There are very few places on Earth that can rival the Maldives. Indeed, when I think about how to plan the perfect trip to the Maldives, it’s not too hard as the destination is already perfect! Think of an impossibly blue sky, and deep turquoise waters as far as your eyes can see. However, there are a few tips and ideas you should be aware of to make the most of this trip.
Read on to learn about planning the perfect trip to the Maldives, for honeymooners, singles, and for parents with kids.
Check out all my Maldives posts here for added tips and travel inspiration!
What you need to know
Planning the perfect trip
How to plan the awesome-est trip to the Maldives? Well, think about what you want to do there. There are tons of activities that can keep you busy for days! Heck, I could even do absolutely nothing for days on end and still be happy in the Maldives. And I am the type of traveler who generally likes to have a jam-packed schedule!
However, in the Maldives, know that you are going to relax and have a blast lazing in the sun and pampering yourself. So, keep your schedule more open with no more than two activities per day. Also, the activities and events you opt for will depend on who you are traveling with. This section is broken down into three types of trips that you may take.
Some important planning tips to keep in mind
Here are some important tips to help plan your Maldives trip for all types of travelers.
Look up the types of hotels and locations
The Maldives are a collection of 1200 islands with about 200 of them inhabited. Hence, the variety of locations and hotels is huge! Do your research on where to go, which atoll to pick, and which hotel fits your needs best. Here’s a complete guide to visiting the Maldives to help you with your search.
Know when to go
OK, so this will depend on your schedule and budget. But know that the Maldives is an expensive destination. So, you will want to make the most of your trip. Avoid the rainy season, as well as the holiday season (December end through early January). More information on that is below.
All-inclusive and other food options
Many Maldives resorts offer all-inclusive, half-board, and full-board options. To get the most bang for your buck, opt for the breakfast-only option. Breakfast generally is served until late in the morning (at Constance Halaveli, breakfast ended at 11 am). So, you would rarely need to eat lunch and thereby, be free to pick up any activity for the entire day! At the end of the day, indulge in a nice dinner at a restaurant on site.
Book well in advance
Or rather, keep an eye on the price changes for the hotel you’re eyeing. Most hotels offer discounts and promos through 3rd party sites like booking.com several months in advance. However, as your travel dates get closer, hotels may offer discounts to fill up vacancies as well. Keep a tab on the rates.
Seaplane or speedboat experience
In the Maldives, most hotels are located on their own islands. Thus, after you reach Male, you will need to take a flight or speedboat to your hotel island. Factor in the cost of this transport into your budget. The speedboats will generally be less expensive than a seaplane. However, the experience of being on a seaplane is one-of-a-kind! We took a 25 min seaplane ride from Male to Constance Halaveli, and it was one of the coolest experiences ever!
Just note that you will need to drop a cool $300-$600 for a round trip!
Pick a well-timed international flight
Seaplanes fly at specific times only (from dawn to dusk). So, book international flights that do not land in Male later in the day. In that same vein, avoid an early morning return flight as you may be transported from your island to Male the prior evening.
Notify hotel about international flight timings
Be sure to notify your hotel about your flight timings. That way, your hotel will coordinate with ground staff at the Male airport to pick you up and take you to the hotel lounge (if they have one). They will also coordinate a seaplane or speedboat transfer for you.
Know the weight limitations
Most international flights will let you carry one to two 23kg (or 50lb) check-in bags with a carry-on and a personal item. However, in a seaplane, you can carry only 20kg for checked-in luggage and 5kg for carry-on luggage. So, plan your luggage accordingly.
Check out my complete Maldives packing list along with a free printable checklist you can use for your travel planning here.
How to plan the perfect honeymoon in the Maldives?
A honeymoon in the Maldives is truly a dream-come-true destination. You’d be hard-pressed to find a more perfect location to relax, reconnect and rejuvenate after the wedding stress than at a picture-perfect villa here. Still, you can plan for your honeymoon so you have the best time and come back with lifelong memories. Here are some things to consider.
