Joanna James
Planning your first trip to the Maldives and wondering how to make your getaway truly memorable? Since this destination has so much to offer, it’s important you know how to experience the very best and here are some insightful tips to help you get started.
Keep in mind that the Maldives is a tropical nation, so you will want to pack breathable, lightweight clothing to stay cool and comfortable; cotton and linen attire are ideal options in this regard. Bring multiple swimsuits because you will be spending most of your days at the beach, and besides, you can switch them up for those envy-inducing Instagram shots! While resort wear can be casual and relaxed, if you are planning to visit any inhabited islands, remember to dress modestly and cover bare shoulders and legs out of respect for the local culture. Also, don’t forget reef-safe sunscreen with a high SPF, a hat, and sunglasses to keep the sun at bay.
To get the full Maldivian experience, stay at a private resort on its own island for ultimate seclusion and pampering. Ideal options to consider such as Coco Palm Dhuni Kolhu can be found in the Baa Atoll which is accessible by seaplane adding to the sense of adventure on your holiday. For something extra special, book an overwater villa with a plunge pool, a deck with sunset vistas and steps leading directly to the lagoon below. The perfect property will also offer diverse dining delights with various meal plans and will cater to families and couples alike featuring everything from kid-friendly activities to holistic spa rituals and more.
The Maldives is one of the best places in the world to see marine life, and snorkelling and scuba diving provide a gateway to a magical underwater kingdom beneath the waves! Apart from offering a thriving nearby house reef to snorkel at, the ideal resort will also have a PADI-certified dive centre providing the needed training and excursions. These activities are best enjoyed at locations like the Baa Atoll, a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve; some resorts here even have a marine biologist who will show you the wonders beneath the waves, including reef fish, turtles, sharks and manta rays.
Surrounded by the unending Indian Ocean and home to tranquil lagoons as well, this destination has plenty of choices for fun in the water during your holiday to the Maldives. Water sports package options at private island resorts come with diverse activities as well. Power boating and jet skiing will give you the adrenaline rush you are after, while families can enjoy tube rides together. For a more relaxing experience, paddle-boarding and kayaking let you explore at a slower pace and give you a good workout, too! The Maldives is also perfect for surfing, water skiing, and windsurfing, and if you have ever dreamed of parasailing, here’s your chance to soar above turquoise waters, taking it all in from the sky.
To ensure your holiday ticks all the right boxes, enjoy some of the rewarding excursions in Maldives. Families should not miss a dolphin-spotting escapade to watch these playful marine mammals frolic in the sea, while couples seeking romance can embark on a sunset cruise as they savour champagne and canapés. You can also attempt traditional sunset fishing and then have your catch prepared for dinner! To learn more about Maldivian culture, consider exploring a local island such as Thulhaadhoo in the Baa Atoll; here, you can observe craftspeople engaged in creating exquisite lacquerwork work and some resorts will even organise an experience to join a local family for afternoon tea, sharing in snacks known as ‘Hedhikaa’.
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.
