Good reasons to go to the Maldives !
Essential to remember
The Maldives are an archipelago of 1,200 islands in the Indian Ocean. Tourism mainly in Malé and in the premium atolls (resorts). Costs range from €2,000-5,000 per week in a resort, or €800-1,500 on local islands (since 2009).
This afternoon, I was browsing Facebook and saw photos of some friends who had returned from their honeymoon in the Maldives, I talked to them and it gave me a little idea for articles.
Hello, who has already heard of the Maldives ? Many will say, I know and I have already heard about it! But who knows where these islands are located? Few people know, and well, this cluster of islands is located in the Indian Ocean, situated in Southeast Asia next to Sri Lanka!
Composed of 1199 islands (of which 200 are inhabited), the Maldives offer an idyllic landscape for romantic vacations or honeymoons.
In these times of cold and persistent rain, did you know that right now, it must be at least 30°C!
The country is made up of 2 atolls (ring-shaped islands made of coral reefs)!
Did you know?
The Maldives are the lowest country in the world: average altitude 1.5 meters above sea level. Rising waters directly threaten them: some scenarios predict their disappearance by 2100.
Several reasons to go to the Maldives :
My experience
My 4 days on the local island of Maafushi (Kaafu atoll) were unforgettable: hotel €60/night, snorkeling with manta rays 30 meters from the beach, excursion to the neighboring resort for €80. Unbeatable as an economical alternative to resorts.
– The climate, a sun cure in these gloomy times,
Imagine yourself, 30°C lying on the fine sandy beach tanning in the sun, with your orange juice with a little umbrella. The air is fresh, the sky is blue, the atmosphere breathes happiness, well that’s what you would have felt if you were in the Maldives! Plus the coconut trees and water temperature close to 30°C. All that’s missing are the deck chairs!
– Being on little touristy islands,
Advantages
- Unique turquoise waters
- World-class snorkeling and diving
- Private resorts available
- Pleasant tropical climate
- Local islands accessible on a budget
Weak points
- Very high resort costs
- Expensive Maldives flight (€1,000-1,500)
- Almost non-existent nightlife
- Strict local island (alcohol prohibited)
- Cyclone risk from May to November
Compared to all the other Maldives islands overcrowded with tourists, the advantage of these islands is their uniqueness: no roads, no cars, no villages. Some islands (atolls) consist solely of the hotel; you will be peaceful, sheltered from people, it feels like a tropical paradise away from everything! Beach bungalows just like in the photos, hotels offer you top-notch services, personalized services, water activities, state-of-the-art spa and sauna, candlelit meals! Perfect for a wedding anniversary, honeymoon, or a romantic trip!
| Type of stay | Weekly budget |
|---|---|
| 5* Resort | €4,000-8,000 |
| 4* Resort | €2,500-4,000 |
| Local island (Maafushi) | €800-1,500 |
| Dive live-aboard | €1,500-3,000 |
– The atolls favor diving exploration,
The classic trap to avoid
On the Muslim local islands, alcohol is strictly prohibited in public. No bikinis on the beaches (except designated “bikini beaches”). Respect the culture or you risk a fine.
The 26 atolls that make up the Maldives favor diving activities. The coral reefs are incredible and ma-gni-fi-cent. You will have your personal instructor and courses are available for all levels. You can dive under transparent lagoons, in permanently warm waters, with unique fish species, sharks, and manta rays. The centers offer quality reception and safety is mandatory with brand new equipment! However, as everywhere, some dive sites require a certain level of experience.
– Prices are currently those of the low season, so quite affordable.
To delve deeper into the topic, the guide on Gili Island offers additional practical advice. You will also find interesting leads in our article on the most beautiful islands, and if you are preparing the next part of your trip, the one on Malaysia’s cultural richness is just right.
At this time of year, prices are at their lowest because most people go skiing, so why not take advantage. Don’t listen to the naysayers, experience this fabulous atmosphere at more than affordable prices with increased flight frequency, ticket prices have dropped significantly, there are hotels for every type of clientele from mid-range to luxury hotels! You can find less luxurious hotels like three-star ones at very reasonable prices! But expect to pay between 1000 to 1500 euros for a week’s vacation including the flight (11 hours flight) and the “all inclusive” stay, all included!
To delve deeper into the topic, the guide on Malaysia cultural richness provides additional practical advice. You will also find interesting leads in our article on Gili Island the, and if you are preparing the next part of the trip, the one on most beautiful islands is just right.
Can you visit the Maldives on a budget?
Yes, since 2009 and the opening of local islands. Maafushi, Thulusdhoo, Dhigurah: from €60/night in a guesthouse.
What is the best time to visit?
December to April: dry weather, calm sea. Avoid May-November (monsoon).
Do you need a visa for the Maldives?
No, free visa on arrival for 30 days.
