Drinking alcohol in Maldives?
Only mother nature can create more than 1900 fascinating coral islands in the middle of the Indian Ocean to form Maldives, exotic destination we are all dreaming about. Sunny weather all year round, water sports and stunning beaches often require ice cold refreshments like colorful cocktails, beer, or perfectly balanced white or red wine in the evening.
One beer, and I need some Maldivian rest
Bundaberg ginger beer
Is it really possible to drink alcohol in Maldives, while enjoying your superb vacation? Well… its a little bit tricky. Maldives are among only two countries in the world, together with Saudi Arabia, to represent 100% Muslim population. That means deep devotion of Maldivians to Islam, but true, essential Islam, which opens its heart to everyone, except to alcoholic drinks. Maybe you thought about great plan how to bring some favorite drinks from home, and hide it in your checked luggage. No worries at all. After you land to Male, Maldivian capital, each piece of luggage is scanned, your hidden whiskey bottle will be taken from you and stored at the airport, so you can claim it back before your return flight. If your vacation concept is a budget, authentic one, with accommodation on an island, where both hotels and local houses are, please forget about any chance for a regular beer, whiskey or a glass of wine. Kind and cheerful Maldivians have some alternatives for you.
Where to drink alcohol in Maldives?
What a perfect non-alcoholic choice on Maafushi island
I remember my first time in Maldives, in a guest house on Maafushi island. I enetered local supermarket seeing nicely designed label on a bottle. Oh, that’s my perfect beer, I thought. Instead, it was legendary ginger beer with no trace of alcohol, of course. Bundaberg company from Australia has plenty of its products here, ranging from ginger beer and burgundee creaming soda, to lime and bitters drink. You can easily find distinctive flavour of sweet beer from Latvia, and finally alcohol free Holsten beer. Worldwide collection of everything trying to remind you on a beer is here. So where to get some real drinks? One and only chance, are the islands resorts. They are considered private property, where no locals live, so drinking heaven begins. If yu are staying on local island, you can either organize a full day excursion to resort island, or simply pay more for your dream vacation and book a resort water bungalow. Whenever you step on an island resort, you will be able to combine fascinating landscapes with drinking alcohol in Maldives, all day long.
Prices are pretty high, with 6-8$ per beer, at least 32$ per bottle of wine, or 12$ per cocktail. There is always all inclusive option for unlimited food and beverage enjoyment on every resort island. Those charming resort bars will provide pretty much of everything: Carlsberg, San Miguel, Erdinger or Sri Lankan Tiger beer, bourbons, vodkas, liqueurs and rums and gentle touch of South African, French and Italian wines. My approach, this time, was to fully accept local way of drinking, which means less or no alcohol. If I add Maldivian healthy diet on top, I am sure I can count on a perfect body and mind transformation.
Food choice in Maldives
Some nice vodka collection at Moscow airport
Food choice in Maldives
Maybe the best way to embrace all the beauties in Maldives is to balance between local and worldwide way of drinking or simply to choose your own style and let yourself to merge with a dreamland that surrounds you.
Cheers.
It’s time for some Erdinger real beer
Notice: article photos are made by Jonnie World Walker team.
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