Wander Women Maldives:
Malé Cultural Extension
Malé, Maldives
September 12-14, 2024
Join us for an unforgettable journey as we kick off Wander Women Maldives with a three-day immersion in the vibrant tapestry of Maldivian culture! This is a unique off-the-beaten-path experience before sailing into luxury aboard our floating spa liveaboard.
For our glowed-up second edition of this pre-retreat extension, we’ve partnered with a female-owned and operated local tour company to create a warm welcome to the Maldives. Most tourists rush right through the nation’s capital, missing a unique opportunity to experience the history, culture, and daily pulse of this fascinating island nation.
We’ll take a guided tour of Malé’s mosques and brightly colored buildings, share a traditional Maldivian meal, and visit Save The Beach, a successful marine conservation project run by local conservationists who will provide a comprehensive briefing on the mesmerizing underwater world awaiting us in the week ahead. You’ll even have the opportunity for a shore dive or snorkel of Save The Beach’s artificial reef, the perfect ease into Maldivian waters!
Along the way, our local guides will offer insider perspectives on Islam, teach us a few words of Dhivehi, and answer all our questions about life in the Indian Ocean. This is a rare chance to authentically experience the heart of the nation, a stark contrast to the remote atolls we’ll visit later in the trip.
The Details
The Malé Cultural Extension takes place immediately preceding Wander Women Maldives from September 12-14, 2024. The cost, including just about everything, starts at $1,400 for a shared room and $1,800 for a single.
What’s Included
• Two nights accommodation at Hotel JEN by Shangri-La
• Two breakfasts and two dinners
• Guided tour of Malé
• Guided Marine Conservation tour on Villimale
• Scuba or snorkel with Save The Beach
• All local transportation, including airport transfers
• Professional photos
What’s Not Included
• Alcohol, which is in fact banned in the capital — we’ll have a drink when we board our yacht!
• Meals not included in the itinerary
• Tips for our local guides
• Transport to and from Malé
• Mandatory travel insurance
The Itinerary
Subject to change, but you’re going to have a magical time — here’s the general idea!
Day 1: Arrive in Malé and be whisked to our central accommodation for a well-deserved post-travel rest. For those on early flights, early check-in is guaranteed (*happy sigh*) so you can immediately head to your room and freshen up! When you’re ready to emerge, beat jet lag with a dip in the hotel pool or join Alex on a stroll to the nearby National Museum for a dose of culture. In the afternoon, we’ll explore the sights of one of the most densely populated cities in the world such as the Fish Market, the former Sultan’s palace, the Tsunami Monument, and The Old Friday Mosque — the country’s oldest mosque built from coral-stone, making it a UNESCO World Heritage site. If you’re on a later flight, don’t fret; there’s another chance to join the tour before we set sail. Most restaurants in the Maldives serve international cuisine, so cap off the day with a unique dinner experience, savoring a traditional Maldivian meal amid the vibrant atmosphere of Hulhumalé, one of the three islands making up the Maldivian capital (and yes, you’ll explore all three!).
Day 2: Take the morning at your own pace with breakfast at the hotel while you get to know the gals. Stretch out your travel kinks by joining Alex for a rejuvenating yoga session in a local gallery surrounded by contemporary Maldivian art. Cool off back at the hotel for lunch and a little more pool time while the nation observes Friday prayer; the call to which we’ll hear from our dreamy rooftop. In the afternoon, venture off the beaten path to Villimale, Malé’s neighboring island, where Save The Beach will enlighten us about the unique Maldivian ecosystem, conservation challenges, and the progress at their coral nursery. We’ll then jump in for a shore dive or snorkel amid the blossoming coral nursery, to witness firsthand their dedicated efforts — a great opportunity to test the waters before our week of diving ahead. Cap off the day with a sunset stroll, contribute to a beach cleanup, and savor traditional sweet Maldivian tea. The evening concludes with our favorite local restaurant on Malé for dinner under a banyan tree.
Day 3: Our liveaboard adventure begins today! Your morning is free to explore the National Museum, shop for some local mementos, or take a city walking tour if you missed it on Day One. In the afternoon, we’ll be the first group whisked to our private yacht to kick off our liveaboard, feeling relaxed, adjusted to the local time zone and ready to relax and explore in luxury!
Where We’ll Stay and What We’ll Eat
We’ll stay at Hotel JEN by Shangri-La, a stylish four star boutique hotel in the heart of Malé with a rooftop infinity pool (the only one in all of Malé!). Shared rooms have twin beds, while single rooms have one cushy queen bed, and all rooms boast a luxurious massage rain shower! We’ll enjoy breakfast each morning with an international buffet.
For meals, we’ll mix it up — our first night, we’ll be treated to a traditional Maldivian meal similar to what you’d find locals enjoying in their own homes. For lunch we’ll luxuriate by the pool and dine in-house on the rooftop while the nation observes Friday prayer. Our second evening we’ll toast to the start of a new adventure at a popular waterfront restaurant. While the Maldivian fare is limited by the remote nature of the islands and heavily fish-based, all diets can be accommodated with advance notice.
Join Us
Full payment is required upon booking. Don’t hesitate to email us at retreats@alexinwanderland.com with any and all questions regarding this extension!
Can’t make this one? Don’t sweat — sign up for our newsletter to be the first to know when enrollment opens on future retreats. Don’t hesitate to email us at retreats@alexinwanderland.com with any and all questions or concerns over if this is the right retreat for you. We’d love to chat!
Wander Women Maldives: Malé Cultural Extension, September 12-14, 2024
$1,400.00 – $1,800.00
F.A.Q.
What time do I need to arrive in Malé for the extension?
Anytime! Many international flights arrive early morning into Malé, so we have included a guaranteed early check-in to make your transition to island life as smooth as possible. That said, if your arriving on a later flight — no worries! — our Malé walking tour on Day One will also be available on the morning of Day Three before we board our yacht.
What happens if my arrival to Wander Women Maldives is delayed?
One benefit of this extension is it gives you a buffer for flight delays and cancellations, a familiar concern for anyone who loves liveaboards or cruises! If you miss the boat on the 14th due to airline delays, the captain will arrange a speedboat transfer for delayed passengers to meet the liveaboard. Depending on the distance a $200-1000USD speedboat charge will apply.
Is it worth it?
We sure think so! Our guests from last year’s Cultural Extension shared that they felt like they had a more immersive, fully representative trip to the Maldives having been able to experience this off-the-beaten-tourist path look at real Maldivian life.