First Time in The Maldives? 5 Tips to make the most our of your stay

Who wouldn’t want to spend a holiday in a stunning island paradise? With white-washed sands, crystal clear waters and luxury resorts, it’s hard to say “no” to the beauty of the Maldives. And once you set foot in this tropical haven, it becomes so much harder to say goodbye.

While the islands of the Maldives are a dream destination, you still need the know-how to make your stay a good one. So before you go ahead and start splurging, you have to ensure you book accommodation and do meticulous planning to enjoy the best holiday deals in the Maldives.

Below are some useful tips to ensure your first trip to the island paradise called the Maldives will simply be delightful.

1. Splurge for the experience

A trip to Maldives is a once-in-a-lifetime experience and fretting over prices will only ruin your visit. A dash of indulgence is a part of the experience in this area of the world.

Proper planning allows you to make the most of the various attractions and activities Maldives can offer. Prepare your budget way ahead of planning your trip so that you don’t have to be anxious about the expenses.

Go local

To truly experience Maldivian culture, you need to get an insight into the local life. Visit one of the inhabited islands through local transportation and wander off villages to interact with the natives.

2. Be respectful of customs, tradition and religion

Most people in the Maldives are Muslims. This means that there are strict rules you should follow to avoid any untoward incidents, and to ensure you have a delightful vacation.

Alcohol Consumption

Tourists are not allowed to bring alcohol into the country and consume it on an inhabited island. Don’t worry, though, liveaboard boats and resorts have licenses to serve alcohol, so you can still indulge in your favorite drinks.

Dress Modestly

On an inhabited island, especially in the capital Malé, women and men should not wear shorts above their knees. For women, it’s advisable to bring a scarf or any cover-up because you aren’t allowed to show your elbows and shoulders. Furthermore, refrain from wearing form-fitting clothes.

You are free to dress as you wish inside your accommodation, but remember that sunbathing nude or topless is not allowed.

Public Display of Affection

It may be okay in your home country but in the Maldives, it’s indecent for couples to publicly display their affection. Refrain from kissing or showing any kind of affection towards your partner while outside of your hotel.

3. Choose your resort wisely

Staying in an overwater villa is not a requirement. Most resorts may seem expensive but you’ll soon realize it’s all worth it because of the guaranteed luxury service they provide.

The JA Manafaru Hotel offers a variety of room options for their guests. Whether it is water living or a beachfront you seek, each suite and villa complements the natural setting of the Maldives. When looking for your perfect accommodation, be extra thorough and make sure to book early.

4. Don’t forget to bring a quality underwater camera

The Maldives offers the best diving and snorkeling spots in the world. If you plan to witness the island’s underwater paradise, bring along a decent camera to capture all the beauty under the sea. You'll find the most unforgettable underwater experience here, and keeping your memories through photos will be well worth the expense and effort.

5. Be mindful of weather conditions

It’s not all the time that Maldives has pristine white sand and crystal clear water. The best weather in this country is between the months of November and April so make sure to book your stay within those times. It’s worth paying more to travel during the dry season since there are more things you can do when the rain isn’t falling.

If you plan to stay longer in the Maldives, make sure that you have a secure self-storage unit for your belongings so that there’s nothing to worry about back home.

A trip to the Maldives is a good chance for you to unwind and escape from all the stress. Since it’s your first time, the tips above will help you have a worthwhile stay in this island paradise. Remember, a perfect vacation always starts with efficient planning and thorough research.

AUTHOR BIO

Thomas Grundner is the Vice President of Sales and Marketing for JA Resorts & Hotels. He has more than 20 years of expertise in the hospitality and leisure industry – across international markets including Germany, Egypt and Spain. Grundner oversees all sales, marketing and revenue efforts as the company continues to build on its key growth and development strategies and further cultivates its unique blend of "Heartfelt Hospitality" and "Casual Luxury."