An archipelago with a cluster of nearly 1200 tropical islands some of them offering quintessential experiences to visitors who become repeat visitors, the Maldives remain a must-visit destination for most globe-trotters. If you have decided to make this unforgettable trip, here are a few tips on how to plan smart as a perceptive first-timer.

A Couple Travelling to Maldives during Peak Sunny Season | Image via pexels

A tropical nation throughout the year with warm temperatures, the Maldives has a dry season and a wet season. However, even during the wet season the day is dry with a short downpour with the sun shining bright again. Resort prices spike during Christmas and New Year which is the peak travel period.

Hence travel to the Maldives can be during the dry season including Christmas and New Year if the budget is unlimited as done by guests opting for luxury all-inclusive resorts in Maldives, however, to manage a good holiday on a reasonable budget the best period is from May to November (wet season). The room rates are lower and even fares for flights to Male will be much lower during this time. Most water sports can still be enjoyed during this period at lower rates.

A stay of about 4 days is best for the first trip to the Maldives to experience the resorts, explore watersports, and even include a visit to the main Male Island.

With the unique one island one resort concept in the Maldives, you need to be selective in picking up the resort/hotel in the Maldives as most of your holiday will be spent at this property.

Island/Resort – Out of the cluster of nearly 2000 islands about 164 are resort islands offering a niche holiday experience to its visitors. Each resort is unique in its offering hence careful selection is called for. The proximity of the resort to the airport is an important factor in selecting the resort.

Sea Plane Transfer (or Domestic Flight plus speedboat) – For resorts which are further away from the capital Male, where the International Airport is located a seaplane transfer will be required. Although this comes at a premium price this ride itself is a rich and fulfilling experience for visitors as the seaplane ride offers a spectacular bird’s eye view of the Maldives as it takes off and lands on the water a ride eagerly awaited by guests using properties such as Heritance Aarah.

Alternatively, for some resorts, a domestic flight must be taken to the closest island and a speedboat ride to the resort. This is also high in price, however, lower than using a seaplane transfer.

It must be noted that seaplane operation takes place within daylight hours, hence the arrival must be planned accordingly, or a night’s stay in Male will be required.

Speedboat Transfer – Used for resorts with less than an hour’s ride by speedboat. The speedboat charge is a nominal amount.

Most visitors, including first-timers to the Maldives, look forward to the experience of scuba diving and snorkelling as the Maldives is renowned for its exceptional underwater life.

For enthusiasts of both these sports, using a resort with a house reef is a great advantage as the sport can be indulged in just a few meters from the shore without doing another speedboat ride to a coral reef area.

Consideration of meals and beverages during your stay in the Maldives is absolutely important as you are on an island in the ocean with no facilities to get food other than from the resort. Hence pay careful attention to the meal plans offered by the resorts including the offerings of all-inclusive resorts.

It is worth checking out what comprises the all-inclusive label, whether it includes the airport transfers, all beverages etc. It is also prudent to check the reviews posted by guests both positive and negative.

Similarly, on resorts with meal plans if half board is selected how those meals are served and how extra meals are charged? The good thing is all this information can be checked by communicating with the resort directly.

The commercial hub and the capital city of the Maldives is on Male Island, a visit here is an insightful experience for first-timers to learn about the rich culture and history of the Maldives in addition to interacting with the conservative locals. A day trip to the island can be easily arranged with the resort which will cover a visit to the museum, the Grand Friday Mosque, the markets, etc. Please be mindful to dress conservatively as the Maldives is an Islamic nation and modesty in dress and conduct is valued in their culture.