Maldives Hotels Vacation Packages

Maldives Hotels

The Maldives is the epitome of luxury, tranquility and beauty. Imagine, 1,192 tropical islands dotted among the sparkling turquoise waters of the Indian ocean, shorelines awash with sparkling, cotton white sand, and lush palm trees that sway in the breeze.

Spending time in the Maldives is like a dream, an exotic escape. The archipelago boasts a vast array of colorful reef fish and other tropical marine life. In addition, its iconic overwater bungalows make these islands an ideal vacation destination for all water lovers or anyone who's simply looking for the perfect place to relax and unwind. It's no wonder that this paradise has been a travel hotspot for so many years.

The Maldives receives thousands of tourists each year, which means there's no shortage of accommodation options to choose. While the sheer number of island locations might make selecting the best hotels in the Maldives seem tricky, don't worry, it's not. Of the thousands of islands within the Maldives, only 185 are inhabited, with 106 as resort islands.

Prices for hotels in the Maldives range from high to low, so you can refine your search for accommodation according to your budget. Choose from all-inclusive accommodation options to a private villa resort or anything else that suits your budget and travel preferences.

Maldives Holiday Packages

In the past, traveling to the Maldives could be challenging because it was difficult to find flights. These days, however, prices and travel times have decreased significantly. Thanks to the holiday packages, the Maldives is more affordable and attractive to holiday makers than ever before.

Holiday packages offer the best way to plan for the perfect holiday in Maldives, without the stress of booking everything individually and dealing with many details. Maldives Vacation Packages include both your flights and accommodation, ensuring that all the major planning of your trip is completely taken care of for you. You can add extras like car rentals and hotel transfers, meaning you truly do not have to worry about a thing and enjoy your vacation.

When to go to the Maldives

Traveling to the Maldives is good any time of year. The island nation experiences a moderate tropical climate thanks to it being nestled in the Indian Ocean. So, its temperature is warm and constant throughout the year. However, keep in mind that the country does experience monsoons, so the best time to visit is between November and April as there'll be less chance of rain.

If the weather isn't of concern to you, simply arrange a trip whenever is most convenient. Just be aware that prices generally go up during the high season (between December and March), and holiday packages might be sold out if you wait until the last minute. Christmas is the most expensive period, so book early if you want to travel currently.

Maldives Seasons

Given the Maldives sits so close to the equator, it never really is cold. Temperatures remain relatively stable throughout the year, that is, warm and humid. With a tropical climate, the Maldives experiences two seasons – winter monsoon and summer monsoon.

The famous winter monsoon, between November and April, is the country's high season. This is the driest and most fantastic time of the year, with temperatures between 26 and 29ºC.

The summer monsoon season is between May and October. This season is scorching, humid, and sees a lot of rain.

How to Get to the Maldives

Located in the middle of the Indian Ocean, the remote and spectacular Maldives are only accessible by sea or air.

Flying is the fastest, most comfortable, and most cost-effective way to get to the Maldives. Velana International Airport, is located on Hulhule Island and is linked to Malé, the capital of the Maldives, by an airport ferry. It is the central transport hub for the Maldives and receives both international flights and domestic seaplanes for connections to other islands.

Most travelers don't need a visa to visit the Maldives. This makes it an easy vacation spot to relax and spend quality time with your loved ones while creating lasting memories.

How to Get Around the Maldives

Since the Maldives is made up of secluded islands, you'll need to rely on your feet to explore the island primarily you stay on. However, you can also travel around using a Dhoni, Maldivian boat used by hotels in Malé and the nearest islands. This is a free or low-cost way to explore the area.

You can also move between islands on a speedboat. The resorts near Malé often use speed boats for transfers, but the price can vary widely.

Lastly, if you have the budget, then you can transfer by seaplane. This is the best choice if you're heading to an outer island and are looking to maximize your time resting, relaxing, and exploring.

Maldives Accommodation Options

There are endless options when it comes to Maldives accommodation. Choose between large 5-star resorts, all-inclusive hotels, a luxurious overwater villa, or small and cozy boutique hotels. There are even tiny islands that belong to a single resort hotel for the ultimate in privacy and luxury.

One thing to consider when choosing accommodation in the Maldives is the size of the island. You may prefer a small island where you can enjoy minimal activities and all the peace and quiet in the world. In this case, there are exclusive island hotels with staff who work privately for you, offering complete privacy and solitude. These, however, can be costly, so they may not be for all budgets. Another option is one of the large resorts that offer a wide variety of activities, restaurants, and places to explore.

For an extra memorable trip, try one of the villas located in the middle of the blue-green sea and revel as you dive into the water directly from your balcony. This unique experience makes the Maldives perfect for honeymoon couples and every other kind of traveller.

Maldives History

Because of their trade route location, the Maldives is a nation steeped in history. In the 3rd Century B.C., islands tribes were part of an important commercial trade route between Egypt, China, the Indus Valley, and Mesopotamia. And in the 2nd century AD, Arab traders stopped in the Maldives to trade seashells, the accepted currency in the country at the time.

