The beautiful islands of the Maldives are known for their emerald waters, long stretches of beautiful beaches and most of all-the luxurious bungalows over the water. The Maldives were one of the first countries to reopen its borders during the pandemic. This has made a trip to the Maldives go from a possible visit to a definite visit destination.  If the Maldives are on your travel list this summer, be sure to read these tips for planning that wonderful trip. Here is what you need to know before your first trip to the Maldives.

Your First Maldives Trip: What You Need To Know

Boat Transfers Are the Best Option

Many of the private island resorts in the Maldives offer boat or seaplane transfers from Velana International Airport. While the puddle jumper flight sounds like the quickest option, they are more time consuming because the seaplanes depart from another airport. For example, a 20 minute speedboat ride will get you to the luxurious Gili Lankanfushi, and after just 45 minutes on the water, you will arrive at One&Only Reethi Rah, a barefoot resort.

The Maldives Has Family Friendly Resorts

Many people assume that the Maldives is a resort for romantic couples retreats only. Nothing could be further from the truth as many resorts here are targeted to families. One of the best kid’s clubs in the country is located at Soneva Fushi, complete with surfing lessons and a Lego room. You can give the little ones a treat with the pirate themed pool and treasure hunts at Lux* South Ari Atoll Resorts & Villas.

Points Go Further Than Dollars

The Maldives is the place where savvy travelers can use their accumulated points from various hotel programs. Park Hyatt Maldives Hadahaa offers great benefits to its reward members in addition to earning World of Hyatt points. This atoll is one of the deepest in the Maldives, and this allows guests to partake in snorkeling, dolphin watching and diving. Pamper yourself at the spa at Waldorf Astoria Maldives Ithaafushi, then later dine at Terra, a treetop restaurant.

Don’t Miss The Bioluminescent Views

At night, the coastlines of the Maldives are wonderfully illuminated by bioluminescent plankton. If you want to see this phenomenon in person, you will need to visit the Maldives during the plankton high season, which occurs from mid-summer to mid-winter. At this time, these bioluminescent organisms gather along the shores and become a glow in the dark type of effect at the edge of the water.

Strongly Consider an All Inclusive Resort

The food and alcoholic beverages in the Maldives can be very expensive. As a result, many newcomers to the Maldives opt for an all inclusive resort. On the surface it may seem the nightly rate is much higher than budget accommodation. However, you must remember that the cost of the all-inclusive combines the cost of food and drink into the cost of your stay. Lily Beach Resort & Spa has seven bars and restaurants for dining and spirits. Guests also receive three complimentary excursions per stay including a sunset cruise or coral garden snorkeling.

Experience a Liveaboard

Liveaboards are local houseboats or cruise ships that transport passengers through the clear waters and coral reefs. These vessels contain many accommodations and facilities for entertainment. These include personal chefs, massage therapists, and dive and surf instructors. Another option for a liveaboard is small, private, socially distanced, and customized party for you and your guests.

This is the Vacation to Splurge

If there ever was a place to indulge your vacation dollar, the Maldives is it. Cheval Blanc Randhell has a stunning four bedroom villa that has its own atoll. For a unique experience, visit the unbelievable underwater bedroom at the Muraka residence at the Conrad Maldives Rangali Island. This bedroom has a see through domed ceiling for watching marine life swim around.

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