Vacation in the Maldives

On the list of dream travel destinations for Germans, the Maldives undoubtedly takes the top spot. For many honeymoon couples, crystal-clear waters, fine sandy beaches, and stunning coral reefs against a tropical backdrop seem to embody the ultimate unforgettable honeymoon experience.

I love the sun, I love beaches, and I could spend my whole life in denim shorts and my, often hated by many, flip-flops. Nothing makes me happier than temperatures around 30 degrees Celsius and the constant scent of sunscreen on my skin. The hashtags #oceangirl or #beachbabe fit me perfectly.

But of course, I don't want to wait until a potential wedding in the future to experience the number 1 destination for newlyweds. So, away I go. Right now, just me (my denim shorts, flip-flops, and sunscreen) and these exotic islands in the Indian Ocean. I want to find out what fascinates so many people and, of course, see if I can last there at all. In the Maldives, without a husband and honeymoon, no less.

Enjoy reading and dreaming of paradise.

I recommend spending at least 10 days in the Maldives. The journey takes at least 10 hours, so it's worth it to stay 10 - 12 days on-site. This duration is sufficient to relax and enjoy your vacation in the Maldives. For long-haul flights, we recommend planning at least 14 vacation days.

The most important activity is clearly: doing nothing. Fewer options mean less agony of choice. Grab a book, a towel, and head to the beach or the pool. Just enjoying has to be learned again, especially for people like me. But the Maldives practically compel you to take a moment to pause.

The resorts still offer their guests many activities in the water. I also tested the program and finally tossed my fear of open water overboard. Let's go snorkeling!

Equipped with a diving mask, snorkel, and fins, I boarded the boat to discover the house reef of Oblu at Sangeli. I could rent my equipment for free at the hotel.

After my last experience in the waters of South Africa, my heart was racing (if you missed it, I fell overboard while kayaking). Breathe deeply and jump into the cool water was now the plan. I conquered all my fears and with one leap, I was already in the sea. What I experienced was truly beautiful and swept all fears away immediately.

Under me was a coral reef full of fish and other marine life; I even saw a turtle. I paddled through the reef for almost an hour, and what can I say: it was absolutely worth it. And I couldn't be prouder of myself for taking this step.

Next up is diving. For all water pros, this is the next step after snorkeling. There are wonderful places to dive in the Maldives. The crystal-clear water allows for visibility of several meters. I can only imagine how much fun that must be. Maybe next time.

Direct flights to the Maldives from the United States are not that simple. The most common routes are via Dubai or Doha. From there, you will be flown to Malé Airport, the capital of the Maldives. From Malé, how you get to your hotel is crucial. You'll either continue by boat or seaplane. If you get seasick easily, you should consider this when booking your hotel.

Dubai is accessible from all major U.S. airports. If you book in advance, you can find real bargains.

I flew with Emirates from New York to Malé. Even in economy class, I had enough legroom, though I'm not the tallest. The food was really one of the best I've ever had on a flight.

For the Maldives, you need a visa. However, it doesn't have to be applied for complicatedly at the embassy, but is issued free of charge upon arrival ('Visa on arrival') at the airport in Malé. The relevant documents will be provided to you on the plane. The visa is valid for 30 days.

Make sure your passport is valid for at least six months. You should also have the address and booking confirmation of your hotel readily available. The same goes for your flight ticket, which confirms that you will leave the Maldives afterward.

The Maldives consist of over 1,000 coral islands and include 26 atolls. To get from A to B, you definitely need a boat. You can also travel from north to south by seaplane. Your hotel will always assist you with transportation.

Seaplane flights within the Maldives are relatively expensive. Costs can quickly reach several hundred dollars. If you're traveling on a tight budget, this is an important factor to consider when choosing your hotel.

In the evening, a romantic walk on the beach or a sunset can perfectly wrap up a day.

In addition to your usual items that you carry in your carry-on, some flip-flops and a t-shirt definitely make sense. I flew from chilly 12 degrees Celsius in New York, and as soon as I stepped out of the airplane in Malé, I knew: it's going to be hot. It was only 7 AM and already almost 30 degrees Celsius. I was very glad to get rid of my shoes while waiting at the baggage claim and put on a tank top.

I highly recommend packing mosquito repellent, sunscreen, and a hat or cap. The sun shines throughout the year, not just at noon, and the mosquitoes were - despite my many countermeasures - in attack mode.

In the Maldives, you need a type G adapter. This is the same one you can use in the UK and Singapore.

The distance between the islands and the capital makes medical care particularly difficult. A well-equipped travel pharmacy should definitely be a part of your luggage.

You can find detailed tips here: What to include in your travel pharmacy (with checklist).

