About the Maldives
Language
The official language of the Maldives is Dhivehi, which is distinctly spoken only by Maldivians. The Dhivehi script used for writing, Thaana, is written from right to left, similar to the Arabic language.
Time
The time in Malé is UTC +5. However, at our resort, we advance our clocks by one hour ahead ( UTC +6 ) to provide our guests with extra daylight hours to enjoy.
Currency
The official currency used throughout the Maldives is the Maldivian Rufiyaa. However, US Dollars can be used in resorts and most major credit cards are accepted.
Weather
The Maldives boasts favourable weather conditions throughout the year. Its tropical monsoon climate is warm all year round. The average temperature is around 30°C (86°F), with sea temperatures ranging from 22 to 28°C (72–82°F). The dry season lasts from November to April, with sunshine, clear blue skies, and light sea breezes. The monsoon season is from May to October, which brings mixed weather with sun, showers, and occasional storms. Despite the monsoons, the Maldives enjoys plenty of sunshine throughout the year, with a constant sea breeze and high humidity.
Religion
Islam is the official and state religion of the Maldives, and the practice of faith other than Islam is prohibited for Maldivians. However, migrants and foreigners are permitted to exercise their religious beliefs but only within the confines of their private spaces.
Food
Traditional Dhivehi (Maldivian) cuisine is healthy and delicious, with fresh local coconuts, fish, and starches. Fresh seafood is available daily, caught from the waters of the Indian Ocean.
How to get there?
The Velana International Airport (MLE) in Malé serves as the primary airport connecting Maldives to various countries in Asia, such as India, Thailand, and Sri Lanka. Additionally, direct flights from Dubai and chartered flights from Europe, China, and Singapore are also available. Seaplanes and speedboats are the most common modes of transport from this capital to the resorts.
What is the best time to visit?
The Maldives is an all-season tropical destination with a year-round average temperature of 30°C (86°F) and plenty of sunshine-filled days to offer throughout the year. Diving is good at any time of the year, but the Southwest monsoon season (May–October) is the ideal season to sight manta rays and other marine life (eastern side), while the dry Northeast monsoon season (November–April) is when we see the clearest skies.
About the Resort
Can I make a direct reservation with Fairmont Maldives?
Yes, you can make direct bookings through our official website, www.fairmont-maldives.com or contact our team at reservations.maldives@fairmont.com or WhatsApp at +960 730 0377
Dress Code
We follow a resort-casual dress code. Beach wear is allowed; however, the Maldives has a strong no-nudity policy.
Electrical Sockets/Adapter
There is a universal socket for all villas.
How far is the resort from the Malé airport?
The resort is a 55-minute scenic seaplane journey from Malé. Find out more
here.
How big is the island?
Our lush natural island is 1.5 kilometers long and 600 meters wide. It houses 120 luxury villas, 3 restaurants, a bar, and the 2000sqm wellness space at Fairmont Spa. It also has a 9-kilometre-long house reef and the 200-metre longest infinity pool in the Maldives.
Language/s Spoken by Staff
English is spoken throughout the resort. However, we have a multilingual team, and staff are available for all major international languages.
Payment Methods
We accept all major credit cards (Mastercard, VISA, Amex, and Union Pay). Cash payment is collected in USD; however, all major currencies are accepted for conversion. Pre-payments can be made via online payment links and bank wire transfers.
Check-in and Check-out Time
Standard check-in is at 2:00 pm, while our check-out time is 12:00 pm.
Is there a safe in the room?
A built-in safety deposit box is available in all villas for guests’ use.
Are beach towels provided?
Yes, we offer beach towels in every villa, by the infinity pool, and at Onu Onu Bar.
Taxes & Service Charge
Based on the villa rate, there is a 10% Service Charge and then a 16% Goods & Service Tax. There is an additional USD 6 per person per night regardless of the age for Green Tax.
Drone Usage
Our top priority is maintaining our guests’ privacy, so drone usage is subject to our team’s approval. Should a permit be given, strict guidelines on the time and location must be followed.
Photography or Videography Services
Our resident island photographers from Yashlightroom Studio have packages to capture your memories. They also offer drone photography and videography.
Gym Equipment
Our 24-hour gym is equipped with cardio equipment, cable machines, and workout essentials.
Bicycles
Complimentary bicycles are available for all guests. We also have kiddie bikes for the little ones.
Can I swim anytime anywhere?
All guests are welcome to swim in the longest infinity pool in the Maldives, while each villa has a private pool. For safety purposes, there are designated areas for swimming in the sea, and coloured flags to indicate the sea conditions are seen everywhere on the island.
What animals might I see while visiting?
Our island boasts hectares of magnificent jungle, home to diverse wildlife, including rare birds. There are occasional fruit bats, small lizards, hermit crabs, and other small insects due to it being all-natural. Most creatures, however, can be found in the ocean, especially in our 9-km long house reef. Here, you will see turtles, various fish, and even manta rays.
Laundry Service
One-day and express laundry service is available.
