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Use our Travel forum for recommendations on everything from day trips to the best family-friendly holiday destinations.

Original poster

Maldives - anyone been and where did you go?

26 replies

Lelly0503 · 26/01/2019 15:49

Just wondered if anyone had been to the Maldives and what time of year they went? We are looking at going in November which I think looks ok weather wise. Any experience anyone has of the Maldives where to stay etc would be much appreciated x

OP posts:
soupandshake · 26/01/2019 16:35

We've been a few times in November.
BA fly direct, overnight outbound daytime on return. 12 hours but worth it.
There are so many islands at so many budgets it's hard to recommend.

For us a decent house reef is essential, we go to snorkel and dive.
Some islands are speedboat transfers, others are seaplane which is fine but adds extra hours onto the journey. Some islands are simple thatched huts and one bar, others have multi restaurants and lots of activities.
A week is enough for us.
TripAdvisor have very active Maldives forums and recommendations for specialists travel agents.

ImNotChangingMyUsernameAgain · 26/01/2019 23:31

If you're going without kids Milaidhoo is just about perfect.

Original poster
Lelly0503 · 27/01/2019 17:22

Thanks both for your replies, this is a honeymoon so yes without kids, will look up your recommendations now xx

OP posts:
Stopyourhavering64 · 27/01/2019 20:58

I suggest posting on trip advisor...there are many return visitors on there who can give suggestions...we're off to Maldives for first time at end of September and going to Kandolhu ( AI in a duplex beach villa )
www.kandolhu.com

Japril · 03/02/2019 15:11

We went the week before Christmas and had a fantastic time. We were a speedboat away from Male airport which was great as I had definitely had enough of planes by the time we got there 😆.
We had a water bungalow and can’t recommend it enough - being able to snorkel straight from your villa was amazing.

sulflower · 03/02/2019 17:55

We've been in November too, last time was Lily Beach, it was fabulous.

Hollowvictory · 16/02/2019 05:52

Just got back but took the kids so didn't go to a honeymoon resort. Sharks everywhere! Fantastic house reef. Loved the seaplane transfer. Kids had fabulous time I'd take them with you if you have kids.

MsSquiz · 16/02/2019 05:57

I haven't been but we were looking into going before we decided to TTC (there is Zika in the Maldives so would have meant delaying) and were looking at Kuramathi and Kandolhu. Everywhere there is so amazing, I don't know how people decide!

CoatTails · 16/02/2019 06:01

Kuramathi. I’d love to go back.

Bluntness100 · 16/02/2019 06:05

I've been four or five times, generally in the summer, but once for Xmas,

The Maldives really is all about budget. Ultimately that's the primary decider, after that it's about what you're looking for, so for example, big island with lots to do, small island for a more intimate feel, a great house reef, would you like to fly in a sea plane (thoroughly recommend) will you have kids with you, do you want all inclusive, so really why are you going and what do you wish to do when there?

I'd also recommend popping over to thr Maldives forum on trip advisor, the folks there can be very helpful.

Hollowvictory · 16/02/2019 06:49

I'd definitely go all inclusive or you'll end up spending a lot 9n food and drink.

Greywind1523 · 16/02/2019 06:53

Look at Constance Moofushi. I went there on honeymoon and don’t think I’ll ever go anywhere better. It’s all inclusive and the food/drink selection is amazing. They also have a great dive centre.
It’s about 30 minutes from Male on a seaplane which I’d definitely recommend - sometimes the speed boat transfer times can double in rough weather.

SalliSunbeem · 16/02/2019 07:02

Decide if you want to take a seaplane (recommended) or speed boat to your island. They are all fantastic.

dirtylittlemonsters · 16/02/2019 07:31

Was there a month ago. Genuinely the most perfect holiday I have ever had. I loaded my kindle with books but didn't read one chapter, just couldn't tear my eyes away from the scenery. Saw sharks, dolphins, turtles, rays, nemos... Only went for a week but it felt like longer because I was so relaxed. The direct BA flight was fine. Seaplane transfer was amazing.

dirtylittlemonsters · 16/02/2019 07:32

Oh AI is a must, especially if you drink!

Hollowvictory · 16/02/2019 07:33

The baby sharks that come to the shore are so cute. So many of them!

Whatcouldpossiblygowrong · 16/02/2019 07:33

Went to Meeru. Was perfect

LadyGAgain · 16/02/2019 07:43

@Hollowvictory - which island did you go to and what age are your children? We are considering going back again but would be the first time with kids so the almost deserted island with one bar hut is probably less suitable than what we chose last time!

SnailorSwift · 16/02/2019 07:51

Haven't been but we are planning a trip for next year. We looked at Soneva Fushi Resort as we've heard good things about the facilities for kids @LadyGAgain but the villas are all land based.

anniehm · 16/02/2019 07:55

Went to the ari atoll many moons ago pre kids. Amazing place for diving but was rather boring otherwise. I'm not a sit on the beach type, thankfully it was a last minute deal on teletext (remember that?) for only a week and we booked a learn to scuba dive course. Do choose all inclusive because drinks and food was horrendously expensive as there's nowhere else to go, one tiny island which the hotel completely occupies.

If you want sightseeing and culture I recommend Sri Lanka which is amazing, still beautiful beaches but there's so much more

LadyGAgain · 16/02/2019 08:02

Thanks @SnailorSwift (amazing name BTW!)

Hollowvictory · 16/02/2019 09:48

Just be aware that if you do choose Sri Lanka many parts of the coast are off limits for sea bathing, snorkeling, diving as the seas can be very rough in some areas. Research!

Hollowvictory · 16/02/2019 09:50

Also Mexico has v good snorkeling and diving (turtles, rays, dolphins) and is much less expensive and shorter flight than Maldives and great for kids. However I wS disappointed in the sea life and snorkeling in Mauritius with the exception of dolphins. Is also great for kids though.

christravelwizard · 16/02/2019 18:31

Hi @lelly0503, there are plenty of options in the Maldives depending on budget, time of year and whether you have children, their ages and the level of activities you want.
November's a good time if you're not taking children out of school and depending on whether you want quiet elegance or a wide choice of activities will determine your budget.
There are direct flights on BA and indirect on most other airlines.
In November, average daytime temperature floats around the 27C mark, with midday high peaks reaching up to 29 degrees. Evenings are cool enough to require light knitwear.

SnailorSwift · 16/02/2019 18:39

Sorry to be cheeky @Lelly0503 but has anyone been in early January?