Maldives for the first time: which hotel to choose, when to fly, how many days to take

Your first trip to the Maldives will undoubtedly raise many questions: how to get to the islands, how to choose a resort, what to pack, when to go, and what is a holiday in the Maldives like? We answer all these questions in this article.

Content:

1. Key Information About the Maldives
2. Visa for the Maldives
3. When to Go
4. How Many Days Are Enough for a Maldives Holiday
5. How to Choose a Hotel in the Maldives
6. Which Villa to Choose

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1. Key Information About the Maldives

Before visiting the Maldives, we recommend familiarizing yourself with the following information to avoid any surprises upon arrival:

• The Maldives is an island nation of over 1,000 islands, with the largest stretching just a few kilometers in length. Hotels are typically located on islands a few hundred meters in diameter. If you enjoy driving or wide-open spaces, the Maldives may not be for you. In that case, consider hotels in Bali.
• Upon arrival at the main airport, you will need a transfer by boat or seaplane to your chosen island. Main airport of the Maldives.
• Alcohol is only available on resort islands, where villa prices start at several hundred dollars per night. Alcohol in the Maldives. On local islands, where the local population lives and more budget-friendly accommodations are available, alcohol is prohibited. Importing alcoholic beverages into the country is also not allowed.
• Resort islands, where most tourists head, lack markets, shops, pharmacies, or similar facilities. Only hotel infrastructure is available: villas, bars, restaurants, spas, various entertainment and sports options, and occasionally souvenir shops.
• The air and water temperatures in the Maldives range from +28 to +32°C year-round. The islands experience a rainy season (mostly summer months) and a dry season (winter months). Despite the rains, you can enjoy Maldives beaches all year round.
• Maldivians are a hospitable people. You’ll be warmly welcomed at both luxurious resorts and modest guesthouses.
• A budget holiday in the Maldives is hard to come by. If you dream of postcard-perfect scenes, a week-long vacation for two will cost around $2,000 or more, depending on the level of comfort and luxury.

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2. Visa for the Maldives

Obtaining a visa for the Maldives is straightforward. It is issued on arrival at the airport, provided you have:

• A passport with a machine-readable chip, valid for at least one month.
• A confirmed hotel reservation for your entire stay. The hotel must be certified. All Maldives hotels on WIOTTO are included in this list, and their booking is sufficient for a visa.
• A return flight ticket with a date matching your hotel reservation.
• Sufficient funds for your stay. Typically, tourists are not asked to provide proof of funds.
• All tourists must complete an online Tourist Declaration before arrival, answering standard travel questions. Our managers can assist with filling it out if needed.
• A yellow fever vaccination certificate may be required for arrivals from certain countries.
• The Maldives visa is issued free of charge for 30 days.
• Entry is prohibited for Israeli passport holders from spring 2025.

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3. When to Go

The Maldives are beautiful year-round, with stable warm weather of +28 to +32°C in the Indian Ocean. However, the year can be divided into two distinct seasons:

• Dry or High Season - Late December to March. During this period, the islands enjoy excellent weather: bright sun, calm seas, stunning sunsets, and clear blue lagoons. This is the most popular time, making holidays more expensive than in summer months. The calm, transparent sea makes snorkeling and diving exceptional.
• Southwest Monsoon or Rainy Season - April to Early December. Rain and strong winds occur during this time, ranging from short showers to day-long downpours. These conditions are unpredictable, but holidays and flights are significantly cheaper. If variable weather doesn’t bother you, visit the tropical islands in summer. This period offers better chances to see large marine life, including manta rays. Late summer and early autumn are also ideal for surfers, with excellent spots favored by professionals.

To balance good weather and lower costs, choose dates close to the dry season, such as late March or early April. Prices are lower, but there’s a good chance of avoiding rain. Learn more about Maldives weather.

Waldorf Astoria Maldives Ithaasfushi

4. How Many Days Are Enough for a Maldives Holiday

Located in the Indian Ocean, the Maldives require a flight followed by a transfer to your chosen resort or local island, unless you stay in the Maldives’ capital, Malé. For most tourists from Europe, America, Africa, or Asia, the journey is long, including travel to the airport. The trip can be exhausting and may take an entire day. Plan at least one day to recover from travel.

