Maldives FAQ

The Maldives, officially the Republic of Maldives and also referred to as the Maldive Islands, is an island nation in South Asia, located in the Indian Ocean consisting of a double chain of 26 atolls, orientated north-south, that lie about 700 kilometres (430 nm) south-west of Sri Lanka and 400 kilometres (250 nm) south-west of India.

The Maldives are known for their natural environment including the crystal clear ocean, white sand beaches, and abundant marine life. The weather of the Maldives is ideal for visitors to get engaged in water sports such as swimming, scuba diving, snorkeling, water-skiing, fishing, windsurfing and kite boarding.

The Portuguese forcibly established themselves in Male from 1558 until their expulsion in 1573. In the 17th century the islands were a sultanate under the protection of the Dutch rulers of Ceylon (Sri Lanka), and, after the British took possession of Ceylon in 1796, the islands became a British protectorate, a status formalized in 1887. In 1965 the Maldive Islands attained full political independence from the British, and in 1968 a new republic was inaugurated and the sultanate abolished. The last British troops left on March 29, 1976, the date thereafter celebrated in the Maldives as Independence Day. The Maldives became a member of the Commonwealth in 1982.

The Maldives consists of 1,192 coral islands grouped in a double chain of 26 atolls, that stretch along a length of 871 kilometers north-south direction, spread over roughly 90,000 square kilometres (35,000 sq mi), only 298 square kilometers of that is dry land, making this one of the world's most dispersed countries.

It is also the planet's lowest country, with maximum and average natural ground levels of only 2.4 metres (7 ft 10 in) and 1.5 metres (4 ft 11 in) above sea level, respectively. However, more than 80 per cent of the country's land is composed of coral islands that rise less than one metre above sea level. The reef is composed of coral debris and living coral. This acts as a natural barrier against the sea, forming lagoons.

Maldives waters are home to several ecosystems, but are most noted for their variety of colourful coral reefs, home to 1100 species of fish, 5 species of sea turtles, 21 species of whales and dolphins, 187 species of corals, 400 species of molluscs, and 83 species of echinoderms. Many crustacean species are there as well.

Yes, Maldives is probably one of the safest places in the world. The crime rate and incarceration rates are pretty low. However, petty thefts and robberies have become commonplace in the last few years, especially in the capital city Malé. Also, beware of the pickpockets in crowded areas. Refrain from flaunting expensive belongings that may catch unwanted eyes.

As for luxury resorts, being situated on the private islands makes the security of their guests a high priority for them. All of them have a well-laid security system. Nonetheless, it is advisable to lock your stuff in safe deposit boxes instead of lying unattended in your room while you leave to stroll outside your hotel.

Malé is the capital and most populous city in the Republic of Maldives. With a population of 215,879 and an area of 8.30 square kilometres (3.20 sq mi), it is also one of the most densely populated cities in the world. The city is geographically located at the southern edge of North Malé Atoll (North Kaafu Atoll). Administratively, the city consists of a central island, an airport island, and two other islands governed by the Malé City Council.

The Maldives uses Rufiyaa (MVR) as the national currency. Rufiyaa notes come in denominations of 5, 10, 20, 50, 100, 500 and 1000. The midpoint of exchange rate is 100 rufiyaa per 6.50 US dollar and the rate is permitted to fluctuate within a ±20% band. Good news: Most resorts, hotels, shops and service providers accept cash or card payments with US Dollars (USD) and Euro (EUR)

The Maldives is 5 hours ahead of the GMT (GMT+5).

However, some resorts have permanently added 1 hour to Maldives Time to make the most out of the day light. Be sure to check with your resort to find the current local time on the island.

Maldivians speak Dhivehi. It is the National language, but English is widely used in commerce and education. People working in the tourism sector are competent in Italian, French, Spanish, German and Japanese.

Yes. There is no policy it varies from island to island it generally favours smokers. But some will have restricted areas (restaurants, rooms in particular).

