Maldives : Lagoons, Coral Reefs, Atolls & More
- Nutan K Toppo
- Apr 6, 2018
- 5 min read
Water Bungalows, Maldives
Why visit Maldives
Garland (mala) of more than 1000 small islands (dvipas) forms the Republic of Maldives (mala+dvipa in Sanskrit). It is a preferred and renowned honeymoon destinations in South Asian Region. We know this romantic place as Maldives, however its real name as called by the locals is Nalediva.
More than 100+ operational resorts, located on habitable islands, are available for tourists to choose from to escape to the tranquil and be mesmerizing by the underwater life of colorful fishes, dolphins, sea turtles and whales.
Maldives is the lowest country in the world, so much so that its highest natural point is lowest in the world i.e 2.4 meters above sea level. Thus with the rising sea levels, there are high chances and speculations that this beautiful country might become unreachable for tourists in the near future with no land left to land.
Lower Tide In The Month Of February
White Sand Formed By Parrot Fish Poop & Granulated Coral Sediments
When to Visit
Metaphorically speaking, Maldives has 2 seasons or weather conditions - Dry and Wet season. Dry season lasts from December till April where the island gets lesser rains and has lower humidity. It also becomes the season of choice for tourists and honeymooners who are drawn to the white sand beaches and lagoons of Maldives.
The visibility is splendid, the sea current begins to flow in from the northeast during November, enabling explorers to enjoy the colorful coral reefs and mesmerizing life underwater.
We visited Maldives during the month of February, the season when the current starts to weaken, the tides are lower during the day and higher during the nights. During low tides the water level recede, there where stretches towards Vahbohura island tail that we walked as the water was well below our knees.
Outside Airport, Male
Getting to Maldives
Airways is the easiest and convenient way of getting to Maldives. Velana International Airport (MLE) is the more popular airport for travelers located in Male - the capital and most populated city of Maldives. One can get a direct flight for Maldives if travelling from India, China, Sri Lanka and Dubai while there are options of chartered flights coming from Europe, China and Singapore. We took an Air India 1 hour 55 min direct flight from Bangalore (India) to Male (Maldives).
Gan International Airport (GAN) and Hanimaadhoo International Airport (HAQ) are 2 other airports in Maldives which receive international flights, while Kadhdhoo (KDO) and South Aari Atoll (MSI) serves as domestic airports.
It's a good idea to check multiple flights search engines before you book a ticket. You may never know which site may show you the best price and cheapest flights.
My favorite flight search sites:
Visa Processing
Maldives has liberal visa on arrival policy for everyone. It usually grants a 30 day visa on arrival, which can be further extended for a period of 90 days subject to validated proofs of sufficient funds and a travel document.
Sea Plane Airport-Resort Transfer
Boats Used As Transfer To Island Resorts
Airport Transfer
When you book a resort do check on the pickup and drop options and the time schedule of pick up from your respective airport. Resorts usually use boat or sea planes for pickup and drop. Though the option of seaplane might be provided by few resorts located at furthest distance, however they are operational only during daylight hours.
We choose the boat arrangement which was scheduled aligned to our flight landing & departure from Male airport.
As our motor engine run speedboat dashed against the wobbly waves cutting through the sea tides we encounter bumps with an associated rise and fall displacement during our 25 min ride.
It is recommended for travelers who have motion sickness or have experienced incidents of sea sickness in the past to check for seaplane option while shortlisting and booking the resort.
Water Bungalows, Cinnamon Dhonveli Resort
Getting A Tan
Where to Stay
Cinnamon Dhonveli Island Resort was our pick for the 4 nights 5 days vacation to the garland of Islands. We choose the water bungalow positioned in the south west corner of the island as our sojourn, it was a perfect setting for unperturbed relaxing.
Sitting on stilts, the water bungalows position perched right above the ocean giving us an awesome view of the ocean and the lagoon while basking in the private sun deck attached to the the room. A lounge to soak in the sun to get a perfect tan, if that's what one is looking for; or use the ladder to directly access the ocean to take a dip in the shallows of the bright blue water.
Enjoying The Morning Tea & The Solitude
Private Sun deck Connected To The Room
The thatched roofed water bungalow had a large room furnished with all modern amenities that one can think of, with an attached bathroom (with could be accessed from the sundeck as well as the room) with a built in Jacuzzi facing the deck. However for me the breath taking aspect of the room was its wide glass windows that opened straight into the crystal clear lagoon of Dhonveli island, as I rested laid-back in the comfort of the king sized bed.
Water Bungalow is an Experience Worth Exploring, if your budget permits it. It was my dream come true!
The resort has other rooms and suits options too at budgeted price, you can visit Cinnamon Maldives website for further details and to check availability.
Water trying to find its way up through the gaps, Raiyvilaa Bar & Coffee shop
Raiyvilaa Bar & Coffee Shop
The resort has 2 Bar, Raiyvilaa and Raalhu.
Raiyvilaa is the main bar which is located in the largest elegantly designed in Maldivian styled building on the island. Conveniently located few steps away from the swimming pool, the bar serves as a best point to enjoy ones colorful cocktail while sitting on an open deck treating oneself with a breathtaking view of the setting sun.
Raalhu Bar
While Raalhu Bar being the oldest hangout spot, is built in simple local style using mostly wood, thatched roofs and sandy floor. This bar is conveniently located at the surf point and has a country pub ambiance lingering to it. It was our preferred spot on the island to enjoy the evening as we sat sipping our drinks while enjoying the soothing sound of the waves.
Breakfast at Maakana Restaurant
We choose a full board meal plan which included breakfast, lunch and dinner for all days to be included in our honeymoon package. Though we realized that even a half board (i.e. breakfast and Dinner) could have sufficed. All meals are served buffet style in the 3 restaurant (Koimala, Maakana and Rehendhi) scattered on the island resorts. Assortment of delicacies specially for breakfasts were amazing!
Maakana is best located in the island where one can chow down a hearty meal amidst the sound of the dancing waves. While Rehendhi restaurant situated on the northern end nearer to water suite area faces the deep blue ocean, beckons visitors to enjoy the evening sunset, where one may look forward to share a meal with a special person amidst the quiet and serene ambiance of the place.
The resort also has a spa, gymnasium, swimming pool and a badminton and tennis court offering recreation to be enjoy with family and friends even after sunset.
If you are evaluating Maldives as a honeymoon destination, I would advise not to disclose the purpose that it being a honeymoon trip. It is also better to check with the resort about the activities that would be included in the package before deciding on the resort.
I recommend hotel aggregator site search to get the best package, my frequently searched sites in addition to flight search sites are:
When I had planned my trip to this beautiful place with stunning underwater life, there were limited knowledge bank available at my discretion to guide me on the things to carry and activities to explore in this trip.
Follow the page to remain updated and know more about the activities to indulge in along with handy travel tips which I would be sharing soon in Part 2 episode @ Maldives.
Have any questions about Maldives Trip? What about other suggestions? Do leave a message in the comments below!
Комментарии