We recommend allocating at least a week for a Maldives holiday, ideally 10-14 days. If traveling from Sri Lanka, India, or China, the flight is shorter, making a 3-4 day trip feasible.

• For a short stay, choose a resort near Malé. This saves time and money on transfers, with just a 10-20 minute speedboat ride to your dream island.
• If you have more time, opt for remote islands like Baa or Raa Atolls, where the underwater world and snorkeling are far superior to North Malé.

Popular resorts near Malé include Kurumba and Bandos. These are iconic Maldives resorts, perfect for experiencing the island atmosphere. Contact our online chat: our managers will help plan your Maldives trip and choose a hotel.

Kurumba Maldives

5. How to Choose a Hotel in the Maldives

The abundance of hotels in the Maldives can be overwhelming. At first glance, every resort offers coral beaches, palm trees, and crystal-clear seas. Your choice should depend on two factors: your holiday expectations and budget.

For example:

• Foodies and party lovers choose resorts with multiple restaurants and bars.
• Snorkeling enthusiasts look for a hotel with a good house reef.
• Divers consider the distance to nearby dive sites they wish to visit.

In the article How to Choose a Hotel, you can find many useful tips. On WIOTTO.com, there’s an excellent selection of Maldives hotels tailored to your ideal island holiday.

What to Consider When Choosing a Maldives Hotel:

1. Private or Local Island. Resorts are located on separate islands, following the principle of one island, one hotel. Each offers all necessary amenities, typically 4- or 5-star. The main advantage of private islands is seclusion, with only staff and guests present. No locals are on the beaches, and alcohol is available in bars and restaurants.

Useful Selections:

• Best 4-Star Hotels in the Maldives.
• 18 Best 5-Star Hotels in the Maldives.
• Maldives Spa Hotels - 12 Paradise Retreats.
• Most Beautiful Maldives Resort Islands.
• Large Maldives Islands Worth Visiting.
• Best Maldives Hotels with Kids’ Clubs.

On local islands suitable for tourists, the experience differs. These are still the Maldives, but you must follow local laws and customs. Tourists stay in hotels or guesthouses, offering a cheaper alternative to luxury resorts. Popular local islands include Ukulhas, Maafushi, and Toddoo.

2. Distance from Malé Airport. The Maldives has one major international airport near the capital, Malé, on Hulhulé Island. This is the transport hub, with transfers by ferry, speedboat, or seaplane. The farther the resort, the more expensive the transfer.

For first-time visitors, consider hotels near Malé. However, Malé itself isn’t ideal for a paradise holiday, lacking bounty beaches. It’s the economic and cultural center, worth exploring in a single excursion.

When booking, check the distance from the airport and transfer conditions. Transfers are included in the price for all hotels on WIOTTO.com.

3. Hotel Dining. Most resort hotels offer all-inclusive options, but many provide only breakfast, with additional meals paid at island restaurants. Resorts lack grocery stores or markets.

The Maldives’ dining system is unique, and all-inclusive doesn’t always cover everything, though some hotels exceed expectations. Learn more in our guide to Maldives dining.

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6. Which Villa to Choose

Beach Villa. A beach villa typically offers views of the coast from your terrace and direct beach access. If proximity to the beach matters, inquire further, though even the farthest villas are just minutes from the lagoon. Beach villas are generally located on the shore with ocean views.

Consider the villa’s distance from the resort’s main infrastructure. Proximity to restaurants or entertainment areas may disrupt a quiet stay. Note the island’s vegetation—beach villas are often surrounded by shady tropics. A courtyard with an open-air bathroom is also a plus.

Water Villa. These villas, built on stilts over the lagoon, are highly romantic and popular. Water villas are ideal for snorkeling enthusiasts, offering direct lagoon access. However, resorts often restrict families with young children from staying in water villas for safety reasons.

Tip. Regardless of the villa type, consider a room with a private pool or jacuzzi—you won’t regret it on tropical islands. A great option is to spend half your holiday in a beach villa and the other half in a water villa.

Bandos Maldives