Maldives...when & where to go

[no1special]

I've been thinking of booking up for me and the Gf this year.
Dont want to spend bundles.
Anyone have any good tips where to stay and when to go?
Cheers

[Craphouserat]

Probably get more joy in Holidays&Travel section, you will only get told to kick her back doors in etc here. If it helps a good mate of mine went there, very quiet but thats what he went for - wasn't the cheapest holiday either.

[LaserTam]

I think this will be moved, loads of threads in the Holidays bit about Maldives. I have been once (honeymoon) and loved it. 2 weeks was probably too long stuck on a small island, but it is as close to paradise you can get. As for cost, it ain't cheap, but there is a range of standards I believe, so probably worth looking at some options and working out what you can get for your budget. All inclusive should be considered because you are a captive customer so the restaurants are not that cheap.

Edited by LaserTam on Tuesday 19th January 08:21

[no1special]

Thanks Guys.
Mods, can this be moved to Holidays section please?

[Chilli]

I've been a couple of times, August and April IIRC. Bandos and White sands, both were very nice, and are a perfect getaway, if you want to do pretty much nothing. A week is fine!

[rev-erend]

I enjoyed it for a week, 10 days was just OK .. and after 2 weeks was bored stupid and could not wait to get out of paradise.

[Don1]

Personally I adore Rangali Island (Conrad Hilton resort). Feb is the best time...

[Size Nine Elm]

Went a few years ago in Jan, for 7 days - could have done 10 happily. 2 weeks might be pushing it unless your budget streches to scuba diving 4 or 5 times, or island hopping in some capacity..

[no1special]

Thanks all for your replies so far.
Lets say 7 days, in one of the hotels mentioned abouve.
I know this is a really difficult question to answer, but what costs am I looking at, all in? Flights, hotel (all incl.), bit of scuba diving, etc?
Also, best to go to travel agent, or online??

[ukwill]

Don1 said:

Personally I adore Rangali Island (Conrad Hilton resort). Feb is the best time...

OP's post "Don't want to spend bundles"

[ukwill]

no1special said:

I've been thinking of booking up for me and the Gf this year.
Dont want to spend bundles.
Anyone have any good tips where to stay and when to go?
Cheers

Pretty worthless without some idea of budget I'm afraid.

[buzzeh123]

Id recommend Meedhupparu island, its in the current Thomas Cook brochure... I went there with my gf at the time for 3 weeks. Its heaven. Check it out...

Oh and always get the sea plane! An experience youll never forget

[no1special]

ukwill said:

no1special said:

I've been thinking of booking up for me and the Gf this year.
Dont want to spend bundles.
Anyone have any good tips where to stay and when to go?
Cheers

Pretty worthless without some idea of budget I'm afraid.

Yeah, thought as much!
OK, what could I get for £3k all in?

[ukwill]

no1special said:

ukwill said:

no1special said:

I've been thinking of booking up for me and the Gf this year.
Dont want to spend bundles.
Anyone have any good tips where to stay and when to go?
Cheers

Pretty worthless without some idea of budget I'm afraid.

Yeah, thought as much!
OK, what could I get for £3k all in?

Ok, then I prescribe 1wk at Baros Island. Don't tell anyone else. Don't want to ruin the place.

[Not Ideal]

I 2nd Baros as well.

[indi pearl]

Baros is indeed a gem but you will need deep pockets. The holliday price for this island is invariably B&B only so lunch/dinner/drinks are all extra and boy do they know how to charge "extra" on Baros. Diving is good in the north male atol but if you are not allready qualified you will spend the week (and £250) getting your Open Water certificate, a prerequisite for any diving (bar a "trial Dive" in the lagoon).
Check out the following, all of which offer excellent value for money,great food and unlimited shore and boat diving (if qualified).
Eriyadhoo
Ellaidhoo
Angaga

[Cara Van Man]

Thudufushi
Arathuga

[ukwill]

indi pearl said:

Baros is indeed a gem but you will need deep pockets. The holliday price for this island is invariably B&B only so lunch/dinner/drinks are all extra and boy do they know how to charge "extra" on Baros. Diving is good in the north male atol but if you are not allready qualified you will spend the week (and £250) getting your Open Water certificate, a prerequisite for any diving (bar a "trial Dive" in the lagoon).
Check out the following, all of which offer excellent value for money,great food and unlimited shore and boat diving (if qualified).
Eriyadhoo
Ellaidhoo
Angaga

http://www.maldivesonyourtravels.co.uk/

Check out offer 6.

(from a cursory glance of internet offers)

[no1special]

Brilliant, thanks chaps!!

[Mr MoJo]

buzzeh123 said:

Id recommend Meedhupparu island, its in the current Thomas Cook brochure... I went there with my gf at the time for 3 weeks. Its heaven. Check it out...

Oh and always get the sea plane! An experience youll never forget

I was there last September for 2 weeks. Got quite worried before we went after reading a load of negative comments about the island on Trip Advisor.

Needn't have worried, it was 2 weeks of bliss. We went in the rainy season but the weather was still superb, just had a few monsoons for 10 minutes or so late afternoon early evening. Reasonably priced too.

Oh yeah, the sea plane is a must. (eta as is going all inclusive.)

Edited by Mr MoJo on Tuesday 19th January 11:53