How to Explore the Maldives in One Week - Tips on Spending an Unforgettable Week Away in the Maldives
The Maldives is one of the world's most spectacular beach holiday destinations, and seven days is more than enough time to experience all that the Maldives has to offer. Regardless of the timing of the vacation, a week allows tourists to experience not only the stunning beaches of the paradise archipelago but also its cultural heritage and culinary delights. From enjoying water sports to signing up for cruises, here's how to spend one glorious week in one of the world's last remaining paradises.
1. Day One
As the first point of contact that most visitors have with the Maldives upon arrival, it makes perfect sense to kick-start your holiday in Hulhulé, which is located close to Male, the nation's capital. A day of sightseeing and an overnight stay in Male will not only allow tourists to see beyond the country's reputation as a beach Mecca but also discover its rich heritage. A tour of the National Museum, the Grand Friday Mosque and the Islamic Centre can be followed by a picnic at Sultan Park or a visit to Republic Square. Home to the best boutiques and retail outlets in the country, Male is also the perfect destination for shopaholics. Don't forget to drop by Chaandhanee Magu for its souvenirs and local treats and to sign up for a food tour of the city's best street food and restaurant grub.
2. Day Two
After checking in to your villa at Adaaran Maldives or any other resort base, it is then time to discover life in the outer atolls. Most of the best all-inclusive resorts in Maldives offer an array of water sports activities on-site and your second day in paradise is the perfect time to explore these options. Snorkelling on the house reef of your hotel can be the perfect start to a day that can culminate with a sunset cruise. Some of the exciting water-bound adventures that travellers can enjoy in the meantime include surfing, water skiing, parasailing and jet skiing while those who love windsurfing will find that the Maldives provides excellent conditions for the sport.
3. Day Three
Make your third day in the Maldives all about Maldivian marine life by signing up for a whale-watching safari. Setting off in the morning hours, a whale-watching expedition can take most of the morning or 3-4 hours even if one is visiting during the prime whale-watching season from December to March. After heading back to the resort for a hearty lunch, tourists can explore the depths of the Maldivian sea bed with a diving tour of HP Reef and Banana Reef.
4. Day Four
Choose to spend the 4th day of the trip cruising around on a yacht discovering the geography of the Maldives with an island-hopping tour. Sailing from one white, sandy virgin island to another, tourists can also enjoy snorkelling, diving and kayaking activities at the various pitstops along the way.
5. Day Five
After an activity-filled 4 days in the country, it is time to unwind in style on your fifth day in paradise. Choose a spa facility that offers massage therapies and other decadent treatment options that appeal to you and check yourself in for a day of relaxation and rejuvenation. The Maldives is a world-renowned spa retreat hotspot due to the large number of five-star spas and their employment of Swedish, Balinese, Thai and Ayurvedic therapies.
6. Day Six
A speedboat ride from your base will take you to Ukulhas on your last full day in the Maldives. Located in the North Ari Atoll, this tiny island is perfect to explore on a day trip. Ukulhas is an inhabited island of 900 residents, and the slow pace of life and Bikini Beach make it the ideal venue to unwind and enjoy the finer things in life. Head to one of the country's 3 underwater restaurants and experience a meal surrounded by marine life in the depth of the ocean.
7. Last Day
It is best not to schedule too many activities for your last day in the archipelago as you should be well-rested before heading to the airport for your flight back home. One last walk on the beach, a sandbank picnic or enjoying a spot of last minutes snorkelling is a great way to bid adieu to the islands.
