Maldives Holidays
A picture-perfect archipelago, where islands are fringed with white sands that give way to vivid turquoise waters and coral reefs. This small collection of paradise atolls is one of the most unspoilt destinations you’ll find on Earth. Clear blue sea laps against pristine white sandy beaches, tropical palm trees sway in the gentle breeze and the majority of these tiny Indian Ocean islands host just one resort each. The people are friendly and the food is fresh and delicious – a tasty fish curry is the national dish. Unspoilt coral reefs and abundant marine life including manta rays, sharks and turtles make the Maldives a diver’s dream destination.
When to go
The peak season for the Maldives is between November and April when the climate is drier, seas are calmer and it is less windy.
While the weather is still wonderfully warm from May to December, these months tend to have higher rainfall and some cloud but you’ll also find great deals on offer. January to April are considered the best months for diving while February, March and April offer the highest chance of seeing Manta rays and Whale sharks.
Top Selling holidays to Maldives – Popular 4* resorts
Essential Travel Information
Getting to the Maldives
Emirates Airlines operate twice daily flights from Los Angeles with connecting flights in Dubai to Malé, Maldives and five daily flights from JFK, New York. Ask us for more details.
Capital: Malé
International Airport: Velana International Airport (Malé).
Visas: Visitor visa available upon arrival into Malé for stays up to 30 days. Travel advice is available from the US Department of State.
https://travel.state.gov/content/passports/en/country/maldives.html
Passports: A valid United States of America passport with at least six months validity from expected date of departure from Maldives
Time: GMT + 5 hours.
Currency: Maldivian Rufiyaa (MRF). However, US dollars are mostly used throughout the resorts (take small denominations such as $1, $5 and $10).
City Tax: A Green Tax of USD6 per person per night applies. This tax is payable direct at the resort unless specifically listed as an inclusion.
Tipping: Tipping in the Maldives is not an accepted norm and generally discouraged. However, if you receive good service particularly in restaurants, you can acknowledge the person’s effort by giving a small tip.
Etiquette: Visitors to the Maldives should be considerate of the local customs and traditions, especially when visiting places of worship.
Language: Dhivehi is the official language of the Maldives although English is widely spoken.
Religion: The Maldives has a large Muslim population. Ramadan is observed by many and we recommend you make yourself aware of how that may affect your vacation plans.
Electricity: 220V-240V 50Hz.
Island Transfers
Depending on the location of the resort there are three transfer options from Malé: speedboat, seaplane or domestic flight with speedboat transfer.
Speedboat transfers are used for islands close to Malé International Airport.
Seaplane transfers fly to the more remote islands, only operate in daylight hours and adhere to strict weather, safety and weight requirements.
Domestic flights to resorts on the outer islands are operated by Flyme or Island Aviation Services, with speedboat connections to your chosen resort.
The transfer options may necessitate an overnight stay in Malé. Alternatively, you may like to look at a stopover in Dubai or combine your Maldives vacation with another destination.
Ask us for the option which best suits your needs.
Top Selling holidays to Maldives – Popular 5* resorts
The Maldives Experience
One thing that sets the Maldives apart from most other beach vacation destinations is that each resort sits on its very own island. Your Maldives vacation experience starts from the time you board your seaplane or speedboat to transfer to your island hideaway. Step ashore on a white sand beach lapped by turquoise waters and feel your cares slip away.
Accommodation options are spectacularly diverse in the Maldives. If your budget permits, we suggest staying in an overwater villa or bungalow – many have glass floors where you can see the colourful marine life swim by, private plunge pools, jacuzzi spas or heavenly rain showers on the deck for complete relaxation. One, two, three, and four-bedroom villas are available at most resorts making them ideal for families or groups.
Honeymooners
The Maldives is the quintessential destination for honeymooners! Secluded beaches, crystal clear lagoons, magical sunsets and a choice of resorts renowned for exceptional service – what a sublime way to begin married life. Imagine a candlelit dinner on the beach under a star-filled sky. Or a long romantic lunch on a platform in the middle of a lagoon, transported there by private speedboat, of course!
Spa treatments designed for couples, gourmet cuisine and fine wines, spectacular overwater villas designed to offer complete privacy – the Maldives really is the most perfect place to celebrate being in love.
Relaxation & Rejuvenation
Relax, rejuvenate and unwind in some of the most beautiful and tranquil locations to be found anywhere in the world! The resorts featured in this brochure offer an array of health and wellness facilities, many with spectacular backdrops. Imagine watching fish swim through the glass floor of an overwater pavilion while indulging in a soothing treatment. Or find your inner peace with an early morning yoga class or sunset meditation session! One thing is for certain – you’ll return home from your Maldives vacation feeling renewed and revitalized.
