What are long haul holidays in the Maldives, and what to consider when booking one
The longer the vacation the more time to relax and unwind, right? Of course, this is why booking a long-haul holiday is such a great idea. A nice long vacation to get you out of the doldrums of working day in and day out, and into the fun spirit once again.
Long-haul holiday deals are vacations that involve traveling to destinations far away from one's home country, for a few days longer than the typical holiday. These trips usually require longer travel times due to the distance involved, often involving flights of several hours or more.
These types of holidays are popular among travellers seeking exotic experiences, cultural immersion, and exploration of distant lands.
The Maldives islands are one of the best destinations if you are considering a long-haul holiday. This is because it has so much to offer in terms of:
Exotic Location: The Maldives islands are located in the Indian Ocean, just southwest of Sri Lanka and India. This prime destination is renowned for its breathtaking natural beauty, comprising over 1,000 coral islands, each surrounded by pristine turquoise waters fringed with white sandy beaches.
Luxurious Resorts: This beautiful destination is also popular because some of the best luxury resorts in world are located here, many of which are situated on private islands. These resorts offer world-class amenities, including overwater villas, spa facilities, gourmet dining options, and a range of recreational activities such as snorkelling, scuba diving, and water sports. Some resorts even offer a private butler and chef, who will take care of your every need. Could you be more pampered than this?
Secluded Retreats: The Maldives has an abundance of private islands that offer solitude and seclusion, which long-haul holiday-makers crave for. Most of these islands have low population density, and visitors can enjoy a sense of tranquillity and privacy that is hard to find anywhere else.
Marine Biodiversity: If you are looking for a natural paradise, then Maldives is the place to visit. It is the ideal place for nature lovers and marine enthusiasts, with its crystal-clear waters that are home to a diverse array of marine life, including colourful coral reefs, tropical fish, sea turtles, dolphins, and even whale sharks. You can even immerse yourself in the marine biodiversity that is the Maldives, by either staying in an underwater villa or dining in an undersea restaurant.
Romantic Getaway: For those seeking a romantic long-haul escapade, there is no place better than the Maldives. This iconic destination is very popular among honeymooners and couples seeking privacy and solitude. With its idyllic setting, intimate accommodations, and stunning sunsets, it provides the perfect backdrop to create some beautiful romantic memories.
The Maldives offers a combination of natural beauty, luxury, seclusion, and adventure that makes it an ideal choice for long-haul holidays, allowing travellers to escape the hustle and bustle of everyday life and immerse themselves in paradise.
Activities you can do while on a long-haul holiday in the Maldives
If you think that staying on an extended holiday in the Maldives will be boring, then think again! There is so much you can do here, that even a week or two will not be sufficient to experience everything that the islands have to offer.
You will find a plethora of activities to suit various interests, ranging from relaxation to adventure. Here are some popular activities to consider during your stay:
Snorkelling: What better way to explore the vibrant underwater world of the Maldives than snorkelling around coral reefs teeming with colourful fish, sea turtles, and other marine life. Many of the Maldives luxury resorts offer guided snorkelling tours or provide snorkelling equipment for guests. Or you can even book these tours through other service providers on the island, and even hire equipment out if you don’t have your own.
Scuba Diving: The Maldives underwater ecosystem offers a rich biodiversity just waiting to be discovered. You can book a scuba diving expedition with your resort or private activity organiser, and immerse yourself in the undersea beauty surrounding these islands. Whether you are a beginner or an experienced diver, there are many dive sites around the islands suitable for all levels, including coral reefs, underwater caves, and thrilling drift dives.
Water Sports: The more adventurous traveller can enjoy a variety of water sports activities such as kayaking, windsurfing, paddleboarding, jet skiing, and parasailing. Resorts often have water sports centres where you can rent equipment and take lessons from experienced instructors, and have the thrill of a lifetime!
Dolphin Watching: These majestic sea creatures are quite popular around the Maldives islands, and frequent these waters often. You can embark on a dolphin-watching excursion to observe pods of playful dolphins frolicking in the crystal-clear waters or book a sunset dolphin cruise to witness them in their natural habitat. Sunset cruises are fantastic for a romantic getaway too, so keep that in mind if you are travelling with your significant other.
Island Hopping: The Maldives offers diverse landscapes and cultures which you can experience through the many island-hopping tours available. Experience traditional Maldivian culture first hand while on these tours, sample local cuisine, and interact with friendly locals for an experience that offers lasting memories.
