"A serene sunset in the Maldives with a luxury infinity pool overlooking the ocean, perfect for first-time visitors seeking a luxury escape with Lery Hago Travels."

Maldives for first-timers: Your guide to the ultimate luxury escape

Are you thinking about a trip to the Maldives? That’s a fantastic idea! The Maldives, an archipelago in South Asia, is the ultimate dreamy, serene luxury escape. It’s the vacation you need after a vacation.

Picture this: you’re strolling along a wooden boardwalk over clear, turquoise waters, heading to your overwater bungalow. Inside, the room is beautifully designed with modern amenities, and outside, the ocean stretches endlessly. You can wake up to the sound of gentle waves, indulge in a luxurious spa, or take in the sunset while sipping a drink by the infinity pool. It’s the kind of experience you won’t forget.

And if you’re heading there for the first time, we’ve got you covered. We are your Maldives experts. Having arranged resort packages for over 100 travellers, we’ve heard the same thing over and over: “The Maldives was so worth it!“

So if you’re traveling with a Nigerian passport, here’s everything you need to know to make your first trip smooth, memorable, and stress-free.

Overview of the Maldives

Geography and climate
The Maldives consists of over 1,000 islands scattered across the Indian Ocean. It’s tropical, so it’s warm year-round. But the weather shifts between the dry season and the rainy season.

Culture and language
Maldivians are incredibly welcoming and have a rich culture rooted in Islam. You’ll hear the local language, Dhivehi, spoken, but English is widely understood, especially in resorts.

Currency
The Maldivian Rufiyaa (MVR) is the local currency, but US dollars are widely accepted at resorts and for most tourist-related expenses.

Maldives travel requirements for Nigerians

The Maldives is visa-free for Nigerian passport holders. All you need is a valid passport with at least six months validity, a return or onward flight ticket, and proof of accommodation.

Best time to visit the Maldives

The Maldives is a year-round destination, but when you go can affect your experience:

Peak season (November to April)

This is the dry season, with endless sunshine, calm seas, and little rain. It’s perfect for enjoying water activities like snorkelling. This is also the busiest time, so expect higher prices and more crowds.

Shoulder season (April to August)

While there’ll be occasional rain showers these months, you’ll still get a decent amount of sun. There will also be fewer tourists and better deals. However, if you’d like to snorkel or go scuba diving, visit during the earlier months as underwater isn’t as clear during these months.

How to get around the Maldives

Since most resorts are on private islands, you’ll need either water or air transport to get around. After landing at Velana International Airport (MLE) in Malé, you’ll typically be transferred by seaplane or speedboat to your resort. Depending on your resort’s location, the transfer can be quick and exhilarating. Most resorts handle all the transportation logistics, so you won’t need to leave your resort unless you want to explore Malé or nearby islands.

Where to stay in the Maldives

To truly get the best out of your Maldives experience, we recommend staying at one of the many luxurious, highly-rated resorts. Many offer all-inclusive packages, so you can enjoy peace of mind knowing your meals and activities are all covered.

What to do in the Maldives

While the Maldives is all about relaxation, there’s plenty to keep you busy if you’re looking for a bit of adventure:

Snorkeling and diving
Water Sports – jet-skiing, windsurfing, or kayaking
Spa retreats
Dolphin watching
Underwater dining

How long should you stay in the Maldives?

To truly unwind and enjoy all the Maldives has to offer, we recommend staying for at least 4 to 5 nights. This will give you enough time to adjust after the long flight from Nigeria (roughly 10-12 hours) and avoid spending too much of your trip in transit. Also, many resorts offer 5-night packages that include everything from meals to excursions.

How much should you budget for the Maldives?

Here’s a rough breakdown of what you can expect to spend:

Flights

From Nigeria, round-trip flights can range between $1400 to $1,600 depending on the season and the airline.

Accommodation

Mid-range resorts cost about $700 per night on average. For top-tier, all-inclusive resorts, prices start at $1,500 per night and can go upwards of $5,000 per night for private pool villas or exclusive packages.

Food and drinks

If you’re staying at an all-inclusive resort, meals are usually covered. If not, budget around $50 per meal at mid-range restaurants and $100 or more per person at luxury resorts. We recommend getting an all-inclusive resort so you dont have to worry about feeding.

Activities

Snorkeling, diving, and water sports can range from $50 to $200 per person, depending on the activity. Spa treatments usually start at $100 and go up from there. Some resorts offer certain activities as part of their all-inclusive package. So make sure to check.

In total, a 5-night stay could cost at least $4,500 per person.

Other things to keep in mind

While resorts are more relaxed in terms of attire, if you’re visiting Malé or any inhabited islands, remember that the Maldives is a Muslim country, so dress modestly.