It is an offence to import the following items into Maldives: explosives, weapons, firearms, ammunition and drugs, but in addition the importation of material deemed contrary to Islam such as pornography, pork and pork products, alcohol, idols for worship, bibles or any non-Islamic religious text is also illegal.

Don’t

• Don’t sunbathe topless
• Don’t purchase or sell turtle shells and black corals, they are protected species in the Maldives.
• Don’t bring liquor or alcoholic products into the Maldives
• Don’t get involved in possession or consumption of narcotic drugs.
• Don’t smoke or consume food during the holy month of Ramadan in Malé.
• Do not litter the streets.
• Do not touch or pick corals when diving or snorkeling.
• Do not dispose plastic bags into the sea, it can be hazardous.
• Don’t hug or kiss in the public

Do's

• Do try Maldivian cuisines
• Do watch traditional and cultural 'bodu-beru' shows
• Do visit the local market and the fish market
• Do take a walk around Malé and snap lots of photos and selfies.
• Do remember to take off shoes before entering a Maldivian house.
• Do dress properly when visiting a Mosque or religious site.
• Do buy authentic Maldivian crafts
• Do visit an inhabited island to explore their traditional and cultural values and eat homemade savory and delights
• Do smile a lot.
• Do try and learn a few basic phrases in Dhivehi

Bringing alcohol is prohibited in the Maldives and those are held with Maldives Customs Authority until your departure. A wide selection of alcohol & spirits are available in tourist resorts, however, consumption of alcohol is forbidden in locals islands.

With an average temperature of 30-degree celsius, the Maldives has a tropical monsoon climate with two dominating seasons. Deciding when to visit depends on what you'll like to do as both have their pros and cons. The weather in Maldives is mostly sunny and humid throughout the year, however tropical rain showers are expected from May to Octobe

The Maldives is an all year round travel destination with warm temperature and sunny days. You can enjoy the sunniest skies between December and April. The Maldives is drier during this time with less humidity and warmer temperatures. It's ideal weather for spending the day at the beach and soaking up the sun. But it's also the most expensive time of year to visit the islands, and while visibility is clearer the marine life is less plentiful.

The Maldives can boast medical and dental services, pharmacies, a large government hospital and many private clinics in the capital city, most of the resorts have resident doctors or nurses and has basic medical facilities available.

We know that a lot of things can happen from the time you book your holiday to the actual date so whenever you’re travelling, it would be a good precaution to have travel insurance. Most credit card companies have affordable options so feel free to call your bank to ask about those.

All travellers to Maldives must be in possession of a valid passport no less than 6 months of time prior to expiration and travel documents. Visitors with this documentation will be issued with tourist visas on arrival (VOA) for a period of 30 day, free of charge.

Maldives already has 14 airports, including five international airports. These include: the international airports from the Velaana International Airport, Hanimaadhoo International Airport, Gan International Airport, Villa International Airport, Maafaru International Airport, and domestic airports at Baa Dharavandhoo, Raa Ifuru, Th Thimarafushi, Dhaalu Kudahuvadhoo, Gaaf Alif Kooddoo, Gaaf Dhaal Kaadedhoo, Laamu Kadhdhoo, Haa Dhaal Kulhudhuhfushi, and Gn. Fuvahmulah airport.

You will arrive to Velana International Airport (Male airport, MLE), the main airport in the Maldives. Major carriers such as Emirates, Qatar, Turkish Airlines, Sri Lankan Airlines, Singapore Airlines, Cathay Pacific and many other European carriers usually operate to the Male airport frequently.

Emirates, SriLankan Airlines, Saudia, Qatar Airways, Cathay Pacific, China Eastern, Turkish Airlines, Air India, China Southern, Singapore Airlines, Aeroflot, Korean Air, Etihad Airways, Thai Airways, Air Asia

Velana International Airport, better known as Malé (MLE) is the main airport of the Maldives. Located in the North Malé Atoll, the country's main transport hub stretches the only runway on the island of Hulhule, 10 minutes by boat from the capital of the Maldives. Linked by shedule direct flights to major cities of southeast Asia, Europe and the Middle East Malé airport accepts Etihad Airways, Aeroflot, Air Asia,Emirates, Sri Lankan, Singapore Airlines, Bangkok airways and many others.

