During my recent trip to the Maldives, I had the chance to experience this tropical paradise for the first time—and it exceeded all my expectations! From my research, I quickly realized that choosing the right resort is key to making the most of your stay. Fortunately, Ayada Maldives was my pick, and it couldn’t have been a more perfect introduction to the beauty and serenity of the Maldives.

In this blog post, I’ll be sharing some essential things to know before visiting the Maldives, along with tips to help you plan your stay at Ayada Maldives. From how to get there, the different room types, to what you can expect during your stay, I’ve got you covered!

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, 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.

Getting to Ayada Maldives Resort

Ayada Maldives is located in the southernmost part of the Maldives, and while it requires a bit more effort to reach, the journey is made incredibly smooth by the resort staff. From the moment I arrived at the airport, everything was taken care of, allowing me to relax and enjoy the experience.

As soon as I spotted the friendly Ayada staff holding a sign with my name, I knew I was in good hands. They guided me to a comfortable airport lounge where I could freshen up before the next leg of my journey. Afterward, I boarded a 50-minute domestic flight to an island closer to Ayada. Upon landing, the staff helped with my bags and guided me to a short but scenic boat ride to the resort.

The entire process was seamless and set the tone for the unforgettable stay that followed!

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.

Ayada Maldives: The Rooms

Ayada Maldives Resort offers a variety of luxurious room types, each designed to provide a perfect blend of comfort, privacy, and stunning views. We had the pleasure of staying in a Sunset Beach Suite With a Pool.

Here’s an overview of the main room categories:

  1. Beach Villas: Nestled along the pristine white-sand beaches, these villas offer direct access to the ocean. Surrounded by lush vegetation, they provide privacy and come with a private garden, an outdoor shower, and a spacious veranda.
  2. Beach Suites: A more spacious option, these suites feature a separate living area and a private pool. With direct beach access and stunning ocean views, they are perfect for those seeking luxury and comfort on the shore.
  3. Ocean Villas: These overwater villas are perched above the crystal-clear lagoon, offering incredible views of the Indian Ocean. Each villa features a private sundeck, direct lagoon access for snorkeling or swimming, and some include a private pool.
  4. Sunset Lagoon Suites: Combining the best of both worlds, these suites are set partially over the water and partially on the beach. They offer stunning sunset views, a private pool, and spacious indoor and outdoor living areas.
  5. Sunset Ocean Suites: Ideal for couples or honeymooners, these suites offer panoramic sunset views over the ocean. With a large sundeck, a private infinity pool, and direct access to the lagoon, they provide ultimate privacy and romance.
  6. Royal Ocean Suite: This ultra-luxurious suite is the pinnacle of Ayada’s accommodations. It features two bedrooms, a large living area, a private infinity pool, and an expansive sundeck with breathtaking ocean views. It’s perfect for families or groups seeking the highest level of luxury.

Each of these accommodations is elegantly designed, blending modern comfort with Maldivian charm, ensuring a serene and unforgettable stay.

Ayada Maldives Resort: Room and Dining Packages

Ayada Maldives offers a range of room and dining packages tailored to suit different preferences, ensuring a personalized and memorable stay.

Room Packages:

  1. Bed & Breakfast (B&B): Includes a luxurious stay in your selected villa or suite with a daily breakfast buffet at Magu, the main restaurant, featuring international and Maldivian dishes.
  2. Half Board: This package includes breakfast and dinner at Magu. Guests can enjoy a buffet-style meal with a wide selection of international cuisine, as well as themed nights for a diverse dining experience.
  3. Full Board: Offers breakfast, lunch, and dinner at Magu. This package provides guests with three meals a day, ensuring you can enjoy a variety of dishes without worrying about additional dining costs.
  4. All-Inclusive: This premium package includes breakfast, lunch, and dinner at various dining venues, along with a selection of alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages, including cocktails, wine, and beer at designated bars. You’ll also have access to snacks and afternoon tea.

