Maldives is a destination that EVERYONE wants to visit. The island paradise on the Indian Ocean is definitely among these  places in the world that are literally breathtaking. This country, which consists of 1200 islands, is a home to probably one of the best beaches on the planet with white sand and the luminous blue water. This remote paradise is also a magnet for anyone interested in marine life, as Maldives richness is incredible with the magnificent caves, dazzling coral walls, turtles and sharks. That’s why today we have prepared a little guide for you to this incredible destination.

Where to stay:

When it comes to the hotels, Maldives has probably ones of the most beautiful in the world! Each resort usually has its own island, so before going, you should definitely check which one seems the best for you, and don’t forget while you are deciding if you prefer going from the airport to the hotel by hydroplane or by boat, because to the most of the hotels you can only get by plane or boat.  Bare in mind that each resort has its own unique features and they are not all the same, even though on the pictures they all may look very similar.

Sun Siyam Iru Veli 

One of our favourite hotels is Sun Siyam Iru Veli.  This sleek and spacious resort is the ultimate tropical retreat! Offering the front row lagoon and the the private pool for every five star suite.  This barefoot idyll, will offer you some of the best seafood, fishing lessons from the locals, pool parties and the wine academy tastings.

Radisson Blu Resort Maldives

Another beautiful resort is Radisson Blue Resort Maledives which is located on the Huruelhi Island. This luxurious hotel will definitely allow you to relax in style. During your visit you will be able to enjoy the world-class snorkeling and diving in some of the most magical places in the world. In the resort, you can find the fine-dining restaurants serving local and global cuisine, poolside bar and the Spa.

This stunning resort is located on the private island in the pristine Lhaviyani Atoll in the Maldives. This adults-only luxury hotel will give a perfect blend of intimacy and thrill. Elegant villas and beautiful colours of the sunsets will really allow you to stay in the moment and enjoy everything around you. One of the biggest attraction of the hotel is world’s largest all-glass undersea restaurant. The restaurant is located 5.8m below the sea and can accomodate only 10 couples, which makes it a really special spot.

Visit Male 

If you want to get to know the locals and see the real life on Maldives, far from the luxurious resorts – you should visit the capital city of the country – Male. The crowded markets, bright houses and small teashops are just some of the highlights of this unique city.

Watch a Body Beru Performance 

While in Maldives, you can’t miss on the body beru, which is a dance and drum performance. This traditional all-male  show is a very unique experience and will definitely become a cultural highlight of your trip.

Go Diving

Diving is also a “must” when in Maldives, since it’s simply one of the best diving destinations in the world. We can guarantee this will be an unforgettable experience, since you will be able to see hammerheads, whale sharks and turtles! Usually the single tank dives start at $60.00.

Becoming a Castaway 

This a very cool attraction and is offered nearly by every resort. Basically, you and your family are given a picnic basket and the resort staff drops you off at the inhabited island. Then the crew goes back to the hotel and you are left on the island on your own. It means exploring the island, sunbathing, swimming in a turquoise water and dining surrounded by the most beautiful landscape.

Treat yourself to a Spa day 

Almost every resort in Maldives has a spa. Therefore, to use your holidays to the fullest and relax – book a day in Spa. Some of the resorts offer discounts for early-morning or late evening bookings.

Snorkel in the Baa Atoll 

This 1,200-square-kilometer UNESCO Biosphere Resave is full of whale sharks and manta rays. The Baa Atoll is only a five-minute boat ride from Dharavandhoo Island and the area is strictly regulated. In order to not disrupt the precious ecosystem, the capacity is only 80 people. The entrance is around $20.00 USD.

Water Sports 

Jet Skiing, windsurfing, banana boat riding and many more. Water sports are one of the main attractions when it comes to Maldives. No wonder since the crystalline lagoons and sun-kissed beaches will offer you the most fun-filled water sports experience. Also, there shouldn’t be a problem with organising it for you and your family/friends, because every resort is offering these kind of attractions for its guests.

Before you go:

1. The best time to visit Maldives

Maldives is a perfect place for everyone who loves the sun and could live in a wonderful warm weather all year long. The temperature during the whole year stays around 25-30°C. However, the Maldives have a wet and dry seasons, therefore the best time to visit is between December and April – it’s the time when it’s hotter (don’t forget to apply sunscreen, because here the sun burn is no joke, voice of experience here), less windy and drier. From May until November there is a higher rainfall, but don’t forget you are on Maldives, so there is still plenty of sunshine! Also, the prices from May to November are a bit lower.

2. Have cash with you  

Even though Maldives have their own currency – MVR, US dollars are also accepted and sometimes you can get a better price if you use the American currency. The ATMs are only in the capital city – Male, so it’s better to have some cash with you just in case.

3. All-inclusive packages

All-inclusive packages are on-trend in Maldives since most of the hotels offer great rates when it comes to drinks, food, spa treatments and other activities. Also the import fees and taxes on drinks and food are quite high therefore it’s better to stick to the restaurants in your resort.

4. Be careful with the water you drink

Unfortunately the tap water in Maldives is not very safe to drink, so make sure you drink only bottled water.

What to wear

People go to Maldives to relax, therefore bringing lot of elegant outfits isn’t really the best idea, however you could definitely pack your suitcase with your most beautiful summer dresses and bikinis. Also, you need to remember that Maldives is a Muslim country so you should cover up when visiting the capital city. If you need some inspiration to find the best looks for your trip to Maldives, you can also download our app CHIC Every Weather available worldwide for free.