General
What should I pack?
You can travel light even to the Maldives. Prepare for a tropical escape with the following essentials:
- Sunscreen – The higher the sun protection factor (SPF) the better, the ideal SPF is 30 and above.
- Swimwear
- Cosmetics including your lens solution if you use them
- Medications and any specific food product or remedy that you rely on
- Sunglasses
- Flip flops
- A rash guard or UV protection top, to wear at sea
- Loose, comfortable clothing (women will need to cover their shoulders and thighs when walking around the island except at the designated bikini beach area)
- Any other product that you cannot do without as shopping options and delivery logistics can be complicated and can take time in this island nation
- If you have your own snorkeling equipment bring them as it is more comfortable to use your own gear. We also have snorkeling equipment for rent.
Is there anything I am not allowed to bring into the country?
Import of firearms, liquor, drugs, dogs, pigs, pork products and pornography in to the Maldives is strictly prohibited.
Import of pornographic literature, idols of worship, certain animal products, explosives, weapons and alcoholic beverages are not allowed into the Maldives. Drugs are strictly prohibited and the penalty of importing drugs for personal or other use can be up to life imprisonment.
Personal pets apart from dogs can be brought with a special permission and all animals require veterinary certificate. Most guests avoid the bureaucratic hassle and leave their pets back home with a family member or a friend.
The following, among other things, may not be exported in any form: black corals, stony corals, triton shells, pearl oysters, lobsters, turtles and turtle shells.
Please also note that following animals are prohibited for collection and fishing: black corals, conches, giant clams, berried and small lobsters, turtles, napoleon wrasses, dolphins, whale sharks and whales.
For more information kindly visit the official website of Maldives Customs Service at: https://www.customs.gov.mv/Individuals/Items%20for%20Personal%20Use/Individual-Prohibited-and-Restricted-Items-for-Import
How is the weather in the Maldives?
The weather in the Maldives is unpredictable, erratic and localized making it difficult to correctly forecast the weather. Maldives is generally hot and sunny all year around with an average temperature between 25 and 31 degrees Celsius. Being a tropical country, there is no season without rain but we rather have a less rainy season and a rainier season. You can expect less rain throughout from November until the beginning of May. The monsoon season runs from May to October. Even when it rains, it is very unlikely to rain for days to an end but might rain for a couple of hours during the day or night leaving plenty of time to engage in watersports and excursions or just laze around in the sun simply doing nothing.
A rainy day is an ideal day to partake in a board game or just enjoy an exquisite meal… Of course, complemented by carefully crafted beverages as Maldives is a very humid country and it is very important to stay hydrated even on a rainy day.
How do I get Visa?
All tourists visiting the Maldives are given a 30 days tourist visa upon arrival to the country, regardless of nationality. To acquire the tourist visa, you must have a return ticket, you need to provide proof of accommodation in the country (hotel confirmation document) and you must be able to demonstrate that you have adequate funds to sustain yourself during your stay in the Maldives. Additionally your passport must not expire within 6 months of your expected day of departure from the Maldives. With such a huge tourist flow, we can assure you that the visa process is hassle free, especially if you are staying at a guest house. For additional information, kindly visit the official website of Maldives Immigration at https://immigration.gov.mv/visit-maldives/.
Is there anything I should know about staying on a local island?
Unlike staying at a private island of a resort, staying at a guesthouse on a local island gives you an opportunity to immerse yourself in the local culture. While the vicinity of the guesthouse is secluded and private, once you step out and start exploring the island you will come and appreciate the local way of life. You will see children playing on the streets or going to school, men going about their livelihood and women taking care of the house and their private gardens and other domestic tasks. The island life is quite simple, laidback, pleasant and peaceful. Out of respect for local culture and customs, women are encouraged to cover their shoulders and thighs and men are encouraged to cover their thighs.
Also it is illegal to serve alcohol or pork on local islands and therefore all of our drinks and dishes are prepared accordingly.
Do I need to get any special vaccinations or shots before I come to the Maldives?
Usually you are not required to get any special vaccinations or shots before you come to the Maldives.
Is there malaria in the Maldives?
No, Maldives has been malaria-free since 1984.
How do I get to Escapism Maldives?