Make sure to let your hotel know that you are celebrating your honeymoon
Most hotels will try to accommodate you in rooms or villas with more privacy. So, for a water villa, you can expect (or request) one further in the lagoon, away from land. Also, many resorts will welcome you with a decorated bed to celebrate your honeymoon!
Take a look at your hotel’s events and activities specifically catering to honeymooners
For example, the hotel we stayed at had a honeymooners’ special spa package. We had an awesome experience enjoying a massage in the same room, with circular glass floor cutouts. So, when we put our heads down for the massage, we could see fish and other marine life beneath the glass! Needless to say, it was divine!
Make your on-site restaurants dinner bookings ahead of time if you can
This is especially important during peak season when the hotels are more full. The popular on-site restaurants tend to get booked pretty fast. Also, notify the restaurants that you are celebrating a special occasion. They may have a surprise for you 😉
Book a special romantic activity
Some hotels have activities such as taking you and a loved one to a private island or sandbar for a few hours. They also provide a packed lunch and champagne. Spend the time swimming, snorkeling or just hanging out. These activities are expensive, so it makes sense to indulge on a very special occasion.
Leave room in your itinerary for “chill days”
If you are on your honeymoon, chances are you have spent a good amount on your room or villa. Take time to enjoy it. If you opted for a water villa with a pool, plan to spend at least a day lounging on your patio, and alternately going for dips in your pool or the ocean. If you opted for a beach villa, plan to spend at least a day chilling on the beach. Oftentimes, we get caught up with planning an itinerary and not leaving room for relaxation. I know, I am often guilty of that! On your honeymoon, relaxation should be at the top of your mind, and accounted for in your travel plan!
How to plan a trip for singles in the Maldives
The Maldives is just as perfect for singles as it is for couples and families. And with the advent of social media, it is becoming more popular and common. You can absolutely enjoy traveling to the Maldives by yourself. In fact, when I was at Constance Halaveli, I saw a lady celebrating her birthday dinner and the servers and chef came by to make sure she was having a grand time. What a great way to self-care!
Here are some considerations for solo travel to the Maldives.
Research and book a Maldives singles resort
These types of resorts are getting more popular as more solo travel happens in the Maldives. Singles resorts have get-together events like a cocktail hour for guests to mingle. Obviously, you don’t need to book such a place, but it could be helpful in narrowing down your search.
Pick a group activity like snorkeling at the hotel
Snorkeling by yourself is not recommended, so the next best thing is to get in touch with the water center at your hotel. Book a special snorkeling expedition, or get in touch with the in-house marine biologist (some hotels/islands have them) for a private experience.
Try something new
It is always a great time to try a new water activity, but much more so as a solo traveler (IMO). That way you get to meet other people as well. If you have been thinking about learning a new skill, plan to take a class (eg. diving or windsurfing).
Treat yo'self
If R&R is your primary objective, go for a spa treatment. I don’t know about you, but I can never go wrong with a spa or massage while on vacation.
Try your hand at self-photography
I love traveling with my camera stand even though I have a travel buddy now. But when I traveled by myself, this was an extremely handy tool. If you use special gear for self-photography or videography, make sure you account for that in your luggage.
Be mindful of your safety
The Maldives is a very safe travel destination. In fact, when I was there I never thought about safety at all! However, if you are traveling alone, always be mindful of your surroundings and use your best judgment at all times.
Enjoy the solitude
Few places in the world will offer the kind of crazy beautiful solitude that the Maldivian islands would. Soak in it, and enjoy every moment of sun, sand, and peace in this paradise.
How to plan a trip with kids in the Maldives
Even though it is the most popular for couples, the Maldives is a great destination for kids as well. The sheer number of activities and facilities at your hotel makes sure that your kids will be kept entertained for several days. You will also have time to do adult things by yourselves. These are the things to consider for planning a trip with kids.
