Featured

What to pack for a week in Maldives

Published

7 years ago

April 12, 2019

By Kerry Brooks

This is it! The week you’ve been anticipating for a few months is just around the corner. The Maldives, we are coming! Your plane ticket is paid, hotel room booked, leave approved, and daydreaming the whole day. What’s left is just the packing part. Don’t worry; packing can be a breeze if you know what you’re taking. You don’t want to be the tourist that packs their entire room only to forget the one crucial item.

For a week in the gorgeous island nation of Maldives, here are the essentials:

1. Bathing Suits

What use would your beachfront hotel room be if you’re not getting into the crystal-clear waters that are only found in the Maldives? So better be well stocked on your bathing suits. You can choose to bring as many variations as you want or keep it minimal, maybe only bring two or three pieces that you can reuse. It’s easy enough to hang them to dry after a nice swim. That way you won’t have to struggle to haul your luggage from plane to van to boat cramped full of swimwear for every day of the week.

2. Sunblock

Do not underestimate the power of the sun. As a tropical nation, the Maldives gets its fair share of sunlight, and not just any sunlight, direct sunlight. It’s very easy to forget about sunblock when the appeal of the beach and pool are too inviting but the sunburn and skin damage you’ll experience after won’t be worth it. And don’t forget to reapply. All the swimming will certainly wash off some of that lotion and that can decrease its effectivity. A good rule of thumb would be to apply 15 minutes before getting sun exposure and reapply every one to two hours.

3. Bug Repellant

With tropical climate comes the inevitable mosquitos. While some hotels have implemented a few measures to keep their population low, it is better to be cautious and bring bug repellant spray. Mosquitos carry many diseases like malaria and dengue fever. You wouldn’t want to put a damper on your vacation by getting sick the whole time now, would you?

4. Sunglasses

The sun doesn’t just do damage to your skin; it can wreak havoc to your eyes as well. The glare from the water can do some damage to your eyes and can lead you to experience headaches, migraine, or worse, cataract. To mitigate that, don’t forget to bring a nice pair of sunglasses. When deciding on one, take into consideration the UV coverage for both UVA and UVB. Buying a gorgeous but cheap sunnies might prove to be even harmful to your eyes so might as well invest in a good pair from a good brand.

5. Snorkeling Gear

To truly enjoy the Maldivian beaches, it’s not enough simply to swim in it. Take it a step further and explore the coral life by going snorkelling. The Maldives has many spots teeming with ocean flora and fauna. With this in mind, make sure you pack your snorkelling gear. You can also rent one from your hotel, but it’s better to use one that you haven’t shared with hundreds of other tourists.

Now you’re all set, you are ready to roll. Don’t forget to experience what the Maldives has to offer culture-wise. The Maldivian people are some of the kindest and warmest people so make sure you make a couple of friends.

Author Bio: Kerry Brooks is ardent blogger and frequent traveller who enjoys writing and sharing about health, beauty, travel and physical fitness. She is currently working for Weighted Blanket in Canada, which offers world’s finest weighted blankets in Canada.

Featured

Alila Kothaifaru Maldives aligns festive events with World of Care commitments

Published

15 hours ago

November 6, 2025

m@ldives

Alila Kothaifaru Maldives will mark the festive season with a programme that combines charitable initiatives with its sustainability commitments. Guests will be invited to donate, run, paddle and plant in support of local community and environmental projects, alongside dining experiences that highlight Maldivian produce.

Under its World of Care commitments, the resort has adopted initiatives to improve the school experience for children at R. Maduvvari School on the neighbouring island and to protect the surrounding marine ecosystem. Participation in the season’s activities will contribute directly to these programmes.

From 25 December 2025 to 7 January 2026, guests may purchase wrapped gifts from a Christmas Charity Surprise Tree, with all proceeds directed to the resort’s charitable causes.

On 27 December 2025, Euro Divers will lead a coral-planting session within the house reef. The activity forms part of an ongoing conservation effort to strengthen reef resilience by increasing coral diversity through the careful planting of hardy coral fragments.

Seasalt restaurant will host a “Boat to Table” beachfront barbecue on 28 December 2025 and 4 January 2026. The buffet will feature seafood such as giant tuna sashimi, ceviche and grilled fish prepared from the day’s catch supplied by local fishermen, reflecting the resort’s focus on local sourcing and support for the Raa Atoll community.

A Charity Kayak Race will take place on 30 December 2025 and 5 January 2026. Entry will be by voluntary donation, with funds supporting enhancements at the R. Maduvvari pre-school.

On 2 January 2026, the programme will conclude with a Charity Island Fun Run around the island. Branded t-shirts will be available for purchase, with proceeds benefiting the resort’s community initiatives.

Awards

Mercure Maldives Kooddoo wins triple honours at World Luxury Awards 2025

Published

2 days ago

November 5, 2025

m@ldives

Mercure Maldives Kooddoo Resort has received three titles at the 2025 World Luxury Awards, named Luxury Adults Only Resort, Luxury Island Resort, and Luxury Cultural Resort in the Indian Ocean.

The awards highlight the brand’s focus on locally rooted hospitality, with stays shaped by place, service and community. The resort presents Maldivian culture through curated experiences, pairing contemporary comforts with island traditions.

Positioned as an adults-only retreat, Mercure Maldives Kooddoo integrates culinary influences and cultural programming to offer guests a stay informed by the rhythm of local life and delivered with consistent service standards.

“These awards are a true reflection of our team’s passion for creating experiences that feel both local and memorable. Every detail, from the design to the service, is guided by the authenticity that defines Mercure. We are grateful to our guests for being part of this journey,” said Riaan Drever, Cluster General Manager.

The World Luxury Awards recognise excellence in global hospitality, honouring properties that consistently deliver strong guest experiences and celebrate diversity across the travel sector.

Awards

Hat-trick for Pullman Maldives Maamutaa at 2025 World Luxury Awards

Published

2 days ago

November 5, 2025

m@ldives

Pullman Maldives Maamutaa has received three honours at the 2025 World Luxury Awards, securing titles for Best Luxury All-Inclusive Hotel, Best Luxury Wellness Hotel, and Best Luxury Family Hotel in the Indian Ocean.

The awards underscore the resort’s approach to experience-led hospitality, combining design, wellbeing and guest engagement. The recognition also reflects Pullman’s commitment to innovation, inclusivity and sustainability, which sit at the centre of the brand’s strategy.

Since opening, Pullman Maldives Maamutaa has developed an all-inclusive offering that brings together adventure, wellness and a close connection to the natural environment. Its portfolio includes an underwater villa, wellness concepts and family-oriented experiences.

“We are honoured to receive this recognition at the 2025 World Luxury Awards. These awards celebrate the heart of what we do—creating inspiring moments for every guest, whether they come to reconnect, recharge, or simply play. This achievement belongs to our incredible team, whose passion and dedication make Pullman Maldives Maamutaa what it is today,” said Riaan Drever, Cluster General Manager.

The World Luxury Awards recognise excellence in global hospitality, highlighting hotels that consistently deliver strong guest experiences and demonstrate innovation in service and design.