CONTENTS
Going to the Maldives was not part of my travel dreams. When I was younger, I had the chance to fly to the Seychelles, Mauritius and the Antilles. My mother had a passion for the turquoise waters of tropical islands. As an adult, I wanted adventure and cultural discoveries. Discovering the city by walking, getting lost in contact with the locals and letting myself be surprised. So I naturally turned to more urban destinations.
I had no expectations of this trip to the Maldives. I left with a flower in my rifle without having finally taken the time to document myself. Some relatives had warned me: " You'll see, it's magic.". Leaving a week after turning 40 seemed like the perfect gift. So yes, I agreed to leave alone with 3 journalists I didn't know. And what an incredible adventure!
The Maldives have overwhelmed me. The article is long because I wanted to transcribe this experience well. I hope you will like it and that it will make you want to discover this fabulous place.
The Maldives, a bit of geography
The Republic of Maldives is an island state in the Indian Ocean. A country in South Asia, the Maldives is a fascinating chain of 26 atolls, composed of more than 1 coral islands, of which 200 are inhabited and around 100 invested by hotel brands. With global warming and rising waters, the islands are threatened with disappearance.
Maldives, administrative procedures
To be in possession of a passport valid at least 6 months before the end of your stay – to check before booking your trip.
The currency of Maldives
The local currency is the Maldivian rupee. However, the euro is accepted everywhere. The dollar is very popular. Between you and me, I spent almost nothing there and I paid for my few purchases by credit card.
My suitcase for the Maldives
Mid-November in the Maldives heralds the beginning of summer and therefore an average temperature of 28-30 degrees. I was dreading the tropical humidity but not at all. Although it is very hot, the nights are quite cool. I tolerated a small jacket or a shawl very well.
Obviously, bring a good sunscreen and if possible an anti-UV t-shirt. A hat and sunglasses will be very useful. If you don't want to use the air conditioning in your bungalow, also bring a good mosquito repellent. On the other hand, don't burden yourself with a beach towel or 10 pairs of shoes :)
« No news, no shoes »
Honeymoon in the Maldives // Credit – Clémentine Marchal – Banyan Tree Beach Vabbinfaru
Maldives, the time difference
In winter, there is a 4 hour time difference between France and the Maldives, 3 hours in summer. Which didn't really disrupt my cycle on the way there. Another story on the way back :)
Maldives and Politics
Far from the picture postcard image, the archipelago has barely emerged from 5 years of authoritarian power. In 2014, the former president reestablished a strict application of Sharia law with the death penalty from the age of 7, the world was outraged and called for a boycott. A repressive regime overthrown by the pro-democracy candidate Ibrahim Mohamed Solih. Elected in September 2018, he won the elections in the Maldives. A progressive president who stands out as the country's new hope. The government has committed to reforming the justice system, abolishing repressive laws and committing to protecting the environment. The task is herculean, but the 340.000 inhabitants of the Maldives want to believe in it.
Tourism in Maldives
Tourism arrived in the Maldives in 1972, at the initiative of an Italian tour operator. At that time, tourists traveled in small groups to visit the deserted island of Vihamanafushi from Male. At the end of the 80s, the government set up the tourist project of hotel islands. One island = one hotel. A way for the government to control this flourishing activity and to make the Maldivians benefit from it. In order to provide the hotel islands with qualified personnel, the country created at the same time a hotel school and sent Maldivians for training abroad. Today each resort is committed to employing a minimum of 70% Maldivians. A real benefit for the local economy.
The Maldives currently has about 120 resort islands designed for self-sufficient living. Each island usually has generators, water purification and desalination plants. Some also grow their own fruits and vegetables. Tourists live self-sufficiently on the island and have access to several bars and restaurants, recreational and sports facilities for young and old, a diving center, a spa and even souvenir shops.
Alongside this luxury economy, the concept of guest houses and small hotels. A less expensive alternative that allows tourists to discover the Maldives in a different way.
Wedding in the Maldives // Credit – Clémentine Marchal • Organic Garden – Banyan Tree Vabbinfaru
Maldives and ecology
On the ecological level, the government has imposed drastic environmental constraints on hotel groups. Ecological positioning is even becoming a marketing argument. Some islands are developing their own programme for preserving fauna and flora, are practising recycling and are banning plastic.
Tour operators also raise awareness among their customers about:
- Respect the seabed.
- Limiter the consumption of running water. We avoid taking baths for example!
- Save electricity, by reducing its consumption to the bare essentials. Remember to turn off the air conditioning when you are not there.
- Win in his luggage the plastic bottles, batteries and other electronic elements.
And for the most invested, don't hesitate to give your time by participating in voluntary acts such as planting coral or identifying turtles with marine biologists. Every little gesture counts.
