With air travel as it is today, the Maldives has become very accessible. The Male International Airport is also called Velana International Airport. If you read about Ibrahim Nasir International Airport, that was once its name. It is a busy airport receiving flights from all over the world and depending on the time of the day, up to about 13 flights can come in per hour. Popular routes are via the Middle East, Singapore and India. Velana International Airport has its own island and once you have disembarked, transfer to your resort is usually either via boat or seaplane, depending on the distance. Many of the luxury resorts arrange transfer and however you get to your hotel will be a unique part of the Maldivian adventure.

Resorts are spread across the island chain. The Maldives is made up of about 1190 islands and of those about 106 are island resorts, so you are spoiled for choice. Choosing a luxury resort  depends on what you would like to do on your vacation. If it is a family vacation, you will need a resort that caters for the whole family and there are many of those. Choose a resort that has tailor made packages and facilities that will meet the needs of your children’s age group. Most of the resorts have babysitting facilities, kid’s clubs and entertainment for tweens and teenagers. With the younger members of the family both protected and entertained, it leaves the adults to have a relaxing, stress free holiday.

If you are on honeymoon, there are many resorts that offer secluded and private accommodation ideal for newly weds. Not only that, look out for special offers relating to honeymooners. There are many luxury resorts that go out of their way to accommodate couples who are taking this first and very special post -wedding vacation, so if you fall into that category, be sure to look up some of the top honeymoon resorts such as the Lux, Lily Beach and Taj Exotica to name a few.

 When researching your first trip to the Maldives, look out for out of season specials. There are many of these which can include extra free days or special half board offers. If your time of the year is flexible, this would be an ideal time to choose to visit the island. The weather is warm all year round, so whenever you go you should get the tropical island experience.

There are many options as to what to do during your vacation including water sports and activities such as diving and snorkelling. The underwater life is spectacular and fishing excursions can be arranged. Most holiday makers go for a relaxing sea front experience where you can lounge on the beach, read a book, swim and soak up the majestic surroundings. All the luxury resorts have spa treatments to increase your opportunity to relax.

The currency of the Maldives is the Maldivian Rufiyaa. It would be a good idea to bring some local currency on your holiday, although US$ are widely accepted. Be sure to bring in small denominations of US$ as they are a very welcome when it comes to tipping.

You do not need a pre arrival visa to enter the Maldives. When you arrive you will be issued with a free 30-day tourist visa conditional to you having a legitimate passport. Do be aware that the Islam is the state religion in the Maldives and for this reason you need to be sensitive to the religious and cultural norms of the country. It is illegal for tourists to bring alcohol into the country.

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Temperatures

The Maldives is warm throughout the year with only a slight variation in the cooler months. You can expect the maximum temperatures to hover around an average of about 28 or 29 degrees Celsius, rising to the early 30s in the summer months. November is the month with the lowest average – a balmy 24C guarantees that whichever month of the year you plan on visiting; you can leave the winter woollies behind and be sure that summer clothes and sunblock will be more the order of the day. December and January are only a degree higher, so this certain is the ideal location to leave the northern hemisphere winter behind and seek out the sunshine of the Maldives.

The hottest months of the year are March, April and May where the temperature rises to 30 or 31C.  In general, the hottest month of the year is considered March. The coldest month is January.

There are two well defined seasons in the Maldives:

The Dry Season

This runs from November through to April. It is known as the north-east monsoon season.  It is defined by 8 hours of sunshine a day and water temperatures of about 25C. The maximum day time temperature is around 29C, it is less humid and the water is calmer, with the wind not so strong. Being the dry season does not mean there is no rain. There are fewer rainy days at this time of the year than the rest of the year. With the dry season being during the main holiday season, many tourists flock to the Maldives at this time of the year. February and March are driest months of the year with an average of only 3 to 4 cm of rain.

The Wet Season

This is the main wet or rainy season in the Maldives. It is also known as the south-west monsoon. From May to October you can expect temperatures of between 27C & 33C. Humidity rises and so does the amount of rainfall. The wettest months of the year are usually June and August. These months can be windy and stormy. The islands receive about 200mm of rain each month during the wet season.

Many resorts offer special offers during the wet season. It is common for storms to pass over quite quickly leaving part of the day sunny and fine. The islands remain warm with plenty of sunshine.

As there is no way of predicting the weather, the best way forward, is to book your Maldives vacation at a time that suits you and go and enjoy it.

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