• Islands -

1190 inthe Maldives with 185 inhabited

• Visa -

Many arrivals get 30 days on entry as long as you have an ongoing ticket.

Check here for details

• Budget -

All inclusive including airport transfer, accommodation, all meals and drinks on the list (Including wine, beer, spirits and cocktails)

• Population -

581,600

• AKA -

Scuba Diving Island

• About -

The Maldives is a Muslim country so the only alcohol is at the resorts. If you are a non drinker it won't be a problem. If you do like to drink it has major implications. 

You cannot bring duty free and it is not advisable to buy the black market stuff. Resort prices are not cheap. The best solution is to get an all inclusive package and eat and drink yourself silly. Preferably with a big discount factored in. Obviously this means just about all of your eating and drinking will be done at the Resort.

Airport transfers are not always included and a sea plane can cost more than your airfares. The solution to this is to stay reasonably close to the capital. For this reason and it's good value Biyadhoo which is stunning and only a 40 minute speed boat ride away is a good choice. It is not the flashest resort in the archipelago but it's one of the best values. Because of the great diving it is popular with divers.

• Go -

The Maldives are hot and sunny all year. Peak season is December to March. 

Shoulder is between November and April. 

Monsoon is May to October peaking in June which will be your cheapest month. 

Some people don't mind a bit of rain and others will feel it has spoiled their holiday.

• Airports -

Male (aka Velana) International Airport (MLE) 

located on Hulhule Island has direct flights from Europe, Dubai, Singapore, Sri Lanka, India and China

Check here for your flights.

• Ferry -

40 minute speed boat ride from the airport

• Stay -

 3*** Biyadhoo Island Resort 

on an all inclusive package. All rooms beachfront set in tropical vegetation. The rooms are simply furnished and slightly aged but fine for all but the most fussy people. Refurbishment is planned. Outside the door Mother Nature is in fine condition.

• Features -

Jungle / Beaches / Reef

• History -

This Resort is managed by Sunland Hotels which also runs the neighbouring Vilinilvaru Resort

· See -

Dolphin watching

· Do -

It has the best house reef in the Maldives and its own diving operation. So it's a fantastic place to learn how to dive / The snorkelling is pretty good too  

Hit the Spa / Windsurfing / Sea Kayaking / SUP / Catamarans 

Visit the neighbours - a nearby "inhabited island" and meet the locals / Early morning fishing including breakfast / Visit the Capital - Male

· Highlights -

It's not known as Scuba-Diving Island for nothing / Kandooma Caves / Kandooma Thila

• Eat -

Semi open air Palm Restaurant with views of the greenery / International breakfast - egg station / buffet lunch and dinner - Weekly BBQ on the beach 

• Drink -

The Coconut Bar / Evening entertainment / The Banyan Club - Ocean view - indoor outdoor seating live music or disco every night

• Sundowners -

Sunset cruise with Sparkling Wines and Canapés / Sunset Fishing

• Tips -

Request a room on the West side of the island to be close to the beach / Better rates for 10 day stays / Take some extra money for extras and tips

• Extra - 

If you're flying in from Singapore or Bangkok have a look at them in 'Cities'