Tropical Paradise And A Diver’s Heaven
All resorts in the Maldives are their own island — so choose wisely in terms of amenities within the resort. The waters are warm, the visibility on dives is incredible, and it’s considered one of the globe’s top honeymoon destinations for its beauty and serenity. The sea planes from Male to your resort are truly breathtaking rides.
The Maldives is a tropical nation in the Indian Ocean composed of 26 ring-shaped atolls, which are made up of more than 1,000 coral islands. It’s known for its beaches, blue lagoons and extensive reefs. The capital, Malé, has a busy fish market, restaurants and shops on the main road, Majeedhee Magu, and 17th-century Hukuru Miskiy (also known as Friday Mosque) made of carved white coral.
Easy to get to if you are sailing your yacht through the Indian Ocean on your way to the Seychelles… otherwise, you will most likely be flying into Male MLE Velana International Airport. From there by either seaplane or boat, you will be whisked away to your atoll paradise getaway.
The Maldives are literally on the other side of the world for most Americans. If coming for the USA, you will want to make a stop at either Singapore or Hong Kong, or coming from the east via the UAE or Qatar.
Tourist Visa for US Citizens: Visitor visa available at the airport for stays up to 30 days
US Department of State The Maldives Information
Traveler’s Medical Insurance is highly advised:
Most care providers overseas only accept cash payments. Medicare and other standard Healthcare coverage does not extend to basic medical care or emergency care outside of the USA.
The currency of Maldives is the rufiyaa (Rf), which is divided into 100 larees. Notes come in denominations of 500, 100, 50, 20, 10, five and two rufiyaa, but the last two are uncommon. Coins are in denominations of two and one rufiyaa, and 50, 25 and 10 larees.
The Euro and US Dollar are commonly accepted for local purchases. All proper hotels will accept credit cards, Visa, MC and Amex preferred.
The Maldives ARE the resorts. And there are a host to choose from. But for many this is a once in a lifetime destination, you should choose the best that you can afford.
Baa Atoll
One of the true original Maldive deserted island getaways.
Located in the Baa Atoll, Kunfunadhoo Island is one of the largest islands in the Maldives. The resort can be reached by a scenic 30-minute seaplane flight direct from Malé International Airport or a 12-minute speedboat ride for guests scheduled on domestic flights at the nearby Dharavandhoo Airport. Soneva Fushi has a private airport lounge exclusively.
61 vast villas and private residences, ranging from one to nine bedrooms, are hidden among dense foliage within touching distance of a pristine, UNESCO protected Biosphere Reserve. Intuitive service is provided by Mr./Ms. Friday private butlers who know what you want before you want it.
Of note: I am a Preferred Partner with this hotel. Enjoy complimentary VIP amenities when booking with me (e.g. room upgrade, early check-in, late check-out, daily breakfast, complimentary WiFi, Food or Spa Credit).
A VIRTUOSO PREFERRED PARTNER
PART OF MY J.MAK PORTFOLIO
Noonu Atoll
Velaa Private Island is the realization of a dream to create a ‘beyond luxury’ exclusive boutique hideaway. This unique destination was developed to embody the very best of this unique archipelago, bathed by azure skies in the aquamarine waters of the Indian Ocean.
Located in the gorgeous Noonu Atoll, 187 kilometres north of Male, Velaa Private Island is an exceptional luxury retreat where our guests are treated like royalty.
Velaa Private Island has been designed and curated with privacy and comfort as the guiding principles while allowing the Indian Ocean to take centre stage. Tucked away within the collection of islands that form the Noonu Atoll, Velaa Private Island is elegantly positioned to overlook enchanting vistas of a cerulean ocean. Its name derived from the generations of sea turtles that flock there to nest and hatch; it is comprised of 45 private villas, houses and exclusive residences, sleeping from 1-10 guests. The resort also includes a Romantic Pool Residence which can only be reached by boat, allowing even more exclusivity. Here all details have been considered: each villa comes with a personal butler, all services offered can be tailored to personal specifications, and attention to detail everywhere is impeccable: stone pavements from the desert in Jordan, Indonesian flowerpots, luxury wood panelling from Borneo, and glimmering Italian marble.
Of note: I am a Preferred Partner with this hotel. Enjoy complimentary VIP amenities when booking with me (e.g. room upgrade, early check-in, late check-out, daily breakfast, complimentary WiFi, Food or Spa Credit).
A VIRTUOSO PREFERRED PARTNER
PART OF MY JANINE CIFELLI PORTFOLIO
Thaa Atoll
COMO Maalifushi is the first and only resort to open on the unspoilt Thaa Atoll, in the archipelago’s southern reaches well regarded for its diving and surf breaks. Its culturally appropriate architecture includes low-lying garden and overwater villas, with views of white beach, tropical greenery and cobalt lagoon. Guests can also enjoy yoga and holistic Asian therapies at the COMO Shambhala Retreat, with the entire guest experience defined by COMO’s exacting, passionate service.
Of note: I am a Preferred Partner with this hotel. Enjoy complimentary VIP amenities when booking with me (e.g. room upgrade, early check-in, late check-out, daily breakfast, complimentary WiFi, Food or Spa Credit).
A VIRTUOSO PREFERRED PARTNER
PART OF MY COMO PARTNER PORTFOLIO
not far from Malé
One&Only Reethi Rah in the Maldives is an ultra-luxury, all-villa resort offering an unrivalled level of seclusion, choice and personalised exploration. Situated on one of the largest private islands in North Malé Atoll, there is an abundance of space, freedom and activities to discover. The resort has 12 pristine white sand beaches and six kilometres of shoreline to explore, as well as energising water sports, experiences and excursions. Conveniently reached by a 45-minute luxury yacht journey from Malé airport, or 15 minutes via private seaplane, from the moment guests set foot on the island, they are transported to an unforgettable, idyllic Maldivian paradise.
Of note: I am a Preferred Partner with this hotel. Enjoy complimentary VIP amenities when booking with me (e.g. room upgrade, early check-in, late check-out, daily breakfast, complimentary WiFi, Food or Spa Credit).
A VIRTUOSO PREFERRED PARTNER
Ari Atoll, Maldives
Applauded by Time Magazine as one of the ‘World’s Top 100 Greatest Destinations in 2018’ Conrad Maldives Rangali Island is an idyllic island paradise. Lifetimes away from the outside world, this luxury resort celebrates the Maldives as it was meant to be – pristine, peaceful, and completely unforgettable.The resort, nestled in the South Ari Atoll, is close to 42 dive sites and in the perfect locale for…
Of note: I am a Preferred Partner with this hotel. Enjoy complimentary VIP amenities when booking with me (e.g. room upgrade, early check-in, late check-out, daily breakfast, complimentary WiFi, and one lunch or dinner for up to two people per room).
Conrad Maldives Rangali Island Website
A VIRTUOSO PREFERRED PARTNER
PART OF MY HILTON LUXURY IMPRESARIO PROGRAM
My Maldives Information Page at Virtuoso
Here is a good place to start for some additional information on quality Hotels and Activities.
Need a bit of help planning a trip?
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page updated: April 2020
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