Maldives Resorts offers some of the best tropical vacation spots in the world. With white sandy beaches and the warm, soothing Indian Ocean, you will never want to leave this atoll paradise. So whether you are interested in outdoor adventures like scuba diving, surfing, snorkelling, water sports and backpacking, or you prefer the luxury of a tropical island resort, the Maldives will be the perfect vacation getaway for you.
Maldives Resorts Quick Facts
Beyond offering the perfect tropical island resorts, the Maldives is also rich in cultural significance and environmental marvels. While you lounge on the beach and enjoy the stunning views of the deep blue reefs, you are surrounded by millions of tiny fish swimming through the corals of the Indian Ocean.
The Maldives is comprised of 1,190 unique islands. Many of these islands are still undisturbed, as only 200 of the islands are inhabited. Around 350,000 people live in the Maldives, and the major industries are fishing and tourism.
Where are the Maldives?
The Maldives stretches across the equator in the Indian Ocean. It is formed from 1,190 beautiful islands in two rows. The islands surround 26 atolls and span more than 90,000 square kilometres. Each atoll is unique, but they each have a separate lagoon. Deep winding channels connect the lagoons so that the islands form a ring of reefs.
The islands are naturally protected from the elements by the island reefs. However, the hundreds of channels are complicated to navigate, as 99 per cent of the Maldives comprises water. Residents of the Maldives live scattered across 200 islands, and 90 islands have been developed into tropical Maldives resorts. The islands that remain undisturbed are often used for agriculture.
History of the Maldives
Uncovering the history of the Maldives is a journey back through ancient legends. The people love to share the old myths with curious tourists, and no one knows how much fact is involved in the tales they weave.
One of my favourite stories is about a sea monster called Rannamaari. According to local legend, the monster required the sacrifice of a virgin on every full moon. Then one day, an ancient hero named Abdul Barakaath-UI Barbary faces off with the monster and demands that he never visit the Maldives again.
Another typical story you will hear over and over features Bodu Thakurufaanu. Listen closely to this beautiful, enchanting story of how Portuguese invaders were defeated, and the Maldives were forever saved. While a lot of myth is woven into these stories, some historical facts are included as well. Make sure you take time to listen to these local stories on your next trip to the Maldives.
Explore Maldives Resorts Culture
Because of its location in the Indian Ocean, the first pioneers discovered the islands while travelling the trade routes. With various people groups and cultures discovering the Maldives during their trips, the settlers became a melting pot of religions, languages, and lifestyles.
Today’s Maldives culture still reflects the early diversity. As you move from one island to the next, the people and languages will vary. However, all islands seem to have a common thread of superstition, with religious beliefs and ancient rituals centred on nature.
Islam is the dominant religion in the Maldives, which isn’t surprising due to its proximity to Southeast Asia and Africa. However, many people continue to believe mythical tales and practice ancient Buddhist rituals passed down from early settlers despite many strong Islam roots.
Local art showcases the cultural diversity of the Maldives. From intricate architecture to beautiful woven mats and handmade jewellery, each piece a local artist creates has roots in the legends that make up the backbone of Maldives culture. You will also notice the cultural diversity in music. The traditional Bodu-beru music played on a large drum is reminiscent of Africa’s tribal drumbeats.
Maldives Weather
If you are looking for a perfect holiday getaway where the weather won’t spoil your fun, Maldives Resorts is a great choice. Maldives weather is consistently sunny. Mornings are warm and balmy, while evenings are breezy and perfect for a late-night stroll on the beach. Temperatures average around 30 degrees Celsius year-round.
Maldives weather is generally divided into a rainy season and a dry season. The rainy season lasts from mid-May through November. The dry season runs from January to March. Thunderstorms are pretty rare, but they are a nice treat if you manage to see one! The lightning bolts are like a private fireworks display you can enjoy from your luxurious Maldives hotel or resort with the islands surrounded by deep blue waters.
Travelling to the Maldives
Maldives is a famous tourist destination, and most major airlines offer daily or weekly flights. However, you can also find charter flights to the Maldives if you prefer to avoid traditional airlines. Over half a million tourists visit the Maldives resorts every year, and most of them come on aeroplanes.
A small percentage of tourists arrive by boat. If you have a boat and get this opportunity, it is truly an unforgettable experience! You will cross the horizon and see the Maldives islands stretching out before you like a new world just waiting to be discovered.
