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A romantic journey through the Indian Ocean
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2 Guests
Overwater Villa
Maldives
Planning your first trip? Here's what you actually need to know.
The Maldives is warm year-round, but November to April brings the driest weather and calmest seas. If you're flexible and want better rates, May to October (monsoon season) still offers plenty of sunshine between short tropical showers β and significantly lower prices.
Getting to your resort is part of the adventure. Seaplanes only operate during daylight hours and have a 25kg luggage limit per person. If your flight arrives after 4 PM, choose a resort with speedboat transfers β or plan an overnight in MalΓ©. We're happy to help you figure out the best route.
All visitors must complete the free online IMUGA Traveller Declaration within 96 hours of arrival. Use only the official government site β some scam websites charge for this free service. One form per person, including children.
We recommend at least 5-7 nights to really unwind and make the most of your resort. The Maldives is far from most places, and shorter trips can feel rushed once you factor in travel time. If budget allows, a full week is ideal.
Overwater villas are iconic and offer direct lagoon access β perfect for swimmers and snorkelers. Beach villas tend to be larger, more private, and often better for families with young children. Many guests love splitting their stay between both.
Here's something many people overlook: villa orientation matters. Sunset-facing villas are great for evening lounging, while sunrise rooms catch morning light. Think about your daily rhythm β if you're late risers, sunset villas keep your deck sunny longer into the day.
If snorkeling is important to you, pick a resort with a good house reef. It means you can jump in right from your island and explore coral and marine life anytime β without needing to book excursions or take boats. This makes a huge difference.
Resort prices often exclude taxes and service charges, which add up to 23% (12% tax + 11% service). There's also a Green Tax of $6 per person per night at resorts. Many resorts include these in quoted rates, but always check. All-inclusive packages can save money if you plan to eat and drink at the resort.
Pack light β you'll mostly live in swimwear and cover-ups. But bring one smart outfit for fine dining restaurants (some require collared shirts for men). Don't forget reef-safe sunscreen, mosquito repellent, and a lightweight extension cord for charging devices.
The Maldives is a Muslim country, so alcohol is prohibited on local islands and you cannot bring any into the country. However, all resort islands have special licenses β so you can still enjoy cocktails at sunset. Just be prepared for resort prices.
On resort islands, wear whatever you're comfortable in. But if you visit MalΓ© or local islands, dress modestly β cover shoulders and knees, and avoid public displays of affection. It's a matter of respect for local culture.
WiFi is available at all resorts, though speed varies. If you need reliable data, pick up a local SIM at the airport β Dhiraagu and Ooredoo both offer tourist packages. Most resorts have adapters available, but bring a universal adapter to be safe.
Quick answers to the most common questions about Maldives travel.
No advance visa is needed for most nationalities. You'll receive a free 30-day tourist visa on arrival. Just make sure your passport is valid for at least 6 months, and have proof of accommodation (your resort booking) and a return ticket. You can extend your stay up to 90 days if needed.
It depends on your resort's location. Resorts in North and South MalΓ© atolls typically use speedboats (15 minutes to 2 hours). Resorts further out require seaplane transfers (30 minutes to an hour) or a domestic flight plus speedboat. Your resort will arrange everything β just share your flight details with us when booking.
The dry season (November to April) offers the best weather β clear skies, calm seas, and excellent visibility for diving and snorkeling. January to March sees peak prices. The wet season (May to October) brings occasional rain and better deals, and the diving can actually be excellent, especially for manta rays in Baa Atoll (August to November).
Not at all! While it's definitely romantic, the Maldives welcomes families, solo travelers, friend groups, and adventure seekers. Many resorts have kids' clubs, water sports centers, and dive schools. The calm, shallow lagoons are actually perfect for children. We can help match you to the right resort for your travel style.
It varies widely. Budget-friendly guesthouses on local islands start around $100-150 per night. Mid-range resorts run $300-600 per night. Luxury resorts start around $600-1500, while ultra-luxury properties can exceed $2000 per night. Add transfer costs ($150-500 depending on distance) and meals if not included. All-inclusive packages often offer the best value at resorts.
No. The lagoons around most resorts are shallow, calm, and perfect for wading or floating. If snorkeling interests you but you're not confident, many resorts offer life jackets and guided sessions. Pools are also standard at most resorts. That said, if you want to scuba dive or join excursions to outer reefs, basic swimming skills help.
No vaccinations are required unless you're arriving from a yellow fever endemic country. However, hepatitis A and typhoid vaccinations are recommended. Check with your doctor before traveling. COVID requirements have been lifted, but it's always good to verify current entry requirements closer to your travel date.
You can, but it's not as easy as it sounds. Moving between islands requires boat transfers or seaplanes, which can be expensive and time-consuming. For first-time visitors, we usually recommend staying at one resort and exploring from there. Day trips to local islands or sandbanks are a great way to see more without the hassle of packing and moving.
Yes, the Maldives is one of the safest tourist destinations in the world. Crime on resort islands is extremely rare. The biggest risks are sunburn and jellyfish β both easily avoided with sunscreen and awareness. Follow basic water safety, listen to your guides, and don't touch coral or marine life.
Even in the dry season, short tropical showers happen. They usually pass quickly, and the warm weather means you'll dry off in no time. Rainy days are actually lovely for spa treatments or reading in your villa. The weather in the Maldives changes fast β don't let a morning shower cancel your afternoon plans.
The local currency is the Maldivian Rufiyaa (MVR), but US dollars are accepted everywhere at resorts. Most visitors never need local currency. Credit cards (Visa and Mastercard) are widely accepted at resorts. Tipping isn't required (a service charge is included), but it's appreciated for exceptional service.
Absolutely β and we recommend it! Visiting a local island gives you a glimpse into authentic Maldivian life. Many resorts offer half-day excursions to nearby inhabited islands. Remember to dress modestly (cover shoulders and knees), and you won't be able to buy or consume alcohol there. It's a lovely contrast to resort life.
We're here to help you find the perfect resort and create an unforgettable experience. No question is too small β reach out anytime.
Or call us: +960 992 7007