The Maldives conjures up the most amazing crystal blue waters and the whitest sand in vast stretches. It’s luxurious and adventurous at the same time — perfect for travelers and people looking for a romantic or an unforgettable getaway. The islands have an unbeatable marine life and the amazing part of this is being able to interact with them up close as well. It’s a different experience that will surely be memorable for everyone.
Getting to Maldives won’t take long depending on where you’re coming from. All flights land in Nasir International Airport (Male Airport) in Hulhulé island. If you’re staying in a resort, chances are you’ll have a private transfer that would take you there. It’s a worry-free option because they’ll be the ones in charge of taking you there. To get to other islands, small airports will be available to take you there or buses are another option.
The mode of transport in Maldives is different than most cities. Given its design, transferring to and from islands will mostly be chartered planes and boats. People often refer to seaplanes as the taxis of Maldives because they’re dedicated solely to transporting people around. Public ferries are also docked in certain spots.
Most of the activities you’ll be doing in Maldives would be beach related. Island hopping is the way to get around most places and this would most likely take up an entire day. Known for its coral reefs and aquatic life, diving is the best thing to do if you want to experience manta ray and whale shark season. These activities are safe since you’ll be doing it with experienced divers.
If you want to see the nicest spot, then Banana Reef should be up on your list. Aside from the beautiful reef, you’ll find caves and the most dramatic cliffs that decorate the skyline of Maldives. Snorkeling is also another way to see the marine life in the islands. Most of the islands will be a stone’s throw away from these spots and it’s not uncommon to see turtles popping up. Doing this in Mahibadhoo is a little bit offshore. The buildings here are a lot more colorful as well. Baa Atoll is a once in a lifetime experience because of the bioluminescent life. Enjoying this through a boat is a stunning sight.
Going around the city of Male is also a great experience because of its interesting mosques and museums. It’s a relatively small city, but it has a lot to offer. The Hukuru Miskiiy is the oldest mosque in the city that dates back to the 1600s. This is a beautifully decorated structure made out of coral stone. You’ll find artwork chiseled in the walls of these mosques.
The restaurants in the country offer mainly dining outside. Eating here is a great way to admire the stunning landscapes of the country. Not only this, but the ingredients are undeniably fresh too because the seafood is caught immediately from the sea.
Delicacies are also everywhere, from a wide range of coconuts, yams, and mangoes. What makes this even better is the fact that it is near places like Africa, Arabia, and India so these influenced the food heavily. In Male, prepare a line-up of spicy fish, curry, and fish patties. A local favorite is mas huni which is a mix of tuna, onion, coconut, and chili. It’s eaten with cold roshi and tea.
Meanwhile, Garudia is everywhere. It’s a soup that’s made from dried and smoked fish. This is usually eaten with rice, chili, and lime. Mas Riha is fish curry served with rice and roshi too. Depending on where you’re staying, you’ll have vast options to choose from. High-end private resorts also have a lot of options, but they would most definitely be haute couture dining.
The nightlife of Maldives is on another level. A place like Subsix takes you literally underwater. You’ll be able to enjoy your drinks while watching the fish and eels swim past. Doing karaoke is popular among the locals so if you want to relax like, try giving this a shot. Jazz clubs are also everywhere in Male. Kurumba is different per night, but each will guarantee the best dancing club.
When it comes to accommodations in Maldives, you have a couple of options. The first is staying in luxury resorts for a couple of days. This means a total getaway from the city centre where the locals are. These areas are usually on private islands that are only open to guests and staff and offer the quietest spots to detach. If you want to stay in the local islands with the locals, you’ll be close to establishments like grocery stores, shops, and restaurants. Local beaches will also be nearby, especially in the centre of Male.
Total Accommodation | 20 Properties |
Popular Region | Maldives, Kaafu Atoll |
Popular Hotel | The Ritz-Carlton Maldives, Fari Islands, Gili Lankanfushi Maldives |