Destination information
The Maldives is an archipelago of more than 1,000 islands to the south-west of the tip of India. It is obviously a long-haul destination and the trip can be tiring, but we consider it well worth it, as this as an excellent holiday destination. The near-perfect weather all the year round, combined with the friendly locals, the wonderfully warm bathing waters, and plenty of holiday activities, make your Maldives Holiday an increasingly popular choice for holiday breaks. Your Virgin flight will land in the capital city of Malé, one of the largest islands in the group. Malé has a population of over 100,000 and is as lively as it gets in the Maldives. A wide range of services and amenities are available to visitors to the city. Culturally, the capital is more conservative than the outlying islands, where most of the holiday resorts are located. Conservative attire for both men and women is recommended for this portion of your holiday in Maldives, and women should have a scarf or other head covering with them to avoid unwanted attention, as the residents of Malé typically follow Muslim conventions.
Diving and Snorkelling
The Maldives are a sensual overload, with crescents of sparkling white-sand beaches, colourful sunsets, clear turquoise water punctuated by coral reefs, and green palm trees swaying in the light breezes. The country is a photographer’s paradise and is cherished by snorkelers and SCUBA divers for its range of beautiful underwater terrain. The property boundaries of many hotels extend to small reefs just off their beaches, so snorkelling keen guests can enjoy the beauty of the reef right on their doorstep. Diving schools are available in most resorts, so you can take your exploration even deeper after some training.
Honeymoons and Renewal of Vows
For a wedding and honeymoon to remember the Maldives is the favoured place to go. You can cocoon yourselves in the sound of the lapping waves and the warmth of the sun. Walk along the beach and get the coral sand between your toes, enjoying your time alone together. Getting away from the romance to more practical matters - take advantage of the complimentary extras that many hotels offer to honeymooners and have at least one dinner al fresco, beneath the twinkling stars. Attractive package deals are available that will save you money on a wide variety of services.
Spas and Well-being
Of course, for those who want to get away from it all and truly relax, the islands offer spa packages that provide you with great comfort day and night. Several hotels offer over-the-water bungalows for the ultimate in privacy and seclusion, some with a personal butler service. Fine dining is available throughout the islands, including a wide selection of healthy dishes with international flavours, as well as fine wines to accompany your meal.
Beautiful Beaches
With over 1,000 islands and atolls, many of them uninhabited, you won’t find a greater choice of beaches anywhere in the world; this is exclusive to a holiday in the Maldives. Whether you enjoy lounging on the sand, walking in the surf, snorkelling or diving, the Maldives offer a warm, sunny retreat from your busy life at home. Leave your worries and the stresses of day-to-day living behind you, and come to the one place on earth that will allow you to thoroughly unwind, and truly enjoy the beauty of land and sea. You don’t need to pack much more than a swimsuit and some sunscreen before visiting the Maldives, but you’ll return with pleasant memories that will last a lifetime.
Additional info
ACD – Airport Development Charge of $25.00 will be introduced and collected from all international passengers (aged 2 years and above) upon departing from Ibrahim Nasir Male International Airport on flights scheduled from 1st January 2012 onwards.
Weather and climate
Getting there
Flight Details - Emirates flights to the Maldives (via Dubai) depart 5 times a week (Fri, Sat, Sun, Mon and Wed) from London Heathrow, Gatwick, Manchester, Birmingham, Newcastle and Glasgow.
Flying Time - Approx 12 hours to Malé.
Time Difference - GMT +5 hours
Currency - Maldivian Rufiya (US$ travellers' cheques are recommended - some US$ notes are handy for tipping on arrival.)
Visa Requirements - British citizens do not require a visa.
Language - Maldivian Dhivehi is the official language. English is widely spoken.
Fly Direct to the Maldives with Sri Lankan Airlines - If you would prefer to fly direct to the Maldives, Sri Lankan Airlines fly 4 times a week direct from London Heathrow to Mal? (Mon, Thu, Fri and Sat). Supplement to fly direct between £0-£150 per person.
Transfers in the Maldives - If your flight to Malé arrives at night or departs very early in the morning, it may not be possible to transfer directly to your chosen resort by seaplane, as they only operate during daylight hours. It may be necessary to overnight at either the airport hotel or Kurumba, which is located a short boat ride from the airport. Prices start from £68 per person per night. Transfers in the Maldives are either by speedboat or seaplane. Due to the nature of the transfers, during adverse weather conditions it may not be possible to transfer immediately to your resort.