Everyone can get involved in their own way and why not apply them in their own daily life when they return to France :)
The airline company OMAN AIR
Without a doubt the best plane ride of my life. We traveled with OMAN AIR, the flagship airline of the Sultanate of Oman. Founded in 1993, it has been operating in Europe since 2007 and serves more than 50 destinations worldwide.
Since the end of October OMAN AIR reestablished the Muscat-Male (capital of the Maldives) connection. Our flight from CDG was scheduled for a duration of 10 hours, 6 hours of flight from Paris to Muscat then 4 hours of flight from Muscat to Male. I was a little apprehensive about the stopover and a hypothetical wait between the 2 flights. In the end, it was very quick. Taking advantage of the services linked to Business Class, we went to have a good coffee and something to eat at OMAN AIR Lounge. Self-service buffet, bar, showers and wellness rooms, games room for children, everything is planned to make the experience as pleasant as possible. The place was so pleasant that we didn't see anything during the 2/3 hour wait.
Wedding in the Maldives // Credit – Clémentine Marchal • OMAN AIR MALDIVES – Business Class
Business Class
This was my very first experience in Business Class, I do not hide from you my maximum excitement when OMAN AIR gave us our upgraded tickets at the airport. I was like crazy.
What attracted me during this trip in Business Class :
The 180° reclining leather seat. Once horizontal, I was like in a single bed. The company also offers sheets, pillow, down duvet and mattress topper.
17 inch LCD screen
The remote control and the noise-canceling headband headset
PC charging socket, 2 USB sockets
The gourmet cuisine with plated service, a wine list and champagne. I really enjoyed this little glass at altitude :)
Pajamas and slippers are complimentary.
The leather case of care products from the AMOUAGE brand
WIFI service ($10 for 10MB/30mn, $20 for 25MB/1h, $30 for 100MB/3h)
Access to mobile telephony
Compartment for jackets
50 kg baggage allowance
Our arrival in Male, Capital of the Maldives
After landing and collecting our luggage, we were immediately taken care of by our hotel which has a reception desk at the airport. This time we checked in for a seaplane flight. The only downside was that we had to wait 4 hours for another group who was also staying at the Angsana Velavaru. In itself, with a good book or a good internet connection, it's fine. But after 10 hours of travel, I think we were all very impatient to discover our island-hotel :)
Once on board the seaplane Trans Maldivian Airways (TMA), we had a good hour of travel. An experience that I loved!
Wedding in the Maldives // Credit – Clémentine Marchal • Seaplane trip to the Maldives – Trans Maldivian Airways (TMA)
The Group's Hotel Islands BANYAN TREE
Angsana Velavaru
We landed at sunset opposite our first hotel: Angsana Velavaru. I felt like I was dreaming this moment, it was so beautiful. From the moment we arrived, every moment spent in the Maldives was a succession of wonders. I had a hard time realizing how lucky I was to live this experience.
5 star hotel, Angsana Velavaru is the island with 101 activities, day and night. The atmosphere is relaxed, refined and festive. Perfect for young couples wishing to combine romance, fun and discovery.
Among the activities on the island, you can enjoy access to:
- Several restaurants and private dining service in villa or on the beach.
- A professional PADI 5* diving center that will adapt to all levels.
- Water sports: Windsurfing, catamaran, wakeboarding, water skiing, canoeing, kayaking, etc.
- A Marine Lab: A laboratory dedicated to protecting coral reef ecosystems through research and conservation efforts.
- A fitness center
- A Spa
- A kids club
Wedding in the Maldives // Credit – Clémentine Marchal • ANGSANA VELAVARU
Wedding in the Maldives // Credit – Clémentine Marchal • ANGSANA VELAVARU
We stayed at Angsana Velavaru, 3 nights including 1 night on Azzuro which offers accommodation in villas on stilts. The perfect combination to fully enjoy our stay.
Each villa is independent. On the island, our fully equipped bungalow had beach access and a private pool. While looking for the bathroom, I opened a door to the outside and came across a pool access without any vis-à-vis. It's quite surprising when you're just looking for a shower cubicle :)
Wedding in the Maldives // Credit – Clémentine Marchal • ANGSANA VELAVARU
Wedding in the Maldives // Credit – Clémentine Marchal • ANGSANA VELAVARU
On Azzuro, the island on stilts, the atmosphere was completely different. Oddly enough, I felt seasick for the first hour. The place was very beautiful, the infinity pool seemed to be one with the ocean, it was crazy. Despite this idyllic setting, I still prefer my little “Robinson Crusoe” style land atmosphere. But for a couple looking for calm, luxury and romance, this option is perfect. Shuttles allow you to reach the land whenever you want a change of scenery or to do activities à la carte.
