The Maldives is a tropical nation in the Indian Ocean (approximately 45 minutes by air from Sri Lanka) composed of 26 ring-shaped atolls, which are made up of more than 1,000 coral islands. It’s known for its beaches, blue lagoons and extensive reefs. The capital, Malé, has a busy fish market, restaurants and shops on the main road, Majeedhee Magu.
Malé Airport (MLE)
The Maldives is beach heaven on earth. The ocean is the most aqua-coloured water we’ve experienced. The Maldives is truly one of the most exclusive places on Earth to travel to. The price point is medium-high…be prepared to spend approximately $1,000 – $2,000 (U.S) + per night for most resorts. If you choose to go high end there’s some stunning high end resorts in the Maldives. Most resorts are on an individual island within an Atol.
When planning your trip to the Maldives, keep in mind you’ll be on the island for the whole duration of your stay…not that it’ not beautiful, however if you like to explore, there’s only so much around the resorts to see…Maldives is pure relaxation. If you’re trip includes other destinations (such as close by Sri Lanka) you might want to consider 4 – 5 nights in the Maldives (due to cost and the islands being isolated).
The Maldivians are wonderful people and extremely accommodating…quite possibly one of the friendliest places we’ve visited…the staff were so wonderful to our children…they would always make sure the children were taken care of…one of the staff would come over during dinner and sit with the children and chat with them and tell them stories (they somehow always managed to bring ice cream, even when it was offered…so nice).
Diving or snorkel – either one is out of this world and a must….you will be amazed at all the marine life you’ll experience….truly spectacular. We’ve been snorkeling in other places around the world…Maldives was by far the most stunning snorkeling experience…I can still vision the large manta ray that gently swam by us while we were snorkeling. Swimming over to the edge of the reef wall and seeing the drop down into the ocean was pretty cool…the large turtle swimming aside and glancing over (amazing to see such a wonderful creature venturing freely in the ocean).
Waking up in the morning and stepping out of your over-water bungalow is very peaceful and a sense of relaxation…sipping your morning coffee or tea to the sun rising over the ocean…and deciding to take a morning swim before breakfast is awesome.
If you decide to book your trip to the Maldives…you will not be disappointed…the memories will be with you for life.
Travel tips Maldives:
- Fly into Malé Airport (MLE) which is not directly on Malé (it’s a small island just off Malé)…when you book your resort you’ll also need to book your transportation from Malé Airport to your resort island, which is either: (1) Float Plane; or (2) High Speed Boat. We took the High Speed Boat as our resort was approximately 45 minute boat ride (and unbelievable scenery on the boat ride)…the High Speed Boat was approximately $250/person (kids slightly less).
- Flying into Malé (MLE)…remember Maldives is a religious country therefore bringing alcohol and any depictions of other religions is prohibited… Maldives customs and immigration are overall friendly however they will require you to leave these items at the airport and pick up upon your departure (check with your resort if they serve alcohol).
- Resorts – there’s a huge list of resorts to choose from…we ended up booking Olhuveli Beach & Spa….the Island was stunning, the over-water bungalow was amazing, food and drinks were excellent and staff were outstanding O'lhuveli Resort - Maldives
- Higher end luxury resort – a friend mentioned Soneva Jani Luxury Beach Resort…looks amazing (over-water bungalows are stunning) but be prepared to pay +$3k/night
- Food + Drinks at the resorts – most of the resorts will offer a meal + beverage packages (breakfast, half board, full board)…we opted full board as it provided all meals and majority of beverages (including most alcoholic drinks)