FAQ
Before the trip to Maldives
Q: Do I need to prepare anything before the trip?
A: Inform Ranthari Staff about the flight details and arrival time and if you need any special assistance. You do not have to worry about the transportation details
Q: Do I need a visa to enter to Maldives?
A: No need, you will get a 30 day tourist visa on arrival.
Arrival to Maldives
Q: Which terminal will I arrive?
A: All international flights will arrive to the same terminal, and you will go through the same immigration clearance process together with everyone else.
Q: How long the arrival process will take
A: Normally it will only take 30 min to go through the immigrations clearance and to collect the luggage. You need to anyway be prepared to spend over 1 h for the process if there are many arriving flights at the same time.
Q: Where do I go after the immigration clearance?
A: After the immigration you will go to the lockage hall and get your bags. Please do remember, that you are not allowed to bring any alcohol to Maldives. When you have your bags, please walk to the arrival hall. When you come out from the sliding doors, in front of you can see service desks. Please go to D11 desk. Ranthari Hotel arrival team will meet you there. If there is no-one, please wait for a while in front of the desk.
Q: What about the transportation to Ukulhas ?
A; You need to inform Ranthari Hotel staff before your arrival about your flight details and they will make all the necessary arrangements related to the speedboat. There are two boats
Q: do I need any cash in Ukulhas?
A: It is advisable to have some USD’s with you, in case if you eat in some local restaurant or buy something from the shop. At Ranthari you can use credit card to pay everything. There is also ATM on the island, but sometimes it does not work.
Velana international Airport
Q: What is the code for Velana International Airport?
A: The code for Velana International Airport is MLE.
Q: How far is Velana International Airport from the capital city of Maldives?
A: Velana International Airport is located on Hulhulé Island, just a few kilometers away from the capital city of Male. The distance between Male and Velana International Airport is approximately 3 km.
Q: Are there any baggage storage facilities at the airport?
A: Yes, located at the arrival hall, close to the toilets
Q: Are there any lounges at the airport?
A: Yes, there is a lounge available. Cost per person about 30 USD/2h.
Q: Are there any duty-free shops at the airport?
A: Yes, there are few souvenir shops available at the Airport.
Q: Are there any currency exchange facilities at the airport?
A: Yes, there is one currency exchange facility available at Velana International Airport, at the arrival hall
Q: Are there any ATMs at the airport?
A: Yes, there is a ATM available at the arrival hall to withdraw Maldivian Rufiyaa.
Q: Are there any restaurants or cafes at the airport?
A: Yes, there are several restaurants and cafes available at the arrival hall as well as inside the airport.
Q: What are the check-in times for flights departing from Velana International Airport?
A: it is recommended to be at the airport minimum 2h before the departure time.
Q: Are there any hotels near Velana International Airport?
A: Yes, there are several hotels located near the Airport. Check the offering online for hotels located in Hulu Male. Hotels are only 15 min from the airport. Best way to go there is to take a taxi, but there is also a bus going to the Hulumale centre. Taxi will cost about 10 USD and the bus is free.
Q: If I have time before the flight, can I go to visit Male?
A: Yes, there are local ferries available just outside the terminal. Ferry will take about 10 minutes to Male island. You can also take a taxi to go there using the bridge. You can leave your bags to the bag storage at the arrival hall. Remember to be at the airport early enough to be able to go through customs clearance.
Checking in to Ranthari
Q: How do I go to Ranthari Hotel?
A: Ranthari staff will take care of all arrangements related to the speedboat from the airport to Ukulhas island. You do not have to pay anything on the boat, you can take care of the payments when you check out from the hotel.
Q: How much is the transportation cost?
A: Speedboat cost will be 50 USD per adult one direction and 25 USD per child under 10 years old.
Q: How often the speedboat will go to Ukulhas from Airport?
A: Speedboat will go to Ukulhas twice per day from the airpot, 10.30 am and 16.00. On Friday’s the speedboat will leave the airport at 9.30 and 16.00.
Q: What happens when I arrive to Ukulhas island?
A: Ranthari Staff will welcome you to the island at the harbour, and will take you to the hotel. You can walk easily to the hotel or we have a buggy to take you there.
About Ranthari Hotel & SPA
Q: Where is Ranthari Hotel and Spa located?
A: Ranthari Hotel and Spa is located on Ukulhas Island, in the North Ari Atoll of Maldives. Hotel is located on the best beach called “bikini beach” and is just 5 minutes’ walk away from the harbour and central area of the island.
