The Maldives

The Maldives; exquisite beaches fringed by palm trees, snow-white sand cascading into azure tropical waters & a haven for pure relaxation in every sense. While this is, without a doubt, the primary reason to visit the Maldives, there is more to discover in this breathtaking archipelago of 1,200 islands.

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activities & experiences in the maldives

If you aren’t a thalassophile (a lover of the ocean), you may find the Maldives a little lacking in activities, though there are plenty of experiences to also be enjoyed on terra firma. Maldives is a haven for watersports enthusiasts, but with so many islands to choose from, it is not only the big blue yonder that offers such appeal.

The Maldives exude romance, and the island chain is a favourite destination for honeymooners and those celebrating their love. However, families, singles and other travellers will be far from lacking in things to do. An exceptional destination to conclude a more extensive itinerary, there is plenty to keep you entertained for a week or more.

  • Observe the archipelago from the best perspective on a seaplane excursion
  • Discover local villages and a more traditional way of life
  • Learn the history of the Maldives in the capital, Malé
  • Have a romantic stroll, dinner or even cinema experience on the white-sand beaches.
  • Visit local craft and produce markets
  • See some of the other Maldivian locals on a snorkeling adventure
  • Swim with the largest fish in the sea, the whale shark
  • Take a luxurious sunset champagne cruise
the Maldives
the Maldives

destinations in the maldives

While visiting many of the Maldives’ destinations begins with first donning swimwear or a wetsuit, there are also numerous attractions that allow you to stay dry. The Maldives has become a modern-day Robinson Crusoe luxury tropical escape, but a rich history and island culture provide a wonderful, if often overlooked, backdrop to the more glamorous contemporary aspects of the archipelago.

Malé

Begin in the islands’ capital, it is worth taking a day or so to enjoy Malé. With Portguese influences, religious heritage and the cosmopolitan ‘Manhattan of the Indian Ocean’ combining, Malé is incredibly diverse. Stroll the wealthy marina district, visit local fruit and fish markets, take time to discover some of the islands’ history in the national museum or simply enjoy the wonderfully fresh seafood in one of the many exceptional restaurants. With a little advice from your hotel staff or guides, you might be lucky enough to observe a Boduberu – the traditional dance of the Maldives, thought to be almost 1,000 years old, that conveys historical stories and culture.

Baa Atoll

You can don a mask, plunge your head into the ocean and immediately see a wealth of wildlife almost anywhere along the Maldives coastline, but Baa Atoll is renowned as one of the world’s premier diving sites. The impeccable visibility and vibrant coral is only the scenery, with the main attractions being some of the ocean’s largest fish; the whale shark and the manta ray. If seeing these beautiful, graceful and completely harmless giant creatures is on your bucket list, Baa Atoll is the very best destination to fulfil your goals.

Naalaafushi

For a taste of local life, Naalaafushi and a handful of small inhabited islands well worth visiting. The glitz and luxury of Malé and the resort islands give way to a more grounded lifestyle, thriving on the abundance of food provided by the surrounding ocean. Though perfectly well established, it can be refreshing, intriguing and highly enjoyable to explore these small towns where the real Maldivians live.

Resort Islands

Malé is the gateway to the smaller outer islands of the Maldives. Private resorts have, thankfully sensitively, established themselves on many of the Maldives’ diminutive atolls. These island paradises provide all you could wish for of your tropical vacations, including underwater bars, forested pathways, and stilted lodges levitating above the tranquil ocean. With watersports equipment included, world-class restaurants, indulgent spas and even pop-up cinemas right on the white sand, it is almost inevitable that you will wish to never leave.

Any Beach, Anywhere

With over 1,000 islands to choose from, it is possible to find your very own private stretch of sand upon which to sip a coconut, unwind and forget about the world for a while. From there, you can stand-up paddleboard or kayak on the calm ocean, grab a snorkel and mask or cast a line. Find space, peace and pure serenity.

the Maldives
Kandolhu the Maldives

accommodations in the maldives

The Maldives has been frequented by foreigners for several centuries, but it is only relatively recently that tourism has flourished. Contemporary residences have set the standard incredibly high, in accommodations, service and cuisine. On Malé, you can find a handful of more traditional European-inspired hotels, but several of the big names in hoteliers have made their mark on the Maldives, and numerous independent properties have created breathtaking retreats that are stunning beyond comprehension.

Gili Lankanfushi is one of our favourite accommodations in the Maldives. The small sand island features a palm grove at its centre, just large enough to enjoy a casual cycle ride through and timber boardwalks fan out from the shore to private timber lodges featuring glass-bottomed plunge pools allowing you to watch the sealife pass by as you cool off.

Some resorts cater specifically to families, with kids’ clubs, large communal pools and a wide range of activities, all while still taking advantage of all that the Maldives have to offer. But even the more exclusive retreats also provide private residences designed for family groups, and the ocean is a perpetual source of entertainment for youngsters of all ages.

Conrad the Maldives Rangali Island
Gili Lankanfushi, the Maldives

MALDIVES ESSENTIALS

001 Calendar 01

BEST TIME: Oct-Mar

003 Thermometer 01

CLIMATE: 76-92ºF (25-33ºC) year-round

002 Blood 01

SEASONS: DRY: Jan-Apr / WET: May-Dec

004 Group 01

BEST FOR:
Romantics, tropical relaxation, ocean lovers

International flights will transfer through some European, Middle Eastern and Asian airport and visas are required for most visitors. These are available upon arrival, so no preemptive paperwork is required, though it is always best to consult your travel designer. If travelling to the Maldives as part of a more extended itinerary, you may require proof of inoculations, including COVID, but again, your travel designer or a medical travel specialist will be able to advise.

HOW LONG SHOULD I SPEND IN THE MALDIVES?

For honeymooners and romantics, the appeal of Maldives never ends, but for the most part, we recommend taking between four days and a week to enjoy all the islands have to offer. For this reason, it is recommended to add Maldives as the relaxing conclusion to a more extensive itinerary.

WHEN IS THE BEST TIME TO VISIT THE MALDIVES?

Rain is a part of life in the Maldives, and most months will see some precipitation. Temperatures remain roughly the same throughout the year, and in the wet months, torrential downpours rapidly give way to bright blue skies. If you don’t mind the occasional monsoonal deluge, the Maldives are suitable at any time of the year, and with watersports being so integral, you’ll likely already be wet! From December to April, rainfall drops from 230mm of rain in the wettest months to a monthly average of 75mm, so these months are definitely the preferred times to visit.

WHAT CAN I EXPECT FROM ACCOMMODATION IN THE MALDIVES?

With so many islands, there are equally as many accommodation options to choose from. While these vary in style, luxury and budget, the standard of service and facilities varies comparatively little, and you are all but guaranteed to be both pleasantly surprised and profoundly satisfied with almost any villa or resort you visit, especially when staying with our preferred and recommended partners.

OTHER MALDIVES DETAILS:

If you aren’t a fan of the ocean and tropical beaches, the Maldives might not be an ideal destination, but if this is the case, you are very unlikely to choose it, nor would we recommend it, anyway. It is a wonderful place to relax and unwind, but equally filled with waterborne adventure and entertainment. Food is of an exceptional standard, with seafood playing a significant part on the menu, though most resorts and accommodations will satisfyingly provide for all diets. Though it is paradise wherever you go, it is worthwhile investing that little bit extra to achieve what will truly be an unforgettably magical island experience.

MALDIVES VACATIONS

Gili Lankanfushi, Maldives
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Gili Lankanfushi, The Maldives

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