What To Know About BeOnd: The World's First Luxury Airline In The Maldives

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Travel To The Maldives With BeOnd

Here's What BeOnd Will Offer Travelers

What To Do And See In The Maldives

Where To Stay When Visiting The Maldives

A new luxury airline is soon to take flight in the Maldives, offering service from a slew of European and Asian cities to the exotic archipelago prized by the rich and famous for its secluded islands and atolls, where clear blue waters meet white-sand beaches.

The premium airline BeOnd promises high-class service for its upscale passengers and says it eventually will fly to some 60 global destinations. The airline plans to begin operating in early 2023, with flights between Male, the Maldives capital, and Munich, Paris, Vienna, Zurich, Milan, Riyadh, Dubai, Hong Kong, Taipei, and Singapore.

Travel To The Maldives With BeOnd

Maldives is the smallest of the Asian countries and is found southwest of Sri Lanka in the north-central Indian Ocean. Its 1,100-plus islands are strung along 26 atolls created from pristine, ring-shaped coral reefs.

Just 200 of the islands are inhabited and about 90 of them are home to upscale resorts that attract well-heeled visitors, including many celebrities who value the privacy of these off-the-beaten-path Maldives destinations.

With so many islands to choose from it's hard to know which ones are the best to visit, and while the Maldives is known for attracting the wealthy, there are some destinations within the archipelago that are best for travelers on a budget.

Here's What BeOnd Will Offer Travelers

BeOnd will fly Airbus A321neo aircraft with just 68 business class seats in a 2-2 configuration. The seats recline to fully flat for a comfy ride.

The airline hopes to eventually have 16 aircraft in service, once it is fully operational. It has not yet revealed how many aircraft will be flying initially, nor has it announced any airfares.

The airline promises Michelin-level fine dining on its flights, along with convenient baggage check-in at home, premium transfers to the airport, and a special airport lounge.

It also will make free Wi-Fi available to all passengers.

Flights from all cities will arrive at the Maldives' main airport, Male International Airport, on Hulhule Island. Travel from the island into the capital city is by public ferry or private boat, or by bus.

Airlines already operating at Male International offer flights to many destinations, including the U.S., Britain, Germany, India, and Russia, among others.

These airlines include Air France, British Airways, Austrian Airways, Air India, Gulf Air, and Lufthansa, to name a few.

What To Do And See In The Maldives

The Maldives is known as a highly sought-after dive destination along its many coral reef atolls. The most popular dive sites are said to be found in the North Male Atoll, thanks to its brightly colored coral and population of manta rays.

A huge variety of colorful fish are found here along with whale sharks, hammerheads, and grey reef sharks.

With the destination's tropical year-round climate and 80-degree Fahrenheit water temperature, divers can enjoy the experience at any time, although manta rays and whale sharks will be seen mostly between August and November.

The local street markets in Male are a big draw for tourists. The Male Local Market is particularly popular and is situated on the waterfront of the capital city. Visitors will find many stalls with local craftspeople and artisans selling handicrafts, souvenirs, and gifts.

Hours: Male Local Market is open daily from 8 AM to 11 PM.

Another top site, Majedhee Magu, is an even larger market and is located in downtown Male. Visitors will find locally made jewelry, clothing, and accessories, along with traditional Maldivian foods.

Hours: Majedhee Magu is open daily from 9 AM to 11 PM.

The Grand Mosque, in Male, also known as the Grand Friday Mosque and the Masjid-al-Sultan Muhammad Thakurufaanu Al Auzam, dominates the city skyline with its golden dome.

It is the largest mosque in Male, with space for 5,000 worshipers. Masjid-al-Sultan Muhammad Thakurufaanu Al Auzam is a national hero in the Maldives. He governed the islands in the 16th century after ousting Portuguese rulers.

Sultan Park is located adjacent to the mosque, as is the Islamic Centre of the Maldives. The mosque, park, and center attract many visitors each year.

Tourists interested in learning about the history of the Maldives can visit the National Museum, also in Male. It exhibits artifacts and relics from the country's pre-Islamic era, such as ceremonial robes that sultans wore.

A notable item is an 11th-century Buddha head. The museum is situated in a 17th-century building in the city center.

Hours: National Museum is open Monday to Thursday.
Cost: Admission is about $7 USD

Where To Stay When Visiting The Maldives

There is a wide range of hotels and resorts to choose from in the Maldives, and the lion's share of resorts are found on the atolls nearest to Male International Airport. These include the North and South Male atolls, and the Ari Atoll.

Here are several options located on various islands, including some budget-friendly stay options.

Four Seasons Resort Maldives at Kuda Huraa

Cost: Luxe/high end
Address: Kuda Huraa North Malé Atoll
Amenities: Private island location, pool, spa, suites, and bungalows, 4 restaurants

Park Hyatt Maldives Hadahaa