The most convenient method of transfer to get to Aa. Feridhoo where Escapism Maldives is located is to take a speedboat transfer and we will be delighted to assist you to arrange the transfer to and from Feridhoo.
To arrange the transfer and for additional information kindly contact us at: sales@escapismmaldives.com
Are there any dangerous animals?
There are no dangerous terrestrial or marine animals in the Maldives. Most injuries by animals are due to careless or aggressive behavior on the part of humans.
Being in a tropical country surrounded by nature, sightings of animals on land and sea are sought after and appreciated.
The only animal that can be a nuisance is mosquitoes and we would recommend using a mosquito repellant to keep them at bay.
Accommodation
What is the maximum occupancy of the Room Escapism?
The maximum occupancy of a room is 3 persons. The standard room rates are for 2 persons and if a third person is joining an extra fee will be added.
How is the bedding going to be?
The bedding can be configured to one king sized bed, two single beds or three single beds to accommodate to a maximum occupancy of 3 persons.
What is the voltage in the rooms?
220 volts.
What kind of sockets is used at Escapism Maldives?
Like the majority of the Maldives we have 3 pin sockets like in the UK. Universal adapters can be provided upon request.
Are there a fridge and a kettle in the room?
We do have mini-fridges and kettles in the room. You can store snacks or medication in your mini-fridge or prepare a hot beverage with your in-room kettle.
Is there a TV in the Escapism Room? What channels are available?
Each room comes equipped with a TV on which you can watch several international channels and in multiple languages.
Facilities
What do you do in the evenings at Escapism Maldives?
There are several things you can do in the evening at Escapism Maldives. Head over to our in-house restaurant for a fun round of board games, live music shows including traditional music. Kindly check with our helpful guides to see what the scheduled evening activities are during your stay with us. Although many guests opt to just relaxing and stargazing while enjoying a glass of mocktail.
You don’t like spicy food; do we serve European dishes?
Should you have a certain dietary preference please do let us know and we will do our utmost to accommodate to it. The extensive and global menu at our in-house restaurant does feature European dishes as well.
Is alcohol available?
As Escapism Maldives is located on a local island, we are not permitted to serve you alcohol. Our beverage menu features juices, soft drinks and mocktails.
Do you cater to different dietary requirements?
Our menu does cater for vegetarians and non-vegetarians. Should you have a very specific dietary requirement please check with us by writing to us at sales@escapismmaldives.com and will be more than happy to assist you.
Do you provide towels?
A: We do provide bath towels and beach towels with our compliments.
How far is the beach from Escapism Maldives?
With Aa. Feridhoo being less than 1.5 kilometers in size, nothing is too far away. The beach is walking distance from Escapism Maldives. There are public beaches where modesty should be practiced; the ladies should cover their shoulders and thighs and men should cover their thighs. Then there is a beach designated as bikini beach and is exclusively for guests where the ladies may wear the bikinis and men may wear their swimwear as well. Ask our helpful guides to show you the location of the bikini beach.
Is there Wi-Fi available at the hotel?
We offer complimentary Wi-Fi at the hotel.
Is diving available?
We do have a dive center at Aa. Feridhoo where you may begin your journey into diving by doing a Discover Scuba Diving or PADI Open Water course. For certified divers looking to do some fun dives, Feridhoo is in North Ari Atoll; an atoll famous for world class dive sites. You can continue your dive education by doing a specialty course or PADI Advanced Open Water course.
Money
What is the tipping policy?
We do not have a specific tipping policy. But if there is a particular person that has gone out of his / her way to help and delight you, you may tip that person directly at your own discretion.
Can you withdraw money at Aa. Feridhoo?
Cash withdrawal options are limited at Aa. Feridhoo. It is recommended that you carry some cash with you.
What currency is paid for services and payment in the Maldives?
The local currency is Maldivian Rufiyaa (MVR). Almost all of the businesses and locals will readily accept US Dollars (USD) and some will accept Euros (EUR) as well. The exchange rate can vary depending on the denomination.
If you are carrying USD, you don’t need to change it to the local currency.
Can I settle my bill at Escapism Maldives with my credit card?
We do accept major credit cards such as Visa, Master and American Express Cards.