Maldives is a starting point towards paradise, with its white-sanded beaches, its turquoise lagoons, the coral reefs made by the amazing force of nature. The splendid mosaic of multicolour fish, together with the spectacular sunsets, will take your breath away and will assure you the Maldives are a great choice for a dreamy vacation.
Name: Republic of Maldives
Capital: Male
Location: Insular State located in the Indian Ocean (coral reef archipelago) in southern Asia, 400 km southwest of Sri Lanka. The archipelago extends about 100 km across the equator.
Main towns: Fuvahmulah (Gnyaviyani Atoll), Hithadhoo (Seenu), Kulhudhuffushi (Haa Dhaalu Atholhu), Thinadhoo (Gaafu Dhaalu Atholhu), Naifaru (Lhaviyani Atholhu), Hulhumale (Kaafu Atoll), Dhidhdhoo (Haa Alifu Atholhu), Maafushi (Kaafu Atoll), Viligili (Gaafu Alifu Atholhu)
Currency: Rufiyaa – MVR
Timezone: UTC +5
Tipping:
Tipping is not compolsory in the Maldives as 10% service charge is added to everything – but it is a nice gesture to help the staff of resorts to earn some extra money.
Just a guide fot tips:
-Bagguage / Porters – 1-5$ per bag;
-Room Boy – 10-20$ per week;
-Waiter(s) – 10-20$ per week;
-Bar staff – 10-20$ per week;
-Specialist Chef – 10-20$ per week
-Hidden staff tipping box – usually found in Reception or Main Restaurant – $10-20 per week (this is for all the staff you do not see).
Voltage: Network parameters: 230 V / 50 Hz; C, D, G, J, K, L socket is used, you need adapters.
From luxurious, exclusive water villas, where you can descend directly to the ocean’s coral garden, bungalows with jacuzzi on the beach or villas surrounded by lush gardens, accommodation options in Maldives clearly reflect the tastes and inclination towards diversity of the customers. Experience this comfort and enjoy the exotic splendor of these wonderful islands, which offers the perfect combination of an archaic romanticism and modern, innovative designs.
Must see & do:
The Maldives specialises in winter sun for Europeans, making high season December to April, when the islands enjoy the dry monsoon with little rain and lower humidity while Europe shivers. February to April is the hottest period and resorts are almost all operating at capacity during this period. Mid-December to early January comes at even more of a premium due to Christmas and New Year and prices are even higher. Easter and the Italian holiday week in August also attract peak prices at most resorts, especially the Italian-oriented ones.From May to November is the period when storms and rain are more likely. It’s still warm, but skies can be cloudy and the humidity is higher. This is the low season, with fewer people and lower prices, with the exception of August.
Diving is good year-round, although a basic rule is that life on the reef is more varied and visibility better on the western side of any atoll from May to November and from the eastern side of any atoll December to April. This means you’d be wise to choose your resort accordingly.