If you are considering Maldives for your honeymoon, you’re starting on the right foot. It is a popular destination for honeymooners or couples who want to go on a romantic holiday. The place is well-known for its breathtaking blue waters, immaculate beaches, and luxurious resorts with overwater bungalows or private villas. If you are traveling from the United States and planning your honeymoon, the first question you might have in mind is, where are the Maldives?
1. Where Are The Maldives Located?
The Maldives is an archipelagic state located in Asia. It is officially known as the Republic of Maldives. The Maldive Islands are located in the north-central portion of the Indian Ocean, and if you zoom into the world map, it is just southwest of India and Sri Lanka.
The popular honeymoon destination is an independent country that consists of almost 1,200 islands in 26 atolls. Only 200 of these islands are inhabited. While the country covers around 35,000 square miles (90,000 sq. km), the total land area of the country is only about 115 sq. miles (300 sq. km). Its capital is the city of Male, which can be found in the North Male Atoll.
- Geographic Coordinates of Maldives: 3.2028° N, 73.2207° E
- Time Zone: UTC +05:00
2. How Far Are The Maldives From The United States?
The distance from the mainland U.S. to Maldives is about 9,557 miles. To get to the remote tropical paradise, you have to endure more than 20 hours of travel time, depending on your point of origin.
3. How To Get To The Maldives From The United States?
There are no direct flights from the U.S., but airlines such as Emirates, Cathay Pacific, Qatar Airways, or British Airways can help you get there, most likely via Europe or the Middle East. Most routes will have one or more stops. In terms of cost, the cheapest flights to the Maldives cost around $805, according to Skyscanner, at the time of writing.
You will most likely land at the Velana International Airport in Male. You must coordinate with your resort or hotel to arrange a boat, ferry, or seaplane to get to your island destination.
4. Do You Need A Visa To Go To The Maldives?
All travelers from all countries may enter Maldives without the need for a pre-arrival visa. You just need a valid passport. Upon arrival, you will be granted a 30-day free visa.
5. What’s The Currency In The Maldives?
The official currency in the Maldives is the Rufiyaa. You can easily access ATMs in Male if you need cash. Major credit cards are accepted at hotels and resorts. Plus, most establishments in island resorts and some local islands also transact in US dollars.
6. Do Locals Speak English?
Dhivehi, or Maldivian, is the official language. It is a language closely related to what’s spoken in Sri Lanka. However, don’t worry, many locals, especially in tourist areas, understand English. You’ll also find French, Italian, German, Chinese, and Arabic are also widely used at island resorts.
7. Are The Maldives Safe To Visit?
It is generally safe for travelers and tourists to visit Maldives. The crime rates in the resort islands are low. However, petty crimes may happen, so it is best to exercise precaution, just like anywhere you go in the world. Do not leave your room unlocked, and do not leave your valuables unattended.
Take note that the country is predominantly a Muslim country. Aside from knowing where are the Maldives, It is best to know religious practices and local norms, too. Local islands tend to impose certain rules on clothing, food, and alcohol, but things tend to be more relaxed and tourist-friendly at the resort islands.
8. What Is The Best Time Of Year To Honeymoon In The Maldives?
The weather is generally beautiful all year round. The island nation is located near the equator, so it is pretty much warm whenever you choose to honeymoon. The driest months are between November and April, with the number of travelers peaking from December through March. During the rainy season, from May to around October, the islands are less crowded, and yes, rates tend to be cheaper.
9. How Long Should You Stay in the Maldives?
The long journey to the Maldives is worth it, but make the most of your experience. Couples on their honeymoon typically stay for about a week. You can stay at one resort island, or you can also split it and stay at another island. This way, you will have enough time to explore, do fun activities, and relax.
10. What’s The Average Cost Of A Maldives Honeymoon?
The cost of your Maldives honeymoon will depend on several factors, such as the time of your visit, the length of your stay, and the type of accommodation you book. A cheap honeymoon package may cost around $2,500 to $4,000 per person for a week-long stay.
On average, be ready to spend approximately $ 4,000 to $8,000 per person during your seven-day Maldives honeymoon. For a more luxurious honeymoon, budget around $8,500 to $20,000 per person or higher. There are also all-inclusive honeymoon packages that may range from $10,000 to $25,000 per person or higher, depending on the inclusions of the honeymoon package.
11. What Kind Of Accommodation Can You Expect In The Maldives?
According to the Ministry of Tourism of Maldives, you have a ton of options where you can stay on the islands. There are 175 resorts, 14 hotels, and 855 guest houses.
Some of the best honeymoon resorts in Maldives include the following:
- Ozen Reserve Bolifushi
- Gili Lankanfushi Maldives
- Six Senses Laamu
- OBLU SELECT Lobigili
- Emerald Maldives Resort & Spa
The Maldives is also home to some of the best overwater bungalows in the world, like the following:
- Meeru
- Lux South Ari Atoll
- Vakkaru Maldives
- W Maldives
- Como Cocoa Island
12. What Are The Best Activities For Couples In The Maldives?
Aside from knowing where are the Maldives, you need to know the best things you can do with the love of your life during your stay. The Maldives is a paradise for those who love to snorkel or scuba. Aside from magnificent coral reefs, expect encounters with turtles, sharks, dolphins, and manta rays.
Most resorts can help arrange the most romantic dining experience for honeymooners. Surprise your spouse with an intimate dining setup at a secret garden, beach, or on a private sunset cruise. Of course, you can also pamper yourselves with the most relaxing massages and spa treatments. All these while enjoying the beauty of and communing with nature in this corner of the globe.
