Maldives Travel Deals

Things to Do in the Maldives

In between lounging on the beach with a gossip mag in one hand and a frosty beverage in the other, Maldives holidays offer world-class snorkelling and scuba diving, not to mention paddleboarding, kayaking and jet-skiing. And if you don’t want to lift a finger on your tropical escape, that’s just fine. Charter a catamaran and let your captain sail you off into the sunset.

Want to put down the Nicholas Sparks for a second? If you’re staying in Male or Hulhumale, the main islands, lastminute.com.au’s bangin’ Maldives car hire deals can help you get around. On the north shore of Male, the National Museum will school you on Thaana woodcarvings, medieval weapons and 16th-century weaving. Upstairs, gaze upon an early 1980s computer and marvel at how far we’ve come (it’s pretty far). Once you’re feeling educated, take a walk through the sculptures and flowers of Sultan Park to Muliaage Palace. If you want just one photo from your Maldives holiday with a backdrop that isn’t tropical palm trees and bungalows over turquoise waters, this colourful sultan’s lair is the place.

Shopping, Dining & Nightlife

Maybe you’re not a fan of museums, culture and new things, and just want to shop ‘til you drop. You still want to head to Male! Most resorts will have day trips available to the capital island, so check your Maldives holiday package. Once there, a few streets should catch your eye. On Chaandhanee Magu, buy woodcarvings and thudu kuna (traditional woven mats) for mom and dad, then hit up Male Local Market and browse produce, shell jewellery and vases while sipping cold coconut juice. Bring plenty of rufiyaa!

You’ll find lots of funky fruits in the market (screwpine, anyone?), but if that’s just not enough to hold you over, head to Male’s northeast corner for waterfront dining. You can find everything from Western-style to Thai to tiny cafes serving tea and “short eats” (or snacks). To eat like a local, look for kavaabu (deep-fried rice, tuna and coconut), curries and of course seafood!

Once you’re done stuffing yourself silly with the freshest fish ever, it’s time to get your drink on back at your hotel, where the night’s entertainment awaits. Maldives holiday packages have been known to have everything from live jazz performances to beach parties to crab races, so look into your options, pick your fave resort and relax.

What’s Next?

Getting to the promised land is easier than you think. Lastminute.com.au’s Maldives packages make it simple to pick your best flight and hotel combo; all you have to do is pack up your best beach reads and your devil-may-care attitude and hop on a plane. The best deals are waiting for you!