How to Spend One Week in the Maldives

Discover Your Surroundings

After having settled into your resort base at Cinnamon Dhonveli Maldives or any other surf resort in Maldives, the first thing to do is take stock of your pristine surroundings. While a quiet stroll around the resort island will suffice for some, others may want to understand the geography of the archipelago in a more immersive way. Signing up for an island hopping tour not only allows one to explore the charming uninhabited islands near the resort isle but also to spend time on some of the best beaches and most secluded tropical paradises on earth. It is one of the most compelling introductions to the Maldivian landscapes as far as visitors go. Those who prefer to take matters into their own hands can alternatively embark on a kayaking tour of the coastline.

Sign up for a Diving and Snorkelling Adventure

The second day of your stay in the Maldives should be dedicated to experiencing what lies beneath the turquoise waves off the coast of your resort base. Considered one of the world's finest scuba diving and snorkelling hotspots, no trip to the Maldives would be complete without taking a peek beneath the ocean's surface. There are dedicated dive centres that organise half-day and full-day diving tours to prime areas such as Banana Reef, Maavelaathu, and Vilivaru Corner while wreck diving enthusiasts will be impressed with the number of ships submerged in the Maldivian seafloor. Tourists can also sign up for a snorkelling tour that hits some of the most verdant reefs in the country.

Tour of Male

Although Male is often ignored in favour of islands occupying the outer atolls, the cultural and commercial epicentre should be the focus of your third day in the Maldives. A day tour of Male can not only encompass a shopping spree at Chaandhanee Magu and a picnic at republic square but also a sightseeing tour of the country's top landmarks. Don't forget to explore the National Museum, Presidential Palace and the Grand Friday Mosque on your day in Male as these iconic cultural attractions offer visitors a glimpse into the proud heritage of the islands.

Indulge in a Spa Day

Travellers and honeymooners flock to the Maldives to experience spa retreats throughout the year so it is only fair that you should devote at least one day to this popular indulgence. Lined with spa facilities specialising and dealing in various healing modalities, the Maldives is one of the few destinations where one can sign up for a Swedish massage and an Ayurvedic cleansing ritual in one spa facility.

Cruise Control

The fifth day of stay can start with a whale and dolphin safari as the Maldives is one of the top destinations for spotting blue whales and countless dolphin species in the wild. Setting out in the morning hours, these tours can last up to 4 hours. After a hearty lunch and a quick nap back at the hotel, visitors can wake up in time to catch a sunset cruise.

Enjoy a Beach Day

Beach hopping is an activity that's only possible in the Maldives and it is fitting that your last full day should be spent travelling from one sandy beach to another. Some of the top beaches to include in your itinerary include Coral Beach, Bikini Beach and Public Beach while water sports lovers should also enjoy the activities on offer at Water Sports Beach.

Last Day

It is important not to schedule any major activities for your last day in the Maldives as a seaplane or boat transfer to the airport is likely to take place several hours before your actual flight time. Instead, spend the last remaining hours of your trip basking in the afterglow of a crisp Maldivian morning and savouring the local delicacies gracing the hotel buffet such as Sago pudding and reef fish cutlets.