You can buy a SIM card from any operator (and you must) right at the Malé airport. The sales office is located in the so-called business center. After the exit the luggage claim area at once turn right and the both the offices of Dhiraagu and Ooreedoo will be on your right-hand side. Also, the operators' offices are on the inhabited islands, and even in the hotel it is not difficult to buy a sim card. The resort's staff actively (though not very legally) is engaged in their sale, from the room-boy you can buy and replenish vouchers (oddly enough at cost).

Each luxury resort takes major credit cards including Visa, Amex and MasterCard. A week holiday could easily run up a tab of over US$2000, so ensure your credit limit can stand it. Guesthouses also accept major credit cards, but do double-check this with yours before you travel. You will want to confirm with your hotel before you travel that your particular credit card is accepted, however most users of Visa, MasterCard, and American Express will have no problem.

ATMs can be found easily in Male city and at the Velana International airport, and nearly all allow you to withdraw funds from international accounts. They're also now commonly found on inhabited islands, particularly the bigger ones. That said, in many cases there is only one ATM on each island, so it's never ideal to be reliant on them.

Be aware that there are restrictions on changing rufiyaa into foreign currency. If you take out cash in rufiyaa from an ATM, you won’t be able to change the remainder back into US dollars or any other foreign currency. Therefore if you need lots of local currency, exchange foreign cash for rufiyaa at a bank and keep the receipt to be allowed to change the remainder back at the airport.

The Maldives is a unique destination and is worth every penny there is obviously a huge investment to set up a high quality hotel on a tiny desert island in a remote location, everything needs to be imported, staff need to live on the island and water needs to be produced by desalination which has a very high cost most resorts have about the same number off staff as guests that it can accommodate all of this will make prices higher.

Exceedingly expensive, and becoming more so by the year. It is worth noting that there are a range of private island resorts some of which only billionaires need apply and others that actually offer great value you can get a week outside of high season May- November including flights from about USD1500 per person. Food and drinks prices at more reasonable resorts are equivalent or less than hotel prices in the USA, U.K., Bora Bora, Bali etc

In the Maldives US Dollar is like a second currency, you dont necessarily need to go bank to exchange as all resorts and many local shops accept USD. However the rate may vary, resorts mostly use the daily updated rates from Bank of Maldives. After USD, the second best currency to bring Maldives is Euro and Sterling Pounds which you can use at resorts or have to go bank to exchange.

Although you are free to enter or leave Maldives with cash amounting less than USD 30,000, it is better to carry as little as possible and use cards wherever possible. You might get robbed or pick-pocketed, so take precautions.

Yes, it is worth it. The most of travellers choose to go to the Maldives twice a year due to the amazing water and sea life, fantastic resorts, beautiful beaches and friendly professional staff. Also, you do not have to stay for many days You can combine your trip with a more budget destination nearby such as Sri Lanka. You get what you pay for though and resorts are self rated so a cheaper 5 star resort may feel like a 4 star resort but cannot believe a 5 star feels like a 3 star.

If you want to escape a high costs and the crowds, the best time to visit the Maldives is from May to November. While there is some rain, the storms move quickly and won't ruin an entire day. This period is also low season for the islands. Prices at resorts will be at their lowest and crowds to a minimum.

Unless you are not diver & deep-sea angler, Maldives is perfect for a short stay instead of a long one. 4 to 5 days is usually sufficient if staying in one hotel and perhaps 7 days if 2 hotels. Opt for quality vacation rather than quantity when in the Maldives.

You can book a trip directly through the hotel or use online hotel reservation services such as: booking.com, agoda, expedia etc, or with a tour agent.

