is an expensive destination due to limited transport facilities and budget accommodations. Resorts usually charge nearly USD 1000 per week per couple for food, drinks, and excursions. Airfare, stay, ten per cent service charge, and tips are excluded.
Everyone is entitled to a free 30-day visa on arrival. You just need to have valid travel documents that include a ticket out, proof of sufficient funds, confirmed stay in any resort or cash of US$100 + $50 per day. You can extend your tenure in Male by up to 90 days provided that you have a confirmed reservation for that long.
he Maldives has mainly two seasons- the wet season (southwest monsoon) and the dry season (northeast monsoon). The wet season extends from mid-May to November end and the dry season extends from January to March. Between the two seasons, April and December are considered to be transitional periods. Throughout the year, the temperature is almost constant at 3o degree Celsius. The rainy season is between June and August. It increases noticeably during the southwest monsoon. While planning a destination wedding in the Maldives, skip the rainy season. Except that, other months are perfect as the temperature is steady and the weather is pleasant.
Reaching the Maldives is very easy. There are flights available from almost all parts of the world. In case you have finally decided that you are going to get hitched on this wonderful paradise, then booking tickets in advance would be great. There are chances that you may get discounts on the airfare. To commute locally, there are ferries, speedboats, and seaplanes to travel.
When you meet a local for the first time in the Maldives, a handshake is the most common form of greeting accompanied by the Arabic expression – As-salamu alaykum. Most people here generally don’t engage in physical contact, thus a slight bow or a single nod is also fine. When meeting a local woman here, before attempting to shake hand with her, make sure that you let her offer her hand first. Locals, who are not involved in the tourist industry here, do not mix with the travellers. Maintaining absolute privacy, they prefer living in isolated island communities.
The resort islands are quite relaxed and you can wear casual dresses here. But you cannot wear beachwear in the restaurants on resort islands or even far from the resorts. The staff will immediately ask you to cover up your body if you enter a restaurant in a bikini, sarong made from transparent fabric, or see-through cover-ups. Moreover, topless sunbathing is against the law here.
Whether it is the capital city or any island, your attire should be modest wherever you travel in the Maldives. You should at least cover your shoulders and thighs. If you are visiting a mosque, then ensure that your entire body is covered till your legs. Only the neck and face can be left uncovered.
All your luggage will be scanned upon arrival in the Maldives. Importing, porn, alcohol, and pork here is forbidden. Moreover, you cannot take away sand, seashells, or corals with you as that is also not allowed there.
The traditional cuisine of the Maldives comprises rice, a clear fish broth called garudhiya, and side dishes of lime, chili, and onions. Known as riha, curries are very popular here. Roshi, an unleavened bread just like Indian roti, usually supplements rice. Papadhu, like crispy Indian poppadums, is also very common here.
Fish is an important part of Maldivian cuisine as it is an island nation. Tuna (kandu mas) is a staple here. The cuisine here is spicy, hot, and coconut flavored. As a majority of Maldivians are Muslims, pork is banned here. For the local population, alcohol is banned. However, resorts have permission to serve alcohol with a steep markup. It is only at the Hulhule Island Hotel near Male, most commonly known as HIH or the airport hotel, where people can drink alcohol. And if you see any Maldivian drinking alcohol, then do not film or photograph them. Check with the management of the resort whether the tap water is drinkable or not as it is usually not the case. The bottled water is excessively priced. One bottle costs USD 5. Also, there is a service charge of ten per cent added to everything.
It is very important that you book all your transfers in the Maldives in advance. It is crucial that pre-arrangements must have been done by you so that you can whisk away to your chosen vacation island, whether it is a resort or a local island. At the airport, you will not find any facility for booking transfers. Organising your transfers in the Maldives after reaching here is simply not an option. In order to avoid any unwanted airport delays or unnecessary nights in transit, make sure that you have booked your Maldives transfers well in advance.
Choosing speedboats for the transfers in the island nation is a great idea! For travelling to your resort island, you can opt for a speedboat, which is fast as well as pocket-friendly. The ticket fare will depend on factors like your resort’s distance from the international airport, your holiday budget, etc. You should know that if you are staying on a resort island, then the transfers will come at an additional expense. There are no speedboats available from the airport for your destination. Therefore, you have to book the resort’s own private speedboat.
You can take Maldives speedboat transfers if your chosen resort is close to Male Airport. A representative from the resort will meet you when you arrive in the Maldives at the arrival hall of the airport. He will take you to the awaiting resort speedboat. Make sure you make this booking with your resort in advance as you will not find any alternative at the airport.
Transfer via speedboats is the most popular mode on the island for commuting to guesthouses and local island hotels. Bigger resorts and hotels have their own private speedboats. Their representatives greet guests upon arrival at Male airport. However, there are many guesthouses that rely on the local island’s public speedboats for transferring guests to/from the airport. These Maldivian speedboats operate on a daily schedule. You should pre-book your tickets as the demand from passengers is pretty high. Contact your resort to make the transfer bookings for you in advance. In comparison with private speedboats, local island speedboat transfers in the Maldives are much more cost-effective. The ticket price for Maldives speedboat transfers starts from $25 per person for one way on a public boat. On the other hand, transfers via private speedboats cost hundreds of dollars for a one-way short journey. It would be great if you act like a responsible and environment-conscious traveller, and choose to travel via public local island speedboats wherever possible. Moreover, private speedboats are not available from Velana International Airport to a resort island.
