We recently visited the Maldives for the very first time and it truly surpassed our expectations! Although, we quickly realized through our research that the Resort you choose will really determine the enjoyment of your stay. Lucky for us, Ayada Maldives was our first stop and it was the perfect introduction to the country.
In this blog post we are going to be sharing essential things to know before visiting the Maldives. We are also sharing helpful information to know before booking your vacation at Ayada Maldives, like; how to get there, room types and also what to expect during your stay!
Let’s get into it!
GOOD TO KNOW: Ayada Maldives is #1 on TripAdvisor, listed among the top 25 resorts worldwide on TripAdvisor & winner of Traveler’s Choice 2023!
Best Time To Visit Ayada Maldives
Dry Season is November To April, with the driest months being January to April. The dry seasons offers lot’s of sun and warm temperatures. This is also a great time to visit for visibility for snorkeling and diving enthusiasts.
Wet Season is May to October. During this time the sun still shines, however there is an increased risk for heavy rains and wind. Monsoons can occur during this time as well.
How To Get To Your Maldives Resort
Getting to the Maldives can be quite the journey depending on where you are visiting from! However, the important thing to keep in mind is that you need to arrive at the Male Velana International Airport!
The Male Velana International Airport is the main International airport located on the island of Male in the Maldives. This will be your hub to the Resort Islands, whether you need to take a connecting domestic flight, a seaplane transfer or a boat transfer!
The connecting mode of transportation needs to be discussed with the hotel concierge prior to your arrival. Once you arrive at the Male International Airport and collect your baggage, you will exit to a hall that has a desk for every major resort in the Maldives. You will see a sign with your name on it being held up so look for that and they will guide you through the process.
Getting To Ayada Maldives Resort
Ayada Maldives Resort is located on some of the southern most islands in the Maldives! It takes a bit more effort to get to, however the Resort staff makes the travel day smooth by taking over the planning.
Once you find the Ayada Resort staff holding a sign with your name on it on arrival, they will guide you to the airport lounge to freshen up. In the domestic terminal, you will board a short 50 minute flight to an airport on an Island located closer to Ayada Resort! Once you land, the Ayada Resort staff will assist you in collecting your bags and bringing you to your short boat transfer to the Resort!
Ayada Maldives: The Rooms
There are no bad room choices at Ayada Maldives Resort. This expansive resort offers a variety of different Villas and Suites to choose from for all group and family sizes!
We had the pleasure of staying in an Ocean Villa With a Pool! We also got to tour the Ayada Royal Ocean Suite With A Pool! However, they have large family overwater suites overlooking the ocean, and they also suites and villas located directly on the beach!
Ocean Villa With Pool
The Ocean Villa With a Pool is a great accommodation choice for couples or a family with a small child. It can sleep up to 3 people and is over the water looking out at the ocean. There is a king bed, a day bed, and a private deck with infinity plunge pool. It has direct stairway access into the lagoon below. There is also a large bathroom with a soaking tub, and a shower!
Check out more information on the Ocean Villa With Pool here!
Royal Ocean Suite With Private Pool
This villa is STUNNING! It is a large villa that can sleep up to 7 people! It is perfect for a group or large family, as it has seperate sleepnig areas, large living space, a large outdoor deck with a lounge area and dining space, and a large infinity pool. This Suite has direct ocean access and open ocean views. The Royal Ocean Suite is also located at the end of the jetty which means total privacy!
Check out more information on the Royal Ocean Suite With Private Pool here!
Ayada Maldives Resort Room and Dining Packages
Each room offers a variety of dining package rate options to choose from. It is important to know the distinction prior to your arrival as it can save you some money!
Bed and Breakfast: This rate is for the room and breakfast at Magu Restaurant, the Main Buffet Restaurant on the property.
Half Board: This rates includes breakfast and dinner at the Magu Restaurant, the Main Buffet Restaurant on the Property. A $50 Credit is provided to use at one of the a la carte restaurants for dinners should you wish to forgo dinner at the Buffet.
