The Maldives has it all – and more. This tropical paradise combines luxury with uninhabited islands, swaying coconut trees and colourful marine life.
Leave your worries behind! Open your balcony doors to an azure blue ocean all around you. Go for a morning dip. Breathe in the fresh sea air. Savour the sunsets. Relax and unwind on a white sandy beach with a cocktail in hand. Listen to the gentle waves. Rejuvenate with spa treatments and yoga classes in-resort, or escape from it all on a boat trip to another island – called ‘atolls’ by the locals.
The bustling capital city of Malé is a contrast to the stillness of the atolls. You’ll discover many must-see attractions including the 17th century Hukuru Miski Mosque, the Maldives National Museum and Sultan Park, which belonged to the Sultan’s palace grounds. A visit to the bustling fish market is another great way to immerse yourself in the local culture.
Many resorts offer night-time entertainment, including traditional dancing and music. Enjoy a local breakfast of mas huni - a combination of smoked tuna, onion, coconut and chilli.
There’s a whole other world to explore! Discover the coral reefs and spot different species of marine life by snorkelling or scuba diving. Swim with an abundance of sea creatures including turtles, vibrant-coloured fish, manta-ray, squid, and octopus. Or enjoy a boat trip and spot some dolphins.
Too much relaxation? Speed up with water sports – from jet skiing to windsurfing. If you are island-hopping, be sure to take a look at the Hurawalhi aquarium-style restaurant. At five metres below the water’s surface, you’ll be surrounded by blue sea, brightly-coloured coral reefs and tropical marine life.
“There is no feeling quite like being in the Maldives – it’s absolute paradise. A popular destination for honeymooners, it’s also perfect for families thanks to the range of water sports and activities on offer. The islands are just as magical at night as they are during the day, and with clear skies, you can stargaze on the beach or from your villa. With an ocean villa, you can wake up early in the morning when the sea levels are low, and clearly spot marine life. In the mid-afternoon, the water levels are higher – perfect for a swim!
I’d recommend a trip to the capital, Malé, as it offers a different experience. Here you can sample local dishes like mashuni roshi - tuna, coconut, and chili peppers in a thin bread. You can also island-hop from your resort island to another island to discover beautifully still lagoons.”
The main airport in the Maldives is the Malé International Airport, also known as Velana International Airport. From here, you can either take a seaplane or speed boat to your resort. The seaplane and speed boat transfers carry a separate cost, so be sure to check any associated fees before you book. If you opt for the seaplane, it can take approximately 30-40 minutes to reach your destination, depending on where your resort is and you may have to stop at other islands en route to drop off fellow guests. You’ll also get incredible views of the islands as you fly overhead!
Our four affiliated resorts all arrange your onward domestic travel for you via seaplane, speedboat/taxi boat or both, after your arrival to Malé International Airport. The information on this is available on each resort page so make sure you take a look to understand what is offered, prices and how to contact the resort.
The dry season is typically November to April, so you can soak up bright blue skies and calm evenings, with temperatures around 30 degrees.
Travel hassle-free, knowing that everything will be taken care of. Food and drink can be quite expensive in the Maldives, but if you’re staying at an all-inclusive resort, everything is already provided for you. Our affiliated resorts in the Maldives are all-inclusive, which carries an additional fee, payable to the resort. Sit back, relax, and enjoy being in paradise!
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