There are different types of speedboats for transfers in the Maldives. Some of them are as follows:
Utility Series (passenger and custom build)
The Touring boat range is one of the Gulf Craft’s most successful model ranges. It serves needs of the passenger transportation. This boat range comprises Touring 36 and Touring 40. These crafts serve as charter vessels across the UAE, Oman, Maldives, Africa, and Middle East region.
Technical details:
Most of the transfers in the Maldives are manages by themselves. Transfers via speedboats are arranged by your hotel based on the time of your arrival and departure time. Private own parties organise local island transfers via speedboat. These operate during daytime hours. Their schedule varies for each location and you should refer to the timetable of your final destination island. Time taken to reach your selected resort via a speedboat depends on its location. These transfers can take anywhere between ten minutes to three hours.
The transfer departure point for speedboats is just outside the arrival hall of the airport. Travelling via a speedboat is in itself a fun-filled experience. As it roars over the azure waters of the Maldives, you can feel the tropical breeze brushing against your hair, the sunshine on your face, and the salt on your lips. Commuting via these boats is a comfortable and adventurous journey. For a scheduled speedboat, the price starts from USD 30 per head per way, whereas for a private speedboat, the price starts from USD twelve per nautical mile.
Whether you are on a honeymoon in the Maldives, holidaying with your family members or friends, or are on a solo trip, getting transferred via speedboats is a great option to discover the island. You can explore lovely spots like the sand band, Robinson Island, or any other place that you want. You can reach any private island and enjoy enthralling activities like snorkeling, fishing, scuba diving, and many more.
A speedboat is the best option for getting around in the Maldives for short hops. Due to the Maldivian geography and its nearly 1200 islands, some of them are connected to each other by causeways. To transfer their guests from Male Airport, the resorts in North and South Male Atoll, along with a few in North and South Ari, Vaavu and Faafu atolls use speedboats. The journey costs anything between US$80 to US$450 depending on the distance.
If you are an independent traveller, then you can choose to commute via a regular private speedboat from Velana International Airport or Male to islands that are inhabited. This is relatively a new trend. Majorly focused on travellers and wealthy locals, these services are ideal for those willing to commute between atolls fast. The journey time for many islands is cut by two-thirds or even more. Between both Male and Velana International Airport, there are daily services. The speedboat services are also for so many inhabited islands in North and South Male Atoll, North and South Ari Atoll, Vaavu Atoll, and Faafu Atoll. Private companies provide these transfer services and you can check their timetables online.
Domestic aircraft transfers in the Maldives operate across a total of sixteen regional airports, that is, the local islands having an airport. The domestic flights operate on specific schedules to various regional Maldivian airports. The aircraft takes flights during nighttime and are connected via Male International Airport to all destinations. There is a lower possibility of flights from a regional airport to another region. For example, Dharavandhoo Airport to Addu Airport. However, it is possible by a private charter plane.
Maldives domestic scheduled airline fare
On an average, the fare for share/scheduled airport transfers via a domestic aircraft ranges between USD 110 and USD 235 per adult. There is an estimated average discount of twenty per cent per way for children of one to eleven years of age. Opting for this mode of transfer in the Maldives means that you will have to wait for other passengers for the flight.
Maldives domestic private charter airline fare
Flying via private charter flights is quite expensive. The fare ranges between USD 2100 and USD 9500, depending on the distance. The seating capacity of the aircraft is 35 to 60 passengers. Groups, VIPs, and corporate meeting events prefer this mode of transfer in the Maldives.
