Those fortunate enough to travel to the popular honeymoon destination that is the Maldives, are lucky to be visiting one of the most exquisite and heavenly places on earth. But as a first-time visitor, there are a number of things you should be aware of before booking your flight.
Don’t drink outside the resort
There are a number of strict rules surrounding the consumption and purchasing of alcohol due to a high percentage of the population being Muslim. Visitors must not bring alcohol into the country nor consume it on the islands. However, your accommodation will have a license to serve alcohol, just be sure you only drink your cocktails inside the walls of your resort.
Dress modestly
Again, for cultural and religious reasons, you should dress appropriately outside the walls of your resort. Both men and women should only wear shorts below the knee, and should wear loose-fitting clothing. Women are encouraged to cover their shoulders, and public displays of affection between couples should be kept to a minimum. Whilst you can dress however you like in your resort, sunbathing naked or topless is prohibited regardless of where you are.
Environmental risks
The islands are in a particularly delicate situation when it comes to the environmental issues surrounding them; the Maldives are the lowest lying islands in the world with some of them hardly breaking the water surface. When choosing your leisure activities, be sure they prioritise sustainable practices that aren’t damaging towards the environment. You should also limit your own consumption of water, waste production, and energy usage during your stay in the Maldives.
Buy an underwater camera
The waters surrounding the Maldives offer some of the most incredible diving and snorkeling spots on the planet. With over 2,000 species of fish, a variety of rays – including the gentle giant the manta ray, and the magnificent whale shark, you’ll want to splurge on a decent underwater camera to capture all the beautiful marine life the Maldives have to offer. It’s an experience of a lifetime, so make sure you can preserve those precious memories.
The weather isn’t always perfect
According to holiday leaflets, the Maldives are pristine, turquoise seas surrounding bone-white sand, which is completely true. But it doesn’t always look like that. The best time to visit the Maldives are between November and April when rainfall is at a minimum. And even if it does rain, it never lasts long enough to completely dampen your holiday.