If you can't do without the Internet while on vacation, you can get a SIM card at the airport. For under $20, you can get 4 GB valid for seven days.

During my vacation in the Maldives, I didn't use this option. There was already Wi-Fi on our speedboat to the hotel, and the entire hotel island was very well equipped.

The Maldives is a Muslim country and, accordingly, the rules are quite strict. It is strictly forbidden to bring alcohol into the country and the consumption is also penalized.

However, if you still want to enjoy a good drink, there's no need to worry. The resort islands have special permissions and are allowed to serve you drinks.

The islands of the locals are strictly separated from the resorts. If you choose to visit one of these, you should refrain from consuming alcohol.

The dress code is similarly strict. On all the islands of the locals, women should cover their shoulders and legs. A large beach towel and t-shirt should therefore be part of your luggage if you want to move around outside your accommodation.

The official currency of the Maldives is the Rufiyaa. However, it is prohibited to bring it in or out. You can only exchange money at the airport and may need to exchange it back when leaving the country.

However, during my entire trip, I was able to pay comfortably with a credit card. For this reason, I wouldn't recommend needing to use the local currency. If you do want to carry cash with you, you can pay almost everywhere with U.S. dollars. Occasionally also with euros.

We have summarized our best recommendations for credit cards for travel for you.

Generally, you need to decide between high and low season.

The high season lasts from December to April. In low season, you can save a lot. Both flights and accommodations are significantly cheaper then. However, you also take on the risk of the occasional rain shower.

I flew to the Maldives in early September during the low season. The temperatures were consistently above 30 degrees Celsius, and it hardly rained. If it did, it was only a brief shower. I also talked with other travelers who have been to the Maldives multiple times.

From all sides, there was a clear recommendation to travel in the low season. Fewer tourists and more tranquility are significant plus points for this season.

For preparation and planning for your trip to the Maldives, these travel guides are particularly good:

We like to use these travel guides for a quick entry. They always contain the most important things and are also small enough to comfortably fit in your luggage.

If you prefer more detailed information and like English-language travel guides, the classic from Lonely Planet is a good choice. Here you will find everything about the different atolls and island groups.

It's quite rare to change accommodations multiple times when vacationing in the Maldives. I stayed at Oblu at Sengeli. This 4-star deluxe resort with an all-inclusive offering is part of the Atmosphere Hotel Group and has four other resorts on the islands. A fifth is expected to follow soon.

I can't provide a hotel comparison, as this was my first trip to the Maldives. However, I particularly noticed the tranquility in this resort and the wonderful service. The Oblu at Sengeli offers its guests an all-inclusive package that truly leaves nothing to be desired. Two à la carte restaurants, one buffet restaurant, and various bars provide you with drinks and good food around the clock.

The dress code is not too strict, the clientele is well-mixed, and children are welcome on the main island. On the smaller island of Banyan, there are honeymoon suites, providing a child-free area. For all in love who desire a lot of privacy and tranquility, this might be an important note. You will also find the in-house spa on this island. Simply pure wellness.

On the small island at the northern Male Atoll, there is only the resort, so privacy is guaranteed.

Over 130 lovingly and modernly designed villas were built in 2018 and are state-of-the-art. There are various options. Beach Villas for couples or families, with or without private pool. Among the over 70 water villas, you have direct access to the sea. The highlight in the honeymoon suites is definitely the round bed. A bathroom with a tub in the middle of the room and plenty of space offer a lot of privacy for serious relaxation. That way, one can truly enjoy their honeymoon.

The furnishings are truly beautiful, and especially the outdoor bathroom in my Beach Villa impressed me. The rainfall shower, which is almost as large as my entire bathroom at home, is a real dream. I would have loved to take it home with me. There is also a bathtub for all the little mermaids. But who needs that when you have the sea at your doorstep?!

Normally, we belong to the team of active vacationers. However, relaxation was the focus in the Maldives. Initially, I worried that I might get bored, but it was incredibly nice to lean back too. A quick dip in the sea, lounging by the pool, and just letting my soul dangle was wonderful.

Moreover, it's astonishing how quickly you lose track of time here. Just a few hours after my arrival, I had forgotten when I actually got there. The Maldives are certainly not for those who have ants in their pants and love to pack their trip full of activities.

However, if you need a break and especially seek comfort, this is the place for you. Sun, sand, and the bluest sea I have ever seen awaits you. I can now definitely understand what fascinates people about this group of islands. And who knows, maybe I will eventually find a husband and return to spend my honeymoon in the Maldives.

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Disclaimer: A big thank you to Oblu at Sangeli for the invitation. This article was created in collaboration and therefore contains advertising. Our opinion is, of course, our own and honest.