Food & Dining
Special Dietary Requests
We encourage guests to share their dietary needs before arrival. However, our dining options cater to various nutritional requirements, including vegan/vegetarian, low-carb/keto, paleo, gluten-free, dairy-free, and more. All dishes are customisable, and our chefs can accommodate any food allergies or specific requirements.
Where to eat?
We have 3 restaurants and a bar on the island;
Raha Market, our all-dining hub;
Kata, our signature Japanese restaurant;
Azure, our fine dining seafood restaurant; and
Onu Onu, our beachfront bar. In-villa and destination dining options are also available.
Are restaurant reservations required?
To secure a table, guests are encouraged to reserve a slot via Staytus, our resort’s pocket guide app.
Which restaurants are included in the Half and Full Board meal plans?
Breakfast, lunch, and dinner will be in Raha Market for those on Half and Full Board meal plans. However, they may dine in at Kata and Azure for dinner on meal credit, depending on the meal plan.
Which beverages are included in the Half or Full Board meal plans?
Soft beverages and juices are included in Raha Market.
Before Arrival
Travel Regulations
At the moment, there are no incoming travel restrictions to the Maldives.
Requirements
The basic entry requirement to the Maldives is a passport or a travel document with Machine Readable Zone (MRZ) with at least 1 month’s validity.
VISA
Tourists are given a free 30-day on-arrival VISA.
Arriving in Malé at Night
Guests arriving on international flights after 15:30 may stay overnight in a nearby Malé hotel at their own cost.
PCR Test
There is no longer a requirement to submit a PCR test result to enter the Maldives.
Speedboat Transfers
There are no speedboat trips from Malé to the resort.
What is IMUGA?
IMUGA is the Maldives’ online Traveller Declaration; tourists are required to submit their details within 96 hours of the flight time during arrival and departure via http://imuga.immigration.gov.mv.
About Seaplanes
How much?
Seaplane transfers are offered by a third-party company, Trans Maldivian Airways (TMA), the world’s largest seaplane operator.
Round trip rates are as follows::
Adult (12 years and above): US$ 650 per person and, inclusive of tax & service charge
Child (2 to 11 years old): US $380 per child and, inclusive of tax & service charge
Infant (below 2 years old): Complimentary (Sitting on parent’s lap)
How to book?
Our reservations team can book the seaplane flights for you; please send us flight details along with the names of all guests travelling at least 5 days before arrival to ensure smooth connecting flights and avoid long waiting times at the airport.
How to get to the VIP Lounge?
On your arrival at Malé International Airport, you will be received by our dedicated airport team. They will be holding a placard with “FAIRMONT MALDIVES, SIRRU FEN FUSHI” written on it. Once you have identified yourself to them, they will guide you to the VIP lounge and the rest of your journey until you reach the resort.
Why does it fly only during the day?
As seaplanes land on and take off from water, they operate during daylight hours only. Seaplane transfer schedules are available for guests with international flight landing at Velana International Airport before 15:30 local time.
Baggage Allowance
The baggage allowance on the seaplane is 20kg checked luggage and 5kg hand luggage per person. If the seaplane reaches the full weight limit due to excess baggage or other reasons, your luggage may come on a later flight. As such, we recommend that you pack your hand luggage with essentials, including casual tropical attire, swimwear, etc., to be comfortable until your luggage arrives. The baggage above the permissible limit is payable directly to the seaplane service provider at USD 5.00 plus applicable taxes per kg.
Do infants require their own seat?
Transfers for infants below the age of two are free of charge. Due to legal safety requirements, there is no separate seat allocation for them, and they would have to be seated on their parent’s lap.
Health & Safety
Is there a doctor on site?
The resort has a resident doctor on call 24 hours a day, with a clinic open from 9:00 am to 6:00 pm daily for consultations. The nearest local hospital is about 38 minutes away by speedboat.
Are life jackets provided?
Emergency life jackets are provided in each villa. Complimentary snorkelling gear with a life vest is available at the dive centre for use during your stay.
Experiences at the Resort
What are some of the spa and wellness offerings?
Fairmont Spa has a variety of treatments, such as scrubs, facials, and massages. It also has a beauty salon and wellness activities such as daily sunrise yoga.
Are there activities for families?
Multi-generational activities are available daily at the Art Studio. Families may also book family experiences at Fairmont Spa, Sustainability Lab, and Dive Center. Find out more here.
Children & Family
Can kids stay and dine for free?
Kids under 12 years of age stay and eat with our compliments on the island, regardless of how many there are in the family.
Is babysitting service available?
Babysitting services are available upon request.
Are there meal options for children?
A Kids’ Menu is available in all restaurants and for in-villa dining.
Is there a Kids’ Club?
We have a Kids’ Club, with daily scheduled activities such as face painting, coconut leaf origami, and sandcastle making from 9:00 am to 6:00 pm.
What ages are allowed at the Kids’ Club?
Kids 4-12 years of age are welcome at the Kids’ Club, children under 4 must be accompanied by an adult.
