IS THE MALDIVES WORTH VISITING? FIND OUT NOW!

The Maldives is a tropical paradise that has become a popular destination for tourists in recent years. But is the Maldives worth visiting? Especially considering the price highs during peak season and the likely distance away from your hometown.

The Maldives is a small Island nation located in the Indian Ocean, southwest of Sri Lanka and India. 

It is well-known for its crystal-clear pale blue waters, pristine beaches, and luxury Resort. The ideal getaway for those seeking relaxation, romance, and underwater adventure. 

But are the Maldives truly worth visiting? In this blog post, we’ll explore the pros and cons of traveling to the Maldives.

Is the Maldives Worth Visiting? 

Below are my pros and cons of visiting the Maldives so you can make the best decision for you as to whether or not you are booking a flight to the Maldives for your next adventure. 

Do you want the good news or the not so good news about the Maldives first? 

Visiting the Maldives Pros

As I am (or at least try to be) a glass-half-full kinda gal, let’s start with the pros!

Stunning Natural Beauty 

The Maldives is a postcard destination and for good reason. The turquoise waters and white sand beaches are picture-perfect, and the vibrant marine life is a delightful treat for snorkelers and divers. The islands are also home to lush and vibrant vegetation, including coconut palms and tropical flowers.

5-star luxury 

The Maldives is renowned for its luxurious beachfront resorts, which offer spa treatments, water sports, and fine dining. Many resorts are even located on their own private islands, allowing guests to enjoy exclusive access to the beach.

Prime relaxation

Sick of the 9 to 5 office grind? The Maldives is the perfect place to unwind and de-stress. Enjoy the laid-back island lifestyle, sip cocktails at your resort, and treat yourself to a delicious meal whilst you watch the sunset. 

Reignite you romance 

Often touted as a honeymoon destination, it’s an excellent choice to reconnect with your partner. The secluded resorts, intimate atmosphere and sheer natural beauty make it an ideal location for couples looking to spend quality time together. 

Culture 

While the Maldives is primarily known for its natural beauty and luxury resorts, the islands also have a rich culture and history. Visitors can explore local markets, sample traditional cuisine, and learn about the Maldives’ unique customs and traditions.

Visiting the Maldives Cons

Now that you’re pretty much convinced that the Maldives is worth the visit, let’s touch on some of not so great aspects of visiting the island nation. 

You need deep pockets

Get ready to dish out some serious cash as the Maldives is an expensive destination, particularly if you’re staying in a luxury resort. The cost of accommodation, food, and activities can add up quickly. Whatever you expect to pay I would add on at least another 15%-20% particularly if you are travelling during the dry season or over the Christmas break.

Not much more than water sports

While the Maldives offers a range of water sports, such as snorkeling and diving, there are fewer options for other activities such as hiking or cultural excursions. Plus if it rains, which there is a chance that it will at some point during your trip, there’s not much else to do. 

Check out my month by month guide to the weather in the Maldives which includes what to do if you’re desperate for an activity during a monsoon. 

Have you considered the environment? 

The Maldives is at risk from rising sea levels, and many of the islands are already experiencing erosion. The country is also facing other environmental challenges, including coral reef damage and waste management issues. Tourists only add to the environmental impacts, so if you are visiting be sure to respect local guidelines and minimise your impact on the environment. 

It can be tricky to access

Stunning yet a relatively remote destination. Plus travel to the Maldives can be time-consuming and expensive, particularly if you’re coming from outside Asia.

So is the Maldives worth going to?

Yes, the Maldives is definitely worth visiting! 

In my eyes at least!

It is a tropical gateway offering a range of activities such as snorkeling, scuba diving, surfing, and various water sports. Spend time exploring the rich marine life, including colorful corals and a diverse range of sea creatures to take in the true beauty of the Maldives. 

And if you are looking for a break from your everyday life the Maldives is a great place to relax and unwind, with many resorts offering spa treatments and wellness programs. 

Although it offers unparalleled natural beauty, as discussed above, it’s important to consider the cost, limited activities outside of the water, environmental concerns, and accessibility when deciding whether it’s the right destination for you. 

If you’re looking for a place to unwind and soak up the sun, the Maldives is certainly worth considering, but if you’re looking for a more active or culturally rich experience, you may want to look elsewhere.

How many days in Maldives is enough?

All you need to do is look at photos of the Maldives to understand why so many tourists flock to the country every year.

But how long do you need to travel the Maldives? 

Let’s explore how many days you need to fully experience this island nation.

As with most travels, the ideal length of stay in the Maldives depends on what you want to do and see. 

If you’re simply looking for a relaxing beach getaway, a few days to a week should be enough to unwind and soak up the sun. 

However, if you want to explore the Maldives’ many islands and get a taste of the local culture, you may want to plan for a longer stay.

Planning your Maldives Itinerary

Here are some important factors your need to consider when planning your itinerary.

Travel Time 

First up we have travel time. As with most countries, you visit, the more time you spend sitting on a plane, the more time you are likely to want to invest at the destination. 

The Maldives is a remote destination, it is an island nation after all! It’s no surprise that travel can take some time, particularly if you’re flying from outside Asia. You’ll want to factor in travel time when planning your trip.

Island Hopping 

The Maldives is made up of over 1,000 islands, and each one has its own unique character.

If you want to explore multiple islands (I highly suggest you do!), you’ll need more time. A week or more is ideal for island hopping, anything shorter and you won’t get the chance. 

