The resorts of the Maldives are world-famous and the quality of their hospitality is the result of 50 years in the tourism industry, an anniversary that will be celebrated in full in 2022. In order to discover the more everyday face of the islands, however, we recommend that you broaden your horizon with some experiences to be had all around, in close contact with the Maldivians. By approaching local customs with curiosity and respecting the anti-Covid provisions, which are effectively implemented here in the Maldives, you will enrich your stay, without giving up the quest for wellness and relaxation that brought you here.
Maldives: a microcosm to discover. Credits Visitmaldives
A day marked by unmissable appointments
The Maldivians are very attached to their customs and traditions and the best way to approach them is to immerse yourself in the context of the country right from the start, in the knowledge that here you will benefit from the best safety measures for your health: the Maldives was awarded the Safe Travels Stamp by the World Travel & Tourism Council, a body that works with governments to protect the wellbeing of travellers.
The first aspect to consider in order to empathise with the islanders is that Sunni Islam is practised in the Maldives. This means that outside the resorts you are not allowed to drink alcohol and wear bikinis on the beaches. Speaking of religion, you will immediately notice that the rhythm of the day is dictated by the calls to prayer broadcast by the mosque. As in all Muslim countries, this ritual announces the rising of the sun and then repeats itself four times during the day, the last one just after sunset.
If you ask the Maldivians to tell you what they just can't give up from a more earthly point of view, they will surely tell you about their passion for teashops. In these establishments, which can also be found on the smaller islands, they come to drink tea, enjoy an assortment of 'short eats' or more substantial meals. Teashops are the hub of social life, the best places to meet locals and keep up to date with the latest news.
In the hottest hours, then, the archipelago's inhabitants love to relax on their beloved undholi, large rocking chairs found in almost every home and perfect for enjoying a refreshing breeze. Many Maldivians will tell you that they practically grew up on them. Ask permission to try one: you will fall in love with it!
Maldives: back to the Aailaa resort for an evening of pure relaxation. Credits Visitmaldives
Another highlight of the day is the return of the fishing boats and fishing trawlers to the harbour. On most islands there are no markets and fish is usually sold directly at the fishermen's landing. You never know in advance what the catch will hold, but you will see a small crowd gather and, after a lively exchange of bargains, quickly sell out.
Dining with the Maldivians: a journey into taste
You cannot get to know a place without experiencing its food, and this ancient wisdom finds delicious confirmation in the Maldives. The local cuisine has many flavours distinct from South Asia, so it is often salty, spicy and sometimes very spicy. Be prepared to find delicious curries, soups or fish balls and other variations on the theme on the table, always accompanied by an abundance and variety of fruit. One of the most popular breakfast dishes is mas huni, a mix of tuna, onion, coconut and chilli, which is eaten cold accompanied by roshi (unleavened bread, similar to Indian chapati ) and tea.
Maldives, all set for a spa treatment. Credits Visitmaldives
When hoisting the nets, the variety is great, but some fish are the absolute stars of the table. Tuna is a key ingredient in many hedhikaa (Maldivian snacks) and is also eaten dried, stewed, grilled and for breakfast! Swordfish is popular in resort restaurants, where it is often served fried or grilled, but Maldivians much prefer skipjack tuna and other local variations of the tuna family.
A curiosity: dried tuna, also known as 'Maldivian fish', is one of the most important export products of the archipelago. It is a speciality that is cured on the islands and often sold abroad, where it is widely used as a seasoning, for instance in Sri Lankan cuisine. It is also very popular here in the archipelago: it is the main ingredient in many recipes, such as mas huni.
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Resorts, guesthouses and cruises: accommodation for every need
The Maldives is a traveller's paradise and one of the attractions for those who come here is the possibility of customising their stay. One can choose a more mundane dimension, opting for glamorous destinations such as Maafushi, Thulusdhoo or Rasdhoo, which are relatively close to Male and easy to reach by speedboat. Or one can choose an island with a smaller tourist presence, such as the Haa Alifu Atoll, where it will be more immediate to come into contact with the local population.
In addition to the type of island, of course, you can also choose from a wide range of accommodation, from the most refined and exclusive resorts, with a decidedly international dimension, to guesthouses closer to the lifestyle of the islanders.
All the comfort of a resort. Credits Visit Maldives
The best guesthouses encourage cultural interaction , as they organise meetings with the locals in private homes or with moments dedicated to discovering traditions and customs, such as fishing trips. Many travellers who arrive in the Maldives attracted by beaches and diving say that it is precisely these social moments that have left the most intense memories in them.
For those seeking privileged contact with the sea and diving, the advice is to join a cruise: the more spartan boats are large dhoni with a small kitchen on board, spartan bunks and a dining area, while the larger, better-equipped ones have air conditioning and more spacious cabins with private bath and shower.
