Maldives Travel Guide
Picture it: A private villa stands over crystal blue water; days finish with orange sunsets that make you hungry for local citrus; gourmet room service and a masseuse are on call to avoid any unnecessary trips from your porch; and the only thing to make you want to leave is the breathtaking coral reef and underwater creatures that demand a scuba session for a proper introduction. This is the Maldives. continue»
- Read the Full Maldives Travel Guide
- Learn How to Save Money in Maldives
Best Hotels in Maldives
Four Seasons Resort Maldives at Landaa Giraavaru
See the Best Hotels in Maldives»
When to Visit Maldives
The best time to visit the Maldives is May to November. Although you'll experience some rain during the southwestern monsoon that occurs at this time, you'll have the least company and best prices at the resorts. Plus, surfers will catch the best waves, and divers will see the most life on the reefs. December to April is the high season, which encounters the drier northeast monsoon. And while the Maldives never sees overcrowding, room rates will increase. If you can afford a trip now, you’ll have less humidity and slightly warmer temps—in a word, "ideal."
It’s important to note that some Maldivian holidays follow our own Georgian calendar, while others abide by the lunar Islamic calendar. Island holidays won’t affect your resort stay too much, although some visitors have remarked that Maldivians are slightly less hospitable during Ramadan.
Best Times to Visit Maldives»
Getting Around Maldives
The best way to get around the Maldives is to walk. The capital city of Male' is only one square mile, and whichever resort you pick will be walkable as well. Island-hopping at your own leisure really isn't an option since the ferry (or "dhoni") network is not very extensive. That said, if you are traveling by yacht, you'll be able to navigate these waters. Once you arrive at Ibrahim Nasir Male' International Airport (MLE) on the island of Hulhule', you’ll most likely be escorted by a representative from your resort to the island where you are staying. You will have to take a ferry, an air taxi, a speedboat or some combination of the three to reach your final destination. This final jaunt is sometimes included in the cost of your hotel stay.
Getting Around Maldives»
Plan Your Trip to Maldives
You might also like...
-
Bali
- Picture-perfect sunsets and temples
- Less expensive yet not a bargain
-
Bora Bora
- Another hot honeymoon destination
- Easier to reach
-
Cayman Islands
- Premier Caribbean dive spot
- Plenty of resorts and remote beaches