Dining Options:

Ayada Maldives has multiple dining venues to enhance your culinary experience:

  1. Magu: The main restaurant offering international buffets for breakfast and dinner.
  2. Ocean Breeze: An overwater restaurant serving Mediterranean cuisine with stunning ocean views, ideal for lunch and dinner.
  3. Kai: A sophisticated restaurant offering Asian fusion cuisine for dinner, including Japanese, Indian, and Thai dishes.
  4. Zero Degree: A poolside restaurant and bar offering light meals, pizzas, and tropical drinks for lunch and afternoon snacks.
  5. Ile De Joie: Ayada’s overwater wine and cheese bar, perfect for wine connoisseurs, with a wide selection of fine wines, cheeses, and chocolates.
  6. Mizu Teppanyaki: A unique overwater dining experience where chefs prepare Japanese teppanyaki dishes live in front of you.
  7. Private Dining: Guests can also opt for romantic private dining experiences, such as dinners on the beach, in-villa dining, or a candlelit meal on the water’s edge.

These room and dining packages cater to all types of travelers, from those looking for simple meal options to those seeking a fully immersive, worry-free all-inclusive experience.

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 offers a wide range of activities to suit all types of travelers, from adventure seekers to those looking for relaxation. Here’s a list of things to do at this luxurious resort:

Water Activities:

  1. Snorkeling: Explore the vibrant coral reefs surrounding the resort, home to colorful marine life, including turtles, rays, and exotic fish.
  2. Diving: Ayada offers PADI-certified diving courses and excursions to nearby dive sites, perfect for beginners and experienced divers alike.
  3. Water Sports: Try thrilling activities like jet skiing, wakeboarding, windsurfing, stand-up paddleboarding, and kayaking in the clear lagoon.
  4. Fishing Trips: Join deep-sea or traditional Maldivian handline fishing trips for a chance to catch tuna, barracuda, or snapper.
  5. Dolphin & Turtle Safaris: Set out on a boat tour to spot playful dolphins or swim alongside majestic sea turtles in their natural habitat.
  6. Sunset Cruises: Enjoy a romantic sunset cruise while sipping on champagne and watching the sun dip below the horizon.

Land Activities:

  1. AySpa: Relax and rejuvenate at the award-winning AySpa, offering a wide range of treatments, from massages and facials to traditional Turkish hammam experiences.
  2. Yoga & Fitness: Participate in daily yoga classes at the resort’s beachside pavilion or stay active in the fully equipped fitness center.
  3. Cooking Classes: Learn to cook traditional Maldivian dishes or sushi with the resort’s chefs in interactive cooking classes.
  4. Tennis & Badminton: The resort has a well-maintained tennis court and a badminton court for some friendly competition.
  5. Island Hopping: Take a private boat to nearby local islands to experience traditional Maldivian culture and meet the local communities.

Cultural & Leisure Activities:

  1. Maldivian Night: Immerse yourself in local culture with traditional music, dance, and a Maldivian buffet.
  2. Movie Nights: Enjoy outdoor movie screenings under the stars, complete with popcorn and drinks.
  3. Stargazing: Due to its remote location, Ayada is an ideal spot for stargazing. Join a guided session to learn more about the constellations.

Family-Friendly Activities:

  1. Zuzuu Kids’ Club: This fun-filled club offers supervised activities like arts and crafts, treasure hunts, and games for children, ensuring they have a memorable experience.
  2. Bicycle Rides: Explore the resort on complimentary bicycles, available for both adults and children.

Special Experiences:

  1. Private Beach Dining: Arrange a romantic private dinner on the beach, complete with personalized service and a beautiful candlelit setup.
  2. Photo Sessions: Capture your vacation memories with professional photography sessions offered at the resort.
  3. Private Picnics: Organize a private picnic on a secluded sandbank for a day of relaxation, swimming, and dining in complete privacy.

Must-Do Activities at Ayada Maldives Resort

Local Island Tour: Take a boat trip to a nearby local island where you can explore traditional Maldivian life. Visit local mosques, interact with the islanders, and shop for handmade souvenirs to take home a piece of local culture!

Private Deserted Island Picnic: Looking for a one-of-a-kind adventure? Get dropped off on a deserted island for an exclusive experience with just your group! Ayada staff will set up a cozy picnic with snacks, drinks, and a shaded area for you to enjoy. We did this and it was one of the most memorable afternoons in the Maldives!

Sandbank Experience: Enjoy a picnic or dinner on a stunning, secluded sandbank surrounded by crystal-clear waters. With just you and your group on this tiny island, you can fully appreciate the natural beauty and serenity of the Maldives.

