Beyond the Luxury Resort Lagoon

The Maldives conjures images of pristine beaches, turquoise lagoons, and luxurious overwater bungalows.  While these idyllic escapes are undeniably part of the Maldivian experience, there’s a whole other side to this island paradise waiting to be discovered. Venture off the beaten track and immerse yourself in the Maldives’ rich culture, hidden natural wonders, and unique local experiences on a specialist Maldives holiday.

Instead of sprawling resorts, consider staying in guesthouses on local islands. These islands offer a look into the authentic Maldivian life. You’ll find friendly communities, traditional fishing villages, and vibrant local markets selling fresh seafood, colourful spices, and locally made and handcrafted souvenirs. These are islands where time slows down, and the rhythm of life is dictated by the gentle sway of the palm trees and the calming sound of the ocean waves.

For the adventurous traveller, the Maldives offers a treasure trove of off-the-beat-path experiences. Explore the vibrant coral reefs teeming with marine life. Go snorkelling or diving amidst fish, graceful manta rays, and if you are lucky, majestic sea turtles. Kayaking through hidden coves and mangrove forests is a fantastic way to unveil a different perspective of the islands. At Our Local Tour, we can arrange specialist conservation cruises in the Maldives, with you helping out whale shark, manta ray and turtle conservation.

Local Maldives Specialists

The Maldives also boasts a fascinating history and cultural heritage. Delve into the past by visiting ancient burial sites and mosques adorned with intricate carvings. Learn about the traditional Boduberu drumming, where rhythmic beats fill the air, and witness the graceful movements of the Boduberu dance. Get to know and may be learn to cook some of the local cuisine such as fresh Maldivian curries bursting with flavour and fragrant rice dishes cooked with coconut milk. Cooking classes offer a chance to learn the secrets behind these delicious dishes, allowing you to recreate them back home and impress your friends and family.

If you are looking for a specialist Maldives holiday, then here are some specific areas to consider for your off-the-beaten-track Maldives adventure:

The Southern Atolls: Escape the crowds and discover the unspoiled beauty of the southern atolls like Gaafu Alifu and Dhaalu. Here, you’ll find smaller, more intimate islands with pristine beaches and crystal-clear waters. You can explore virtually untouched coral reefs and have amazing encounter a diverse marine life.

Hanimaadhoo: This island in the Haa Alifu Atoll is famous for its bioluminescent beach. At night, the shore comes alive with a magical glow as millions of tiny plankton illuminate the sand with an ethereal blue light.

Manta Point: Located in Hanifaru Bay, this UNESCO Biosphere Reserve is a haven for manta rays. Witness these gentle giants glide effortlessly through the clear waters, an unforgettable encounter for any nature lover. If you love manta rays, get in touch with us to learn about our Manta Ray conservation cruises.

Thaa Atoll: This atoll is known for its whale shark sightings. These gentle giants can be spotted year-round, making it a dream destination for divers and snorkellers. Again, consider putting something back while on your Maldives holiday by booking a Whale Shark Conservation cruise.

The Maldives Marine Research Centre: Located near Male, the capital, this centre offers a unique opportunity to learn about the Maldives’ marine ecosystem and the vital conservation efforts underway.

While venturing off the beaten track might mean sacrificing some of the luxurious amenities of a five-star resort, the rewards are far greater. You’ll experience the true essence of the Maldives, connect with the local people and their culture, and create memories that you will never forget.

Here are some tips for planning your Maldives specialist holiday:

• Work with a Maldivian travel specialist:  Experts (such as Our Local Tour) have a deep understanding of the local islands and can tailor a unique itinerary based on your interests and budget.
• Choose the right accommodation: Opt for guesthouses or boutique resorts on local islands for a more authentic experience.
• Be flexible with travel dates: Shoulder seasons (April-May, September-October) offer pleasant weather and fewer crowds.
• Embrace slow travel: Don’t overschedule your itinerary. Allow time to relax, explore at your own pace, and soak up the laid-back Maldivian atmosphere.
• Learn a few basic Maldivian phrases: A few greetings and thank you’s in Dhivehi, the local language, go a long way in showing respect to the local culture.

The Maldives is more than just a picture-perfect honeymoon destination. By venturing off the beaten track, you’ll discover a side to this island paradise that’s rich in culture, natural beauty, and unforgettable experiences.

10 Reasons Why You Should Visit the Maldives

Spend your holiday in the Maldives and experience a world-class destination for sun-soaked days, luxurious resorts, and breath-taking views. Ease into beautiful seascapes with swimming and snorkelling across vibrant coral reefs, or join excursions to discover hidden wonders. Explore stunning archipelagos of emerald islands surrounded by crystal-clear waters that embrace you with their dreams and mysteries. These are the 10 Reasons Why You Should Visit the Maldives!

