Planning the perfect Maldives escape
I say this as someone who’s learned from experience. Before becoming a travel specialist, I booked my own Maldives trip, thinking I’d covered everything. The property was beautiful, but there were details I’d overlooked, especially around transfers. In the Maldives, transfer costs can be as high as 400 USD per person, and it’s easy to miss these when doing your own research. Now, I make sure my clients know exactly what to expect and that all transfer details are fully covered from the start, so there are no surprises along the way.
Every planning process begins with a call to the client. I like to get a clear picture of who’s travelling, everyone’s ages, and the type of experience they’re after. Many people assume the Maldives is just about lying on a beach, but there are some incredibly lively resorts with packed schedules of activities. So, I find out if they’re after something quiet and peaceful or a bit more active, and then we talk about their budget.
For meal plans, I’ll usually recommend all-inclusive unless clients specifically don’t want to do activities or drink alcohol. All-inclusive lets you enjoy the full resort experience without worrying about added costs.
Once we’ve chosen the resort, it’s time to look at flights. We’re lucky in the UAE to have multiple options, from Emirates and FlyDubai in Dubai to Air Arabia in Sharjah and Etihad and Wizz Air from Abu Dhabi. There’s something to suit every budget. But timing is essential. If your resort requires a seaplane or a domestic flight plus a boat, your international flight needs to land in Malé before 3 p.m.—I suggest aiming for 2 p.m., to be safe. Seaplanes don’t operate after 3 p.m., so a late arrival could mean an unexpected overnight stay in Malé. Little details like this are what make the difference in creating a smooth experience.
When it’s time to finalise, I double-check all passport details—believe it or not, people sometimes spell their own names wrong! For the Maldives, having accurate passport information is especially important, given the number of flights and transfers involved.
Once everything’s confirmed, I stay in touch with the client right up to their departure. About 48 hours before arrival, transfer details are finalised, and I update them via WhatsApp on exactly what to expect, both on arrival in Malé and when they depart the resort for their return flight. This way, they can focus on packing and looking forward to a worry-free holiday.
If the Maldives is calling you, let’s make it everything you’ve dreamed of—and more!
