Gransnet forums

Travel

Maldives

(8 Posts)
faringdon59 Tue 10-Feb-26 12:42:35

Hi, currently doing research on the Maldives. Any tips or advice from anyone who's been there recently.
It would be a couple holiday and we are both 70.

Basgetti Tue 10-Feb-26 13:09:34

We went on our honeymoon, 36 years ago, for 3 weeks and subsequently wished we hadn’t. Small island, just the hotel / cottages. Limited activities beyond diving and swimming, extremely limited food choices as everything imported, unbearably hot mid afternoon and difficult to sleep. Beautiful scenery, ocean and fantastic staff but a week would have been plenty.
It’s probably improved in respect of activities and food now, though. I’d combine it with a stay somewhere more lively.

loopylindy Tue 10-Feb-26 13:21:06

Interesting. A friend once went to Bali (on the way back from Oz and she said pretty much the same. Plus the hotels have their 'own' private beach and there were loads of hawkers doing business. She said it ruined her idea of a tropical paradise.

Pippa000 Tue 10-Feb-26 14:20:06

My late husband and I had several wonderful holidays in the Maldives years ago. Yes the islands,are tiny, with one hotel and very limited facilities, except diving, snorkelling, reading etc. We never had TV, radio etc either. But usually met several other couples to find with, and always found someone to chat to. As the bar man in one said, you have to like the person you are with !

Pippa000 Tue 10-Feb-26 14:21:11

Dine with, I hate predictive text hmm

Susiewong65 Tue 10-Feb-26 14:59:54

We also went there on our honeymoon ,34 years ago, for two weeks( having done the first week in Sri Lanka) and also found it quite restrictive, limited activities apart from water sports, food choices etc.
You could walk around the entire Atoll in 20 minutes and after the first week I felt quite stir crazy!

Personally I’d go back to Sri Lanka in a heart beat and spend more time there. It was beautiful and fascinating and I’d only do a week in the Maldives. It’s beautiful but for me a little boring!

dragonfly46 Tue 10-Feb-26 15:09:08

My son went for his honeymoon 12 years ago and said there was nothing to do except count crabs.

GrannyGravy13 Tue 10-Feb-26 15:52:27

Maldives is a favourite with our family. The Islands motto is no shoes, no news.

Been as a couple, and with our children, youngest was 10 first time. One AS and wife were there this time last year. Relaxing, really good for recharging your batteries.

Some Islands have several restaurants, some only one.

Do your research on the different Islands, and choose one that is right for you.

Personally I would opt for a seaplane transfer over a boat.