Joanna James
A trip to the Maldives is a once-in-a-lifetime experience for many people. It's safe to say that everybody who's ever seen images or videos of this magnificent group of islands has been instantly smitten. However, visitors can still get taken by surprise despite the area's reputation for splendour.
Despite the fact that the cost of living in the Maldives can be high, keep in mind that this is an opportunity that will come around just once in a lifetime. If you're worried about your bank account, you'll miss out on the best parts of the Maldives. Preparation is key, so plan ahead of time and make sure you have enough money to cover your expenses.
Most of the Maldives' 400,000 people live on a few of the officially recognized "inhabited islands," so visiting one is the best way to get a feel for daily life in the country. To visit non-resort islands before 2009, visitors needed a permit; nowadays visitors can stay overnight and explore the island on day trips. While on a Maldives liveaboard, you may experience local culture through Bodu Beru (folk music and dance), hedhikaa (savoury and sweet tapas), and village exploration.
There are strong prohibitions on drinking alcohol in the Maldives because the majority of the population is Muslim. Inhabitants of inhabited islands are prohibited from consuming alcohol. You should not be concerned, however, as resorts and liveaboard vessels are permitted to serve alcoholic beverages.
Some of the best all inclusive resorts in Maldives such as the Adaaran Maldives offer some great packages that will provide you with all the amenities you may need during your stay.
It is customary to wear modest clothing when visiting any of the country's inhabited islands. Shorts that extend past the knees should be avoided by both sexes. Women should wear loose-fitting clothing with their shoulders & elbows covered. Couples should avoid displaying their affection in public.
You can wear anything you like within your lodgings, but sunning bare-chested or naked is strictly forbidden, regardless of where you are.
According to legend, dolphins are capable of leaping higher than any natural peak in the Maldives, making it the world's lowest-lying country. There is no other country like it when it comes to climate change. While on the islands, make an effort to reduce your water, energy, and waste production by participating in activities that highlight sustainable practices.
Overwater villas, or "bures," are a must-add to any traveller's bucket list, and for good reason: they're secluded, private, and absolutely luxurious. But be aware that they'll be a bit of a dud. They do allow you to enter the ocean on your own, but they're usually located a long way from the beach itself. Some bures are crammed together in an attempt to accommodate as many travellers as possible in a limited area, and as a result, they don't provide as much privacy as they should.
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