Google maps link to the hotel:
https://goo.gl/maps/XQtBBNPsAJLG35bt7
Q: How many stars does Ranthari have?
A: Ranthari is a 4* hotel, focusing to offer a service-oriented experience to the customers. Ranthari is one of the only such hotels in Maldives.
Q: How about the management of the hotel?
A: Hotel is managed by its owners.
Q: What type of accommodation does Ranthari Hotel and Spa offer?
A: Ranthari Hotel and Spa offers a variety of accommodations including standard rooms, deluxe rooms, and suites. Standard rooms are about 17m2 and good for couples. It is also possible to add a baby cot to the room. We have also family rooms, with two queen size beds and it is possible to add an extra bed, so you can have up to 5 people in the room. It is also possible to connect two sea view rooms or island view rooms with a dedicated hallway, so you will have plenty of your own space for the family.
Q: Does Ranthari Hotel and Spa have a private beach?
A: No, but the hotel is located right on the common bikini beach. We offer some beach chairs for your convenience as well as beach towels. The beach in front of the hotel is safe for swimming and snorkelling.
Q: Does Ranthari Hotel and Spa offer spa services?
A: Yes, Ranthari Hotel and Spa offers a variety of spa services including massages, facal treatment and body therapies. SPA has private treatment rooms as well as a possibility for a massage on the rooftop.
Q: Does Ranthari Hotel and Spa offer water sports activities?
A: Not directly, but there is a Watersport centre not far from the hotel. We offer anyway masks and snorkels as well as Finns, if you want to go snorkelling directly from the hotel.
Q: Is there a restaurant on-site at Ranthari Hotel and Spa?
A: Yes, there is a restaurant on-site, where guests can enjoy a variety of local and international cuisine.
Q: Does Ranthari Hotel and Spa have a swimming pool?
A: Yes, Ranthari has a rooftop infinity pool looking towards the sunset. The pool is open for all in-house guests.
Q: How many rooms Ranthari has?
A: Ranthari has 42 rooms.
Q: Does the hotel have an elevator?
A: Yes
Q: Is Ranthari a plastic free hotel?
A: We have minimised all plastic at the hotel. We do not use any plastic bottles at the hotel. We offer a filtered fresh water in all rooms.
Taste Restaurant @Ranthari
Q: What restaurants Ranthari has at the hotel?
A: Ranthari has a Taste international restaurant on the ground level and a cocktail bar 360 on the rooftop.
Q: What kind of food is available at the restaurant?
Taste offers variety of choices from international choices to local favourites. Ranthari Pizza’s and hamburgers are well known on the island. Chef is also happy to hear requests from the guests if they can make the holiday even more memorable.
Q: Is there a room service available?
A: Takeaway menu is available for room service.
Q: Is there vegetarian or other diet food available at the restaurant?
A: Yes, but please inform the chef about your requirements well in advance, preferably already before you arrive, so that the kitchen has enough time to prepare all necessary.
Q: What about the breakfast?
A: Breakfast is a buffet style and it is included to the room fees.
Q: Is there a takeaway option available?
A: Yes.
Q: Is there any local food choices available?
A: Yes, Taste restaurant offers some asian dishes as well as some local favourites, eg. Barbecue fish. All the fish comes from the local waters, catches by the local fishermen.
Events @ Ranthari
Q: Can I arrange my company event at Ranthari ?
A: Yes, Ranthari has 42 rooms and a restaurant for 100 people. Just behind the hotel, we have the Ukulhas conference centre where you can arrange any events easily.
Q: Can I arrange a wedding ceremony at Ranthari?
A: Yes, but please note, that Maldives is a Muslim country, and the actual wedding should be arranged in your home country, but you can have the ceremony after the wedding with us.
Q: Can I arrange a birthday party at Ranthari ?
A: Yes, either at the ground level restaurant or on the rooftop, next to the swimming pool.
Ukulhas island
Q: Where is Ukulhas Island located in Maldives?
A: Ukulhas Island is located in the North Ari Atoll of Maldives.
Q: What is the population of Ukulhas Island?
A: The population of Ukulhas Island is around 1,500 people.
Q: What are the main tourist attractions on Ukulhas Island?
A: The main tourist attractions on Ukulhas Island include its beautiful beaches, crystal clear waters, and excellent snorkelling and diving opportunities. Visitors can also explore the island's traditional fishing culture and learn about local culture and customs.
Q: What activities can visitors do on Ukulhas Island?
A: Visitors to Ukulhas Island can enjoy activities such as snorkelling, diving, fishing, and island hopping. There are also several water sports centres on the island where visitors can rent equipment and go windsurfing, kiteboarding, and more.