Unique Cultural Experiences

The Maldives is home to some of the world’s oldest and most diverse cultures, spanning thousands of years. When you visit the Maldives, you’ll be able to experience some of these unique cultural customs up close. From traditional music and dancing to wonderful island ceremonies, watching an ancient way of life unfold before your eyes will be an unforgettable part of your journey! This is what we do at Our Local Tour, get you under the skin of the destination that you are visiting.

These are our 10 Reasons Why You Should Visit the Maldives for Your Next Holiday

1.Scenic beauty: The Maldives is renowned for its stunning beaches, crystal-clear waters, and vibrant coral reefs. The white sand as it crunches beneath your feet and the warm sea lapping at your ankles as the sun sets over the Indian Ocean really is a life affirming experience.

2.Relaxation: The Maldives is an ideal destination for those seeking peace and relaxation, away from the stresses of daily life. Whether staying at one resort or exploring the Maldives off the beaten track, then the laidback lifestyle is all around you. Yoga and meditation are popular and most resort will offer classes of beginners through to experienced yogis.

3.Water activities: With its turquoise waters, the Maldives offers a wealth of water activities, including snorkelling, diving, fishing, sailing and more. The diving is some of the best in the world and even if you are not a qualified diver, what better place to learn! Snorkelling off a local reef is a magical experience and one that swimmers of any level should be able to enjoy. Taking a trip with a qualified guide is a great way to learn about the reefs and their importance to the area.

4.Luxury accommodations: The Maldives is home to some of the world’s most luxurious resorts, offering a comfortable and stylish holiday experience. There is something for everyone with options from over-water bungalows to beach front shacks. Each island will have its own resort and style so you need to speak to an expert when choosing the right place for you to stay in the Maldives.

5.Wildlife: It may not the first thing that you think of when considering a holiday to the Maldives, however, these Indian Ocean islands are home to a rich variety of marine life. You can expect a multitude of colorful fish, friendly and inquisitive dolphins, manta rays, and even whales and whale sharks. There is a good amount of bird life as well, so don’t be surprised to wake up and look out of your over-water bungalow to find a heron sitting and waiting patiently for its breakfast to swim past.

6.Culture: The culture of the Maldives is a unique blend of South Asian, African, and Arabian influences. It is known for its traditional dances, music, and festivals, which reflect the country’s rich cultural heritage. The Maldives is an Islamic country, and religion plays an important role in daily life, with daily prayers and the observance of religious holidays. Family values are highly emphasized in Maldivian culture, and hospitality is a fundamental aspect of the country’s culture, something you will certainly experience if you visit the Maldives for a family holiday.

7.Climate: With its warm, sunny weather and low rainfall, the Maldives is the perfect destination for a tropical holiday. The Maldives are located in the equatorial region, so there is little seasonal variation in temperature. However, there are two main seasons: the dry season (December to April) and the monsoon season (May to November). During the dry season, the weather is sunny and dry, with low humidity and little rain, making it an ideal time to visit the country. During the monsoon season, there is more rainfall, but temperatures remain warm and the seas are still relatively calm. It really is the perfect all year round destination.

8.Convenience: The Maldives is easily accessible from major international airports and offers a range of transport options for getting around. There are regular international flights from many of the worlds top airlines including Emirates. The package holiday operators also have their own flights with companies such as TUI sometimes having multiple flights every day into the capital, Male. One aspect to consider is your arrival time in to Male. If you arrive to late, you may not be able to take the boat or seaplane transfer that you need to your resort.

9.Nightlife: It may not be what the Maldives are renowned for and don’t come expecting a version of Ibiza. Having said that, many of the resorts in the Maldives offer lively evening entertainment, including bars, restaurants, and live music. Local artists can be found playing at restaurants and creating a uniquely Maldivian atmosphere. You can expect the style of nightlife in the Maldives to be as laidback and relaxed as the rest of the day.

10.Unforgettable experiences: A holiday in the Maldives offers unforgettable experiences, from lounging on serene beaches to exploring the vibrant underwater world. It is not surprising that a honeymoon in the Maldives is the top wished for destination for newlyweds. There is a great range of choice for all though. Whether it is a family holiday to spend quality time together, a watersports and diving experience or just that holiday you have always promised yourself, then the Maldives always delivers.

Whenever you are thinking of booking your Maldives holiday, then make sure that you speak to an expert. Our travel experts can help you create a customised itinerary that meets your specific needs and preferences. They can help you select the best resorts, activities, and experiences for your trip. You want to be sure that you have a stress-free, memorable, and truly personalised Maldives holiday experience.

Getting off the beaten track in the Maldives

Maldives is an archipelago of islands near India and Sri Lanka. It’s Asia’s smallest country, but this tiny island nation packs in big adventure, scenery, and tropical vibes. The country is best known as one of the world’s top tourist destinations for relaxing in luxury. With some of the best hotel brands having resorts in the country, the Maldives offer the ultimate luxurious surroundings for being treated like royalty. The attractions of a holiday vacation in the Maldives are obvious. The Maldives is a real-life desert-island fantasy and it’s a favourite place for honeymooners.  Crystal clear lagoons and frosted white-sand beaches come as standard. But did you know there is so much more when you explore the Off the Beaten track Maldives?

