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About this guide
The Maldives is all about the rejuvenation of the soul. Located in the Indian Ocean, this tropical paradise is an idyllic archipelago with a magnetic allure that entices anyone looking for a relaxing, explorative, and unique experience of luxury. Everyone deserves to bask in the beauty of this oceanic destination. Travelers can indulge in the all-inclusive luxury island resorts and create remarkable memories in a truly unforgettable place.
- Best time to travel: November to April (peak season), May and October (shoulder season), June and September (off-season), July and August (wet/dry seasons)
- Time zone: Maldives Time (MVT)
- Currency: Maldivian Rufiyaa (MVR)
- Noteworthy: Maldives Independence Day (July), Maldives Surfing Championship (August), Maldives Whale Shark Festival (December)
- Best for: Beach Getaways, Romantic Honeymoons, Adventure and Water Sport Enthusiasts, Nature Lovers, Luxury Travelers
Get Away: Getting To and Around The Maldives
By Air
The Maldives has one major international airport. Velana International Airport, also known as Malé International Airport, is situated near its capital city. There are direct international flights available from major cities worldwide to the archipelago.
By Car
Getting around the Maldives by car isn’t the most common or practical mode of transportation. The country is a chain of islands with limited road networks. Most of the local transportation relies on boats and seaplanes, due to the scattered nature of the islands.
By Public Transit
Public buses operate on local islands with sufficient road networks, but services may be limited on less accessible routes. Check with locals or the island's administration to plan for bus schedules and routes accordingly.
Explore The Maldives on Foot
When visiting the Maldives, it's important to wear comfortable footwear suitable for sandy terrain. Locals and accommodation staff often share popular local attractions as well as the best and safest walking paths. Wear sunscreen and other sun protection (like a hat and sunglasses) as the tropical climate can be intense.
Quick facts
Maldives Time (MVT)
Maldivian Rufiyaa (MVR)
Dhivehi or Maldivian
Good For
Beach Getaways
Romantic Honeymoons
Luxury Travelers
Adventure and Water Sport Enthusiasts,
Keep in mind
- Maldives Independence Day (July)
- Maldives Surfing Championship (August)
- Maldives Whale Shark Festival (December)
Gourmet
Gourmet: Places To Eat In The Maldives, Asia
Vibrant coral gardens and graceful sea creatures surround the intimate 14-table dining experience at Ithaa Undersea Restaurant. From mid-morning cocktails with friends to mouthwatering lunches and private dinners, there's a view and a menu for everyone.
In the remote Lhaviyani Atoll, Just Veg by Atmosphere Kanifushi was the first contemporary vegetarian restaurant in the Maldives. The creative plant-based menu has experimental dishes inspired by Mediterranean and Middle Eastern recipes even meat eaters love.
Executive Chef Gaetano Trovato creates a delicious Italian menu with Sardinian roots at the Blue Beach Club. At this Four Seasons Landaa Giraavaru spot, there are multiple vegetarian and vegan options for breakfast, lunch, and dinner.
For early risers who love an all-day breakfast menu, Shell Beans restaurant has air-conditioned first-floor and oceanview balcony seating. The international fusion menu includes satiating and light quick-service foods like sandwiches and fresh fruit juices.
Originally a gelateria, the renowned Seagull Café House Restaurant offers a variety of classic American, flavorful Asian, and delicious Maldivian dishes. The menu includes spicy ramen, delicious curries, and unique local gelato flavors.
Boasting five distinctive dining venues, Joali Maldives features Michelin-starred menus with Southeast Asian, Chinese, Indian, and Italian cuisines. The floating oasis at Saoke by Noriyoshi Muramatsu and the special lounge at Mura Bar feature cabanas overlooking the sands.
Play
Play: Things To Do In The Maldives, Asia
Get the full island experience with the Sandbank Snorkeling and Sunset Cruise with a knowledgeable guide sharing island stories. The two snorkel sites near Malé are home to tropical fish, sea turtles, reef sharks, stingrays, and coral formations.
Guests wade into the water with a professional photographer for an underwater photoshoot surrounded by mesmerizing crystal-clear waters. The final print includes a one-minute edited video and up to 20 edited pictures.
This submarine tour is an extraordinary underwater adventure with captivating views of the Indian Ocean. The luxury sub comfortably accommodates up to 50 people with a knowledgeable crew to help port pickup and drop-off.
For history-loving travelers, The National Museum in Malé was once part of the historic 17th-century Maldivian Royal Palace compound. They showcase ancient stone artifacts, Buddhist era and Islamic royal antiquities, and exhibits of Maldives heritage.
On Kagi Maldives Spa Island in the North Malé Atoll, the Baani Spa Complex has 50 beachside overwater villas, a state-of-the-art gym, and a PADI dive center. Holistic treatments range from massages and facials to salt and mud baths, with sound immersion therapy available.
The Maafushi Parasailing Experience explores the nearby island of Maafushi with fun on the water. Solo guests can opt for a single flight, and couples can book a double flight to enjoy stunning bird's-eye views of the island.
Guests can enjoy snorkeling with marine life at Maafushi and see majestic whale sharks, graceful manta rays, and playing dolphins. This day of adventure includes snorkeling equipment, towels, underwater photos and videos, and a delicious lunch.
The Anantara Spice Spoons Cooking Class shares masterful techniques to create Maldivian, Thai, Indian, and Japanese dishes with guidance from expert chefs. Guests indulge in a glass of wine and take home recipes, a certificate, and memorabilia.