Full Board: This rates includes breakfast and dinner at the Magu, the Main Buffet Restaurant. Lunch is also included and is offered at Zero Degree Restaurant (a la carte menu) or Ocean Breeze (over water buffet). A $50 Credit is provided to use at one of the a la carte restaurants for dinners should you wish to forgo dinner at the Buffet.
Crystal All Inclusive: This is the best deal in our opinion! We would recommend this room and dining rate to anyone coming to stay Ayada!. It Includes: breakfast and dinner at Magu Restaurant. It includes lunch served at either Zero Degree Restaurant or Ocean Breeze Buffet. This rate also includes a wide variety of alcoholic and nonalcoholic beverages at various restaurants and bars on the property. Drinks of any kind are NOT included in any other dining package. A $50 Credit is provided to use at one of the a la carte restaurants for dinners should you wish to forgo dinner at the Buffet.
good to know: Because Ayada Maldives Resort is on it’s own island there are no other restaurant options other than the Resort Restaurants. Unless you pack snacks of your own, there are no alternative food options so keep that in mind when choosing your dining package.
Things To Do At Ayada Maldives Resort
Ayada Maldives is in one of the best locations in the Maldives to offer a variety of unique activities, including surfing! Some of which are included in your stay, and others are extra but we think well worth it.
Good to know: Download the Ayada Resort App prior to your arrival so you can see the updated daily activity schedule!
Included in your stay are some non-motorized water sports, snorkel gear and life jackets! You can find the daily activity schedule on your Ayada App. While we were at the resort we were able to see a fire show and a movie night at the Zero Degree Pool!
Must Do Activities At Ayada Resort
Local Island Visit: Head to a local nearby island by boat to visit temples, mingle with the locals and shop for handmade souvenirs!
Deserted Island Picnic: Want a truly unique experience? Get dropped off on a deserted island just for you and your group! The team at Ayada sets up a picnic with snacks and drinks, as well a shaded area for you to enjoy. We did this excursion and it was the best afternoon we had in the Maldives!
Sandbank Experience: Enjoy either a picnic or dinner experience on a nearby Sandbank. Relax and enjoy the natural beauty being with only your group on a tiny island.
Dolphin Spotting Trip: Head out in the morning in search of spinner dolphins to see them play and leap. Note: sightings are not guaranteed but the team is pretty good at finding them!
Surfing at Ayada: Getting the most swells and having exceptional reef breaks, Ayada Resort is a top pick among all surf destinations in the Maldives! There are surf experts at the Resort and a variety of different breaks for most skill levels. You can partake in lessons and also rent boards at the Resort!
Sea Salt Beach BBQ: Happening at Zero Degree Beach each Tuesday and Friday, this is a dining experience you cannot miss! The Ayada team sets up an incredible beach BBQ with surf and turf and tons of sides. This experience is in addition to your dining package however we think it is worth the splurge. They also have live music and a fire show at the end of the evening.
Important Things To Know Before Visiting The Maldives
Currency: The Maldivian Rufiyaa is the currency of the Maldives. You can exchange money at a counter when you land at the International Airport and they also offer a buy back for the same rate you exchanged!
Tipping: There is a service tax added to almost everything in the Maldives of around 10-12%. However, if you feel like the service was exceptional then feel free to tip on top of that!
Language: The national language is Dhivehi, however most Maldivians can speak English!
Alcohol: Due to the religion in Maldives, alcohol is banned for everyone except tourists and cannot be brought into the country. The only place alcohol can be consumed is on Hotel and Resort grounds that sell it. Other banned items include pork and spear-guns.
Looking for more Maldives Info? check This out!
Final Thoughts on Ayada Maldives Resort
This property is so lively and truly offers a unique yet tranquil experience in the Maldives. We really enjoyed our time on this Resort Island. With an all inclusive room rate, and endless activities to take part in, this is a great option everyone in your group, whether they are adventure lovers and just looking to kick back and relax.
If you want to read more about Ayada Maldives, you can check out more here!
Thanks for reading and we will see you in the next one! 🙂