It is a heaven for those who love scuba diving and it is often referred to as ‘a treasure trove of marine life.’ Various fish and plant species are found around the coral reefs. More than 700 species of fishes are found, such as Trevally’s, Dogtooth Tuna, Tuna, Jacks, Sweetlips, Butterfly fish, Wahoo and Fusiliers.

What if you want to get off the beaten track in the Maldives?

While most of the population lives in the capital Male, there are small towns and culturally rich villages scattered around the 200 inhabited islands of Maldives.

The Maldives has been inhabited since around the 5th century BC by people coming across from, what is today, Sri Lanka and India. Evidence suggests early inhabitants were Buddhist but by 1153 CE, Islam was adopted across the islands when Arab interest in the region became prominent. Before converting to Islam, the Maldivians were known to practice Buddhism and ancient paganism. Ancient Buddhist ruins are preserved in the country and antique Buddhist artefacts are displayed in the National Museum in Male.

The Sultanate became a Republic in 1953 with Mohamed Ameen Didi (formerly Prime Minister) as President for a few months before the Sultanate was restored. The Maldives became independent in 1965. Three years later the Sultanate was abolished again, and Ibrahim Nassir was elected President.

Steeped in rich culture and tradition, the Maldives culture is heavily shaped by Indian, Sri Lankan, Malaysia, Arab, Persian, Indonesian and even African influences. Maldivians are incredibly warm, welcoming, and friendly people who will go above and beyond to make your visit to their home truly unforgettable. Maldivian food is a mixture of Arabic, Indian, Sri Lankan and oriental flavours, so it’s the ideal place to visit if spicy food is your thing. You can try everything from freshly caught seafood, to fragrant curries, and zesty soups that’ll leave flavours lingering in your mouth. Traditional Maldivian cuisine is based on three main ingredients and their derivatives, namely coconut, fish, and starches containing grains and vegetables.

The most common breakfast here is called mas huni. This dish is a combination of smoked tuna, onion, coconut and chilli. It’s usually mashed altogether, and comes with a side of flatbread called roshi, so you can savour every morsel. It’s very tasty and keeps you going until lunchtime.

Local Travel in Maldives

Maldivian people are very much aware of their beautiful surroundings and make the most of living in paradise. The beach is a popular hangout spot where locals of all ages visit throughout the day. You’ll find island residents at the beach playing, swimming, or having a picnic with the family.

When staying on an inhabited island, please remember that all tourists (men, women, and children) must dress conservatively on public beaches. This is all part of getting off the beaten track in the Maldives and it is a great experience to visit the public beaches and interact with the residents.

In the past, when no hotels or guesthouses existed in the Maldives, the locals would lodge at friends’ homes when visiting other islands. However sometimes and often due to inclement weather conditions, people would be forced to anchor at unfamiliar islands. When this happened, the locals would befriend the visitor, offer a place to stay and extend any other needed assistance. In this way, Maldivians were able to befriend strangers and forge new friendships and this same sense of warm hospitality can be experienced on your visit as well.

The language of Maldives

An important way to show respect for any culture is to embrace cultural differences. This can be as simple as taking the time to learn a few key phrases or words of the local language. Even if you are unable to say them perfectly, your efforts will always be appreciated. The language of the Maldives is called Dhivehi (sometimes written as Divehi). Over the years the language has been influenced by several other languages, mainly Arabic, French, Persian, Portuguese and English. In a curious bit of trivia, English words such as ‘atoll’ and ‘doni’ are widely regarded to be anglicized forms of the Dhivehi words ‘Atholhu’ and ‘Dhoni’.

Anyone doing their research in to where to visit in the Maldives will have seen that they must include Male Island, Hulhumale Island, Biyadhoo Island, and Fihalhohi Island. However, islands such as Guraidhoo, Maafushi, and Gulhi are also great for first time visitors. The added bonus here is that you can appreciate the culture, scenery, and people with the opportunity to get involved in local environmental projects. This is getting off the beaten track but with a purpose.

Getting around the Maldives Islands

If you plan to see the Maldives independently and you are on a budget, traveling by the public ferries is the best option. They connect all the local islands (meaning the inhabited public islands) and prices range from $5 to $30. However, remember that this is the Maldives, expect services to be unreliable and the timetables to require a Phd to understand.  When planning island hopping and looking at doing this on your one independently, then expect to spend much of your of time waiting around. In many cases you may have to stay overnight on an interim island to get to your destination.

Seaplanes and private boat charters are possible but expensive. If just going to the one resort island then these are a great option and often arranged by the resort. If you are looking at getting around and seeing the real Maldives, then our get in touch with us at Our Local Tour and along with our expert local travel planners, we can put together the ideal Maldives tour.