You’ve seen photos of the Maldives before: picture-perfect private villas suspended over striking blue waters, alabaster white sand beaches and spectacular sunsets dipping into the horizon. The scenic beauty of the Maldives is something to behold, something you can’t quite understand until you’re there in person.

GETTING AROUND MALDIVES
At some properties, you can opt for an all-inclusive rate that covers meals and drinks. Regardless of whether you choose all-inclusive or a la carte, dining in the Maldives is very expensive. And if you’re looking for a truly unique experience, consider booking a table at an underwater restaurant. Some options include: the Ithaa Undersea Restaurant in the Conrad Maldives Rangali Island Resort, 5.8 Undersea Restaurant at Hurawalhi Maldives and Subsix at Niyama Private Islands Maldives.

The best way to get around the Maldives is to walk. The capital city of Malé is about 2.2 square miles, and whichever resort you pick will be walkable as well. Island-hopping at your own leisure really isn’t the best option since the ferry network is not very extensive. That said, if you are traveling by yacht, you’ll be able to navigate these waters. Once you arrive at Velana International Airport (MLE) on the island of Hulhule’, you’ll most likely be escorted by a representative from your resort to the island where you are staying. You will have to take a ferry, a seaplane, a speedboat or some combination of the three to reach your final destination. This final jaunt is sometimes included in the cost of your hotel stay.