The Maldives strengthened its commercial and economic relations with Muslim countries in 1153, when the Buddhist King Dhovemi converted to Islam. In the 16th century, the Portuguese took control of the islands and ruled them for 15 years, managing important Indian trade routes. Then in the 17th century, the Dutch and the British replaced the Portuguese as the islands' rulers. In 1965, the Maldives gained independence and, in 1968, the Republic of Maldives was founded by referendum.

Must-See Places in the Maldives

The Maldives is the perfect vacation choice no matter what holiday mode you're feeling. Enjoy low-key, lazy days lounging and unwinding, or get out and about as you actively explore local attractions, swimming, snorkeling, diving or sailing.

If you want to see the best that the Maldives has to offer, here are some Maldives must-sees:

• Malé Atoll – As the capital city of the Maldives, it's also the biggest and most populated island. Get lost wandering its winding streets, gazing up at its colorful houses and exploring the Maldives' metropolitan side. Check out local markets, the National Museum, the People's Palace, the 2004 Tsunami Monument, Victory Monument, the Grand Friday Mosque, and more.

• Sun Island - Also known as the "Island of the Sun", Nalaguraidhoo Island in South Ari Atoll is a small private island with white-sand beaches. It's among one of the top landmarks in the Maldives.

What to Eat in the Maldives

Food in the Maldives is strongly influenced by the neighboring countries of India and Sri Lanka. However, the cuisine still has a flair and exotic flavors that are all its own.

Maldivians are known for creating food that captivates both the heart and the taste buds. It's all about those tropical island paradise staples such as fresh fish, coconuts, mangoes, papayas and pineapples.

Some recommended local foods and snacks to try when you are in the Maldives include:

• Gulha – fried meatballs with coconut, fish, onion, spices, and lime; a great evening or anytime snack!

• Bajiya – fish with coconut and onion; a Maldivian samosa

• Kulhi Borkinaa – spiced fish cake; one of the oldest food cuisines of the Maldives!

• Theluli Kavabuu – spicy fish croquettes

• Mas huni – a smoked fish dish flavored with onions and coconuts; usually eaten for breakfast

• Fihunu mas – roasted or barbequed whole fish seasoned with chili

What to Do in the Maldives

The Maldives archipelago offers you the chance to relax on a tropical island and has a wide range of activities to pass the time. Here are some of the best things to do on the island:

• Enjoy a magnificent diving experience around the shipwreck "Victory", which sank in 1981. While you're diving, keep your eyes open for barracudas, gray sharks, batfish, scorpionfish, and sea turtles, all of which have been spotted around this dive spot.

• Go on a Malé exploration excursion. Take a half-day out to visit ancient parks, local fish markets, museums, boutiques, and small shops. Pick up some local handmade ornaments and souvenirs along the cobblestone streets of the Maldives most populous city.

• Get up close and personal with the marine life. Believe it or not, meeting the sharks in the Maldives is an exciting and safe experience! So put on your dive suit and enjoy this unique experience with expert divers who know how to keep you safe.

• Calmly kayak to reach some of the Maldives most deserted beaches. Or, if you're after something more exhilarating, take to the water parasailing, banana boating, jet skiing, or surfing.

• Pamper yourself with a massage, spa or beauty treatment, or relax and unwind with some yoga or meditation practice.

Buying Gifts in the Maldives

There are many souvenir shops and stores around the Maldives where you can stock up on gifts for your loved ones or take home something special for yourself.

Most of the main shopping areas in the Maldives are in the capital Malé. Head to Majeedhee Magu, the main road running through Malé, and browse stores that offer everything from locally crafted goods to jewelry, electronics, groceries, and more. Look for small handmade items such as local currency coins, which are easy to pack into your luggage for your return trip home.

Another popular spot is the Singapore Bazaar, known locally as Chaandhanee Magu. This popular street market offers imported products from Singapore as well as local artisan goods and more.

• The Sandbanks – For a remote beach and ocean experience, visit one of the local sandbanks. These mini islands, located in the middle of the sea and sometimes as small as only a few meters, can be your private beach island for a day.

• Alimatha Island – Famous for its crystal-clear, blue waters, this spectacular spot is perfect for diving, snorkeling, and sailing.

• Artificial Beach – This man-made beach in Malé is a great place to visit if you love to swim. It offers an array of activities, including water sports and snorkeling, as well as quiet stretches where you can relax or explore.

How to get from Malé to your Hotel?

Getting from Malé to your hotel is simple and straightforward. You have the option of arranging this trip through your vacation package, as both car hire or transfer services can be included within your booking.

The Cheapest and Most Expensive Areas in the Maldives

There are numerous islands in the Maldives, so with a little bit of research, rest assured you'll be able to find the perfect one for you that suits your budget. For those looking for a luxury escape where budget is not a concern, try the Tulusdhoo, Biyadhoo, Mathiveri and Malé districts. If you're on a tighter budget, then look at the Hulhumalé, Dhifussi, Maafushi, Gulhi, Fulidhoo, Guraidhoo, Ukulhas and Rasdhoo areas.