The Maldives are amazing. If you get the opportunity to visit one of the most beautiful places on earth, consider yourself blessed. We went for our honeymoon, and we could not have asked for anything better. Between world-class resorts, amazing diving, relaxing on the beach, and overwater bungalows, you are sure to have a fun-filled time. I’m daydreaming right now just thinking about it. The only thing you might not be daydreaming about is what to pack (at least if you’re anything like me). Hopefully, this list gives you a bit more guidance.
1. A fun sunhat.
You are going to be laying on the beach all day. Do I even have to explain this? We all know what sun damage can do to your skin, so pack a hat to avoid any sun burning around your face. I was on my honeymoon, so I obviously had to pack this hat. My Grandmother gifted it to me before my wedding, and it was one of my favorite things I was gifted. If you have a friend getting married, this makes for an inexpensive and fun gift at a bridal shower or bachelorette party (just an idea). It is such a fun and practical way to show off your new name for the newlyweds out there! If you aren’t into the Mrs. hat, I also really like something like this.
2. A one-piece swimsuit.
As much as I love a cute two-piece swimsuit, I think a one-piece swimsuit is more essential for the Maldives if you only pack one swimsuit (but please pack more). A one-piece swimsuit is just more practical for diving and snorkeling. The last thing you want is to be a little too revealing or have your bottoms come off when you are in the water. Yes, it almost happened to me, and yes, it was traumatizing. Avoid this unpleasant experience altogether, and just pack a one-piece.
A special note on swimsuits. When I buy a swimsuit, I don’t actually buy for quality….. I know, crazy. I always look for what fits best and for an inexpensive option. Whenever I invest money into an expensive swimsuit, I only get a few wears out of it until it starts to fade. Therefore, I stick with more budget-friendly options, so I can get a new swimsuit (or two) when my current swimsuit starts to fade. Cupshe is one of my favorite swimsuit brands, because they are affordable and cute. Plus, they have such a large selection; you are bound to find something that looks great on your body type. This is the swimsuit in the pictures on the post. Also, you can bet some money I will be ordering this swimsuit for our next beach trip.
3. Shorter, casual dress.
A shorter, more casual dress is really essential for the Maldives. I used this dress as more of a coverup. It was great to go from the pool to lunch simply by throwing a dress right over my swimsuit. A shorter dress is great for breakfast and lunch, because it gives a more casual vibe while still looking chic. I also packed something similar to this.
4. Casual sandals.
Sandals are a must. At our resort, most guests didn’t even wear sandals around. Still, I prefer to wear something on my feet especially when walking on hot surfaces. I packed something identical to these, and they worked great. They were easy to slip on and off, and I could pair them with everything I packed.
5. Formal sandals.
I would recommend bringing a more formal pair of sandals for evenings. Our resort (like most resorts in the Maldives) required more formal attire for dinner and evenings. You can easily style a nice pair of shoes with a more casual dress like the ones I mentioned above. All of a sudden, your outfit becomes a bit more formal and “evening ready.” It is best to bring a more neutral color, so they match with the other things you pack. I packed these beauties in dusty pink; they are some of my favorite shoes in my entire wardrobe. If those are not to your liking, I also really like these. If a heel is not your thing, opt for something like these (every shoe I have ever bought from this brand has been SO comfortable).
6. A longer dress.
A long dress in the Maldives is so fun. They can make for some amazing Instagram pictures in addition to a great outfit choice. The blue dress in some of my pictures is from Topshop, but they are no longer selling this style. You could try this similar style if you like the cut of the dress or this for a similar color scheme. I also found this dress during my search. The color really drew me in, and I think it could be absolutely stunning on the right person.
Bonus.
Sunscreen, Sunscreen, and more sunscreen. I don’t normally write a bonus unless something is really important. Well, this is really important. The Maldives are much closer to the equator than most people are used to, so sun burning is a thing. A high-quality sunscreen is a must even if your skin isn’t as light as mine. After trial and error over the years, this is the only sunscreen I trust. It doesn’t cause me to break out, and it doesn’t feel nasty on my skin like other sunscreen lotions often do.
Well, those are my 6 essentials you should pack for a trip to the Maldives. I hope this is able to help you get started packing for a trip of a lifetime. I promise the Maldives will not disappoint. We are already scheming our return to paradise.