Things you should know before choosing domestic airline transfer in the Maldives
List of destinations/regional airports transfer by domestic aircraft
Male International Airport (MLE) or Velana International Airport
1- Dharavandhoo domestic airport (DRV) Baa Atoll, runway 1189 m time 20 minutes from (MLE)
2- Maamigili or Villa international airport (VAM) South Alif Atoll Runway 1800 m Time 30 minutes from (MLE)
3- Maafaru International Airport (NMF) Noonu Atoll Runway 2200 m time 40 minutes from (MLE)
4- Maavarulu Airport (RUL) Gaaf dhaal Atoll Runway 1200 m Time 75 minutes from (MLE)
5- Funadhoo Airport (FND) Shaviyani Atoll Runway 1100 m Time 40 minutes from (MLE)
6- Ifuru airport (IFU) Raa Atoll Runway 1100 m Time 32 minutes from (MLE)
7- Thimarafushi airport (TMF) Thaa Atoll Runway 1200m Time 40 minutes from (MLE)
8- Kulhuduffushi Airport (HDK) Haa Dhaal Atoll Runway 1220 m time 48 minutes from ( MLE)
9- Hanimadhoo International Airport (HAQ) Haa Alif Atoll Runway 1220 m Time 50 minutes from (MLE)
10- Kudahuvadhoo Airport or Dhaal Airport( DDD) Dhaal Atoll Runway 1800 m time 31 minutes from (MLE)
11-Koodoo Airport (GKK) Gaafu Alif Atoll time 67 minutes from (MLE)
12-Kaadedhoo Airport (KDM) Gaafu Dhaal Atoll Runway 1220m time 73 minutes from (MLE)
13- Kadhdhoo Airport (KDO) Laamu Atoll Runway 1220 m time 45 minutes from (MLE)
14- Fuvahmulaku Airport (FVM) Ganviyani Atoll Runway 1100 m time 87 minutes from (MLE)
15- Gan International Airport (GAN) Addu or Seenu Atoll Runway 3600 m time 95 minutes from (MLE)
List of domestic aircraft operators
Maldivian
Owned and operated by Island Aviation Services Ltd, Maldivian is the pioneering domestic carrier of the country. It began its first regional operations on January 25, 2008 with the first flight to Trivandrum, India. Graduating from its role as the dominant domestic carrier in the Maldives, the airlines now operate frequent flights to seven domestic airports across the island nation on daily basis. The fifteenth domestic route was added to the domestic network. Formally known as Island Aviation, the carrier was re-branded in August 2008.
The fleet of Maldivian comprises the following:
These connect Male, the capital city, from Velana International Airport to the following:
Along with these, Maldivian also flies daily to Thiruvananthapuram.
Flyme
It is a privately owned company with three aircraft that fly mainly to Baa Dharavandhoo Airport and Maamigili international airport. It began its operations in 2011 with ATR 42-500, ATR 72-600, and ATR 72-500 type aircraft. It provides services to South Ari Atoll, Baa Atoll resorts, as well as local islands.
Manta Air
The newest domestic airline, Manta Air operates to two destinations in the Maldives- Kudahuvadhoo Airport and Dharavandhoo Airport. It is the first premium service base aircraft in the country. With additional legroom, the seats provide total comfort.
The archipelago nation has reopened its borders to international travellers and is adjusting to the new normal. The approved transit tourist facilities are adhering to the guidelines given by the Health Protection Agency (HPA) and the Ministry of Tourism. There are a number of rules and regulations for both, the tourist authorities and tourists. Every instruction should be followed if you want to have a safe vacation in the island nation.
In this article, we present important details about transfers in the Maldives via public ferries. If you are travelling to the country anytime soon, then go through these details to have a better understanding.
What is a public ferry boat transfer?
Also known as slow dhoni transfer, transfers via public ferry boat is the cheapest among all transfer modes in the Maldives. The fare for this transfer ranges between $5 to 30 USD per head one way from Male to the selected local island. You should know in advance that these ferries provide transfers to only local islands and not to the Maldives resorts. The slow ferry dhoni is actually quite slow compared to a speedboat. For instance, if a speedboat takes half an hour to reach a place, then a dhoni will take nearly one hour and thirty minutes.
Government base company MTCC operates public ferries for the locals around the island nation. It connects only local islands. It is the oldest type of mode of transfer in the island nation.
Basic technical details of dhoni
What does public ferry dhoni look like?
A multi-purpose sailboat having a motor or lateen sails, dhoni or doni (pronounced d?ni) is extensively used in the Maldives. Resembling a dhow, a traditional Arab sailing vessel, its usage within the multi-island nation has been quite crucial. The traditional dhoni is one of the oldest known sea vessels. Many of these were built with coconut palm timber. In earlier times, the sailing dhoni was used by Maldivian fishermen. Many of them switched to a mechanised dhoni during the industrial revolution.
Maldives ferry booking
Public ferries cannot be booked online. You have to directly make a booking at the ferry counter in Male city. In case you want to book an advance, then you can contact your local guesthouse or hotel to reserve tickets for you. There may be extra charges for that as owing to the demands of the local people, most of the ferries may be fully booked.
Frequency of Maldivian public ferry schedules
The public ferries operate on several atolls and islands. These are- North Male atoll, South Male atoll, North Alif atoll, Vaavu atoll, and South Alif atoll area. These ferries do not sail to any resorts in the Maldives. However, some guesthouses come under its network. The public ferries operate mostly three to four times a week, and it is very difficult to fulfill the requirements of all tourists. They run infrequently and also, there may be a lot of cancellations owing to the bad weather conditions. Thus, it is not ideal if you are there for a vacation.
Getting around the Maldives
From Male, public ferries operate four times a week to some islands in the capital city and Alif atoll. Most of them are inter-atoll ferries, that is, ferries running within the atoll. For instance, you will not find apublic ferry to Baa atoll from Male but inside Baa atoll, but inter-atoll ferry connections will be available.
Things to keep in mind before choosing a public ferry boat
List of islands connected by Male and inter atoll ferry islands
Male atoll north and south area island ferry routes
List of atolls inter atoll ferry to islands (do not connect to Male City)
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