The Maldives is known for its gorgeous white sand beaches, crystal clear oceans and vibrant wildlife, making it a popular destination for a luxurious, relaxing break. It can be easy to eat vegan in the Maldives provided that you plan ahead and communicate with resorts and restaurants. Here are three tips for having a successful trip to the Maldives as a vegan.
#1. Contact your resort in advance!
The luxurious resorts in the Maldives are keen to provide a bespoke and indulgent experience for every guest. With this in mind, you'll find that many are happy to cater to vegans if they have prior warning.
The popularity of veganism has grown dramatically over the last decade and it continues to rise. There are currently around 79 million vegans worldwide, which means demand for vegan dining options is higher than ever. Lots of resorts in the Maldives are clued into this demand and already have an excellent range of vegan dishes on their menus. Some even have dedicated vegan restaurants. Check menus in advance of your trip or before booking to find the most vegan-friendly resorts.
#2. Make the most of fresh fruit!
The average temperature in the Maldives ranges between 30 and 31°C all year round, so it's vital that you keep yourself hydrated – no matter if you are lounging on a beach or out exploring. Fresh fruit is the perfect snack on a Maldives holiday. Not only is it refreshing and hydrating, but it's readily available from both resorts and street vendors. On local islands you'll find plenty of stalls where you can buy whole fruits to prepare and eat at your resort, or pre-prepared fruits to eat on the go. Fresh coconuts are a brilliant source of electrolytes, and you can both drink the coconut water and eat the flesh. Mangoes and pineapples are also particularly delicious in the Maldives.
#3. Bring non-perishable snacks from home!
It's always sensible for vegan travellers to bring non-perishable food from home just in case they have a difficult time finding something plant-based to eat when they're out and about. Cereal bars, protein bars, and packets of seeds, fruits and nuts are all great choices. They're easy to throw into a backpack for a quick burst of energy and convenient source of protein whenever you need it.
While it's relatively easy to get plant-based meals in the Maldives, you might find dishes lacking in protein when you avoid fish which is a common protein source here. High-protein snacks brought from home are a great solution. Almonds contain 7 grams of protein per 35 grams, and the same amount of peanuts contains 9.5 grams of protein.
Wrap Up: It's Easy to Be Vegan in the Maldives!
With veganism on the rise it's becoming easier than ever to travel as a vegan. The Maldives is one of the best luxury destinations in the world for plant-based tourists, so don’t exclude this paradisiacal location from your vegan travel bucket list.
What about you, have you ever tried being vegan in the Maldives? Feel free to share any tips & advice below!
