How to plan the perfect trip to Maldives with family
Stamped as an iconic lover's escape, with its dreamy beach sunset dinners and bungalows floating over lagoons, many travelers forget that this necklace of atolls is just as idyllic for a family vacation! Here's how to take advantage of the diverse allurements proffered by this mesmerizing treasure island.
How to get there?
A land of glass boats sliding over sunset waters painted ethereal colours and iridescent underwater worlds full of living rainbows; the Maldives offers unique gifts for every brand of wanderlust. Getting to this bucket-list destination is as simple as boarding a flight to the Male International Airport. For a more economical flight option travellers can stop at one of the nearby Asian countries like Sri Lanka and then fly directly to the airport on Hulhule. Your mode of inter-island travel largely depends on the resort you pick; the options being seaplane, speedboat, ferry, or domestic flight. While the former affords a spectacular view of crystalline ocean vistas and pearlescent isles, it's 500 USD per head, rendering a cost-benefit analysis necessary! When choosing which island you want to reside in, make sure you account for its proximity to the international airports to minimize transfer costs.
Best time to visit?
If you're holidaying with hyperactive kids armed with an action-packed itinerary of waters sports and tropical hikes, or want to take it slow and lazy, building sandcastles with your toddler on the famed ivory-and-aquamarine beaches, the Maldives is exquisitely versatile! The Monsoon Season from May to October offers the best deals, while the peak tourist stretch is from December to March, to get the best of both balmy weather and great rates, it's best to book your stay right before or after the rainy spell. If you're looking for picture-perfect Maldives villas, surrounded by the charms of sand and sea, with fun recreation options to keep your kids entertained during a romantic rendezvous, choose a state-of-the-art getaway such as Grand Park Kodhipparu.
Top must-have experiences:
• Beach hopping
Each dazzling stretch of white sand and glass-clear water has its exclusive lure for travellers, from the galaxy-on-land at the Baa atoll's Bioluminescent Beach to floating in sandbank shallows like Kashidhoo with your baby, and parasail across the pristine jewel-toned waters and at Kodhipparu.
• Explore underwater ecosystems
Boasting the world's clearest waters, with a visibility of at least 20 metres at any given time, you can snorkel with the greats of the ocean kingdom, from the massive manta rays, reef sharks, and sea turtles to a vibrant whirlwind of multi-coloured fish.
• Race crabs and jet-skis
An exhilarating haven for sports-loving aquaholics, the Maldives is excellent for more than just sipping tropical drinks on a private beach hammock. Most resorts offer diverse amenities for endless water-based activities, from glass-bottom kayaking and stand-up paddleboarding to tubing and banana boat rides. One of the fascinating pastimes for kids is watching the amusing scuttle of hermit crabs!
• Cruise on a marine safari
Board a whale submarine and hope to glimpse the elusive blue whales, or set out to watch the cheeky antics of the large dolphin community who put on a lively show by the hundreds! There are four different native species of these playful mammals, with the adorable baby dolphins venturing close to the shallows.
• Savour different islands
From the atolls with their unique cultural contributions to the hundreds of uninhabited coral islands, there is plenty of ground to cover! Don't forget to visit the intriguing Bathala island for multiple Pinterest-worthy moments, and drop in at the powder-blue artificial beach at Male during carnival time!
Travel tips:
• Keep track of your budget
While tourists from many countries can obtain free Visa on arrival, it's a good idea to do your research before making decisions about tour companies and water-based excursions, as you'll find that your purse could lose weight faster than expected! Make sure you carry a supply of US-dollars as ATMs are hard to come by on remote islands.
• Help with Sustainable Initiatives
In a country extremely vulnerable to climate change, make sure you do your part to be eco-friendly, from taking care not to leave litter about to carrying around a sturdy water bottle for refills.
• Stay in one resort and explore
Don't make the mistake of wasting your precious surf-and-sand time in shifting resorts, especially with a whole family in tow! The process is time-consuming and far from seamless; therefore, make a single hotel your base and venture anywhere you like.
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