Best Way to Experience Maldives as a First Timer (Guide for travelers visiting the Maldives for the First Time)

Maldives has become a more and more popular destination for couples and families in the recent years. Being such a unique destination with geographically gifted features and unrivaled level of luxury hospitality standard, many first time visitors who have seen popular social media images of the floating overwater jetty with lavish villas are planning a dream getaway for the first time.

 We are an experienced Maldives specialist in curating our clients’ travels with partner connections and firsthand destination experience which can make your life much easier, save you hours and days in your life and roll out the red carpet for your much anticipated travel in this stunning destination. To use our service, you can contact us at li@luxtrvlco.com, we will be able to make your trip extra special!

 What to Pack?

Maldives is a tropical country located in the Indian Ocean with over 1000 coral islands lined with palm trees and white sand beaches. Unless you are staying on a local island, USD and major bank cards (both credit and debit) are accepted in all resorts so you can save time in exchange local currency to Maldivian Rufiyaa if your only destination is being on a resort.

Mosquito repellent, sunscreens and after sun lotions can be very helpful. 

As Maldives is a Muslim country, one thing you should not bring from abroad is alcohol. Don’t worry, if you want to get a drink or two, all resorts on their own island (not local islands) will have beautiful, swanky bars for you to enjoy crafty boozy creations.

Last but not least, swimwear, cover up and resort clothing for day and night. You can find everything else like toothbrush, toiletries, and snorkeling gear, in most cases free of charge.

 How is the weather?

There used to be a clearer separation between the wet season and dry season, but as an effect of global warming in the recent years, there can be a few days of thunderstorms in dry season and a few days pocket of sunshine in wet season. However, generally, November to April is high season with more sunny days and May to October is low season.

Where to stay?

This can be the hardest question to answer, depending on what you like to do on your vacation, what atmosphere you enjoy in the outlets and how much you are willing to walk, other factors like the methods of transportation you wish to take and your total budget, this can be a haunting task.

Different atolls also have different selling points, like the south and north are more remote, with unexplored, pristine underwater wonders. There are also Baa Atoll which has the annual manta gathering in Hanifaru Bay which should not be missed, and South Ari Atoll for famous whaleshark snorkeling.

Islands in Kaafu atoll where Male Velana International airport is located offers the convenience of a short speedboat transfer which can be carried out during day and night, and it saves time for travelers who are visiting for a short period of time. Seaplane journey is a spectacle that offers a bird’s eye view of the destination, but it can only be operated during day light and it does add quite a lot to the vacation total, hence travelers who may have a tight budget may not be able to indulge.

Couples traveling are also quite different comparing to family traveling to the destination. The preferred accommodation for couples are usually overwater while as family usually prefer beach villas for safety and space. Maldivian resorts almost all have kids club and nanny service (except a few which I can share to my clients) that operates very engaging activities and programs where sometimes us adults will be jealous that we are no longer kids. Choosing an intimate and romantic resort for the couples and a fun resort for the families is our priority when consulting our clients.

All and all, you will likely not be disappointed wherever you pick because you are in paradise after all.

 What to do?

Depending on the resort you choose, you can enjoy different activities like sky diving, golfing, tennis, submarine, kite surfing or horseback riding. Popular activities like snorkeling, dolphin cruise, sandbank picnic, scuba diving, surfing, spa treatments, fine dining, kayak, standup paddle, kneesufing, wakeboarding and many new toys like jetblading can be enjoyed in addition to your pool and beach times. Most resorts have room, villa categories with private pool as well to give family and couples the privacy and convenience.

We will be glad to receive your inquiries in possibly working on your itinerary and trip to the Maldives!