The Maldives is a country made up of a spectacular set of islands located in the Indian Ocean. While it may be quite the journey to get there from Canada (36+ Hours to be exact for us!) it was well worth it! We stayed at The Standard Maldives Resort for 5 days and it was the perfect amount of time to get a feel for everything that this Resort Island has to offer!
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 The Standard Maldives, like how to get there, room types and also what to expect during your stay!
Let’s get into it!
Best Time To Visit The Standard 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 A 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 your 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.
Seaplane Transfer to The Standard Maldives Resort
The Standard Maldives Resort is located just a short seaplane transfer ride away from Male, approximately 35 minutes to be exact, and then a very short 5 minute boat ride to the Resort!
GOOD TO KNOW: The seaplane departures hall is a short bus ride away from the Male International Airport, however the employee meeting you on arrival will bring you to the bus and guide you through that process.
The team at The Standard Maldives assists you in arranging your shared seaplane transfers as it is coordinated with other resorts in the area and based on other check in and check out times of various guests. You will need to provide your International arrival information more than 7 days before your arrival to the Resort and you will get your Seaplane transfer information a few days prior to your arrival.
If you have a bit of a gap in time between your International arrival and your seaplane transfer, don’t fret! The Standard Maldives has a private and exclusive lounge just for their guests. There are private washrooms, food and drinks available to hold you over before you get to the Resort. There is also a balcony overlooking the seaplane docks.
TRAVEL TIP: If you stay for 5+ Nights at The Standard Maldives, you will receive complimentary seaplane transfers for two! Great savings and you get
The Standard Maldives: The Rooms
There are no bad room choices at The Standard Maldives. This newly renovated and updated Resort offers a variety of rooms categories for different group sizes and budgets.
We had the pleasure of staying in a Lagoon Overwater Pool Villa! We also got to tour the Two Bedroom Ocean Beach Pool Villa. If you want a full video tour of both Villas you can check that out on our YouTube Channel below:
Lagoon OVerwater Pool Villa
The Lagoon Overwater Pool Villa is a great accommodation choice for couples or a small family. It can sleep up to 4 people. There is a king bed, a day bed, and a private deck with infinity plunge pool. It has direct stairway access into the lagoon. There is also a large bathroom with a soaking tub, a shower and two sections of glass bottom floor to see fish swim below your villa!
Check out more information on the Lagoon Overwater Pool Villa here!
Photo Credit: The Standard Maldives
Two Bedroom Ocean Beach Pool Villa
This villa is STUNNING! It is actually 2 villas connected by a shared private deck and pool area! Each villas has direct beach access and open ocean views. Each villa has a king bed, day bed, and open-air bathroom! It is set up with a similar footprint to the Overwater Villas!
Check out more information on the Two Bedroom Ocean Beach Pool Villa here!
Photo Credit: The Standard Maldives
The Standard Maldives 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 Kula, the Main Buffet Restaurant on the property. Only coffee, tea and juice are included with breakfast, but no other drinks are included.
Breakfast and Dinner: This rates includes breakfast and dinner at the Kula, the Main Buffet Restaurant on the Property. Only coffee, tea and juice are included with breakfast, but no other drinks are included.
Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner: This rates includes breakfast , lunch and dinner at the Kula, the Main Buffet Restaurant. Only coffee, tea and juice are included with breakfast, but no other drinks are included.
All Inclusive: This is the best deal in our opinion! We would recommend this room and dining rate to anyone coming to stay at The Standard. It Includes: breakfast and lunch with select beverages in Kula Restaurant. It includes dinner with select beverages served at Kula, Guduguda, or BBQ Shak. This rate also includes select alcoholic and nonalcoholic beverages at various restaurants and bars on the property. As well as select minibar items replenished once daily! This rate also includes afternoon high tea at Joos Café.
Things To Do At The Standard Maldives
The Standard Maldives is in one of the best locations in the Maldives to offer a variety of activities! Some of which are included in your stay, and others are extra but we think well worth it.
Included in your stay are some non-motorized water sports, snorkel gear and life jackets! Also included is beach volleyball, beach games and water jungle gym! There are also nightly complimentary activities like karaoke, movies on the beach, the very fun White Party and more!
We are sharing some activities we think you can’t miss, but make sure to check with the team at the resort for new offerings!
Hanifaru Manta Snorkel: The very famous Hanifaru Bay is located just a short boat ride away from The Standard Maldives. Swimming and Snorkeling with Manta Rays is a once in a lifetime experience! The typical season is June to November. If you are lucky, you may even get a chance to snorkel with Whale Sharks as well.
Dolphin Cruise: Head out at sunset in search of Spinner Dolphins. Sunsets in the Maldives are truly like no other! We did this excursion and we really enjoyed it! Although it is never guaranteed to find Dolphins, it is magical to see them jump and play!
Local Island Visit: Head to a local island to visit temples, mingle with the locals and shop for handmade souvenirs. This excursion will also bring you to a few beaches for swimming!
Tennis: Looking to work on your tennis game? Then look no further than the state of the art tennis court available on the property. You can also book a lesson with an instructor!
Spa: The Standard Spa offers some incredible treatment options and is located on the end of the Jetty overlooking the ocean. The spa has indoor hydrotherapy pools, a steam room, as well as a sun deck with indoor and outdoor sun loungers.
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.
Final Thoughts on The Standard Maldives
This property is so lively and truly offers a unique and modern 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.
Thanks for reading and we will see you in the next one! 🙂