A valid passport, sun block, summer clothes, flip flops, and a underwater camera are all you need! With warm tropical weather throughout the year, it’s best to pack light cotton garments, linen wear, t-shirts and shorts for your Maldives holiday. There’s no need to bring heels definitely aren’t needed here since you won’t be wearing them once you’re at the resort. For footwear, flip flops and sandals will do just fine! Some of the essentials will include your swimsuits, trunks, sun screen and bikinis, everything you need to hit the beach to soak up the tropical sun. A pair of sunglasses and a hat will also come in handy. Fancy dinners may call for more than your swim wear so do pack a couple of casual clothes. Night time strolls along the beach may get a little nippy so bring a shawl or light jacket if you must.

When visiting local inhabited islands or the capital city of Male’, it is important to be mindful to dress conservatively as to respect the local culture and religious norms. Ladies are advised to cover their shoulders and thighs, and if visiting a mosque, it is customary to cover your hair as a show of respect.

Prices in the Maldives are not inclusive of 10% service charge and 12% GST (government tax). There is an additional USD 6 per person per night Green Tax for food and beverages, transfers and other resort facilities, such as the spa. Price is subject to change.

Tipping is not very common in Maldives. It is prohibited at the airport and discouraged at hotels and restaurants, as most have already added a 10% service charge to the bill. But you can tip at your own discretion.

Voltage in Maldives is 110 or 220 volts, depending on your location. Most of the rooms are equipped with UK 3-pin sockets. Continental European plugs will also fit. An adapter is recommended for using appliances you bring with you. Most major luxury hotels provide hair dryers and other amenities.

No, unfortunately, your furry little pals are not allowed in the Maldives. Prior permission and communication is required with your local agent in Maldives, dogs are only allowed in boats and liveaboards, it will not be allowed on land, except during arrival and departure at the airport.

The ultimate ‘flop and drop’ and honeymoon destination, the Maldives is the playground for the most amazing and finest utilization of each second of this extremely valuable and hopeful time with each other in total isolation and seclusion.

The first thing to keep in mind is where you are traveling from. The Maldives is more accessible from Europe and Africa than Bora Bora is, but if you are based in the United States then Bora Bora is the better option.

Although Bora Bora and Maldives experience different seasonality; both destinations can be visited year-round. Both places are a very luxurious, expensive choice for a honeymoon or family vacation. But, Bora Bora tends to be more expensive than the Maldives, especially when it comes to food and drinks. If you choose the Maldives you will experience some of the best marine life viewings, both above and below the water.

Bora Bora is famous for its luxury resorts, but there are not too many choices there. The Maldives has a bit more variety including similar luxury resorts that take up entire islands and have overwater bungalows, and there are more budget options available with several different price points. In general, you will find The Maldives to have more affordable accommodations.

Yes, it's illegal. The reason for that is because the seashells are needed by the very-much alive animals such as hermit crabs to live in, and the dead coral breaks down into the powder soft white sand that the Maldives is so famous for.

Drone use is completely banned acrossIn many areas of the Maldives (such as luxury resorts). Each resort has their own drone policy. However, most of the resorts allow drones on designated areas of the island due to privacy concerns. The resort will assist you find the most picturesque areas on the island for the perfect video shoot. Some resorts however do not encourage or has a no-drone policy.

The unique location of this island nation means that to get your exclusive resort you will need to make a sea cruise or flight from airport. A domestic flight, speedboat or seaplane transfer – depending on where your resort is located – to get you out to your island paradise.

Island transfer time depends on the selected hotel. Speed boat transfers can be as short as 10 minutes or as long as 60 minutes. Seaplane transfers usually take from 30 minutes to 1 hour. Please refer to the hotel transfer detail page for more information.

Speed boat transfers operate 24 hours per day. These transfers will be arranged by the hotel based on your arrival/departure time.

Seaplanes operate from 6:00 a.m. until 4:30 p.m., 7 days per week. However, schedules vary depending on the arrival and departure times of all guests on that given day. You must arrive into Male before 3:30 p.m. in order to catch a same day Seaplane transfer. Seaplane Carriers are independent operators which provide the resort with schedules in the evening prior to arrival and departures. As such, all schedule timing are solely at the discretion of the seaplane management. Each passenger may carry 20kg of checked luggage and 5kg of hand luggage. Any excess thereof is subject to the additional fees to be paid direct to the seaplane operator. The Carrier does not guarantee to transport baggage on the same flight as the passengers and reserves the right to refuse carriage of out-sized items as well as restricted articles and dangerous goods.

