In the evening, hotels offering top class diverse dining experiences and cuisines: from internationally acclaimed chefs serve up classical cuisines and top world wines, to Maldivian cuisine and fresh seafood such as crab and seafood tapas.
The “Relax and enjoy” factor is key here in the Maldives: chill out on your day bed in the tranquil luxury of your stilted water villa with the sea lapping gently below, or submerge yourself in a sensual or relaxing spa treatment in one of the decadent spas or beachfront pavilions, drifting away to the gentle lapping of the Indian Ocean stretching out before you.
For the more energetic, many resorts include free watersports and kayaks and bicycles with which you can explore the island. However, diving or snorkelling is the key drive here, and nearly all resorts feature fully qualified PADI dive centres for beginners and advanced alike. From a private diving safari spotting reef sharks, stingrays and dolphins to snorkelling with turtles – an unforgettable experience awaits everyone and the colourful sea life will not disappoint.
When to go
The hot and tropical climate of the Maldives make it a perfect year round destination. Between November and April, there is very little wind and the climate is dry whilst from mid-May to November you enter into the monsoon period, when there may be some rain.
Getting there
Getting between the airport and the resort islands is normally by speedboat. However, the more distant atolls are sometimes served by seaplane or a scheduled flight to a local island airport, an amazing experience allowing you a birds' eye view of the Indian Ocean and its atolls below.
Medical requirements
There are no compulsory vaccination requirements for entry into the Maldives, however, a Typhoid vaccination is recommended. Please seek advice from your doctor.
Visa requirements
A 30- day Tourist Visa is issued on arrival and is free of charge.
Currency
The local currency is the Maldivian Rufiya. Most hotels and resorts accept payment in US Dollars and major credit cards.