Q: Is Ukulhas Island suitable for families?
A: Yes, Ukulhas Island is very suitable for families. Ranthari Hotel also offers family tooms and many activities for kids.
Q: Is Ukulhas Island easily accessible from Malé International Airport?
A: Yes, guests are advised to take the speedboat to the island. Ranthari Hotel will make all the arrangements related to the transportation for you.
Q: Is there any snakes or other poisonous animals?
A: No
Q: What is the main income source for the island?
A: Tourism and little bit fishing for local purposes.
Q: What is the main religion?
A: Maldives is more or less 100% Muslim country.
Q: How can you see the religion on the island?
A: Ukulhas is very friendly island for tourists. Most of the beaches are for tourists, and you can wear bikinis there. If you want to walk around the island, then you should wear normal summer clothes, not bikinis.
Q: Is it possible to drink alcohol in Ukulhas?
A: No, alcohol is not allowed in Ukulhas
Q: How big is Ukulhas Island?
A: Ukulhas island is about 1 km long and 300 m wide. From harbour to the Ranthari Hotel, it is only about 5 minutes’ walk
Q: Is there many restaurants in Ukulhas?
A: Ukulhas island has about 6-7 restaurants. Variety of local food is available, as well as Indian food. Ranthari Hotel has a Taste restaurant, which is more specialised to international choices. You can also ask a local barbecue fish, which is very popular in Ukulhas.
What to do in Ukulhas?
Q: What are the popular tourist activities on Ukulhas Island?
A: Popular tourist activities on Ukulhas Island include snorkelling, diving, island hopping, and visiting traditional fishing villages to learn about local culture and customs. Visitors can also enjoy water sports such as windsurfing and kiteboarding at the water sports centres on the island.
Q: What are the best beaches on Ukulhas Island?
A: Some of the best beaches on Ukulhas Island include Ukulhas Beach, which offers excellent swimming and snorkelling opportunities, which is known for its crystal-clear waters and excellent diving spots. Visitors can also enjoy a peaceful and secluded experience on the beaches and sandbanks of the nearby islands.
Q: Can I go on a dolphin and whale watching tour on Ukulhas Island?
A: Yes, visitors can go on dolphin and whale watching tours on Ukulhas Island. The island is located in the North Ari Atoll, which is known for its rich marine life and is home to a variety of marine species, including dolphins and whales.
Q: Is it possible to see whale sharks close to Ukulhas
A: No, we arrange whaleshark trips to see the whalesharks, it’s a full day trip.
Q: Are there any wellness and spa options on Ukulhas Island?
A: Yes, Ranthari Hotel & SPA offers services to all guests
Q: Boat transfer from Thodhoo to Ukulhas.
A: There is a scheduled speedboat from Thodhoo to Male and one from Ukulhas to Male. Both are going through the island Rasdhoo. Both are going twice a day both ways. It's not any direct scheduled speedboat between Ukulhas and Thodhoo.
It's possible to take the Thoddoo to Male Speedboat to Rasdhoo and from Rasdhoo take the scheduled speedboat from Male to Ukulhas. The good thing with that is that you get some hours to see Rasdhoo :) You will be in Rasdhoo around 8.00 and the speedboat to Ukulhas will be in Rasdhoo about 12.00. Same for the afternoon boat from Thodhoo at 13.00 is is Rasdhoo at 14.00 and the Ukulhas boat will be there about 17.30.
The direct local ferry is only leaving twice a week, from Thodhoo at 6.30 Sunday and Wednesday. From Ukulhas 14.00 Monday and Thursday.
The fastest and most flexible option is a private boat, can go when you want and take about 35 min. Cost is USD 130.
Diving at Ari Atol
Q: Is there any dive centres in Ukulhas?
A: There are few. Ranthari works with Dive Ukulhas and can recommend their services. They are a PADI certified centre, but also others are welcome. They offer Padi training courses for the new divers. They have all the required equipment available.
Q: What are the best diving spots in Ari Atoll, Maldives?
A: Some of the best diving spots in Ari Atoll, Maldives include:
- Maaya Thila, located in North Ari Atoll, known for its abundance of marine life, including grey reef sharks and schools of tuna.
- Fish Head, located in South Ari Atoll, known for its large schools of fish and sightings of whale sharks and manta rays.
- Rasdhoo Madivaru, located in North Ari Atoll, known for its strong currents and sightings of large pelagic species such as sharks, tuna and eagle rays.
