Imagine being on an island with the sea lapping at your feet while you sip a drink, read a book or gaze peacefully into the sunset. Imagine being away from the bustle of the city with family or friends, thinking about nothing but what activity you should indulge in next or how you want to indulge yourself next. The Maldives is where you should head if any of these are what you are looking for. The Maldives is a popular tourist destination for celebrities, honeymooners, couples, families and adventure enthusiasts. There are hotels in Maldives to suit every type of budget and other requirements a visitor may have. Many Maldives hotels are often known for the privacy they offer.
The small south Asian nation of Maldives is in the Indian Ocean. The Maldives comprises 26 atolls viz. a ring-shaped coral reef which encircles a lagoon completely or partially. Some atolls are isolated reefs, while some form islands. Malé is the capital island of Maldives and is a prime tourist hub. It provides a memorable experience with its breathtaking sites at every corner.
The Maldives has mind-blowing coral reefs, breathtaking landscapes, and several cultural attractions like the National Museum, Sultan Park, and the Grand Friday Mosque. Tourists generally begin with Malé. The city is pulsating with energy. It has several beautiful buildings and busy markets like Male Market and the gorgeous Mulee Aage Palace. You can then visit Hulhumale Island, with its gorgeous beaches, beautiful promenade, glass-topped mosque, and green neighbourhoods.
If you are looking for a little history, you can visit the island of Utheemu. It was once home to Sultan Mohammed Thakurufaanu. You can also visit Maafushi, which has a variety of beautiful resorts. Stroll on the various beaches, laze at the resort and enjoy coffee at the coffeehouses. Other places to visit are Feydhoo, Maradhoo, Veligandu Island, Banana Reef, and Thulusdhoo Island.
The Maldives has worlds of marine and wildlife. You can dive in and explore the underwater realm from popular dive sites like Broken Rock, Sun Island, Banana Reef, Maaya Thila, and Alimatha Jetty. Try to experience the Sea of Stars, which occurs during the late summers in the Maldives reefs. It is caused by bioluminescent phytoplankton and the movement of the waves creating an incredible shimmering effect that looks like the sea is full of stars.
The Maldives is known for the various water sports, and it also offers mouth-watering seafood. Being an Islamic nation the locals are not allowed alcohol. However, if you are above 18 and a non-Muslim, alcohol purchase and consumption are permitted. Most liveaboard boats and resorts have a licence to serve alcohol.
You can shop for beautiful souvenirs at the various markets. Visit Island Bazaar, if you are looking for elegant and exclusive items. You'll find bags, decor, intricate handicrafts, handmade jewellery, scarves and handmade dishes.
Best Places to Stay in the Maldives
There are many types of hotels in Maldives to choose from. You will find several budget, boutique and luxury hotels and resorts in the Maldives.
Luxury Maldives hotels offer you the ultimate comfort and the ultimate experience in services. These hotels have luxurious rooms with stunning views, a swimming pool, and splendid cuisine. Some of the best luxury hotels in Maldives include the Sun Island Resort & Spa Maldives, Centara Ras Fushi Resort & Spa Maldives, Taj Exotica Resort and Spa-Free Airport Transfers, and Royal Island Resort & Spa. Some Maldives hotels offer you gorgeous ocean view rooms and a private pool. You have amenities such as spas, jacuzzis and steam and sauna rooms. Business travellers have conference rooms and business centre facilities. Families can use the children's play area and childcare services. These hotels ensure that your vacation is memorable with personalised top-grade service.
Boutique hotels in Maldives offer you luxury and affordability. Guests can enjoy luxurious facilities like a swimming pool, multi-cuisine restaurant, and other amenities at lower rates than luxury hotels. Some boutique Maldives hotels are The Somerset Hotel, Noomoo, Coconut Tree Hulhuvilla Beach, and Season Paradise Hotel Maldives. These Maldives hotels have easy access to transit points and are close to tourist spots. The rooms may or may not have a view. However, they are comfortable with several amenities.
If you have a higher budget to spend on sightseeing and other activities or are on a business trip or a frequent traveller, there are many budget hotels in Maldives. These hotels will offer you the basic amenities such as wifi, parking facility and room service. They may or may not have a meal option included. You can consider the following budget hotels in Maldives - Aquzz Inn, Hotel Octave Maldives, Equator Village Resort, and The White Harp Inn. Some of these inexpensive hotels in Maldives may have a room with a city view. However, these hotels are value for money and have good service.
Hotels in Maldives for Honeymooners and Couples
The Maldives is a favoured destination with honeymooners and couples. You can also consider having your pre-wedding photoshoot or hosting your wedding against the gorgeous and idyllic backdrop of the sea, white sand and swaying palm trees. Some hotels in Maldives that are perfect for couples or honeymooners are Kandima Maldives, Coco Bodu Hithi, SAii Lagoon Maldives, Curio Collection by Hilton, and Cinnamon Velifushi Maldives. All of these are beautiful hotels in Maldives. Some of them have a sea view where you can sip coffee or a drink with your partner. Others have villas with swirl pools where your partner and you can enjoy privacy. Begin this new journey with your partner in a room with a pool surrounded by the ocean. Arrange for a candlelight dinner at the beach.
Hotels in Maldives for Solo Travellers
There’s plenty to do for solo travellers to Maldives. If you are a nature lover, you can explore the reefs or go scuba diving. Besides exploring the islands, you may want to interact with fellow travellers or take time out to enjoy your own company, while soaking in the sun at the beach or the hotel pool. You can also explore several water activities. Some hotels in Maldives for solo travellers are Fun Island Resort & Spa, The Standard, Huruvalhi Maldives, and White Shell Island Hotel & Spa. These resorts have plenty of indoor activities if you do not wish to step out. They can organise snorkelling or canoeing for you. Some of them have a casino or a nightclub where you can meet other guests. Maldives is just the place to relax at your own pace.
Best Time to Visit Maldives
The gentle waves, the blue skies, and the sun are perfect for great beach days. The Maldives experiences the monsoons between May and October. This prevents water-based activities and visits to the beach. The best time to visit the island nation is from November to April. This is the drier season. You will find that the best weather conditions are between December and March.
