Do you want to go on an utterly romantic trip? Perhaps, you wish to organize a family trip to a luxurious destination? The Maldives is the perfect destination for luxury, indulgence, and beauty. But what are the ins and outs of planning a trip to the Maldives? What do you need to know and avoid? How do you have fun in the Maldives? Let’s discuss this.

If you are looking for a luxury travel experience, you cannot do better than the Maldives. Most resorts like the Anantara Hotels, Resorts & Spas offer comprehensive packages for a full experience. Find out if they offer a couple of free snorkelling sessions and facilitate excursions. How about food and meal experiences? How about island hopping or moonlight cruises? Before you book your hotel, make sure they cater to your needs. This way you can spend a significant time at the resort, basking in luxury.

Before you book your resort, check if you have easy access to snorkelling. Ask if you can reach the reef by swimming or whether you need to book a ferry to get in the water. Water sports are part and parcel of Maldives fun. Find out if the resort can facilitate Jet Skiing, Kayaking, whale, and dolphin watching, paddleboarding and more. See if you get to spot whale sharks, manta rays and dolphins.

You will get an arrival visa to the Maldives for 30 days. However, you need a machine-readable passport that is valid for up to 6 months. You should ideally carry proof of your resort accommodation and return ticket for better assurance. This way, you’ll pass through immigration easily.

Most resorts offer WiFi to guests, but this can be unreliable at times. You are better off buying a local SIM card with enough data to last you the duration of your holiday. There are a couple of mobile network shops at the airport. The shops are on your right when you walk to the domestic terminal. There are two mobile network options to choose from - Dhiraagu and Ooredoo. Both offer coverage in the islands.

Never plan your vacation to the Maldives during Ramadan. You won’t find any staff at the resorts and shops closed during the day. If you plan on exploring areas outside the resort island – pack some clothes that cover your shoulders and below the knees. They are not big fans of public kissing either. You can dress as you please (except being topless if you’re a woman) at the resort. You’ll get alcohol and pork dishes at the resort but not elsewhere. Also, avoid buying black turtle leather. This is illegal, not to mention unethical. While you can enjoy alcohol at the resort, it is better to avoid taking alcohol into the country.

Pack for tropical weather. Take plenty of sunscreen as these things are expensive out there. Pack swimwear, maxi dresses, pashminas, shorts, and light tops. Don’t forget your sunglasses and hat. Carry a waterproof beach bag. You can do it with flip-flops and sandals in the Maldives. Don’t forget your prescription medication and bug repellent. Buy a UK 3-pin adapter plug for your electronic devices. It makes sense to carry some US dollars to make payments. Snorkelling gear can be expensive at some resorts. It is better to carry your own if possible.