I decided to take a break from the places that I've been talking about. This one hasn't ever been on my personal bucket list, but then again, I am not normally beach people. What I am discovering at this point in time is that there are some countries that are both open to Americans and practical to visit during Covid-19. The Maldives is one of those interesting alternatives to some of the places that we all dream about like Paris, London, Hawaii, and so on. This place has been practicing for a pandemic since the dawn of time.
The Maldives is a collection of 26 islands, and most of them are exclusive resorts. They are famous for their over the water bungalows and their romantic getaway atmosphere. There are so many ways that you can get away from it all in the Maldives that it's hard to count them all. They sit across the equator, so it's always warm. They have a million warm weather, water and beach related activities for you to do. They are full of all inclusive resorts, so that the language barrier doesn't really get in the way. During a pandemic, they might just be brilliant. Not to mention that the rate of the virus has never been that bad, and it's not looking bad now. You will probably have to have a negative test result to go there, but that's not bad. Face it, it's not like Canada and their mandatory quarantine that they strictly enforce.
What can you do when staying at an exclusive resort in the Maldives? Anything and everything relating to water. Parasailing, canoe and kayaking, wave runner, swimming, jet pack, water skiing, boating, fishing, scuba diving, beach bumming, or hanging at some of the most amazing pools in the world. If you don't love the water, this place is not for you. In many cases, your activities will be about the water, your accommodations will be over the water, your transportation from place to place will be on the water, and your view will be of water. The resorts typically set up your activities according to what you want to do. Quite often you will have a guide. You can have a lot of fun in the sun without crowds in the Maldives.
There's a good chance that if you book a resort stay, you will be on an island that only houses the resort. Many resorts were built on an island that was purchased by the resort. This makes it private, with lots to do, and no extraneous crowds. If you want to get away during Covid, this is a great spot. Several resorts have bungalows, so you don't have to see anyone if you don't want to. It's quiet, warm, sunny, beautiful, and secluded. If you don't want to get sick, there you go. If you want to get away with the one that you love and not be bothered, there you go.
While in the Maldives, you can get a phone that will work or a sim card to go in your existing phone. Or, you can truly get away and put that phone down unless you want to take pictures. How many times have we said that we want to go away to a deserted island where no one can bug us? Here's your big chance.
If the beach isn't exotic enough for you, then you can always have dinner underwater. The Maldives is home to not one, not two, but over half a dozen underwater restaurants. You can sit at a table for two with your significant other and watch the sea all around you while you have a quiet, romantic dinner. It's a one of a kind experience that is catching on in other locations around the world, but was created in the Maldives. Most restaurants are connected to exclusive resorts, so check that out if you're looking to go to one. If you want to eat underwater, you may want to choose a resort that has one.
Would you like to do more living than just eating underwater? Then you probably want to stay at Huvafen Fushi. This is the home of the world's one and only underwater spa. You can get most treatments that you can get at any other spa, but you're up to 80 meters underwater at the time. You can get a massage, have a facial, do yoga, and so much more with the sea as your view.
Then, there's the Conrad Maldives Rangali Island. This resort has it's hotel underwater. That's what I call a total immersion experience. It's the only on of its kind, and a once in a lifetime experience.
If you truly like to spend time underwater, the Maldives is a spot for you. The island chain is mostly made up of atolls and reefs. They have temperate waters, crystal clear, and filled with colorful life to look at. Diving, snorkeling, swimming, or just eating can give you an amazing look at the underwater life around the islands. Make sure you follow all the rules though. There are many strictly enforced rules about behavior in these islands. They are ecologically minded, and there are laws protecting their fragile environment. You can be arrested, fined, sued and so much more. Behave, and don't act like an ugly American.
It's called "liveaboard." Renting a boat and chartering a crew is a great way to visit the Maldives if you can. It gives you the freedom to make your way from island to island without having to take a ferry or a plane, and without having to pack up and move a lot. The accommodations are one of a kind, spacious, and fantastic. You can do all your diving, fishing, swimming, and other water activities right off the stern. It's a great way to see a lot of the islands.
If you really can't be away from cities, crowds and civilization for a week, you can always visit Male. Male is the capital of the Maldives and home to roughly a quarter of a million people. It encompasses an entire island and is just as congested, crowded, and vibrant as most cities.
Male doesn't disappoint. They have modern architecture, historical districts, beautiful harbors, shopping, mass transit, great restaurants, fascinating museums, and gorgeous beaches. They have their main airport there, and it is most likely that is where you will enter the country. You will most likely have some experience in that city, so make the most of it. It's busy, crowded, and beautiful.
There are many reasons to visit the Maldives. Whether you come for what is above the water or below. Whether you are avidly trying to save the world, or you just want to be pampered in a luxury resort; you can have a great time there. Whether you want to stay in one spot, see it all, dive into the city; you will love the Maldives. There is something for everyone, unless you don't like water at all.
Then there's the one thing that we can all agree on. One of the most amazing things about the Maldives, whether you like the water, the beach, the resort, the boat, or the city; you can't beat the sunsets. It's Mother Nature's gift in a chaotic time where everyone has spent the last year worrying about life and limb and having nothing we can do about it but wait. It's time to get away. The Maldives are waiting. Enjoy!