Activities

As we already know, the Maldives offers a range of water sports and if you want to experience everything the Maldives has to offer, you’ll need to factor in extra days in your itinerary.

Travel Style

Are you a go-getter who likes to wake up early and kick-start the day? Or perhaps you prefer a sleep-in and only tackle adventurous activities after 11am?

Your travel preferences will also impact how long you stay in the Maldives. Think about whether you are a fast, slow, or somewhere-in-between traveller.

Time off work

Defining Decade is all about promoting adventure and travel that fits into your work schedule, including the 9 to 5 grind that offers 20 days of annual leave. 

Consider how much annual leave you have and how much you are willing to spend on the Maldives. If you have a huge bucket list and this island nation is not number 1, you may want to make use of the weekends or public holidays to stretch your leave. 

Those were the main factors that impact how long you should stay in the Maldives. 

As a general rule of thumb, I recommend spending at least five days in the Maldives. 

This will give you enough time to enjoy the beach, go snorkeling or diving, and relax at the resort. However, if you want to explore more islands or participate in more activities, you’ll want to plan for a longer stay.

The trick is to take the time to plan your itinerary thoroughly to fully experience this tropical paradise.

Which is better Thailand or Maldives?

Looking for a beach lover’s dream in Asia? Then you may be considering Thailand and the Maldives, wondering which one is better for you.

Both Thailand and the Maldives are amazing travel destinations, but they offer very different experiences. Deciding which one is better for you depends on your travel preferences.

Thailand is a diverse country with a rich culture, world-class street food, stunning beaches, and bustling cities. It’s a great destination for those looking for a mix of adventure, culture, and relaxation. In Thailand, you can explore ancient temples, hike through lush jungles, experience the local nightlife, and enjoy the beautiful beaches.

In comparison, the Maldives is more about its pristine beaches, clear waters, and luxury resorts. It’s a perfect destination for those looking for a relaxing and romantic getaway. In the Maldives, you can snorkel or dive in the turquoise waters, relax on the white sand beaches, and indulge in spa treatments and gourmet dining.

In essence, if you’re looking for a cultural experience, Thailand is the better choice. It has a rich history, unique traditions, and plenty of opportunities to experience the local way of life. However, if you’re looking for a luxurious and secluded beach with insanely blue waters, the Maldives is the better option.

In terms of travel costs, Thailand is much more affordable than the Maldives. In Thailand, you can get luxury accommodation for the price of budget accommodation in the Maldives. 

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How to get to the Maldives

The Maldives is southwest of Sri Lanka and India. 

As it is an island nation located in the Indian Ocean, the only way to get there is by air or sea.

Most visitors arrive in the Maldives by air, with Velana International Airport in the capital city of Malé being the main gateway. 

The airport is served by several major airlines from around the world, including Emirates, Qatar Airways, Etihad Airways, Singapore Airlines, and British Airways, among others. From Malé, visitors can then take a seaplane or a speedboat to their resort or destination island.

You can also arrive in the Maldives by sea, usually on a cruise ship or a private yacht. 

The Maldives has several ports to accommodate cruise ships and yachts, and there are also several marinas around the islands. But this is definitely less common, more expensive, and more difficult.

It’s also worth noting that visa requirements for the Maldives vary depending on your nationality and the length of your stay. 

Visitors from many countries can enter the Maldives without a visa for up to 30 days. 

However, it’s always best to check the latest visa requirements before you travel.

 Flights: Book your flights on Skyscanner 

Where to stay in the Maldives

Whilst luxury resorts are the Maldives specialty, there are many options to choose from depending on your budget and travel type.

 Here are some popular areas and resort types to consider:

Private Islands

Many 5-star resorts in the Maldives are located on their own private islands, offering an exclusive and secluded experience. If you are wanting to go all out and have the funds, check out Naladhu Private Island Resort, a heavenly resort that isn’t on the higher end for private island resorts.

Overwater Bungalows

When most people think of the Maldives they picture the stunning overwater bungalows, which offer direct access to turquoise waters and stunning marine life.

Meeru Island Resort & Spa is a great overwater bungalow option that is by far one of the cheapest options. And it’s the sole resort on Meerufenfushi Island, so you are guaranteed a quiet stay!

All-Inclusive Resorts

If you’re looking for a hassle-free trip with expenses paid upfront, consider an all-inclusive resort in the Maldives. These resorts typically include meals, drinks, and some activities in the room rate.

Lily Beach Resort & Spa is a well-priced all-inclusive resort located on Huvahendhoo Island offering diverse dining options, leisure and athletic activities, and of course world-class service.

Budget-Friendly Resorts

While the Maldives is known for its luxury resorts, there are also some more affordable options available. If you’re like me, spending money on activities is much more important than where you sleep at night.

Two popular budget-friendly resorts include Reveries Diving Village and Arena Beach Hotel. They offer mid-range prices for comfortable rooms with all the essentials you could need!

The bottom line: Is the Maldives worth visiting?

In this post, I’ve unpacked the question of: Is it worth visiting the Maldives.

In my opinion, the Maldives is a bucket list destination not to be missed. 

And yes, you don’t need to be on a honeymoon to have an amazing trip. 

Whether you are traveling with friends, family, a partner, or on your own, the Maldives has an incredible natural beauty that you need to explore!

Go snorkeling, island hopping, surfing, diving or simply sit back and sip cocktails at a beachfront resort. It’s a postcard destination that will make your jaw drop no matter what you do.

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