Joanna James
As a dream destination for beach lovers and honeymooners around the world, the Maldives is no ordinary vacation hub in Asia. Considered one of the last remaining paradises on earth, this archipelago made up of more than a thousand islands offers visitors a wealth of adventures and experiences. From timing the tour to finding the perfect base, here are some tips on how to organise a memorable getaway in this tropical paradise.
Although most travellers may not pay too much attention to this aspect of a Maldivian vacation, staying too few days and staying too long can make a big difference. As a beach holiday hotspot that's made up of resort islands, the number of things to do in the Maldives is not infinite but staying for two days or a long weekend won't suffice either. As a rule of thumb, first-time visitors should spend at least 5 days or a maximum of a week in the Maldives to get a real sense of the country and enjoy its many distractions. Determining the duration from the outset can make it easier to pin down other decisions including the overall budget, the cost of return flights and how to create an itinerary.
While the Maldives is very much a year-round vacation Mecca for the masses, travellers who wish to enjoy the paradise islands at their sunny best should time their holiday. The best time to visit the Maldives is from December to April when there's no chance of rain ruining your days. This is also the peak tourist season in the country so hotel rooms and other commodities will be in demand, and thus, quite costly. But the payoff is worth it as travelling during the monsoon months from May to October will seriously dampen your chances of embarking on exciting excursions and experiencing water sports activities.
Unlike most beach holiday locations in Asia, Maldivian resorts occupy entire islands, which means choosing the right one can directly impact the quality of your getaway. Whether you select the OZEN LIFE MAADHOO or any other resort, staying at a Maldives overwater villa is a must, even if it is for one night. As the quintessential Maldivian beach holiday abode, even those with budgetary constraints should not opt out of this signature experience. Apart from the luxuries available on-site, make sure the resort you pick is easy to reach via speed boat or seaplane as airport transfers can set one back quite a bit if the base hotel is in the outer atolls.
No trip to the Maldives would be complete without exploring the wide variety of water-based activities on offer. Revered as a water sports lover's dream destination, some of the best things to do in the Maldives include scuba diving and snorkelling. Banana boating, surfing, jet skiing, and water skiing are other engaging ways to spend time in the archipelago.
While most tourists do not consider it a priority, a day tour of the capital of the Maldives should be a part of every travel itinerary as it is the cultural and financial epicentre of the country. Home to iconic structures such as the Grand Friday Mosque, the Islamic Centre and sprawling Sultan Park, Male's National Museum and the presidential palaces make the city well worth the visit. Retail outlets and the best restaurants in the country are also found here as seaside cafes and Male street food make for an irresistible combination.
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.
