Thanks for all the replies. We will definately be taking dollars then. Plus the visa

Whats the weather like in early July??

What is the weather like early july??

It's the rainy season - and it was a wet one this year. Friends who went last week of June had four consecutive days of non-stop rain. We travelled end of July and in our first week had two days of continuous rain and 2 days with no rain, but totally overcast (though the temprature never dipped below 30 degrees throughout). By our second week, we had two five minute showers only...... Travelling in the rainy season is a gamble, but the Maldivians apparantly are noticing that in the last couple of years they have had more days of continuous rain than they are used to - previously they would get regular heavy but short-lived showers, now it it more persistent.

We actually lost a couple of days diving as weather conditions too bad to take the boats out - and so snorkelling trips, island visits etc were also inevitably cancelled - however even when it's pouring you can sit in the sea/pool as it's plenty warm-enough!!

Jimmer,

tips are given in dollars. We usually give $10 to our waiter and roomboy on the second day and then the same amount a week later and perhhaps the same again when we leave. Some people tip all at the begginning, some all at the end - it really is up to you, but $10-15 dollars a week seems to be about right. I also tip the barman and waiter who gets your drinks a few times as well - maybe $5 a time. The guys you bring your cases to the room should be tipped at least a dollar a bag and it's also usually to tip the boat boys when you go on a trip. Given the rest of my costs are put on my credit card, i wouldn't expect to get through more than $150 -200 which includes my drinks and duty free at Male.

hi all, this time next week we, thats hubby and me, will be on our way to paradise island, or we might have arrived - not sure about travelling time/difference its a celebration our silver wedding anniversarfy.

looks like its US$ for tips and the good old visa card for paying the bill at the end of our stay GREAT!!!!!! we still need to sort out our transfers from the airport to paradise island its around 15 mins by boat does anyone know if i need to book this before we leave the uk? thanks elaine.

The transfer is always included in any UK package holiday purchased - have you booked independently then so need to make your own arrangements? If so then contact the island you will make the travel arrangements in advance for you - don't leave it untill you get there.

Have a great time.

If you have booked independantly and need to organise the boat yourselves - suggest you get a price from Paradise Island when you book it. I was a little surprised (given the short distance) at how much they charged me to travel on a boat from Male Airport that was already scheduled and with other passengers on it......

Better to be prepared!!

while the topic is weather, i too am getting married, only at the beginning of august. is this also the rainy season ?

June, July, August and early September are the wettest periods unfortunately

Hi, i am thinking of going to the maldives in december (was supposed to be going cancun). i am going with my botfriend, we are in our early 20's, we just want a nice sunbathing chill out holiday. and i want somewhere were i can have a few cocktails at night!!! any suggestions on where to stay etc.

much appreciated,
thanks

xxx

You have a hard decsion to make as most of the hundred or so tourist islands are idyllic. I guess it all depend on your budget, how big or small an island you would like to stay on, whether you mind, or want to catch a seaplane etc.

I would definitely reccommend you find and Island with an all inclusive option as drinks are expensive - Beer $5 and cocktails $8-10. be aware though that the all inclusive isn't as good as those offered in the Caribbean and it is rare to find an island where cocktails are included. The standard of food though is much, much better in the Maldives - and I have been on 10+ caribbean all inclusive holidays.

On the smaller islands entertainment is very low key - hermit crab racing is as exciting as it gets which is perfect for us but not everyones cup of tea. Some of the bigger islands do have a comprehensive activities and entertainment programmes which you may like as you were originally going to mexico.

Bigger islands include Sun Island, Paradise Island, Kuredu, Kuramathi Blue Lagoon.

Smaller islands which offer AI include Lily Beach, Koomandoo, Vilamendhoo, Veligandu, Velevaru but there are loads of other.

Suggest you get a few brochures so you can narrow down your options a bit. If you are planning to travel on a charter plane you might want to stick with First Choice (or Hayes and Jarvis) as they use the new fca planes which offer much better legroom and will also fly to male non-stop.

Have to point out as it's a major point when visiting the islands that topless sunbathing is illegal as is the importation of alcohol, so leave your duty free shopping till the way home.

We love the Maldives - we're going for out second visit to Lily beach this Christmas and have already booked to go to another Island in May 06.

Tracy

Hi Tracy. Just a quick hello and a question for you. When we arrive at male is it ok to wear shorts and a s trappy top? Or do you have to cover up more. Thanks

Julie x

Hi Julie,

not long now!

Shorts and a strappy top and fine for the airport - I changed into such a top on the plane about 30 mins before we landed, and I was already flying in a pair of cropper cotton trousers as personally, i prefer to travel in short trousers rather than shorts as I can't stand the back of my legs touching plastic seating as there is on the sea plane as they tend to get all hot and sweaty - not attractive !!

Tracy

Hi Cynical is my middle name,

thank you for your info on the maldives. we actually ended up booking to go Dominican Republic instead. but thanks anyway, your info was very usefull, and i would still like to visit the maldives, there is always next year!!!

xxx

Hi Tracy
Thanks for that - shorts and a vest it will be - 10 days to go!!!!!!!

Hi , can anyone help??
never really liked the idea of Maldives as I am a person who likes to visit lots of markets, restaurants, sites etc while I am on holiday.
However , I was looking at a brohure recently and started wondering if it was worth a try, maybe 7 - 10 night would be enough.
Can anyone recommend the following - a casual style hotel , not too large, maybe rustic style with buffet meals and not too much organised entertainment - the emphasis on relaxation and maldivian charm , if I find the right hotel I may look into booking there for Xmas 2006.
Thanks in advance, shirleyV

a casual style hotel , not too large, maybe rustic style with buffet meals and not too much organised entertainment

That sums up just about all of them I've been to !!

In my humble opinion, the further away from Male the better for real Robinson Crusoe appeal - the seaplane ride is a fantastic start to your holiday, and you don't get noise/light pollution from Hulhule (the airport island). Take a pile of good books, some snorkelling gear (and possibly an MP3 player) and prepare to chill!!! If you are going to break with your traditional style of active holiday - you might as well do it properly

Reethi Rah is supposed to be good since it's refurb, and I'd love to go back to Lily Beach (went there for a week in 2003) which is very quiet, has a smallish pool (some of the smaller islands don't) a great house reef for snorkelling, a single, buffet-style restaurant and a lovely laid back atmosphere! The rooms aren't exactly rustic style (straightforward bungalows) - but the beaches are lovely and right at your doorstep.

Thanks for your reply I am definately thinking I would love to try the maldives - will look at reethi ra, you mention in your post that you went for 1 week - in all honesty I think 1 week of doing nothing will be enough for me - but my question is this, will it not be too long a flight to stay for just 1 week?
thanks shirleyV