Katie Lockhart encourages tourists not to skimp on their vacation in the Maldives, as it is often a lifetime experience.
The exotic Maldives, with its turquoise waters and white sand, is a dream destination for many tourists. For some, it is a once-in-a-lifetime trip, making it even more important to ensure that it does not turn into a disappointment.
Katie Lockhart, a seasoned traveler and travel guide author who spends a month in the Maldives every year, shared her “golden” advice with Travel + Leisure on how to make the most of your trip to this stunning destination.
“Most visitors to this tropical island nation, especially Americans who live on the other side of the world, only come once. The distance, the exorbitant prices, and the length of the vacation make it a destination for special occasions, such as honeymoons, birthdays, or anniversaries. However, I was truly fortunate. As a travel writer, I spend about a month in the Maldives each year, and my top advice is to either go big or don’t go at all,” Lockhart shared.
According to her, the Maldives offers a truly unique vacation experience, and it would be a shame to miss out on it by trying to save money. Without experiencing all the things the island has to offer, the trip would be a waste of money.
The expert notes that there are about 180 resorts in the Maldives, so there is a wide selection of five-star hotels.
“Once you arrive on your chosen idyllic island, you’ll start to see everything in vibrant colors. The shades of blue you never knew existed, the sand so white you can’t look at it without sunglasses, and the sunsets that shift from pink to red and purple like a ripe plum. While relaxation and entertainment are the foundation of this destination, there’s also an entire encyclopedia of activities to fill your day with,” she marvels.
At the same time, Lockhart advises tourists to pay attention to the weekly guest activity calendar, which all Maldivian resorts offer, both free and paid. In particular, free activities include morning beach stretching, sand volleyball in the late afternoon, and learning about the local culture through boodubaru drumming.
“One or two of these activities per day are perfect for reading on the beach and swimming in the infinity pool. However, since these activities can be one-time events, it’s worth booking multiple paid sessions. If you only have the budget for one activity, consider snorkeling or diving. If you prefer a relaxing massage, the Maldives offers some of the best in the world,” she advises.
