What to Pack for a Week in the Maldives

The gorgeous islands of the Maldives are a travel destination that tops most people’s bucket lists – and for a very good reason. After three visits to the islands, traveling to the Maldives remains among the best traveling experiences I've ever had and I already have plans to return (again). The water is extremely blue, the wildlife is breathtaking, and the sand is indescribably fine.

No matter what type of trip you have planned, there is sure to be a lot of time spend in the sun and in the sand. Here’s my list of what you should bring to the Maldives:

Essentials

Reef Safe Sunscreen Avene 50
Did you know some sunscreen can damage reef? Make sure to protect your skin and protect the reef with Avene’s incredible non-stick cast-less sunscreen (my fave).

Reef Safe Tinted Compact Sunscreen for Face
For a little, natural-looking coverage with your sun protection, the Avene Tinted Compact is ideal.

Reef Safe Mineral Sunscreen SPF 30
This white-cast free face and body lotion absorbs easily and isn’t sticky. If you’re looking for a great mid-range sunscreen, this is an excellent option

Reef Safe Sunscreen Spray
Supergoop’s non-aerosol body spray sunscreen is perfect for active days and is easy to re-apply.

Powder Mineral Sunscreen
This sweat-resistant formula is perfect for re-applying sunscreen over makeup. It’s available in three shades and the brush is washable.

After Sun Skin Recovery and Repair
Did you forget to re-apply your sunscreen? Make sure your skin gets the moisture and care it needs afterwards with this luxurious after-sun lotion.

Hydrating Hair Treatment
Saltwater and sun can do a lot of damage to your hair, so it’s important to restore it with the moisture it needs. I use this hair mask every couple of days when I’m at a destination where I’m spending a lot of time in the ocean. 

Silicone Toiletry Containers (Large / Small)
It’s important to produce as little plastic waste as possible when visiting the Maldives in order to keep its gorgeous ecosystem pristine. To reduce the consumption of single-use plastics, I put all toiletries in reusable silicone containers – I’ve had mine for years.

Adapter
In order to ensure that you won’t be without a charge during the trip, it’s best to bring an adapter to keep your gadgets juiced up.

Sunglasses
My go-to pair are my Ray-Ban aviators.

A Wide-Brimmed Hat
Block out the sun and the haters with an ultra-wide boater.

Tech

Macbook Air M2
While you’re OOO, it’s okay to log in if everyone else is asleep – as long as you don’t reply. 

Floating Phone Case
It’s not fun to lose your phone or completely damage it with a wave of water, so these floating phone cases will come in handy during any day on the water. From experience, I’ve found that black-bordered ones are the easiest to spot.

GoPro
You’ll never regret having underwater footage from beach days, your snorkeling excursions, and more! The GoPro is a “go-to” for all beach vacations.

Drone
Drones are no longer a pain to travel with. They’re lightweight, compact, and they’ll take your photography game to new heights (literally and figuratively). We have the Mini 2, but there’s a newer version on the block.

Telesin Dome
If you’ve ever wondered how those incredible watery globe-like photos are taken, this dome is the trick. It’s a great way to add spice to images and videos in a unique way.

reMarkable
Feeling inspired by your time at the beach? Convert your hand-written notes into text with this incredible tablet for those encouraged to create.

Kindle Paperwhite
If you love reading while relaxing but bringing all the books you want takes up too much valuable suitcase space? The Kindle Paperwhite solves that problem because it allows you to bring multiple books while taking up minimal space and its unique design enables you to read this tablet in the bright sunlight.#

Wi-Fi Range Extender
Sometimes, getting work done on the beach can be a nightmare due to Wi-Fi ranges. With this Wi-Fi range extender, work is accomplished while listening to the waves.

Waterside Fun

Dry Bag
Keep your phone and other valuables dry when you’re out on an excursion.

Weekender Beach Bag (Mesh / Rattan)
Leave the sand at the beach with a mesh day bag or opt for a fashionable rattan tote when heading to the resort’s beaches.

Towel Clips
Prevent your towel from annoyingly flying away by attaching it to your chair with colorful beach towel clips.

Water Socks
Yes, they may look goofy – but you’ll thank me later. Some islands in the Maldives have white sand beaches but shores that are filled with coral, which can be detrimental to your feet. A cheap, lightweight pair of water socks have been beneficial in some locations.

Floaty (Pizza / Flamingo)
Longing to lounge? Need an Instagram-worthy pool pic? Nothing beats a fun float (especially the pizza and flamingo options).

Floating Drink Caddy (Small / Large)
Cut down on trips to the pool bar or simply bring lounge-life to a new level with these party perfect floating drink caddies.

Snorkel Set
Most resorts provide a snorkeling set (or have them for you to rent). But, after my poor experience with equipment not functioning at the Le Meridien, we decided to invest in our own gear because we truly enjoy snorkeling.

Things You Don’t Need

Heels
Upon arrival to some resorts, they’ll hand you a bag for your shoes – and you won’t see them again until you depart. The laid-back luxury atmosphere in the Maldives makes wearing heels unnecessary and, if needed, wedges will elevate any island outfit.

Tight Clothes
The warm weather and breezy evenings make loose-fitting and lightweight clothing essential for comfort when in the Maldives. Think: beach cover-ups, linen, flowy, and bright.

Watch
Leave your watch at home. You’ll be on island time, so arrive ready to relax.