Dolphin Watching: Set out in the morning for a dolphin spotting adventure, where you’ll have a chance to see playful spinner dolphins leaping through the waves. While sightings aren’t guaranteed, Ayada’s experienced crew is usually great at tracking them down!

Surfing at Ayada: Ayada Maldives is a top surfing destination with consistent swells and world-class reef breaks. The resort offers surf lessons and board rentals, with waves suitable for both beginners and experienced surfers. Don’t miss this opportunity to catch some waves in one of the Maldives’ best surf spots!

Sea Salt Beach BBQ: Held at Zero Degree Beach every Tuesday and Friday, this epic beach BBQ is an unforgettable dining experience! The resort sets up an incredible buffet featuring surf and turf, along with a variety of sides. There’s also live music, and the evening ends with a spectacular fire show. Although this experience is an extra cost, it’s worth every penny!

Important Things To Know Before Visiting The Maldives

  1. Visa Requirements: Most nationalities, including tourists from the US, UK, and EU, can obtain a 30-day visa on arrival free of charge. Ensure your passport is valid for at least six months from the date of entry.
  2. Weather: The Maldives has a tropical climate, with the best time to visit between November and April (dry season). May to October is the wet season, bringing more rain and humidity, but also fewer crowds and lower prices.
  3. Currency: The local currency is the Maldivian Rufiyaa (MVR), but US dollars are widely accepted. Most resorts and major establishments take credit cards, so carrying large amounts of cash is unnecessary.
  4. Resort Transfers: Many resorts are located on private islands, requiring a seaplane or speedboat transfer from Malé (the capital). These transfers can be costly and are often arranged by your resort. Make sure to confirm these details when booking.
  5. Conservative Culture: The Maldives is a Muslim country, so it’s important to respect local customs. While you can wear swimwear and beach attire at resorts, modest dress is required in public places and local islands. Public displays of affection should also be avoided.
  6. Alcohol: Alcohol is only available at resorts, as it is prohibited in local public areas and local islands. Resorts typically offer a wide selection of alcoholic beverages, but they tend to be more expensive due to import taxes.
  7. Health & Safety: The Maldives is considered a safe destination with a low crime rate. However, always follow basic safety precautions, like safeguarding valuables and staying aware of your surroundings. Travel insurance is highly recommended, especially to cover medical emergencies and cancellations.
  8. Marine Conservation: The Maldives is home to some of the world’s most vibrant coral reefs and marine life. To protect the delicate ecosystem, avoid touching coral, practice responsible snorkeling, and use reef-safe sunscreen.
  9. Internet Access: Most resorts offer Wi-Fi, but connectivity may vary on more remote islands. Be prepared for slower speeds or limited access, especially in secluded areas.
  10. Sustainability: Many Maldivian resorts are shifting towards sustainable practices, such as banning single-use plastics and using renewable energy. Consider staying at an eco-conscious resort to minimize your environmental impact.
  11. Local Time: The Maldives operates on Maldivian Standard Time (MST), which is GMT+5. Some resorts may run on “island time,” setting their clocks an hour ahead to make the most of daylight hours.
  12. No Public Transport: The Maldives doesn’t have extensive public transportation. Boats and seaplanes are the main modes of travel between islands, with domestic flights connecting farther destinations. All transfers should be arranged in advance.
  13. Cost of Living: The Maldives is a luxury destination, and resorts tend to be pricey, especially for dining, activities, and spa services. Consider booking all-inclusive packages to avoid additional costs.

Final Thoughts on Ayada Maldives Resort

Our honeymoon at Ayada Maldives was nothing short of magical, and I can’t recommend this resort enough. It’s a perfect blend of lively experiences and serene relaxation, offering something truly special in the Maldives. Whether you’re diving into adventurous activities or simply unwinding in your private villa, Ayada caters to every type of traveler.

We loved the all-inclusive package, which made our stay completely stress-free. From stunning dining experiences to memorable excursions, there’s never a dull moment—but also plenty of opportunities to enjoy peaceful, private time. The resort’s attention to detail, from the incredible service to the beautiful surroundings, made our honeymoon unforgettable.

If you’re planning a trip to the Maldives, I highly suggest considering Ayada for its unbeatable mix of adventure, luxury, and tranquility. You won’t be disappointed!

Thanks for reading and we will see you in the next one!