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You’ve booked your flight to the Maldives. The picture-perfect beauty of the islands and their surrounding waters has you eager to set off as quickly as possible. The thought of lounging on the best beaches in the Maldives with cocktails in hand has you daydreaming already.
But wait! There is something fundamental you are forgetting.
Boasting a “one island, one resort” system, the Maldives allows tourists to enjoy the archipelago’s natural gorgeousness while enjoying an exclusive stay. To maximize this opportunity, you must select the best possible resort in the Maldives that caters to every one of your preferences.
With over 130 resorts in the Maldives, each offering a unique experience, choosing one can be confusing. We have thus listed below 11 points to consider before booking a Maldives resort to assist you in this endeavor.
Ranging from resort size and amenities to dining prospects and the island’s house reef status, make sure you spend time learning about the pros and cons of each resort before making the final booking.
Accommodation
When deciding on which resort to book in the Maldives, check to see the types of accommodations they offer. Maldives resorts are known the world over for their exclusive abodes, from underwater rooms and beachside villas to overwater bungalows and sunset cottages.
However, not every resort has all the options. Some retreats only have overwater bungalows, while others might primarily have beachside villas. There are a few larger resorts that additionally have garden villas located in the center of the island.
The final room choice depends on your budget. Many of the retreats offer a variety of low-cost as well as luxury residences. Try to pick a private island that has different villas. You can then switch rooms in-between your holiday, spending a few days in a cottage and the remaining in a water bungalow.
Distance from the airport
The Maldives is in the middle of the Indian Ocean. Flights to Maldives are available from various destinations in Europe and Asia. Still, it takes time to reach the archipelago, which often eats into your holiday.
Therefore, when choosing a Maldives resort, take into account the total length of your vacation. If you have a week or more to spare, select any resort island, irrespective of how far or near they are from the airport.
However, if you are visiting for less than a week, it is best to stay on a private island near the capital city of Malé. South Malé Atoll and North Malé Atoll have excellent resorts, all of which are under 40-minutes by speedboat from Malé Airport. By staying at a nearby resort, you will significantly reduce travel time and save on transfers.
Transfers
Speaking of transfers, travelers can select between different modes of transports to reach their final destination. If your resort is close to the airport, a private or shared speedboat might be your only option. For far-away islands, you will have to take a seaplane or a flight to a domestic airport and then a speedboat.
The reason for considering transfers when choosing a Maldives resort is that they impact the overall budget of your holiday. Travel by boat is a relatively cheaper possibility, but prices depend on how far your island is from Malé. Seaplanes, while scenic and fast, are pretty costly.
Moreover, you must decide on your transfer before arriving in the Maldives and pre-book a seat, be it a speedboat or a seaplane. Your resort will help you in this process.
The one alternative to the above is taking the ferry. Local boats are lighter on the pocket, but they only sail to inhabited islands. Therefore, you will have to take a short speedboat ride to your resort eventually. Furthermore, ferries are slow, and their timings often change at the last minute.
Resort size
When selecting a Maldives resort, consider the size of the island and the overall orientation of the retreat. Remember, larger doesn’t always mean better when it comes to private islands.
A bigger island with limited rooms will have secluded spots and is ideal for couples looking for privacy. The same is true for a small island with a few bungalows. The ambiance is intimate, but there might also be fewer choices in terms of dining and facilities.
An island with plenty of accommodations guarantees a vibrant and active scene. You can still find seclusion, but the overall vibe of the resort is more upbeat and perfect for families or larger groups. Here, you’ll find multiple restaurants and bars, kid’s clubs, spas, entertainment centers, and activities galore.
House reef
The house reef of a Maldives private island is the most overlooked factor by travelers while making a booking. The reef adjoining any resort is among its high points, placing a captivating aquatic world at your doorstep.
However, not every resort has a reef worth boasting about. To have the convenience of observing sharks, rays, turtles, corals, and other marine animals from the comfort of the beach or while snorkeling is fantastic. You don’t want to miss out on it!
Therefore, it is essential that you read resort reviews and learn more about the house reef, its vibrancy, and accessibility.
Pro-Tip:
Like the house reef, when booking an overwater bungalow in the Maldives, always check if it is possible to step into the water from your abode. Sometimes, the seabed has too many corals that make it impossible for guests to access the ocean directly.
Resort vibe
Lately, there’s been a change in the overall operations of Maldivian resorts. For many years, the retreats primarily catered to wedding and honeymoon couples. Now though, many resorts attract families and groups, rendering facilities to engage and entertain different age groups.
At present, some of the private islands are adults-only, while others allow children 12-years and above. Then there are retreats perfect for families or ones that mainly attract professional divers whose primary criteria is to be as close to diving sites as possible. Consequently, understanding the vibe of the resort is another characteristic to ponder before booking a room.
Amenities
No matter the size of a private island, the more amenities it offers, the better. Whether you are on a honeymoon in the Maldives or on a family vacation, it’s nice to have different facilities to enjoy for times you are not in the water or on the beach.
A picturesque freshwater infinity pool is vital for days and evenings you don’t want to swim in the ocean. A kid’s club comes in handy to keep children occupied and entertained during the day.
A private butler, known locally as thakuru, adds an extra dose of luxury to your stay, as does a spa that offers the very best of treatments to rejuvenate the body. In the end, consider a Maldives resort that has indoor sports such as table tennis, snooker, and a gaming center for days when it rains.
Dining
Since you will be spending maximum time on one island, it’s best to book a Maldives resort that offers a diverse selection of restaurants and bars. Having more alternatives allows you to try and experiment with different cuisines every day of your stay.
Moreover, gourmands should look for retreats with exclusive restaurants that serve decadent meals prepared by award-winning chefs in unusual settings. The Maldives, after all, has everything from underwater to treetop restaurants.
Eco-friendliness
Climate change is a growing issue that will impact the Maldives tremendously in the coming years. As the flattest nation in the world, the islands are at high risk of going underwater if ocean levels keep on rising at the present rate.
Accordingly, we must not pollute or leave a carbon footprint when staying in the Maldives. Therefore, before making a reservation at a retreat, ask them about sustainable measures they have taken to safeguard the environment. These can include using glass water bottles instead of plastic ones, operating a coral nursery, and generating energy from solar panels.
Activities
Another essential feature to consider when booking a resort in the Maldives is the range of activities on the island. Since you will mostly be holidaying in one place, pick a retreat that helps create a spirited and engaging atmosphere.
Standard activities you will find on most resorts are watersports such as paddle boarding and kayaking, live music at bars, excursions like dhoni sunset cruise and sandbank picnic, beach bonfire, fish feeding, cultural performances, and theme parties.
More exclusive attractions not available on every resort are watersports like flyboarding and blackwater diving, international DJ nights, open-air cinema, language classes, educational programs with in-house marine biologists, and cooking classes.
At the time of booking, do check which activities are part of the package and which excursions require an extra charge.
Deals
Last but certainly not something to overlook is all the deals on Maldives resorts. Whether it is because of COVID, low tourist season, a marketing tactic, or a newly opened retreat promoting its services, the right bargain will help you save money in the Maldives. You can then spend this cash on unique experiences like dining at one of Maldives’ underwater restaurants.
To make the most of resort deals in Maldives, first, list the retreats you like. Then, start comparing promotions. Check to see what is included, from watersports and full- or half-board prices to simple things like how many complimentary water bottles you’ll get daily. Once you have everything listed, choosing which resort will give the most value for your money becomes easier.
Pro Tip:
Don’t be hesitant about emailing a Maldives resort and asking for a discount. Often, the reservation staff is happy to give you a special deal when you show interest directly.
