Joanna James
This isn't the first thing you think of when visiting the Maldives, but you'll be glad to find that there are a few places where you can do some shopping to treat the shopaholic that's in you.
Located in the midst of all the commotion, Majeedhee Magu is a street market where you can buy almost anything. Items that are on offer include electronic items, accessories and clothing items. Do not rush into buying anything just because you like it. More often than not, there aren't any fixed prices. So, you have to do a bit of haggling until you feel like it's a reasonable enough price to pay. Also – unless you stay at a resort or hotel such as Faarufushi Maldives – you can pop in at Café Asiana to sample the cuisine.
There aren't many street bazaars and suchlike in the Maldives. So, Male Local Market is one of the close substitutes you can find in the country. A favourite among locals as well as foreigners, the markets offers an enticing collection of items. If you are looking for something to mark your water sports trip to the Maldives, you can choose whatever you like from the masses of mementoes, hand-crafted items and gift items.
The shopping centre is packed with locals and foreigners alike – not a surprising sight gave the rise of the tourism industry in the Maldives. While the first level is stuffed with household items, the second and the third level are for those who want to buy gift items.
Centro Mall is something similar to what you would find in major shopping destinations. Tourists and locals are enticed by the massive collection of clothes, dining options and luxury brands. The swanky restaurants, internationally recognised brands and saloons will woo you into spending the whole of your vacation there.
Those with an eye for fashion would find the place interesting. The elegant clothing items and gifts will give everyone something to take home. The vast selection of goodies varies from clothes to gifts to beach toys.
For a bit of European style shopping, you can head over to Island Bazaar – the place is considered a bit swanky and classy. The boutique also happens to be a major supporter of local artistry – the collection of impeccable hand-crafted items sure will enthral you. If you want to buy something to remember your tour by, there's no better place for you to do so than Island Bazaar.
The shop is mainly aimed at females as they sell crates of cosmetics and skin care products. If you are a fan of cosmetics, especially perfumes, you will go crazy at the collection that's on offer. You can choose whatever you want from the piles of toiletries, herbal products, perfumes and health care products. Le Cute is located in Male and is conveniently open from 9.30 am to 11.00 pm.
This is another place that complements local artists. In addition to local hand-crafted items, there's a bunch of imported items as well. Owing to the fact that most of the foreign goods are imported from Singapore, locals refer to it as 'Singapore Bazaar' as well.
A true believer that the pen is a mighty weapon, ventures into reaching the minds of every reader with the earnest hope of leaving an indelible stream of thought.
A travel writer who has a passion for fashion and a deep interest in admiring new and exotic attractions around the world.
