LANGUAGE

Dhivehi

CURRENCY

Maldivian rufiyaa

BEST TIME TO VISIT

December to March

NEAREST AIRPORT

Velana International Airport (MLE)

EMERGENCY HELPLINE NUMBER

119

INTERNET ACCESS

All resorts, hotels and guesthouses have free wi-fi for guests. While a few resorts limit data per user, it’s otherwise entirely free across the board and generally a decent speed. Do be aware, however, that on some resort islands you won’t have total coverage by the resort wi-fi, and on inhabited islands you won’t be able to use it outside the guesthouse itself. Most independent travellers purchase a SIM card at the airport on arrival. These are valid for a maximum of two weeks and come pre-loaded with data, depending on the plan you buy. This is a far cheaper option than roaming on your home number.

VISA

Nobody coming to Maldives requires a visa for a stay of 30 days or less.

Visa Requirements

Maldives issues a 30-day stamp on arrival to holders of all passports. Citizens of India, Pakistan, Bangladesh or Nepal are given a 90-day stamp. If you want to stay longer you’ll either need to apply for an extension to the 30-day stamp or leave the country when your 30 days is up, then return. You should know the name of your resort or hotel and be able to show a return air ticket out of the country if asked by immigration officials.

HOTEL

Maldives, the best bunch of islands in the Indian Ocean, is on top of the list for most tourists for the turquoise lagoons, extensive coral reefs, and those beautiful water villas. It often boils down to the stay and it’s very difficult to choose from the array of options available. It is necessary to define your budget and travel style before you head out and hit that search button on the internet.

LUXURY

Naladhu, a private island in the Maldives

Although the Maldives are already pretty close to an idyll island escape, those who crave a romantic bolt, away from the cares of the outside world, can check out this lovely property on a private island with only 19 freestanding houses! Each villa is smartly spruced up with a range of modern comforts, from flat-screen TVs and iPod docking stations to stand-up showers and steam saunas. The plunge pool will be a big hit for the water babies, and the spa is sure to go down a treat with all kinds of guests! Health-minded travelers can work up a sweat at the fitness center, and adrenaline junkies can head to the dive center. Despite the seclusion of the property, you will be within easy reach of a handful of restaurants by boat, but really, there’s nothing else you would need with all these hotel-like amenities and a personal House Master at your disposal.

Six Senses Laamu

Consistently ranked among the best eco-resorts in Southeast Asia, you know you will be in good hands during your stay at Six Senses Laamu. Located in the midst of turquoise waters and nothing else, these overwater bungalows are as far from the rat race as you can get, and if you’re seeking total solitude, just hole up in one of them, where you’ll find an array of modern conveniences such as an iPod docking station, a minibar, and an outdoor shower. The outdoor sun deck also provides a perfect opportunity to catch the sunny weather, as well as unobstructed views of the stunning waters. If you don’t mind leaving your quarters for some underwater adventures and romantic dining, try out surfing or snorkeling, and head to the Altitude wine tower to watch the sun dip into the sea while sipping on a glass of wine! With so much to do at the resort, you do, indeed, require six senses to cope with the overwhelming stimulation.

MID-RANGE

Coco Palm Dhuni Kolhu

Tailor made, luxe experience is what you get when you come to Coco Palm Dhuni Kolhu. A scenic 30-minute seaplane flight away from Male International Airport this private heaven is a dream paradise, especially for couples and honeymooners. The property boasts 5 dining options, a/c villas opening to stunning views of the ocean, with private terraces & outdoor seating, free toiletries, a 5-star spa (Coco Spa) and a range of water sports including canoeing and diving.

Fun Island Resort & Spa Maldives-

Fun Island Resort is located in South Male Atoll which is a 45-minute speedboat ride from Male International Airport. The resort provides a mandatory transfer, charges of which need to be settled upon arrival. This enormous place is equipped with 2 dining options, breath-taking rooms with private balconies, a spa, hot shower facility among other wonderful amenities. Come here to be away from crowded and touristy beaches and to enjoy the island as it’s your home.

Nika Island Resort & Spa, Maldives

The best of mid budget offerings can be experienced at Nika Island Resort & Spa. One of the less expensive villa stays on North Ari Atoll, each villa here boasts quaint and cozy bedrooms, a huge living area and modern bathrooms. Open-air dining with a sea breeze can be enjoyed at the on-site restaurant, which serves Maldivian, Italian and other international dishes.

BUDGET

Vista Beach Retreat

Stay here at pocket friendly rates to explore the Maldivian local life. Vista Beach Retreat is just 3 km (1.8 mi) from Male International Airport. Each room provides you the ocean view while some of the deluxe rooms expand into a seating area for unwinding and relaxing after a long day. All amenities like WIFI, electric kettle, flat screen TV, private bath area with free toiletries, and in-house restaurant are available for the guests to relax. One can enjoy activities like snorkeling or windsurfing just across the property.

Banyan Villa Maldives

A stay at the Banyan Villa Maldives is that island getaway at a steal price that will leave you amazed and relaxed at the same time. The place is small (just five rooms) but quiet & pretty. Breakfast and other meals are served in a lush tropical garden. The Bikini beach is just 3 minutes away from the property and they can arrange for beach dinners on requests. You also don’t need to worry about getting here as the host also arranges for your transport (at an extra cost). Breakfast is included in room cost and you also get free WIFI, cable TV, and a coffee maker.

Beach Villa Ukulhas

Ukulhas is a small island which can be covered on foot in a mere 20 mins. Beach Villa Ukulhas is a small guesthouse cum villa right next to one of the beaches and part of that is also a private beach, included in the villa property. Since this island is new, you will find less tourists. Having said that, the quality of food, the corals, and the experience are no less than any other area in the Maldives. The environment is quiet, you can snorkel in the nearby beaches and enjoy the marine life at your own pace.

COST OF LIVING

If you aren’t on your way to or from a resort island, it’s important to ask yourself why you might want to visit Malé. There are no hostels and the hotels are fairly expensive for what you get. There is also no alcohol in Malé, except for at one hotel near the airport.

Food in Malé is reasonably priced, especially if you follow locals into a restaurant that doesn’t mainly cater to tourists. On the nearby island of Hulhumalé there are better hotels and some nice tourist restaurants, so it’s a better choice for an overnight visit for most people.

The Maldives is known as home to most of the world’s water villas, and about 10 of those resorts are within a speedboat ride of the airport. Those start at about US$300 per night in low season. Room rates at Malé hotels are lowest in June and July when there is occasional rain, but aside from that the rates are usually steady year round. Christmas week is peak season with the highest rates.