{"id":2304,"date":"2015-11-14T00:00:03","date_gmt":"2015-11-14T00:00:03","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.expedia.com.sg\/stories\/paradise-in-maldives\/"},"modified":"2022-07-11T17:45:55","modified_gmt":"2022-07-11T17:45:55","slug":"paradise-in-maldives","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.expedia.com.sg\/stories\/experience\/paradise-in-maldives\/","title":{"rendered":"4 Ways to Enjoy the Maldives"},"content":{"rendered":"

Whether you\u2019re looking for adventure, a romantic escape or a solo retreat, find yourself in the perfect surroundings in the Maldives<\/a>.\u00a0For any traveller and holiday-maker, the Maldives is that island paradise on the upper rungs of the best travel destinations to visit.<\/p>\n

Essentially an archipelago of islands in the Indian Ocean, the Maldives is the ideal holiday destination\u00a0that can keep you entertained in a few ways.<\/p>\n

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1. Explore the Marine Life<\/strong><\/h2>\n

Boasting some of the best underwater visibility (up to 20 metres), warmest water temperatures (26\u00b0C – 30\u00b0C) and a large variety of marine life, the Maldives are a great diving destination for beginners and experts alike.<\/p>\n

\"kurumba-maldives-resort-snorkel\"<\/p>\n

When to go:\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n

January to April offers excellent visibility and calmer waters, just before the rainy season picks up. The ocean currents during this period also attract a cornucopia\u00a0of marine life.<\/p>\n

What to do:<\/strong><\/p>\n

Beginners can learn to dive; experts can explore the abundant marine life and coral species (whale sharks, manta rays and even hammerhead sharks can be spotted); and photography enthusiasts can take advantage of the excellent visibility for underwater photographs.<\/p>\n

Where to stay:<\/strong><\/p>\n

If you’re a novice,\u00a0Kurumba\u00a0Maldives<\/a>\u00a0offers diving courses with\u00a0PADI-certified instructors. Travelling with kids? The hotel also has a Bubble Maker programme that provides a diving experience for the young ones in its lagoon\u00a0or house reef.<\/p>\n

\"kurumba-maldives-resort\" \"kurumba-maldives-guestroom\" \"kurumba-maldives-beach-resort\"<\/p>\n

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2. Splash Out on a Romantic Getaway<\/strong><\/h2>\n

The picturesque islands are the ideal backdrop for a romantic proposal, wedding or honeymoon destination. The waters of the Maldives are the rich blue often seen in postcards of idyllic beaches. Plenty of accommodation in the Maldives are designed with romance and escapism in mind. There are huts\u00a0set on\u00a0stilts in the water, with glass floors allowing you to watch the fish from the comforts of your luxurious room. Maldives resorts not only offer the perfect romantic setting, but a sense of fantasy and lots of privacy as well.<\/p>\n

\"one-n-only-reethi-maldives-resort\"One & Only Reethi Rah<\/span><\/em><\/p>\n

When to go:<\/strong><\/p>\n

December to March, when the weather is at its sunniest. This is also peak tourist season, but that won\u2019t matter when you\u2019re cocooned in a secluded resort, away from prying eyes.<\/p>\n

What to do:<\/strong><\/p>\n

For the ultimate romantic getaway, the best thing to do is to book yourself an all-inclusive resort from which you can frolic on a private beach, have access to well-prepared local cuisine or relax with a couple\u2019s massage.<\/p>\n

Where to stay:<\/strong><\/p>\n

Go all out and book a stay at the\u00a0One & Only\u00a0Reethi\u00a0Rah<\/a>. It\u2019s luxurious, private and has everything you\u2019re dreaming of \u2013 impeccable design, an award-winning spa, spacious villas, top-notch dining options and breathtaking sea views. Decide whether to take your cocktails over dinner, in the beach club or on the beach \u2013 the choice is yours.<\/p>\n

\"reethi-rah-maldives-romantic-getaway\"\"one-only-reethi-maldives-romantic-hotel\"<\/p>\n

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3. Catch a Break<\/strong><\/h2>\n

The surf breaks here come with crystal clear turquoise waters \u2013 you can even leave the wetsuits behind with water this warm.<\/p>\n

