I AM IN MY EARLY 80S AND CAN MANAGE A FEW STEPS AND WALK WITH A STROLLER/WALKER. I WANT TO TAKE MY DAUGHTER TO THE MALDIVES FOR HER 50TH. CAN YOU HELP ME CHOOSE SOMEWHERE THAT HAS GREAT FOOD, VIEWS, SPA AND CATERS TO PEOPLE WITH LIMITED MOBILITY? WHAT'S THE BEST TIME TO GO? I MAY TAKE MY 12-YEAR-OLD GRANDDAUGHTER, WHICH MEANS TRAVELLING DURING SCHOOL HOLIDAYS.
J. HIGH, NORTH AVOCA
By their very nature the island resorts of the Maldives present some difficulties for travellers with limited mobility. Transfer to your island resort from Male will be by seaplane or boat. Seaplane is slightly more problematic for disabled passengers but staff are used to dealing with this, and hotels generally will go extra miles to make sure you have a great holiday. Paths are not always paved, there are steps to be negotiated although some resorts offer ramps as an alternative, some islands have golf buggies for getting around but most do not.
The islands' legendary sandy beaches might well be a no-go area. Having said that, plenty of travellers with similar mobility concerns to your own visit the Maldives and have a spiffing time.
There is a handful of resorts that will fit your needs.
Kuramathi , Baros (baros.com) and Adaaran Select Meedhupparu are three that have been favourably reviewed by travellers with limited mobility, and they have a good reputation for food and spas. Sublime views you can take for granted, they're all palm-framed and lustrous.
Best time to visit is December to February, but this is also the busiest period. March and April are shoulder season, still a great time to go although temperatures are cranking up. Easter falls in mid-April in 2017 and the adjoining school holidays would be my pick.