Wedding in the Maldives // Credit – Clémentine Marchal • ANGSANA VELAVARU – The AZZURO overwater villas
Banyan Tree Vabbinfaru
Big crush on this breathtaking place. Banyan Tree Vabbinfaru is without a doubt one of the most beautiful places I have ever discovered in my life. Elegance, escape of the senses, a 5-star address full of softness, romanticism and subtlety.
Among the activities on the island, you can enjoy access to:
- A restaurant with varied and refined cuisine
- A professional PADI 5* diving center that will adapt to all levels.
- Water sports: Windsurfing, catamaran, wakeboarding, canoeing, kayaking, etc.
- A Marine Lab: The lab invites guests to get involved in coral planting, reef cleaning, and turtle care, under the watchful eye of our staff. Guests can also sponsor their own coral gardens. The lab is equipped to conduct research on coral biology and ecology as well as green sea turtle conservation.
- A fitness center
- A Spa
Wedding in the Maldives // Credit – Clémentine Marchal • BANYAN TREE VABBINFARU
Wedding in the Maldives // Credit – Clémentine Marchal • BANYAN TREE VABBINFARU
Wedding in the Maldives // Credit – Clémentine Marchal • BANYAN TREE VABBINFARU
Wedding in the Maldives // Credit – Clémentine Marchal • BANYAN TREE VABBINFARU
Wedding in the Maldives // Credit – Clémentine Marchal • BANYAN TREE VABBINFARU
Discovering the Maldives
Snorkeling
English word, "snorkeling" refers to the practice of free diving with fins and snorkel. A first experience for me. Although very scared, I followed the movement and did not regret it. The seabed of the Maldives is breathtaking. And this encounter with the Whale shark was just incredible!
Wedding in the Maldives // Credit – Clémentine Marchal • SNORKELING IN THE MALDIVES – Whale Shark
The local island of Bandidhoo
During our stay at Angsana Velavaru, the team organized a visit to a local island: Bandidhoo. Our Maldivian guide, originally from this island, showed us his old school, the hospital, the places of prayer, the small shops… I was amazed by the beauty of the children, the houses made of corals and the lush vegetation.
Wedding in the Maldives // Credit – Clémentine Marchal • Visit to Bandidhoo, the home of Coral
Wedding in the Maldives // Credit – Clémentine Marchal • Visit to Bandidhoo
The kitchen
During our stay in Banyan Tree Vabbinfaru, the chef introduced us to some local recipes that are super simple to make yourself. Maldives cuisine is a tasty and sometimes very spicy Asian cuisine. I admit that for my sensitive palate, I had tears in my eyes more than once when I wanted to be curious.
The Spa
Well, I had to wait until I was 40 to agree to have a massage. A one-hour treatment performed by a professional Indonesian masseuse. A pure moment of well-being and letting go.
Sunset Cruise by Catamaran
The evening of our arrival at Banyan Tree Vabbinfaru, we boarded a catamaran for a one-hour cruise at sunset. A real moment of plenitude.
Wedding in the Maldives // Credit – Clémentine Marchal • BANYAN TREE VABBINFARU – Sunset Cruise
Private barbecue on the beach
Whether in a group or one-on-one, a private dinner on the beach is a rather exceptional experience.
Wedding in the Maldives // Credit – Clémentine Marchal • BANYAN TREE VABBINFARU
Wedding in Maldives
Elopement, secular celebration, renewal of vows, the Maldives offers a breathtaking setting to celebrate your love. If you dream of a beautiful wedding, the " feet in the water", or even " under water », you will just have to rely on the organization of the hotel of your choice.
Wedding in the Maldives // Credit – Clémentine Marchal • Getting married at Angsana Velavaru
Getting married at Angsana Velavaru
Sunset Beach Wedding
Formula excluding accommodation at $650 per couple or €570
This exclusive package includes the following options:
Traditional drummers (Bodu Beru)
Flower garland for the groom
Bouquet of flowers for the bride
Planting a coconut tree as a symbol of their love
Sunset Wedding Ceremony
The wedding cake and the champagne
A marriage certificate (symbolic value)
A photo CD
Special decoration of the bride and groom's villa for their wedding night
Underwater wedding
Formula excluding accommodation at $2.000 per couple or €1.754
This exclusive package includes the following options:
Underwater wedding ceremony accompanied by a professional photographer
2 boat dives, including cruise and equipment rental
A sunset cruise with wine and canapes
One hour sailing on a catamaran with a personal guide
Private barbecue on the beach
A marriage certificate (symbolic value)
A photo CD
A couple's treatment at Angsana Spa Velavaru
Getting married at Banyan Tree Vabbinfaru
“Sandbank” Wedding
Formula excluding accommodation at $2.500 per couple or €2.193
This exclusive package includes the following options:
Private Island Wedding Ceremony by Professional Photographer
Wedding Cake and Champagne during the ceremony
A romantic dinner on the private island
An album of 30 photos
A marriage certificate (symbolic value)
A special “newlyweds” breakfast in a villa
A couple's treatment at Banyan Tree Spa Vabbinfaru
A gift from the hotel boutique
Underwater wedding
Formula excluding accommodation at $2.000 per couple or €1.754
This exclusive package includes the following options:
Underwater wedding ceremony accompanied by a professional photographer
2 boat dives, including cruise and equipment rental
A sunset cruise with wine and canapes
One hour sailing on a catamaran with a personal guide
A trip to the capital of Male
A marriage certificate (symbolic value)
A couple's treatment at Banyan Tree Spa Vabbinfaru
A gift from the hotel boutique
Please note – A secular ceremony in the Maldives is not recognized in France as a marriage.
