The Travel Bubble Holiday between Qatar and the Maldives is one of the best ideas in 2020!
We booked a Flight and Hotel package with @Qatar Airways Holidays
Everyone can now enjoy a holiday on a paradise island, surrounded by glistening turquoise seas, without having to worry about going into quarantine or self-isolation upon return.
Residents don’t need to obtain an Exceptional Entry Permit to return home either.
WEATHER:
The weather is amazing in December. It is warm and humid but not too hot as there is a strong breeze. The weather report predicted it will rain everyday 60-70% which worried me. It only rained the first two nights in the whole week.
Pack thin, light and cool fabrics as it is humid. Pack hats, lots of sunscreen and mosquito spray for the nights.
FLIGHT TIME FROM QATAR:
It is a 5hours flight from Qatar to Malé (the capital of Maldives).
The island times might be different from Malé time. @Diamonds_thudufushi was 1hour ahead of Male
THE BOAT:
There are no seaplanes for the @qatarairwaysholidays package. Carry sea sickness medication as the hotel ran out. There is a pharmacy when you exit arrivals. The boat ride from Malé to @diamonds_thudufushi was 1h45-2hours. No toilets are available on the boat. Water is given on the boat.
THE RESORT:
We stayed at @diamonds_thudufushi and there were two types of accommodation available
Water Villas: Water villa 16 to around 21 or so have jacuzzis on the deck and the best sunset views. Water Villas 1-10 have great sunrise views. Water Villa 18 was lovely.
Beach Villas: Some beach villas are located on the beach while others are in the middle of the island.
STAY CONNECTED:
Free wifi is available at the resorts. If you are a @ooredooqatar customer you can take out a passport for 7days or 1 month on @ooredoomaldives
There is a currency exchange when you exit immigration at the arrivals section of Malé airport. $1 is MVR15 if you want local currency for tips.
FOOD:
Maldives is a Muslim country but the resorts do serve Alcohol, Pork and may use alcohol in preparing food/desserts. We were told that the meat is halal but the resort is not certified. It is best to ask and clarify if you do not eat the above or are particular. We chose to eat seafood and vegetarian dishes for the week and every meal was absolutely delicious @Diamonds_Thudufushi is an Italian owned resort, most meals were strongly influenced by Italian cuisine @diamonds_thudufushi there is a main restaurant overlooking the beach.
If you are in a water villa you can order breakfast to the villa and choose between the main restaurant or water restaurant for lunch and dinner. Room service is available at an extra charge. There is a teppanyaki night which was awesome and you are invited to it once. If you do not consume alcohol please clarify that brandy oil should not be used when cooking.
SOUVENIRS:
The Velana airport in Malé has a very impressive range of souvenirs available. Fridge magnets at the resort were $7 and only $5 at the airport. Mugs were $22-$25. The shop is at Departures after check-in and immigration.
LOUNGE:
There is a Business Class Leeli lounge at Velana airport. They said they are not linked to credit cards.
Who’s ready for the Maldives?
For questions about @diamondsthudufushi you can email info.thudufushi@diamonds-resorts.com
For details/prices/info on Travel Bubble Holidays by @qatarairwaysholidays
https://www.qatarairwaysholidays.com/qa-en/destinations/asia-and-the-pacific/maldives/
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