The Maldives Travel Specialists
Our Maldives specialists are experienced and passionate about these islands - between them they have spent many weeks a year researching new experiences and ensuring everything is of the highest standard. They know the Maldives inside out.
StuartThe Maldives Specialist01993 838 331
No need for too many shoes, this is a bare foot paradise with powder soft sand - you simply will not need them!
The Maldives travel specialist - Stuart
Practical Information
With approximately 100 different resorts, deciding where to stay in the Maldives can be confusing.
Unlike many worldwide destinations the resort island is the complete focus of the trip so it's imperative that you stay on an island that suits your requirements. We have our favourites but the following collection offer a variety of grades, styles and hotel concepts to suit your interest.
Our specialists have visited a large number of resorts and their feedback as well as comments from previous Audley clients has guided us in our selection.
Language
The local language is Maldivian Divehi, a dialect of Sinhala (spoken by the majority of Sri Lankans), while the script is derived from Arabic. Most officials speak English and it is the first language in most resorts.
Food and drink
You will find a huge variety of international cuisine in resorts around the Maldives and an excellent choice of fish and seafood dishes. Most resorts also serve a variety of Asian and European cuisine as a buffet or from an A La Carte menu. All drinks are imported and prices for alcoholic drinks can be high.
Tipping
Service charges are already included on the services booked by Audley Travel. Some resorts automatically add 10% to bills for additional services. Where is not included a 10% tip is expected.
Social conventions and etiquette
Cocooned on your luxury island, it is easy to forget that the Maldives is an Islamic country, and while bikinis and alcohol are allowed in the resorts, the inhabited islands, including Male, insist on more decorum. It is recommended that women wear modest clothing without baring too much when visiting these areas.
Under The Skin
Read
Indigenous Divehi stories have an oral rather than written tradition. The only well-know novel to feature the Maldives is Hammond Innes` thriller 'The Strode Venturer'.
Listen
Bodu beru, 'big dru' African influenced music at a cultural show.
Eat
Fresh tuna - straight from the sea and barbequed.
Word
'Assalaamu alaikum' - (Hello - formal) 'Kihineh?' (Hello - informal) 'Haalu kihineh?' (How are you?).
Trademarks
Palm-fringed tropical islands, powder-white sand beaches, world-class snorkelling and scuba diving, crystal-clear lagoons, marine life, Indian Ocean sunsets, watersports, over-water villas, pampering, spa treatments.
Laquer work.
Other countries in The Indian Subcontinent:
BhutanIndiaNepalSri Lanka