Joanna James
The Maldives sure is well-known as a wonderful holiday destination, but when it comes to retail therapy, no one really knows much about what the islands have to offer. Although you will not find fancy malls and high-end dining for your dose of shopping, the Maldives provides a rather unique experience with small boutiques, bazaars and markets selling homegrown items.
This is one of the best places to shop in the Maldives before you head on home. You can buy liquor only from here, the best seller is said to be a 50-year-old BALVENIE single malt scotch whisky. But not only this, you'll find a section dedicated to all branded items especially cosmetics which include Lancome, Chanel, Elizabeth Arden, YSL, Body Shop and Dior. The souvenir section is a must-visit. Here you will find hand-painted t-shirts, miniature dhoni boats and much more. Visit Spice Island to take home some ingredients to make your favourite local dish.
Located in the north waterfront area of Male island, this place is also recommended by many for some shopping on this paradise island. The stores and stalls are full of shelves stacked up with various little handmade items like small dhonis and pretty little anklets. Some of the stalls even sell unique local foods like jams, pickles and thick coconut milk which most tourists buy to take back home. After your shopping session, you can enjoy some lunch while admiring the view of the beautiful ocean.
This is a fairly new store and the best thing about the items sold here is that it is sourced from the local designers. Here you will find household decorative items like hand-painted cushions which feature the ocean, stylish handmade tote bags and handmade malas as well. The place is located at M.Karishma. Level 1, Fareedhee Magu, Male. Opening hours may change, so it's best to check up their website.
One of the most unlikely Maldives activities is shopping, still, this big shopping zone makes it all worth the trouble. Centro Mall is open from 7 am to midnight every day. The shops here sell lovely clothing items along with homeware and even a high-end spa and salon service to cater to all your beauty needs while on holiday. You can even dine at the famous Manhattan Fish Market restaurant here.
If you are heading straight for your resort island when you arrive, and don't plan on coming to Male for another visit your only choice for shopping is your resort shop. Local resorts like Saii Lagoon Maldives offer amazing handmade items that would be perfect for souvenirs to take back home as gifts. Local resorts sell swimwear, beach accessories, local food items and much more. Some resorts may also have their very own salon for some styling up if you wish.
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