\"FernFern Boquete Inn<\/a>\u00a0<\/span><\/em><\/p>\n

When to go:<\/strong><\/p>\n

There are three major surf zones in the Maldives – the Male Atolls, the Central Atolls and the Outer Atolls. Generally, May to October is when you\u2019ll find the biggest breaks, but it\u2019s recommended you do some research into the best months to visit, depending on your chosen surf site.<\/p>\n

What to do:<\/strong><\/p>\n

Surf! Experience the more popular Maldives breaks \u2013\u00a0Lohis, Jailbreaks and Ninjas, just to name a few. Or opt for more secluded ones to avoid the crowds (just remember you need to bring your own board for these). Either way, there\u2019s lots of surfing to be done.<\/p>\n

Where to stay:<\/strong><\/p>\n

Several resorts offer on-site surfing and private beachfronts.\u00a0Otherwise, pick a resort closest to your preferred break.\u00a0Club\u00a0Med\u00a0Kani, for example, offers surfing excursions to nearby spots.<\/p>\n

Another option is to book a live-in charter, where you\u2019ll stay on a charter boat that takes you directly to your favourite surf sites.<\/p>\n

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4. Chill Out and Pamper Yourself<\/strong><\/h2>\n

Grab your girlfriends, or go solo \u2013 unspoilt beauty and indulgent retreats in the Maldives are calling.<\/p>\n

\"paradise-island-maldives-resort\"Paradise Island Resort & Spa<\/a><\/span><\/em><\/p>\n

When to go:<\/strong><\/p>\n

Anytime. But avoid the rainy season during April to October if you want to soak up the sun.<\/p>\n

What to do:<\/strong><\/p>\n

Absolutely nothing.\u00a0Just\u00a0spoil yourself silly with delicious Maldivian food, lounging by the pool and luxuriating in a spa.<\/p>\n

Other relaxing activities include yoga by the beach, island picnics, sunset cocktails, cruising and champagne breakfasts and brunches.<\/p>\n

\"velassaru-maldives-bath\"<\/p>\n

Where to stay:<\/strong><\/p>\n

Pick a Maldives resort that offers the best of luxurious pampering and holistic wellness for a thoroughly rejuvenating experience.<\/p>\n

At Velassaru Maldives<\/a>, enjoy a Lagoon Coral Scrub or\u00a0Vinotherapie\u00a0Body Wrap\u00a0in\u00a0treatment pavilions over the water that look out onto the Maldivian seascape. Bliss!<\/p>\n

\"velassaru-maldives-relax\"\"velassaru-infinity-pool-maldives\"<\/p>\n

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Bonus Tip: Food\u00a0in the Maldives<\/h3>\n

The majority of\u00a0Maldivians\u00a0are Sunni Muslims, who generally do not consume alcohol or eat pork, so bringing these items into the country is not allowed. However, alcohol and pork are usually available for consumption on the tourist islands.<\/p>\n

Local Maldives\u00a0food and popular dishes feature lots of fish and rice, with\u00a0Sri\u00a0Lankan-inspired tastes. Imported food is rare (and expensive).<\/p>\n

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[tabs]<\/span><\/p>\n

[tab title=”Best Time to Visit” icon=”entypo-light-up”]The Maldives has a tropical climate with a year-round temperature of about 30\u00b0C. \u00a0Note that the southwest monsoon does contribute to an increase in rainfall from April to October, so time your visit accordingly.[\/tab]<\/p>\n

[tab title=”Where to Stay” icon=”entypo-suitcase”]Island resorts vary from top-notch luxury to budget, or are specialised to suit different activities, such as surfing or diving resorts. Check out all the available\u00a0deals<\/a>\u00a0[\/tab]<\/p>\n

[tab title=”Getting There” icon=”entypo-address”]<\/p>\n

Singapore to the Maldives:<\/strong> <\/span><\/p>\n

Singapore Airlines and\u00a0Tigerair\u00a0offer\u00a0direct flights to\u00a0the Male International Airport<\/a>. From there, seaplanes or ferries are the preferred mode of transport for getting to nearby islands. [\/tab]<\/span><\/p>\n

[tab title=”Visa Requirements” icon=”entypo-book”]<\/p>\n

Maldives Visa Requirements for Singaporean citizens:<\/strong>
\nThe Maldives offers a free 30-day visa upon arrival for all visitors, provided the following requirements are met by each traveller: [\/tab]
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