Maldives
One of the most popular holiday destinations in the world, Maldives is a wonderful tropical island that boasts of white sandy beaches, azure sea waters and exotic, colourful coral reefs. Private beach huts are the best accommodation option at this tropical paradise lying amid the Indian Ocean.
Why we love it
Maldives is well known for its crystalline waters with beautiful shades of blue, swaying palm trees, and sparkling white sand under the limitless blue skies. With good weather throughout most of the year, Maldives makes a great choice for an idyllic beach getaway. It is the ultimate dream of luxury and tranquility.
Good to know
Country
Maldives
Visa requirements
Visas are granted upon entry.
Health
Yellow fever
Languages spoken
While the national language is Dhivehi, most Maldivians can speak English with no problems.
Curency used
Maldivian Rufiyaa & USD
Time Zone
5 hrs +GMT
Useful Information
How to get around
Hopping on and off ferries and speedboats is the best way to get around the island nation of Maldives. Dhoni charters and speedboats are available for hire at Male and all nearby islands. Taxi boats are used to take tourists to and from the islands in the North and South Atolls.
How to get there
You will have to take a ferry, a seaplane, a speedboat or some combination of the three to reach your final destination. This final jaunt is sometimes included in the cost of your hotel stay. Once you’re on your island of choice, walking is the most convenient option.
Is it for you?
The Maldives is a stunning and unique destination, which also offers incredible services. It is relaxed and in a stunning location.
When is best?
The best time to visit the Maldives is from November to April. The island nation is warm and sunny year-round but consists of a dry season and a wet, rainy season. There are pros and cons to visiting in each season. Travellers will experience the best weather in the Maldives between November and April, thanks to little precipitation and warm temperatures. Unfortunately, this is also the busiest time of year and, as such, the room rates at resorts are expensive. However, since each resort inhabits its own island, you won’t have to contend with throngs of crowds like you might during the high season in another destination.
May to October is considered the rainy season, with the islands seeing between 5 and 10 inches of precipitation monthly and often strong winds. Visitors will likely find better deals for this time of year (though, the term “deal” is relative, since the Maldives is a pricey location year-round). This time of year, is popular with surfers, though, because the area sees bigger waves and better swells for surfing during these months.
What should I combine it with?
Ideal for a beach flop on its own. Or makes the perfect add-on to a safari either in East Africa or Southern Africa.