Luxury Getaways
Service and standards are famously high in the Maldives, with a plethora of first class resorts offering villas and suites with views that are simply breath-taking! Almost anything you desire is yours in the Maldives, from your own private butler who will cater to your every need, private speedboat transfers to secluded beaches or fine dining on the balcony of your overwater villa! A luxury getaway to the Maldives is a truly unforgettable experience.
Family Vacations
Although it may not seem like an obvious choice for families, the Maldives is a natural playground for children with a number of resorts offering kids clubs, professional childminding services, movie nights and a host of activities to keep children enthralled for the duration of their vacation. Many resorts provide family-friendly accommodation and most offer all-inclusive packages which may include activities, drinks and even ice creams! The Maldives is the perfect destination for a family vacation as it is relaxing for parents and offers many activities for the children.
Unique Experiences
The Maldives offers an array of unique experiences from underwater dining to romantic beach picnics on a private sandbank. We’ve listed a few of our favourite experiences to add to your vacation wish list.
Go Star Gazing
With 360 degrees of horizon and minimal artificial light, the Maldives is one of the best places in the world for budding astronomers. As the islands are close to the equator, the moon is brighter and the stars more defined against the velvet darkness of the sky. Dine under a canopy of thousands of twinkling stars at Soneva Jani’s overwater observatory.
Be a Castaway
With many uninhabited islands in the Maldives, Robinson-Crusoestyle escapes are extremely popular so why not let yourself be whisked away to a private island for the day! Many resorts can provide everything you’ll need including a private boat and butler. Soak up the sun or relax in the shade of a palm tree. Swim in the pristine turquoise waters or snorkel the surrounding coral reef. Feast on a delicious picnic lunch and sip on a glass of chilled wine before returning to your resort.
Swim with Manta Rays & Whale Sharks
With unique coral reefs, a great diversity of marine life and crystal-clear water, it's easy to see why the Maldives is regarded as one of the best diving locations in the world. Travel to Hanifaru Bay in the Baa Atoll, home to one of the world’s largest Manta ray feeding destinations. See the incredible sight of hundreds of Manta rays and Whale sharks feeding on plankton in their natural habitat. The Lhaviyani Atoll is another place where you can observe Manta rays in their natural environment. Enjoy a magical experience as inquisitive rays swim up to you. Snorkelling with these graceful creatures is an experience that should not be missed!
Dine Under the Sea
Dine at Ithaa Undersea Restaurant, the world’s first all-glass restaurant situated at the Conrad Maldives Rangali Island. This iconic restaurant sits five meters below the surface and offers 180-degree panoramic views of the surrounding coral gardens. Indulge in contemporary European cuisine as you watch reef sharks, colourful fish and Manta rays swim past. At Niyama Private Islands, don’t miss the opportunity to dine at Subsix. Transfer by speedboat and descend a dramatic three-tier staircase where you’ll find a clam-inspired bar and restaurant six meters below the waterline. Here you can dive into Champagne breakfasts, subaquatic lunches and gourmet dinners alongside the theatre of the reef.
Movies Under the Stars
Add a touch of Hollywood to your Maldives getaway and watch a movie under the stars. Cinema Paradiso at Soneva Jani boasts the Maldives’ first overwater silent cinema. Relax on comfortable lounges under a star lit sky and snack on fresh popcorn as you watch classic movies using Bluetooth headphones.
Go on a Surfing Safari
The Maldives is famous for great surfing and boasts some of the most incredible waves in the world. For a once in a lifetime experience, take a surfing safari from Four Seasons Maldives at Kuda Huraa. Board your seaplane and circle the islands before descending to catch the perfect wave in some of the Indian Ocean’s most unspoilt locations. Paddle back to the plane for a break and refreshments or head off to find the next amazing ride.
Browse our brochure: A guide to The Maldives
In these 40 pages, you will find lots of useful tips, our top recommended hotels, transportation and more. We can tailor-make any holiday to The Maldives and give you that extra special trip.
Search below for your ideal holiday to Maldives
Did you know we have visited the Maldives many times? We have travelled across the main landmarks but also off the beaten track.
The Maldives is the ideal destination for a tailormade package because there is so much to choose from! It does not cost extra to personalise your trip, so call us and ask. We have so many recommendations!
Call our UK or USA numbers to speak with a Maldives expert: +44208 126 1000 or +1212 688 6588