Maldives Entry Regulations
Entering the Maldives isn’t too complicated. All you need is a standard passport. Officials have made it easy for tourists, and you are given a 30-day visa when you arrive. If you decide to stay longer than 30 days, you will need to take proper documentation to a local government office. Also, be prepared to pay an airport tax of US$12 when you leave the Maldives.
When you arrive in the Maldives, you will first clear through Immigrations and be issued your temporary visa. Next, you go through customs. It is illegal to bring weapons, alcohol, pornography, narcotics, explosives, or idols. In addition, when you leave the Maldives, you will not be allowed to take black coral or turtle shells.
Maldives Language
When you travel for a Maldives vacation, you will hear the unique language of Dhivehi. This is a mix of Persian and Arabic. Each island may have a slightly different dialect.
Dhivehi is the predominant language you will encounter, but many people also speak English due to the number of English-speaking tourists that visit each year. In addition, many of the locals will also be familiar with Arabic.
Maldives Currency
The official Maldives currency is the Rufiyaa. The exchange rate varies, but on average, US$1 is equal to around 12.85 Rufiyaa. The Rufiyaa is also divided into a minor currency called the Laari, the Maldives equivalent to US cents.
When you exchange money, you can get Rufiyaa in eight denominations: one, two, five, ten, twenty, fifty, hundred, and five hundred.
What to Wear When You Visit the Maldives Resorts
When you pack clothing for your Maldives resorts vacation, keep in mind that the country is predominantly Islamic, and modesty is essential in this culture.
When you visit islands where locals live, you should wear modest clothing covering your upper body and thighs. Bathing suits are permissible on all the resorts, but nudity is not allowed anywhere. Women are encouraged to bring cotton sundresses that offer both modesty and comfort in the humidity.
Getting Around With Maldives Transportation
Boats are the primary mode of transportation in the Maldives resorts since there are hundreds of islands to explore. You will have the opportunity to travel by speedboats and local wooden boats as you go from one island to the next.
The airport also offers other travel modes, including helicopters and small seaplanes, to take you to your private resorts. When you make reservations, make sure you ask about transportation from the Maldives airport to your Maldives resort and find out what is available.
There are four regional Maldives airports.
Air Maldives is the primary national airline, and they provide flights to and from all four airports for more accessible travel. In addition, the capital city of Male has taxi services. When you are on the islands, you can easily walk to most locations.
Hotels in Maldives Resorts
When you are deciding where to stay on your Maldives vacation, you have several options.
First, there are many Maldives resorts, with over 90 islands set up to accommodate self-contained resort communities.
You can also choose to stay on a Maldives cruise ship, often called “liveaboards”. These big ships will sail to many beautiful locations around the Maldives resorts so that you can get a diverse look at the whole country. The ships are of various sizes, ranging from accommodations for a single family to large vessels with over 100 travellers.
There are also Maldives hotels in Male. Many of these hotels have private guesthouses, and others provide a “bed and breakfast” type of set-up with complimentary meals. Always ask about specific amenities before you make reservations at a Maldives hotel. For example, some include air conditioning, while others are only cooled with large fans.
Enjoy Delicious Maldives Food
When you visit the Maldives, you will enjoy a diverse choice of international foods. Most Maldives resorts have multiple restaurants, and there are also local coffee shops offering snacks, java, and bottled water. The diverse culture heavily influences the Maldives food. You can find cuisine that reflects the country’s roots in Africa, the Middle East, and Southeast Asia.
For the picky eater, you can also find western foods. But, while you can find these comfortable choices, don’t be afraid to try local food.
Maldives food is slightly spicy but also has plenty of sweet undertones. Local favourites include savoury pastries made from freshly smoked fish, onion, coconut, and lime juice. Seafood inspires many Maldives resorts dishes. Look for fish rolls called Keemia or fish balls called Gulha for a special treat!
If you got a sweet tooth, be sure to try Foniboakiba, a Maldives cake that is out of this world. Another sweet local favourite is Huni Hakuru Folhi, a yummy concoction of flour, sugar, and fresh coconut. Enjoy your dessert with a cup of black tea, another local favourite.
Final Maldives Travel Tips
As you plan your upcoming Maldives vacation adventure, don’t limit yourself to a textbook travel experience. Instead, make sure you take time to meet the local people, explore the culture, and enjoy the stunning natural beauty that the Maldives resorts provide.