Dhoni boat rides: Take a ride in a traditional Dhoni boat that offers a small piece of Maldivian culture for you to experience. Relax and unwind on a sunset cruise while admiring the breathtaking views of the Maldivian sunset painting the sky in hues of orange, pink, and purple.
Spa and Wellness: Indulge in rejuvenating spa treatments and wellness therapies inspired by ancient healing traditions. The skilled therapists from the luxury resort spas will pamper you with massages, facials, and holistic wellness rituals designed to relax the body and soothe the mind.
Cultural Experiences: For those wanting to immerse themselves in Maldivian culture, there are many cultural activities that are available on these islands. Traditional dance performances, cooking classes, and handicraft workshops are some experiences available for tourists.
Private Dining: Imagine dining under the stars with candles and rose petals surrounding you and the soft breezes caressing your very soul. This is exactly the kind of dining experience you can have in the Maldives. Many of the resorts offer romantic private dining experiences on secluded beaches or a private sandbank, complete with gourmet meals prepared by talented chefs.
Relaxation on the Beach: If you are a sunworshipper and simply want to relax and unwind on a pristine white sandy beach, then Maldives is the destination for you. Lounge in a hammock, sip refreshing cocktails, and let the gentle ocean breeze lull you into a state of blissful relaxation.
These are just a few of the many activities you can enjoy during a long-haul holiday in the Maldives. Whether you are seeking adventure, relaxation, or cultural immersion, the Maldives has something for everyone.
Tips to book a long-haul holiday in the Maldives
Booking a long-haul holiday to the Maldives involves several steps to ensure a smooth and enjoyable experience. Here's a general guide on how to book such a holiday:
Research and Planning:
The best way to start is online! Research the various resorts and accommodation types available in the Maldives, and choose what suits you best in terms of location, amenities, budget and activities. Once you have chosen the resort of your dreams you need to figure out what kind of holiday you want; is it a romantic getaway, a family vacation or an adventure trip.
Some other things you will need to check are visa requirements, travel restrictions, and any health and safety advisories, just to be on the safe side.
Choose a Travel Agent or Booking Platform:
There are two ways that you can book your holiday in the Maldives; either book yourself through a booking engine or platform or even through the resort websites themselves, or choose a reputed travel agent. There are many tour operators who specialize in luxury holidays to exotic destinations, and you may be able to get a customized package tailored to your specific requirements and needs.
Book Flights:
Book your flights, wither yourself or through a good travel agent. Look for different options, since different airlines will be priced differently. The main airport for the Maldives is Malé International Airport (MLE), so you will need to check to and from there. We recommend booking your flights early, to avoid disappointments, since this is a very popular travel destination.
Select Accommodation:
The resorts in Maldives offer various room categories, such as beach villas, overwater bungalows, underwater villas and suites, in addition to standard rooms as well. Choose the type of accommodation that suits your preference and budget.
Consider Package Deals:
The resorts in the Maldives, as well as tour operators offer fantastic package deals that are both easy on the pocket and are also extremely convenient. You can choose from family holiday packages, couples’ packages and even all-inclusive holidays in Maldives. These package holidays may include accommodation, meals, activities, and transfers.
Arrange Transfers:
Arranging your airport transfers is an important part of planning your trip, because the resorts are located on different islands and to get to them you may either need a seaplane or boat. Coordinate with your chosen resort or travel agent to arrange transfers from Malé International Airport to your resort island.
Additional Services and Activities:
There are so many different types of activities you can do while vacationing in the Maldives, and it is best to choose your perfect activities and plan for them early on. Whether you want adventure outings or a relaxing spa treatment, speak to your tour operator or resort and book these early.
Finalize Booking and Confirm Details:
Double-check all booking details, including travel dates, accommodation, transfers, and any additional services, and confirm your booking. Make any required payments according to the terms and conditions provided by the resort or travel agent.
Prepare for Your Trip:
Now comes the fun part; preparing for your trip. It can be quite an exciting time preparing everything you need for your trip, and in all that excitement you can also forget important things. It is good to have a list prepared so you don’t miss anything.
Ensure you have all necessary travel documents, including passports, visas (if required), and any vaccination certificates. Pack appropriate clothing, sunscreen, swimwear, and any other essentials for your Maldives holiday, including scuba or snorkelling gear, if you prefer to use your own. Don’t forget to pack extra medicines, if you are taking frequent modification, since you may not be able to find them on the islands.
A long-haul holiday in the beautiful Maldives is the perfect vacation to get away from your busy lifestyle, and just relax and unwind amidst beautiful scenery and tropical vibes that are synonymous with these islands.