Think about what your kids will like
For picking a hotel room or villa, think about what your kids will most like. Would they enjoy the beach and perhaps build sandcastles? Or would they enjoy water access from a water villa more? If they are quite young, a beach villa might be a better bet.
If you're set on a water villa
Now, if you decide on a water villa, consider requesting one closer to the island beach. The further the villa is from the island, the deeper the lagoon gets.
Be up-to-date on vaccines
Depending on the age of your kids, you may be required to ensure they are appropriately vaccinated prior to traveling to the Maldives.
Pack water activities gear
Again, this will depend on how young your kids are. But there is always a chance that the hotel might run out of age-appropriate gear for your kids.
Inquire if your hotel has kids-specific activities or areas
For example, some hotels offer babysitting hours where parents can drop them off and enjoy a couple of hours by themselves. Hotels also offer activities like drawing, painting, etc. to keep the little ones entertained while the parents unwind! 😉
Take some kids-free time
Check with the hotel or your guest liaison if there are going to be adults-only events like special dinners etc. And whether you can drop off your kids with a sitter for the time
Try new seafood dishes
Now, this is just a suggestion, but a Maldives trip might be a good opportunity for the kids to try new seafood recipes. Seafood is to-die-for here, and delicacies include the Maldivian lobster, calamari, and local reef fish.
What to do in the Maldives
By now, you have done your research and have a good idea of the activities you would like to do. However, there’s always something new you can try! In the Maldives, there are a host of things you can do! Check out my post on the most incredible moments you will get to experience in the Maldives! In addition, here are some activities worth trying out.
- Snorkeling
- Try scuba diving (but know that it can be expensive on the islands)
- Take a whale or manta ray sighting excursion
- Indulge in the cuisine
- Learn about the ecosystem and marine life
- Learn about Maldivian culture
- Sunbathe
- Spa and wellness treatments
- Run a bath
- Dip into your plunge pool
- Head to the beach
- Try out a new water activity
- Try reef fish and Maldivian lobster
- Dinner under the stars
- Yoga on the beach
- Take epic photos and videos
- Make it a point to watch each sunset – lasts a short while but it’s divine
- Go for a digital detox
When to visit the Maldives
The best time for visiting the Maldives is from November to early March. If possible, avoid the Christmas to New Years’ season. That time is very busy and there are high chances of the on-site hotel restaurants being fully booked. The beach at your hotel will also be busier. And not to mention it’ll be very expensive.
How long should you stay in the Maldives?
About 5-7 days is the perfect amount of time to spend in the Maldives. That way, you will get plenty of time to settle down, get your bearings and start your ultimate relaxing vacation. Take your time to enjoy your room or villa. Soak in the pool or go check out the reefs (if your lagoon has any). Then, around days 3-5, you can explore the island, plan some activities and still have some downtime.
Also, I would recommend against changing villas during your stay as it can be a waste of time. When I am on vacation, I like to maximize my time chilling or experiencing something new. Changing hotel rooms in between can be time-consuming. With the difference between check-out and check-in timings of your hotel, you may need to plan the entire day around this. So, best to avoid it and pick a room that best works for your needs.
If you are hopping islands, add a day for travel, and at least a couple of days at each island to get the best experience.
Where to stay in the Maldives
If you are visiting the Maldives for a special occasion and it fits your budget, I would recommend staying in a water villa. Even if it’s for a few days (point to other article). The Maldives offers world-class hotels and if you’ve been waiting to splurge with loved ones for a dream vacation, this is it.
If you are on a budget though, fret not. There are still plenty of hotel options for you to choose from. My biggest tip would be to get a hotel close to the island of male. The further out it is, the more expensive it will get for you to reach the island, after factoring in the seaplane or boat transfer.
Luxury hotel: Soneva Jani, Noonu
Mid-range: Sun Island Resort and Spa, Maamigili
Subscribe to my list and get travel tips and ideas!
Traveling around in Maldives? Check out my other Maldives sojourn stories!
Enjoyed reading this article? Don’t forget to follow me for my latest stories!
