I'm wondering if the members could give some insight into the Maldives. It's not the most published place. But I've seen photos, and have heard bits and pieces and feel that its one of the most breathtaking destinations in Asia. I'm a huge fan of Bali. It has natural beauty, sightseeing, activities and nice resorts in relative harmony. Is the MAldives a more perfect destination?<BR><BR>1. How do you get there from the East Coast of the US? What airlines fly there? I'm assuming it would require a local flight from a city like Bangkok or Singapore. How long does it take? How much is a flight?<BR><BR>2. What is the best time of year to go? I'm assuming there has to be a typhoon season since it's located pretty far out into the ocean. <BR><BR>3. Activity. Is there anything to do? I'm thinking snorkelling/diving, but not sure about other things since it's basically alot of tiny coral islands. <BR><BR>4. Resorts. If I were to go for my honeymoon, what would be the best resort. The two that struck me were the Four Seasons and the Hilton. Both being similar, but with the Four Seasons being more luxurious of course. <BR><BR>5. Any ways to save? On airfare or accomodation. It seems like a deluxe destination, so I assume I won't be getting Thailand deals, where 3-4 star resorts are between $40-$90 per night with breakfast. <BR><BR>Any raves, tips or experiences are also welcome.

1/. The most convenient city with direct flight to the Maldives is Singapore. Singapore airline offers frequent flight. Other alternatives in this vicinity are Colombo, Sri Lanka.<BR><BR>2/. Best time of the year will be from December until March in my opinion.<BR><BR>3/. One resort equals one tiny coral island. Your activity will be based on the sea and what you like to do there - snorkeling, diving, fishing etc.<BR><BR>4/. Apart from he resorts that you've mentioned I really like the Soneva Group(SOneva Fushi and Soneva Gili) and Banyan Tree. Personal favorite would have to be SOneva Gili and they have a website you can search for.<BR><BR>5/. No way to save on the accommodation and food in the Maldives if you want to stay in the places mentioned - unless you go in the low season. Count on 4 - 800 dollars a day!

you might want to look into the asia pass from malysia air....they include the maldives in it along with many other cities...you can go from newark through dubai to kl and then back to the maldives...great price, great airline....plus it would get you to other places including bali, bangkok, etc...

You are correct about the activities. It's basically snorkeling and diving, sitting by the pool or beach. There a few other watersports, like sea kayaking, but that's about it. Most resorts also have a spa, which might include things like sunrise yoga class on the beach or healthy lifestyle classes.<BR>One big difference between Four Seasons and Hilton is that no matter what time your flight arrives in Male, the FS launch will meet you at the airport dock and you will be at the hotel in 20 minutes. The Hilton is much farther from Male. You have to take a seaplane, so if you arrive after dark (which all flights from Singapore do) you have spend a night in Male first. Since the only direct flight back to Singapore leaves around 11PM, you would have to leave your hotel before dark and hang around the airport, or else stay another night in Male. this also applies to the Soneva Fushi, but they pick you up in Male by boat and have you spend a night at the Soneva Gili on each end of the trip.<BR>I have seen Four Seasons, Banyan Tree, Taj Exotica and Soneva Gili and I think the best value for the money is by far the Four Seasons.

The best time of the year to travel is between January and April the Northeast monsoon brings less rain - but still expect the occasional downpour ! The maldives does not suffer from typhoons as it is within 5 degrees of the equator the winds are a steady 10 - 20 miles per hour, The diving and snorkelling is fantastic, much better than the caribbean but in 1997 the coral was bleached by the el nino, I returned last month and much of the colour has returned, most islands house reef is within 5 metres of the beach !. I would reccommend the Banyan Tree (vabin Faru) as a fantasic resort with a very good house reef.