Maldives
Paradise reimagined, one island at a time
Why Visit Maldives?
The Maldives is not a destination — it is a state of mind. Spread across 1,200 coral islands in the Indian Ocean, this island nation has perfected the art of exclusivity. Crystal-clear lagoons, overwater villas on stilts above turquoise water, house reefs teeming with manta rays and turtles, and resort staff who remember your name from arrival. The Maldives sets the benchmark for private island luxury that every other destination is judged against.
Best Time to Visit
Recommended
November to April
The dry northeast monsoon season brings calm seas, sunshine, and excellent underwater visibility — perfect for snorkelling, diving, and watersports. February and March see the calmest conditions across most atolls.
Worth Noting
May to October brings the southwest monsoon with heavier rainfall and choppy seas, though some resorts offer significantly lower rates and the diving on the eastern atolls remains excellent.
Top Experiences
Overwater Villas
The defining Maldives experience — a thatched villa built over the lagoon with a private deck, steps directly into the water, and a glass floor panel revealing marine life below. Top resorts offering these include Soneva Jani, Gili Lankanfushi, and Cheval Blanc Randheli.
House Reef Diving & Snorkelling
Many Maldivian resorts sit directly above a coral reef. At sunrise, snorkel off your villa deck to encounter nurse sharks, reef fish, and manta rays without a boat trip. Dive centres on every resort offer PADI courses and guided dives to nearby wrecks and channels.
Sunset Dolphin Cruises
Traditional Maldivian dhoni boats offer intimate sunset dolphin-watching excursions. Spinner dolphins are common in the waters around most atolls, and the light quality at dusk creates extraordinary photography opportunities.
Spa & Wellness Retreats
Maldivian spas have elevated wellness to an art form. Overwater treatment rooms with glass floors, open-air massage pavilions on the beach, and multi-day immersive programmes combining Ayurveda, sound healing, and marine therapy are available at Six Senses Laamu and JOALI Being.
Private Island Dining
The Maldives invented the concept of dining on a private sandbank — a temporary island that appears at low tide, set with a table for two, candles, and a private chef. Pre-book this experience through your resort concierge as spots fill months in advance.
Where to Stay
North Malé Atoll
Central, easy seaplane access, iconic resorts
Ideal for: First-time visitors, couples, shorter stays
South Malé Atoll
Quieter, lush reefs, fewer crowds
Ideal for: Diving enthusiasts, those seeking exclusivity
Baa Atoll (UNESCO Biosphere)
Marine sanctuary, manta rays, pristine nature
Ideal for: Marine life lovers, eco-conscious luxury
Addu Atoll
Remote, untouched, far from the tourist trail
Ideal for: True escapism, serious divers, repeat visitors
Getting There
10h 30m via Colombo or Dubai · Business Class
Emirates, Qatar Airways, Singapore Airlines
from £3,900
4h 25m · Business Class
Emirates, Flydubai
from £2,140
3h 45m · Business Class
Singapore Airlines, SilkAir
from £1,800
Local Tips
- Book your seaplane transfer at the same time as your resort — they operate daylight hours only and seats are limited
- Underwater photography is extraordinary in the Maldives — rent an underwater housing for your camera from the dive centre
- Each resort is on its own island; once checked in, you stay there — choose wisely based on reef quality, beach orientation, and dining
- The Maldivian rufiyaa is the local currency but US dollars are accepted everywhere at resort level
- Alcohol is available at resort islands only — the local inhabited islands are dry
- Pack reef-safe sunscreen — standard sunscreens are banned to protect coral
Ready to go?
Plan your Maldives trip
Compare business class flights, explore luxury hotels, and get expert guidance from our concierge team.