After landing, immigration and customs formalities you will enter the arrival hall where resorts and tour operators have their own counters or representatives. If you have booked a seaplane directly through the hotel, show your voucher, or find your tour operator if you booked a tour.

After checking your documents, the resort airport representative will point you in the right direction, or they will personally transfer to the TMA registration desk. After registering and unloading your luggage, you will be invited to a minibus with air conditioning, which delivers passengers to the TMA terminal.

Most hotels will provide representatives, to greet you at the airport arrival hall. If this is not the case, please approach the hotel contact counter in the airport arrival hall.

It is approximately 50m walking distance from the airport arrival hall. The ferry pier for speed boat transfers is just outside the arrival hall.

Check-in for Seaplane transfers is located at the arrival hall. A shuttle bus will bring you to the Seaplane terminal. Travel time is approximately 10-15 minutes.

Available for those located relatively close to Male Airport, speedboat transfers are designed for transportation on short distances (usually up to 2 hours). On arrival, you will be greeted by Male airport representative who will escort you to jetty for that luxury speedboat transfer.

Speedboats operate 24 hours per day and transfers are priced between $25-80USD per person dependent on the distance to be traveled.. These transfers will be arranged by the hotel based on your arrival/departure time.

No. Seaplanes only operate during daylight hours usually between 6am – 4pm. Please make sure to coordinate with your Destination Specialist regarding your transfers.

If your international flight arrives before/after the operating hours, you will be required to stay overnight in Male and get the earliest flight out the next day. We recommend booking a hotel within close proximity to the airport.

Domestic flight may be required to travel from Male international airport to a local airport located next to the island you have chosen. Domestic airplane Operate 24 hours per day. All Transfer will be combine and schedule Transfer according to you international Arrival and departure flight. Each passenger may carry 20kg of checked luggage and 5kg of hand luggage. It is not advisable to book air tickets online on airline websites, as the ticket price will be at least twice as expensive.

Each passenger may carry 20kg of checked luggage and 5kg of hand luggage. It is not advisable to book air tickets online on airline websites, as the ticket price will be at least twice as expensive.

Arrival/departure date and time are required to ensure proper scheduling of transfers to and from the resort, for all guests.

If you don’t have your flight details at the time of the booking, please contact your hotel Customer Support , no later than 3 days prior to your arrival in order to ensure transfers to and from the hotel are properly arranged.

As the Maldives is an island nation, seaplanes and speed boats serve as taxis to your destination. Without this service, getting to your hotel is not possible.

Please note: these island transfers are coordinated by your hotel. All costs associated with this transfer service will be payable to the hotel at either check-in or check-out.

Please contact your hotel Customer Support, 48 hours prior to your check-in date. All island transportation will be arranged as per your arrival time at the airport.

If the city hotel you book does not include airport transfers, there is a ferry located at the pier just outside the arrival hall. The trip costs USD 1.00 and takes approximately 15 minutes. Taxis are available once you arrive but most hotels are within walking distance from the arrival point. Alternatively, if the hotel provides transfers, their representative will meet you at the airport.

In the arrival hall of Male Airport, you may proceed to the contact counter of your hotel for further assistance. If there is no designated contact counter for your hotel, please call Booking/Agoda/Expedia Customer Support. The phone number is listed on your hotel voucher.

All resort transfers are roundtrip. Please ensure that both arrival and departure flight details are noted on your booking to ensure that your hotel arranges your transfers accordingly.

When the sad time comes for you to leave an island, the staff will inform you of your transfer times one day prior to your departure date. Once the Seaplane Company or the Domestic Airline finalises the timings, a resort's staff will deliver a departure letter to your villa.

