The Maldives

[connor]

Just wondering if anyone has been there? If so do you have any helpfull info or tips?
Kate and I are going there on our honeymoon in a few months and never been anywhere like this before we normally go Spain.
Also we know they use dollars but what's the crack for tipping its always a concept I'm unsure of in foreign countries... We won't need to worry about meals as we are all inclusive as at $14 a cocktail it was a good idea haha.

 

[Whee]

Not been yet, maybe Christmas next year touch wood.

We were due to go at Easter just gone, but circumstances at home deprived us, so i've done a load of research into it.

I was looking at a couple of golf resorts, but I don't think HID would stand for it. We'll end up taking an all-inclusive package too, once in a lifetime sort of trips, got to treat yourself.

I found the following link useful, i'm sure you will too bud.

http://www.tripadvisor.co.uk/Travel-g293953-s606/Maldives:Tipping.And.Etiquette.html

 

[SyR]

We're booked up for a week in October. We're going all inclusive too as heard it can get very pricey otherwise. I would suggest getting a book about the Maldives as they have loads of useful travel tips.

 

[Whereditgo]

Absolutely amazing place, we were on a tiny island that you could swim round in about 40 minutes, it was like swimming in a tropical fish tank, well perhaps the Manta rays that swam underneath us would have struggled to fit in a tank, but you get where I am coming from.

Yes, take US dollars and tips don't need to be very large, although the service was exceptional and I tipped 50 dollars (at the end of the week) to the young lad who serviced our room - which was about a months wage to him iirc, his grin confirmed that.

You'll both love it, a perfect honeymoon location

 

[connor]

Spent hours readin trip advisor this evening and the island we r going has really good reviews. Can't wait to go... Thanks for the help will let you both know how it was when we get back

 

[ScienceBoy]

I went for my honeymoon, on the only island with a golf course and driving range

Was simply stunning. We did a split trip with a week and a half on the island and then 3 nights in Dubai. That did help split up the long journey back. It takes a lot out of you getting there but you get it all back within a day once you are there!

IF you do go make sure you get a nice room with things like a day bed and a jacuzzi etc. You will spend many hours in them as there is usually not much else to do and the heat can be so much you dont want to do anything!

I would suggest you get up early, enjoy the day, sleep for the afternoon and get up again in the evening. This way you avoid the heat but get plenty of light to do things.

Lastly if you want to have a more activity based holiday go during Ramadan as they dont run much, not a problem if you were like us and just wanted to read, sleep and relax in paradise (which we did for 11 days of heaven!)

 

[Justman]

Went last June. Unbelievable place. Great idea for a honeymoon. You'll love it! :thup:

 

[PhilTheFragger]

We went twice Ok it was 20 years ago, but not much will have changed

Its a strict muslim country and the locals wont even touch containers that have alcohol in them, so you will find that most of the staff on your island are from Sri Lanka,

Take snorkling gear with you, it will be pricey over there, travel light, shorts, tee shirts, sandals (although the only things I had on my feet were flippers) , maybe a casual shirt for the evenings.

If it gets dirty wash it and it will dry in an hour

take plenty of reading material too.

The whole island is your resort, you may have your own Rondaval (round house) or you might have half of one, there isnt much to do except swim, sun bathe, sleep, eat and drink, so just relax

Fragger