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Casey Gamba and Teresa Isabelle, founders of
Mango African Safaris and our top Maldives & Africa
travel specialists at TheBigDay Travel,
give their advice on traveling to Maldives in the following interview.
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| What's the best time of the year to go to Maldives? |
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The Maldives
is a year round destination. It is generally warm and humid.
Sun shines all year through.
Temperatures generally range from around 29 - 32 degrees Celsius (84 - 90 degrees Fahrenheit).
The weather in Maldives is also influenced by two monsoons; the northeast monsoons and the southwest monsoons from
November to April bring fine weather coinciding with the high tourist season. The southwest monsoon from May to
October can bring wet and rainy weather.
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The rainy monsoon weather usually consists of short sharp showers that are
preceded and followed by sunny weather.
Clouds may also obscure then sun for parts of the day during this time.
The Maldives has recovered from the Tsunami that hit the Indian Ocean in late 2004 in grand fashion with many new
renovations and new resorts opening since.
The best time for scuba diving is November to April to take advantage of the clear skies and outstanding visibility.
For surfing, the rougher seas and winds from May to October mean better surf conditions.
| What's special about Maldives compared to Hawaii or the Mauritius? |
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The Maldives is a pretty unique destination in the Indian Ocean.
It contrasts with Mauritius and Hawaii in that it is made up of many incredible small private island resorts that offer guests
idyllic over the water accommodations in Water Villas or Bungalows.
You can leisurely roll out of bed and step right into
some of the best swimming and snorkeling available anywhere in the world. The exclusivity and privacy allows those with a
little more daring the opportunity for a romantic midnight swim!
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World renowned diving is another aspect that makes the Maldives a must for any enthusiast.
Despite the recent tsunami, the archipelago has made an amazing recovery and there are hundreds of incredible spots
that should not be missed.
Jet Li has been known to vacation in the Maldives and
Sir Paul McCartney has also been a long time fan of the eco-tourism practices that are essential in keeping
the Maldives a first class resort destination.
| Where in Maldives can we get the most for our money? |
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There are many 5 star resorts options in the Maldives.
But those on a budget will be happy to know that there are also some fabulous midrange options.
One of our favorites is Full Moon Maldives.
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Full Moon Maldives was recently renovated by dedicated artisans who have been drawn on the traditions of generations to create a refined natural look with a generous use of wood and thatch to enhance the entire island ambience in a truly Maldivian flair. You can choose from Water Villas and Bungalows over water or beachfront Cottages.
| What are your favorite "hidden gems" of Maldives? |
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Baros Maldives embodies the essence of the Maldives.
A hideaway enfolded in lush vegetation.
An island of coconut palms and tropical greenery surrounded by the destination's famed white sand beach and crystal clear water.
Turquoise merges with sapphire as the lagoon meets the ocean at the edge of the reef.
Stay in one of their luxurious Water Villas built with local natural materials.
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Angsana Resort & Spa Ihuru
is surrounded by the unspoiled natural beauty of the Maldives.
It seduces with the hedonistic pleasures of a Banyan Tree spa retreat and the promise of halcyon days in the sumptuous comfort
of your own villa.
Encircled by a shallow lagoon, the island of Ihuru, with its pristine reef teeming with Technicolor
corals and diverse marine life, palm-fringed beach and crystalline waters, is one of the most photographed Maldivian islands.
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One & Only Reethi Rah is a jewel among a string of coral atolls, lagoons and white sands. The experience is privacy,
warmth and moments of magic - a promise of utter contentment fulfilled. Indulge in a Grand Water Villa perched
majestically on sturdy platforms above the lagoon, these westward-facing villas offer stunning views of dazzling
Maldivian sunsets. Surrounded by chic decking, each offers wraparound over water hammocks, platforms for sun beds,
a 215 sq ft infinity private pool, and covered outdoor dining and seating.
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