How to Travel to the Maldives for the Best Vacation

Tipped to be Asia's most popular beach holiday Mecca, the Maldivian archipelago truly is the stuff of dreams. Home to some of the world's finest beaches, this island nation offers honeymooners and beach lovers one of the last remaining paradises on the planet. From booking the best hotels to making the most of your visit to the Maldives, here are some tips on how to enjoy the beach vacation of your dreams in this breathtaking archipelago.

Timing is Crucial

As when planning any other vacation, it is necessary to time your holiday to the Maldives so as to enjoy the best weather conditions on the ground. While there is no such thing as a less than ideal time of year to vacation in the paradise isles, those who wish to enjoy sunny days should pack their bags for a November to April departure date. The monsoon season should be avoided at all costs unless the thought of spending time indoors without the possibility of signing up for water sports appeals to you. One can also time a getaway to the Maldives based on the activities they wish to experience, whether it's whale watching, scuba diving, or surfing.

Getting There

Every international flight bound for the Maldives lands at the Velana International Airport, which is situated in Male's Hulhulé Island. Most major cities offer direct flights to the Maldives or transfer flights that make a pit stop in neighbouring Sri Lanka. This is why most travellers like to combine a vacation in the Maldives with a holiday in Sri Lanka as there are many flight and hotel deals that throw in both destinations for a reasonable price. Upon arriving in the Maldives, visitors will need to hop on a speedboat or a seaplane to reach their resort base as the best rests are found outside of the capital Male. Airport transfers, however, are not available after dark so selecting an early arrival time or booking overnight accommodation in Male will be necessary.

Accommodation

As the destination that put overwater beach villas on the map, Maldives resorts are some of the most luxurious accommodation hubs in the world. Whether it's Kurumba Maldives or any other Maldives resort, tourists are likely to find properties that extend over an entire island and provide a choice of enticing guestroom or beach house options. Apart from your budget, other considerations to make when selecting a venue include the types of on-site activities, water sports and excursions on offer. This is due to the fact that tourists will be spending a majority of their vacation confined to the resort island of their choice.

Water Sports Galore

No trip to the Maldives would be complete without taking part in at least a few of the water-bound adventures available in the country. Boasting near idyllic conditions for engaging in a plethora of water sports, the Maldives is quite literally the best place to go scuba diving, snorkelling, surfing, water skiing, parasailing, Stand Up Paddleboarding and banana boating. Those who are keen to pick up diving or surfing will also find that there are many diving schools and water sports centres in the islands offering lessons.

Cultural Experiences

Although most tourists will avoid spending time in Male in favour of the beach hubs in the outer atolls, the capital is where nearly all of the country's top cultural highlights are found. These include the Grand Friday Mosque, the National Museum and Republic Square while several presidential palaces also occupy the city.

Wine and Dine

Enjoying an unforgettable vacation in the Maldives should also include wining and dining on local delicacies such as Garudhiya fish soup, Sago Bondibai and Mas Roshi.