Maldives in shoulder season — best decision I made

Visited Maldives in shoulder season deliberately and the decision paid off completely. Malé old Friday Mosque without peak crowds is a totally different experience. Malé felt lived-in rather than touristy. Found a small place doing the best roshi flatbread I've ever tasted — something that would have been invisible in high season when everything fills with visitors.

extraordinary snorkelling and diving was particularly magical with fewer people around. The weather was fine. The prices were better. If you have flexibility, avoid peak season.