As much as possible, your resort will whisk you right away to their island as soon as you land but depending on the proximity of your chosen property there may be some waiting time involved. Speedboat transfers are the best option for people who have no time to waste or are on shorter vacation days since they have their own transfers that can get you – depending on guest arrivals, there might be a wait time of 20 – 30 minutes, but that rarely happens. Seaplane transfers may have a wait time of up to an hour depending on arrivals as well since they group guests going to certain atolls together based on their international flight arrival or departure.

A resort island is a private island that contains accomodation, restaurants, spa, tourist attractions, and its amenities. All the Maldives resorts are self-contained. Everything needed is brought in from the outside world, and in the vast majority of cases there is nothing on the island apart from the resort. Maldives is considered to have the best island resorts, which have become famous among the top celebrities and travellers around the world. 'Luxury getaway' is the term to best describe the Maldives.

Your first and main thing is to choose atoll and hotel - according to your preferences, whether it's a honeymoon, diving, snorkling or family vacation. One major factor in choosing a resort is its distance from the Male airport, and from local attractions. Given that in the Maldives 'one private island - one resort' the wrong choice can spoil you the full experience. If you’re first time im Maldives and unsure about your upcoming trip, this section will put you at ease.

The most luxurious hotels in the Maldives take full advantage of the fact that they are perfectly located in one of the world's most beautiful destination, which is visually stunning with crystal clear waters, white beaches and abundant marine life. All these 5-star resorts offer award-winning restaurants, exceptional service and superb facilities and spectacular surroundings suitable for honeymooners, families, beach lovers and divers. But note that at more economically priced properties, the sun, sand and sea are pretty much the same as at the high-end ones.

Check out our selection of the best Maldives most luxurious hotels

Any of these romantic resorts in Maldives can serve as the perfect backdrop to your honeymoon or romantic getaway on the island. This resorts usually offer more space and a greater sense of privacy compared to regular resort rooms, making them ideal choices for lovebirds looking for some quality time together.

Nothing says luxury travel quite like a trip to the Maldives and it’s little wonder that the A-list seem to flock to these islands on the daily. If you really want to travel like the rich and famous, booking an over-water villa with pool is an absolute must. So out of all the islands, where do the Rich and Famous Go in the Maldives? Good news is that we have a list below that consists of 10 best resorts where You are sure to spot one of your favorite A-lister!

The Maldives is sprinkled with some of the most beautiful beaches in the world. But an experienced visitor knows that the best of them do not have clear borderline. The following islands, all have clean, white, fine as flour sand, beautifully embracing the round "emerald" of tropical vegetation. And all because their beaches remained untouched.

Surprisingly, for such a romantic destination as Maldives, adult-only hotels are very rare. In fact, any resort is suitable for couples and only ones is devoted to holiday without children. But which an island without children is the best and with good diving, surfing and snorkeling in the Maldives? We have compiled a list of 10 fantastic resorts where you probably rarely meet any family, at least in certain resort areas.

The Maldives is a place where most honeymooners go due to its romantic ambiance, blue calm waters, white sandy beaches and the best overwater bungalows, but family travel is increasingly on the upswing. The paradise islands is becoming more and more popular for families, even those with babies and toddlers, wanting island-living at its best, year round sunshine, warm water, watersports, top dive sites and a safe environment. The Maldives is reinventing itself as a family destination – and now's the time to go. Read More

Beach Villa

Pros: The beach villas give you direct access to the beach. Some beach villas have private garden meaning extra privacy. Some beach villas have outdoor bathrooms in walled gardens and private pools making it more romantic. Easy access to all island facilities yet still quite secluded. You can move your sun bed around depending on the movement of the sun

Cons: Having a private garden can cause obstructed views. other guests can walk past your beach making it less private. However if you have your own garden then it will help prevent this. You might be able to hear unwanted noises from people passing by your villa or from the resort’s bars and restaurants

Over-water Villa

Pros: Tend to be quite private. You can enjoy uninterrupted views of the sea. Some people feel water villas are more romantic. Some water villas have glass-panelled floors, which means you can watch the sea life beneath you. There is direct access to the sea and house reef snorkeling. You can relax on your own personal lounge deck with a pool and sun beds. Some water villas have a small artificial sand beach on the sun deck.