- Kudarah Thila, located in South Ari Atoll, known for its healthy coral gardens and large schools of fish, including schools of snappers and jacks.
Q: What kind of marine life can be seen while diving in Ari Atoll, Maldives?
A: Ari Atoll is known for its diverse marine life, which includes a variety of shark species, such as grey reef sharks, white tip reef sharks and whale sharks, as well as manta rays, turtles, and large schools of fish. Visitors can also see a variety of coral species, including hard and soft corals.
Q: What level of diving experience is required for diving in Ari Atoll, Maldives?
A: Ari Atoll offers diving options for all levels of experience, from beginner to advanced. Novice divers can take part in shallow dives with experienced guides, while experienced divers can explore deeper waters and take part in drift diving and night diving.
Weather in Maldives
Q: What is the average temperature in Maldives?
A: The average temperature in Maldives ranges from around 27°C to 30°C (81°F to 86°F) throughout the year.
Q: What are the seasons in Maldives?
A: Maldives has two main seasons, the dry season and the monsoon season. The dry season is from November to April, and the monsoon season is from May to October.
Q: How much rainfall does Maldives receive?
A: During the monsoon season, Maldives receives more rainfall, but it is still relatively low, usually around 200 to 250mm per month. During the dry season, the rainfall is even less, usually around 50mm per month.
Q: Is Maldives affected by typhoons or hurricanes?
A: Maldives is located outside the typhoon belt, so it is not affected by typhoons or hurricanes.
Q: Is the sea temperature in Maldives suitable for swimming?
A: Yes, the sea temperature in Maldives is warm and suitable for swimming throughout the year. The average sea temperature ranges from around 26°C to 29°C (78°F to 84°F).
Q: What is the best season to visit Maldives for swimming and water activities?
A: The best season to visit Maldives for swimming and water activities is during the dry season, from November to May, when the sea is calm and the weather is sunny.
Marine life in Maldives
Q: What kind of marine life can be found in Maldives?
A: Maldives is known for its diverse marine life, which includes over a thousand species of fish, over 200 species of coral, and several species of whales and dolphins. Visitors can also see mantas, whale sharks, turtles, eagle rays and other types of sharks, as well as different types of fish, such as parrotfish, angel fish, and clownfish.
Q: Where are the best places to see marine life in Maldives?
A: Some of the best places to see marine life in Maldives include Hanifaru Bay, located in Baa Atoll, known for its large schools of manta rays and whale sharks, and Fish Head, located in South Ari Atoll, known for its large schools of fish and sightings of whale sharks and manta rays.
Q: Are there any marine conservation areas in Maldives?
A: Yes, there are several marine protected areas in Maldives, including Hanifaru Bay and Rasdhoo Atoll, where visitors can see a wide variety of marine life and coral reefs in their natural habitats.
Q: What are the best times of year to see marine life in Maldives?
A: The best time to see marine life in Maldives is during the dry season, which is between November and April. This is when the visibility is best for diving and snorkelling, and the marine life is more active.
Q: Are there any snorkelling or diving tours available in Maldives?
A: Yes, there are many snorkelling and diving tour operators in Maldives that offer guided tours to the best diving and snorkelling spots, as well as equipment rentals and instruction for beginners.
Q: Are there any marine conservation efforts in Maldives?
A: Yes, Maldives has a number of marine conservation efforts in place, such as marine protected areas, coral reef restoration programs, and regulations on fishing and boating. The Maldives government and local communities work together to protect marine life and preserve the coral reefs.
About Male, the Capital of Maldives
Q: What is Male and where is it located?
A: Male is the capital and largest city of the Maldives with about 100000 people living there. It is located on the island of the same name, in the central part of the Maldives archipelago.
Q: What are the main attractions in Male?
A: Male offers a mix of modern and traditional attractions. Visitors can explore the Old Friday Mosque, the 17th century Hukuru Miskiy mosque, and the Maldives National Museum. The city also offers a range of modern shopping, dining and entertainment options, as well as a scenic waterfront area.
Q: How do I get to Male?
A: You can take a taxi from the airport to Male or there are also local ferries available right outside of the international terminal.
Q: What is the best time to visit Male?
A: The best time to visit Male is during the dry season, which is between November and April. This is when the weather is dry and sunny and the visibility is best for exploring the city.
Q: Are there any hotels or resorts in Male?
A: Yes, there are several hotels and resorts in Male, ranging from budget-friendly options to luxury resorts. Visitors can also choose to stay in guesthouses or on liveaboard boats.
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