Wedding in the Maldives // Credit – Clémentine Marchal • BANYAN TREE VABBINFARU
The budget for a stay in the Maldives
The round trip flight with OMAN AIR
Paris CDG > Malé – Departures on Wednesdays, Fridays and Saturdays // Returns on Tuesdays, Thursdays, Saturdays and Sundays
Flight with stopover in Muscat
Economy Class from 974 €
Business class from 2.202 €
Angsana Velavaru
- Beachfront Villa – $297,5 per night or €260/night
- Beachfront Jet Pool Villa > $331,5 per night or €290/night
- Deluxe Beachfront Pool Villa > $484,5 per night or €424/night
- Velavaru Villa > $637,5 per night or €558/night
- InOcean Sunrise Pool Villa > $807,5 per night or €707/night
- InOcean Sunrise Pool Villa with Sala > $850 per night or €744/night
- InOcean Sunset Pool Villa > $892,5 per night or €781/night
- InOcean Sunset Pool Villa with Sala > $935 per night or €819/night
Oceanview Pool Villa – From $864 per night or €753/night
Beachfront Pool Villa – From $961 per night or €837/night
Beachfront Villa – From $671 per night or €587/night
Beachfront Jet-pool Villa –From $722 per night or €632/night
Wedding in the Maldives // Credit – Clémentine Marchal – BANYAN TREE VABBINFARU
What I will remember from the Maldives
The incredible landscapes, the kindness of the Maldivians, this lush vegetation, this fascinating aquatic world. I don't know if I would have the opportunity to return to the Maldives in such conditions, but the images of this incredible trip are forever fixed in my head.
Photo credits – @clementine.marchal
Find all my addresses on the mapstr application: go.mapstr.com/clementine.
RFind all my stories from the Maldives on my different Instagram accounts: @the blog of madamec and @clementine.marchal
TO BE CONTINUED…
Our addresses on The Address Book
Our favorites on the Shop
Our inspirations on our Pinterest
Follow our news on instagram et facebook
A WORD FROM THE EDITOR
A big thank you to the PR agency MCA Communication, OMAN AIR et BANYAN TREE HOTELS & RESORTS for this incredible organization.
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pam is there
Woaa…it makes me want it so much!!
You had a wonderful trip and great photos!!
Right now I would snap my fingers to find myself on these beautiful white sand beaches...
Clementine
pam is thereThanks Pam! Listen, I'd snap my fingers and go back too
A week in the Maldives with the family | Wedding Travel | Queen For A Day - Wedding Blog
[…] If this destination tempts you but more for your honeymoon, Clémentine from Madame C’s Blog has written a great, very comprehensive article on her blog here. […]
Aurélia
A guide and a destination that makes you dream!!! Definitely a nice trip!
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It makes you want to go back!
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[…] DESTINATION THE MALDIVES […]
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[…] of this article, you should also like: Destination the Moroccan Riviera Destination New York Destination The Maldives Manager of myself 2019 – […]
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[…] immense pleasure in discovering new wedding or honeymoon destinations. After New York, the Maldives, Marrakech, the Moroccan Riviera and Puglia, today it is on the island […]
Sampath
If the Maldives tempts you, don't miss Sri Lanka which is only an hour's flight away!
It is a beautiful country and a change of scenery is guaranteed! You will go from tea plantations to rice fields, from cultural sites to safaris, from heavenly beaches to green mountains, without forgetting the richness of the animal world. It is a magnificent country to build beautiful memories for two.
If this destination appeals to you, I offer my services to design your tailor-made private stay. I am Franco-Sri Lankan and head of a local travel agency specializing in designing tailor-made stays in Sri Lanka. Do not hesitate to visit our site https://www.lanka-explorertours.com/ to read the comments of the newlyweds we accompanied on their honeymoon in Sri Lanka.
Sampath