How to Plan an Unforgettable Trip to the Maldives

The scenic islands of the Maldives have much to offer discerning visitors who love unforgettable experiences. Its quintessential tropical architecture, like the climate, warm azure waters, blue skies, and lush coconut palms offer a rich contrast to the pristine beaches. Many of these islands boast the epitome of luxury and indulgence at their single private resort, thus making it hard to know which is best for your needs. Here are some tips on how to get over the doubts to plan the perfect trip.

The Ideal time for the visit

As a tropical nation, the Maldives is generally dry and warm offering the best conditions to enjoy the beach and all the water-based sports and activities. However, during the two monsoon seasons, the northeast monsoon and southwest monsoon there are intermittent showers. However, being an archipelago scattered in the Indian Ocean, some Maldives atolls will always be dry.

The atolls in the south experience the monsoon from November to May whilst those atolls in the north experience the monsoon from May to November. So, you can plan the trip based on your travel dates and the preferred resort island in Maldives.

Visiting the resort/atoll even during the monsoon is still enjoyable as it does not rain throughout, and the sun starts shining even on rainy days, however, it can hinder some of the water-based activities like snorkelling, diving etc.

The ideal time to visit also varies with the atoll/resort chosen.

The best resort

To make this important decision consider your wants and needs as this is going to be an unforgettable experience. Consider those activities which are unique to you, such as dining under the stars on a warm and clear night, going island hopping to experience uninhabited islands, having a picnic on a sandbank, a blissful spa experience or even experiencing an awe-inspiring spell of snorkelling at the house reef.

There is an array of resorts offering these services and more personalized ones if needed such as Embudu Village.

Other aspects you would want to consider are whether you want to do island hopping and if so at which resort you would stay the longest. This resort would be your base during the stay. Whether to use an atoll close to the main airport (South Atoll) or one further away (North Atoll) which means a seaplane ride built into your total Maldives package.

All these factors must be considered as you plan the activities during the trip.

Planning the activities

This involves some careful thought to ensure the plan can be carried out with the budget you have in mind.

Are you travelling during a period where all planned activities can go well?

If island hopping is included in the trip plan for the activities on those islands and travel time to and from those. Travel time by boat is shorter for islands within the same atoll.

Using a resort with a house reef for your stay cuts down on time to and from another island.

Including a visit to the capital city Male

A sunset cruise

Packing for your trip

Remember to travel as lightly as possible as you need to transfer from a flight to a speed boat or a seaplane. (As appropriate)

Light cotton clothing is ideal for the tropical climate of the Maldives with flip flops for the beach and good footwear for indoors such as when you want to dine in style. Apart from beach wear have a few shawls and beach wraps. Sun hats, dark glasses and sunscreen are musts.

Other Useful Tips

The Maldives is an Islamic nation hence modesty in dress and demeanour is expected in inhabited islands.

Drinking alcohol is not permitted other than at Private Resorts.