Honeymoon in the Maldives
Any bride and groom knows that as soon as you start telling people that you are due to get married, you will suddenly start to receive opinions from everyone around giving you plenty of ideas for locations and of course honeymoon advice. It is your only honeymoon and what better location to spend it at than at the romantic and stunning paradise islands of the Maldives!
The Maldives are located on the Equator and is classed as the lowest country in the entire world. It collectively consists of over a thousand islands spanning over a hundred kilometres from the east to the west and over eight hundred kilometres from the north to the south. The beautiful islands are made from coral and are separated by picturesque lagoons but only approximately two hundred of the islands are inhabited with a population of approximately two hundred and seventy thousand people, most of whom reside in the island's capital Malé.
Malé accommodates about one third of the total population and is very different to the other islands. The city is full of tall buildings and its main streets are bursting with offices and shops with small streets and alleyways. It has no beaches and is instead bordered by sea walls although it does have a moderately new artificial beach in the southwest section of the city which is a popular location with joggers. There is plenty to see in the capital city including a four hundred year old Mosque, local markets, and parks and of course the fish market.
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Where to Stay in the Maldives
There are plenty of three, four and five star hotels for you to stay at which can be found both in and out of the larger towns. Extremely popular, particularly for honeymooners are the resorts some of which are inclusive.
You must ensure that you have your accommodation booked before arriving in the Maldives, it is not advisable (although is done often by back packers) to turn up hoping that you will be able to find somewhere to stay.
Traditions and Culture of the Maldives
The islands are a plethora of rich cultures and proud traditions as the population is made up from settlers from all over the world. They have varying tastes with regards to their music, dances and even their food, all with their own influences from the original pioneers.
Included in their customs are various languages spoken all over the resorts which include French, Italian, German and even Japanese. English is spoken all around the islands but the main language is Dhivehi.
The people of the islands are renowned not only for the cowry shells but also for their skills in craft making including mats ornamental boxes and objects and tourists can find these in abundance throughout the islands.
Things to Do in the Maldives
With such wonderful cultures and scenic views, not only can you relax and bask in the ambience of such a stunning location while on honeymoon in the Maldives, you can also include shopping and water sports in your fun filled holiday.
The Maldives is famous for its clear blue waters and wealth of its underwater life so why not try your hand at a bit of snorkelling or diving? Most of the resorts on the islands will have a training school for anyone wishing to learn. Include some surfing, sailing or even fishing into your honeymoon and these activities will definitely be something you can both remember. You can even treat yourself to a cruise around different parts of the islands.
For those who like to keep their feet firmly on the ground there are museums to visit as well as parks, historic buildings and monuments. Let us not forget about the shopping trips that you can enjoy and the islands also have a good nightlife.
Maldives Food
One of the main ingredients of Maldivian food is unsurprisingly fish with tuna being the largest element but as the islands have a wide diversity of cultures there have been plenty of other vegetables and seasonings that have been introduced into the island's cuisine. Their dishes include rudiments from India, Sri Lanka and the Orient.
History of the Maldives
With its origins being Buddhist, the story behind the Maldives converting to Islam was told by an Islamic scholar, Abul Barakaath Yoosuf Al Barbary who recorded that local virgin girls were being sacrificed to a sea demon that the people were afraid of. In order to save the daughter of the house that he was residing at who had been selected for sacrifice, he impersonated the girl and spend the night reciting the Quran in the temple. When he was discovered alive the following morning the King decided that he and his subjects should embrace Islam.
The Maldives became a British settlement in December 1887 with independence being gained in July 1965. The islands formed as a republic just a few years later.
Public Holidays
There are, like any country, public holidays throughout the year where businesses and shops will be closed so it is worth doing your research about possible holidays during your visit. As they use different calendars to determine the public holidays, the days will vary annually. Public holidays can include:
- Eid-ul Al'h'aa: this can be a week's worth of celebrating which can include dancing, music and sports.
- Independence Day: July the 26th is the day that the islands celebrate their Independence Day with celebrations taking place in the Republic Square. Sightseers can enjoy marches and floats portraying various themes and traditions.
- Kuda Eid: Usually held over a three day period where friends and family can enjoy a celebratory feast.
- National Day: this takes place during the third month of the Islamic calendar on the 1st day of Rabee-ul-Awwal and it commemorates the victory in 1573 when the Portuguese were defeated.
- Prophet's Birthday: A day for families to get together and celebrate the Prophet's birthday which is held on the twelve day of the Rabee-ul-Awwal from the Islamic Calendar.
- Ramadan: thirty days of fasting by the Muslims on their ninth calendar month, some of the shops and restaurants may be closed after three o'clock.
- Republic Day: Another day full of marches and parades where the islands celebrate becoming a republic on the 11th of November 1968.
The Maldives Weather
The islands have a tropical climate temperature of between twenty nine and thirty two degrees Celsius with all year sun shine and warm and humid temperatures. If you wish to plan your visit around the hottest month you should visit the islands in April but if you prefer cooler temperatures then December is the month for you. Watch out for the rainy (or monsoon) season which is highest between May and October.
Things to Note
- A visa to enter the islands is not required as visitors will be granted a thirty day visa pass when they arrive at the ports of entry.
- The islands, like most places, have their own currency which is the Laaree and the Rufiyaa. Credit cards, travellers cheques and of course cash is an acceptable form of payment all over the islands.
- Unless you come from an area infected by Yellow Fever you will not need to be vaccinated against it but, while you do not need any malaria treatment you should ensure that your Typhoid and Hepatitis A injections are up to date.
- While women do play an important part within the various communities, women visiting the islands should remember to wear adequate clothing and not show off too much bare skin.
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Imagine yourself during the Indian Ocean sunset walking hand in hand with your loved one down a long stretch of white sandy beaches with the sun on your face, the sea lapping at your toes and a margarita in the other hand. A honeymoon in the Maldives will certainly ensure you experience romance, culture, lavish cuisine and breathtaking scenery!
