Hi Julie
me again, just to let you know that we did take some items, most of what you stated is sold there, very expensive so as you said take your own, their tea is actually quite nice.

look forward to reading your report on return.

Regards

Joe

Hi Joe, thanks for your reply. Glad that you are able to take these items in. I was just concerned because Pauls auntie goes to Australia and she said that you cant take any food items there,so that got me wondering about the Maldives.

Of course i will do a report when i return, plus i will send you some photos to lok at.

Thanks again Joe

Julie

We took snacks with us too without any problems.

Only thing not to take as you may already know is alcohol.......some people have tried filtering alcohol into plain bottles but this is seen as smuggling. Not saying you were going to try this but just incase!

Hi Lisa, thanks for that. Yes i did already know that, but it was still good of you to let me know. Hubby is crisp aholic and me i love chocolate, not sure about it melting though on journey. What do you usually take?

Thanks Julie

As with most places I would suggest not taking any of the following into the Maldives

Fruit (fresh or dried)
Meat (cooked or uncooked)
Dairy Products (ie Cheese, Milk... etc)
Alcohol - Will be taken away from you at the airport
and the plain obvious .... Drugs !

Hi Again,

I may not take your 'average' food: I have a bad habit of snacking, so I take things like rice cakes (really light weight) natural cereal bars, and perhaps the odd pack of Haribo for when I don't feel like being healthy!!! (Yes I'm a kid at heart)

Has anyone got any advice on the Maldives? We are thinking of going there next October 2006 and would like a relaxing beach week and perhaps a cruise week. Any ideas or advice?

Cheers,
Mick

You could have a look at staying in kerala and a stay in the maldives as well.

Hi Katielind try Veligandu Island,it is absolutely stunning.We stayed there on honeymoon last year.The island is only a sand bank and this is the hotel.Very small with only about 70 beach bungalows and water villas.The food is exceptional as are the staff.Snorkelling and diving is a must.You reach it by sea plane from Male.If paradise is what you want then this is your Island!!!!!!Barry.

Hi simmo
A great AI and honeymoon island is Lily Beach resort went there myself for our honymoon 11 years ago.

regards

Joe

We went last Feb, and the answer is yes, it is very suitable for a honeymoon and I would recommend it 100%. It may not be the flashiest or smartest resort, but it does what it claims to do. Very well too!
I am looking to go back later this year, and will almost certainly choose this resort again,

The food is apparently probably the best in the Maldives and is renowned for it. The all inclusive option is well worth doing and is good value, including everything apart from cocktails.

Being quite far south, and away from the bulk of the other islands, the sea and the wildlife is very unspoilt and totally amazing too!

GO!

Hi

I have just recently got engaged and wish to marry abroad. Is it possible to get married in The Maldives or would I need to combine it as part of a two centre as a honeymoon? If so, where would be magical to have my wedding with easy travel on to The Maldives

I don't think you can get married in the Maldives. The only religion recognised is Islam so unless you are Moslem it won't be possible, and they don't do civil cermonies.
I've been to the Maldives twice, both times had a week in Sri Lanka first then flew on to Male. Sri Lanka is a very popular place for weddings, we have seen a few while there and then the couple flying on for their honeymoon.
My daughter is getting married next year, told her about Sri Lanka/Maldives but she decided on Mexico, whioch she has booked.

Thanks for your reply!

The 2 centre option with Sri Lanka sounds really good, nice to know the in-laws will not be following us and its a liitle cheaper to travel there for our friends and family ! Im going to look into to it straight away!

Sorry, meant to ask, Do you of any companies that offer 2 centre packages for Sri Lanka and Maldives?

Hi,
Cheers for all the idea's!
I get the impression that it doesnt really matter where you go the Maldives are wonderful anyway! So we will pick one, let you know when and where we are going, let you know what it was like on our return then pick the next one for the next year and maybe by the time we go to heaven (!) we will have stayed on them all!!!!!!!!!
Ever hopeful!!!!!!!!!!!!
Katie.

Hi ajkitty,

Joe's right - we were there last Xmas and are going back again this year - in fact we fly out on Dec 19th too! We're flying with Sri lankan from Heathrow.

If you'd like to know anything specific about Xmas at lily Beach then just let me know.

Tracy

Most of the large operators offer weddings to Sri Lanka, Do your research for the month and hotel. Did you have a month in mind? Need to avoid the rains I would recommend Lighthouse (pricey) Eden, Mount Lavinia or the newly opened The Beach (i am going Feb 06). The weddings are traditional and to have a photo with an elephant beats most other options in my opinion. Caribbean weddings have become mass produced. Some hotels do up to 6 a day!! Whilst it will remain popular loads more destinations to consider. On safari, Thailand with the monks for winter maybe a wedding in Lapland with snow furs and fire. getting carried away now, sorry

You could then take your honeymoon in the Maldives less than 1 hour away. Again check out Meedhapparu, Veligandu (going 06) and Kuredu (apologise miss spellings)
tripadvisor.com have more hotel reviews that might help

Best wishes with your plans

Hi, I wanted to get married in the Maldives 10 years ago, but Dragon is quite right, you just can't do it unfortunately. Most people that I have heard of that want to do this get married in Sri Lanka and then have their honeymoon in the Maldives. I got married here in England and then flew out to what used to be called Ari Beach as we wanted 2 weeks on the islands.
Kuoni used to be the best for 2 centre holidays like this, we paid around £2500 for the two of us but I'm sure you can get a better deal than that now.
Ellie