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John Forsyth and Aileen Collins welcome you to their world of unique holiday ideas

Maldives... "Everything you should ask... & be told"
	Why go to the Maldives ? Tourism began in the Maldives in 1972 with the opening of Kurumba, the first island resort. Since then, it has grown to become the most important industry for the economy. 87 islands are now designated as tourist resorts. Holiday-makers throughout the world have relished the idea of one self-sufficeint island, focusing on a combination of diving, snorkelling, watersports, comfortable accommodation, a natural environment and nothing much to do but eat, sleep and enjoy. In these stress-laden times, it's necessary to be able to "recharge the batteries" - go where your most serious decision will be whether to swim or snorkel, eat Italian or Chinese. wear shorts or a sarong.
Where are the Maldives Dotted in the Indian Ocean, 754 kms north to south and 118 kms east to west. the closest neighbours being Sri Lanka to the east and India to the north. The Maldives consist of 1,200 small coral islands in 26 natural atolls. The islands are surrounded by shallow lagoons enclosed by coral reefs which provide breathtaking underwater beauty, rarely found elsewhere in the world.
	When should I go ? World over, weather patterns are changing radically and what was traditional before isn't now! However, generally speaking, being on the Equator, the monsoons in the Maldives are milder compared to neighbouring countries. From November to April, the northeast monsoon usually brings dry and fine weather and the southwest monsoon from May to October brings some rain and stronger winds. The temperature is warm all year round, ranging from 24°C to 31°. If your mission is just to relax and have a tropical holiday, take advantage of special accommodation rates during the "low season".
Do they speak English ? Yes, although the national language is Dhivehi, English is widely spoken and understood in Male, the administrative capital, and on the island resorts. What money should I take ? The local currency is the Rufiyaa and the current exchange rate is US$1 = RF10 to 12. Use your credit card or US$ travellers cheques to pay for your extras at the resort and only change to Rufiyaa if you want to do some local shopping in Male. Click here for a current estimate of exchange rates. Health No vaccinations are required and malaria doesn't exist. In fact, the only health hazard is sunburn!
	How do I pronounce "Maldives" ? The correct pronounciation is "Molldeeves". Where should I stay ? There is a wide array of island resorts ranging from 2 star to 5 star. Obviously your budget will have a lot to do with your choice. However, do choose carefully! This isn't Bali where we can easily shift you from one hotel to another with very little inconvenience and cost. Because the Maldives relies on prebookings, heavy cancellation charges apply if you decide to leave your resort earlier than planned. Therefore, make sure the resort chosen gives you what you want.
Is 2 weeks too long ? Honeymooners don't think so, but if you feel that 10 days or 2 weeks is too long in one place, vary your accommodation - half somewhere with plenty of activities, entertainment etc. and half at a quieter island... or half cruising and half on a resort... or half Maldives and half Sri Lanka. We're full of suggestions!
	What meal plan should I take ? Most islands offer half board (breakfast & dinner) or full board (breakfast, lunch & dinner). These meals are usually on a buffet basis. The chefs do an excellent job in varying the dishes every day and the buffets often have a theme such as Seafood Night, Italian Night etc. Rest assured, you'll never go hungry! We belive half board is the best way as you can just have a sandwich or pizza for lunch rather than a full meal - all islands offer an a la carte menu. However, where the resort has an extensive range of restaurants from which to choose, we belive it's best to buy on bed and breakfast basis and have your freedom to eat as you please.
If you have chosen half or full board and wish to eat a la carte instead of buffet, there is a surcharge payable direct to the resort for the meal chosen. Meal prices are similar to eating in a good restaurant in AUstralia. Naturally a meal at the 5 star resorts is higher. The seafood is local whilst meat is imported (usually from Australia or New Zealand). Fruit and vegetables are 100% imported (except cocnuts!) Nothing can be grown in the Maldives.
	Whilst local Maldivians are prohibited from buying alcohol due to their strict Muslim religion, all the resorts have a licence and beer, wine and spirits are readily available. A beer will cost between US$3 and US$4, an exotic cocktail or mixed drink between US$6 and US$10 and a bottle of wine (yes, they even have Australian!) can range from US$15 upwards. A 10% service charge is addeed to all meal and drink prices. No Duty-Free! Sorry... due to the local laws, you can't bring any liquor into the Maldives. If you try and the bottle(s) discovered, they will be confiscated and returned when you depart.
What happens when I arrive ? Hopefully you'll arrive in the morning so you can get your first view of palm-fringed islands surrounded by turquoise lagoons and white sandy beaches. Male International Airport is situated on Hulule Island, just a 5 minute dhoni (local boat) ride from the administrative capital island of Male. You'll go through Immigration and be granted a 30 day visa-free stay. Then proceed through Customs and our representatives will be there to welcome you and ensure that services are provided as booked. You are then taken to your boat or seaplane for the journey to your resort. If by sea, this will be either by dhoni or speedboat, usually at the discretion of the resort, depending on the number of people being transferred and the state of the sea. Seaplanes can be 6 to 12 seaters.
	What if I arrive at night ? Usually the resorts within one hour's boat ride from the airport take their guests to the resort straightaway, although this will depend upon the prevailing weather conditions. No seaplanes operate at night. Where it's necessary, your resort will provide overnight accommodation either on Male Island in a comfortable hotel or on an island near to the sirport and you'll be on your way first thing next morning.
Leaving the Maldives Check-out time at your resort is 12 midday. Boat and seaplane transfers from the resorts to Male Airport are operated during the day at times designated by the resort and the seaplane companies. This might mean there will be some time between your departure from the island to your flight departure (often midnight or later). This is the best time to have a look around Male Island - walk the streets with ease and the knowledge that this is a very safe island. Do a little souvenir shopping, perhaps take a local boat to another inhabited island - Villingili - not far from Male. Enjoy a dinner in town and return to the airport island (5 mins by dhoni, cost about US$1 per person) in time for your departing flight.
What's missing from the Maldives ? Try badgering... bargaining... drug peddlars... pollution. The perfect holiday destination!