Cons: Water villas can be a long way from the resort’s main facilities such as the restaurants and bars. They can be poorly lit at night. Your personal lounge deck might not be facing the sun and therefore might be in the shade half the time. At low tides the water beneath you can be too shallow to get into the ocean or see the sealife beneath you. The steps leading into the ocean can be made out of steel making them slippery to climb in and out of the water. In most cases, for safety reasons, accommodation with small children is prohibited in water villas.

If you are having trouble deciding on whether to opt for a luxurious beach villa or a magnificent water villa then you have come to the right place. Whether you are looking for an overwater bungalow surrounded by crystal clear blue water or an exclusive beach villa with pool in a luxury Maldives resorts, we can help you find the right accommodation option for your desires and budget. Read More

In the Maldives the reefs form when corals grow in shallow water as fringing reefs close to the smaller islands. The corals will continue to push upward and outward well after the volcanic island is completely submerged. Over time, a lagoon forms between the corals and the sinking island and a house reef forms around the lagoon.

The lagoon forms over the volcanic crater or caldera while the higher rim remains above water or at shallow depths that permit the coral to grow and form the reefs. Eventually, the island is completely submerged and only the lagoon and ring of corals remains. Read More

Overwater Lagoon Villa differs from Overwater Ocean Villa in its location. The first are in the area of the lagoon (facing the inside of the atoll) where usually more calm seas and more fine sand, and also Lagoon Villas are better for swimming because the lagoon is deeper.

Overwater Ocean Villas are face to the open ocean (outside the atoll). Here usually surf, a lot of coral (including broken coral) which makes it difficult to swim especially at low tide.

Dress as you wish on the island. "No shoes, no news" reflects the very casual atmosphere of the Maldives. In the Bars, Restaurants, and Reception, women are requested to cover up over a bathing suit (top and bottom) and men to at least wear a T-shirt (not sleeveless) and Bermuda style shorts. Women & men visiting a local island should cover their shoulders and thighs and not wear anything transparent. Public nudity is prohibited.

WiFi in the Maldives is available in almost all hotels and resort islands. Not infrequently the Internet is only available in the lobby area, in bars and restaurants, and a considerable fee is charged for using wifi (about $ 20 per day). As an alternative, rooms can have wired internet with laptops. The same can be said about some inhabited islands, where tourism is a relatively new phenomenon for the Maldives, and the infrastructure is still developing. Read More

All tap water in each Maldives' hotel is desalted, and is produced at its own cleaning station at each resort. This means that it is potable. A some resorts, place a sign next to the sinks saying “not drinking”, possibly in an attempt to sell more bottled water. In fact, you can drink it.

Nearly all resorts supply purified drinking water to their guests for free – some cheaper resorts make you pay for it, though. Either way, it’s a far better option.

Legally, if you're 18 and not a Muslim, you can buy and drink alcohol. However since the Maldives are an Islamic nation, alcohol is effectively banned for the local population.

However, nearly all resorts and liveaboard boats are licensed to serve alcohol, usually with a steep markup. The expatriate liquor permit which used to allow expats to buy alcohol for their own consumption has been removed. The only place near Malé, aside from resorts, where people can drink alcohol is at the Hulhule Island Hotel, commonly known as HIH or the airport hotel

These terms refer to your meal plan. "Full Board" refers to breakfast, lunch and dinner. "Half Board" refers to breakfast and dinner, only. The hotel will specify as to whether drinks are included. Most meals at the resorts are in buffet style.

A delectable array of dining experiences awaits at Maldives resorts. Just please inform your Destination Specialist of your specific allergies so these can be communicated to the resort ahead of time and they can make special arrangements for you if your condition calls for it. Most 5* resorts will have no issue with requests such as these.Read More

The some of the Maldives resorts offer vegetarian and vegan menu items at their restaurants. As the Maldives is a Muslim country, halal meals are readily available, such as in Soneva Fushi that is the only resort in the Maldives to have a kosher kitchen. Read More