9 Mistakes to Avoid in the Maldives – Be a savvy visitor to the beautiful Maldives!

We all agree that the Maldives are a sought-after destination for honeymooners. The top resorts in Maldives offer the ideal setting for romance with its remote islands, luxurious overwater villas, stunning sunsets and more. Yet this fascinating archipelago offers so much for families, solo travellers and groups of friends, for instance, movies under the stars, dolphin-watching cruises and more. Memorable experiences whether you are a solo traveller or with family or friends.

The Maldives is more than the luxury resorts one looks forward to enjoying. The nation has a rich culture and a conservative way of living. Insights into this culture can be easily experienced by visiting a local village, interacting with the locals, exploring their local market and even tasting authentic Maldivian dishes. Many resorts such as The Residence Maldives arrange short local island excursions for their guests on request.

The allure of Maldives is enhanced by its incredible overwater villas. Not selecting one for your stay means you miss out on being soothed by the gorgeous views of the ocean, its waves lapping right at your doorstep and tiny fish flitting by giving you a live aquarium right at your abode. All these will be yours all day long at an overwater villa.

Aside from offering a picture-perfect setting, the luxury resorts in the Maldives provide soothing sanctuaries to melt away the tensions and bring blissful relaxation and rejuvenation. Most resorts offer spa and wellness treatment using expert therapists.

Maldives is right at the equator with strong UV rays, hence a sunscreen with high SPF factor must be used when in or out of water and keep re-applying as needed. As you are bound to be in the water during your stay select a sunscreen which is reef-safe so that you do not harm the underwater ecosystems.

Consider the two main seasons in the Maldives the dry season from November to April and the wet season from May to October. You generally opt for the dry season as the weather is conducive for outdoor excursions and activities. However, it is the peak season in the Maldives with higher rates at resorts and more guests. Instead, if you are flexible and use the shoulder season the rates are much lower with fewer guests. This consideration will improve your overall experience of the trip.

Research the resort guidelines on the dress code some resorts expect you to dress well for meals whilst some others have no restrictions. Pack accordingly and pack only what is needed so that you travel light as once you arrive in the Maldives you either take a seaplane to your resort or a speedboat where heavy bags can be difficult to manage. Opt for light cotton clothing, a few swimsuits, flip flops and flat footwear. Pack some modest clothing if you are visiting a local island.

Each luxury resort offers different meal plans.  These cover a range of options like Bed and Breakfast (BB), Half Board (HB), Full Board (FB) and All-inclusive (AI). While specific meal plans like BB and HB etc. seem attractive whereby you enjoy other meals by paying extra, the AI offers main meals and more with snacks and drinks throughout the day. Hence do your research and consider your activities and appetite before deciding on the meal plan. For some guests, AI is more attractive as they don’t need to worry about meals and drinks during their stay.

As an Islamic Nation, the Maldives have strict regulations for visitors such as no idols of worship, alcohol, pornographic material or products made of pork are not permitted to be brought into the Maldives.