Is the Maldives budget-friendly?

The Maldives can absolutely be a once-in-a-lifetime splurge, but it doesn’t have to be. Some islands are more hammock than high-gloss, some packages include more upfront, and pound for pound, the resort quality is hard to beat. It’s why many travellers don’t treat the Maldives as once-in-a-lifetime at all. They come back. Expert pick: For value, I often suggest Adaaran Club Rannalhi. It gives you all the natural island beauty, but with a more approachable price point. – Bekki Turner, Kuoni Manchester.

How long does it take to get to the Maldives?

Fair question: how exactly do you get to a tiny private island in the ocean? More easily than you might imagine. In peak season, British Airways and Virgin Atlantic fly direct from Heathrow to Malé in around 10 hours, while indirect routes run year-round – SriLankan Airlines is a Kuoni favourite. Malé’s airport has all the mod cons and resort arrivals are handled with impressive efficiency. From there, you’ll continue by speedboat or seaplane, with the logistics neatly lined up before you land. Expert tip: If a seaplane transfer is an option, I’d always recommend it, even one way. Where else does the journey to your hotel become one of the most memorable parts of the holiday? – Jane Case, Indian Ocean expert.

How many days in the Maldives is enough?

A week is more workable than people think. Island time has a way of going slower, and you’ll use every hour of paradise well: snorkelling, flipping through a book on the sunbed and dining under the stars. But if you want to max out your holiday time, turn the trip into a multi-centre with a stopover en route – from exploring Sri Lanka’s cultural treasures to taking in the city lights of Kuala Lumpur or Singapore. Longer is lovely, but a week here absolutely counts. Expert tip: I went for a week and honestly, I’d do it again. Splitting the stay between Kurumba and Kuramathi gave us two different Maldives experiences, and I never felt short-changed by seven nights. – Heather Flanagan, Marketing team.

When's the best time for good weather in the Maldives?

UK summer falls in the Maldives’ southwest monsoon, which usually runs from mid-May to November. The weather can be more changeable than in peak season, but this is the tropics, not a six-month washout. Showers are often short and sharp, with temperatures around 30 degrees and plenty of pool time between them. For families, it also lines up brilliantly with the school holidays for a Robinson Crusoe-style summer adventure. Expert tip: One of the biggest perks of travelling between May and October is value. Room rates can be lower, and you can often snap up enticing offers, especially if you’re flexible on dates. – Jessica Taberner, Indian Ocean expert.

Will I get bored after two days in the Maldives?

Only if your imagination stops at sunlounger, snorkel, repeat. The Maldives can be blissfully lazy, but there’s plenty to break the spell when the mood strikes: dolphin cruises, whale shark trips, tennis, spa rituals, local island visits, paddleboarding and movies under the stars. Some resorts keep evenings low-key; others, like Hard Rock Maldives, turn up the tempo once the sun goes down. For more ideas, see our guides to things to do in the Maldives and what to do after dark. Expert tip: For anyone worried they’ll get restless, beeline to Reethi Faru. There’s a huge variety of watersports, from underwater scooters and flyboarding to kitesurfing, plus island excursions and one of the region’s longest-running dive centres. – Faye Gallacher, Indian Ocean expert.

Do you have to be a qualified diver to appreciate the Maldives?

No dive licence? No drama. The Maldives may be legendary below the surface, but the underwater world isn’t a divers-only club. You can spot reef life from jetties, restaurant decks and even underwater restaurants, such as the one at OBLU Xperience Ailafushi. Snorkelling can be every bit as rewarding, especially somewhere like Kandolhu, which our team often raves about for its house reef. If diving is your thing, whether you’re newly qualified or seriously seasoned, Sandies Bathala puts you within easy reach of some of Ari Atoll’s best dive sites. Expert tip: The Maldives is an incredible place to learn to dive, but you don’t have to wait until you get there. Get your PADI certification in the UK before you travel, and you’ll have more time to enjoy the reefs once you arrive. – Melissa Fritchley, Kuoni Cheltenham.

Are all Maldives islands the same?

The Maldives may be famous for white sand, blue lagoons and leaning palms, but the resort experience can be wildly different from one island to the next. You can still find pared-back, barefoot simplicity at places like Makanudu Island, but there are also design-led scene-stealers such as W Maldives, timeless island icons including Baros Maldives and family-friendly all-rounders. This is where expert advice really matters: we know the islands beyond the brochure shot. Expert tip: The Maldives is even better doubled up on a twin-centre trip. You could begin on a larger resort with plenty of choice, then swap to somewhere more boutique for a final flourish. You get two very different holidays without leaving the Maldives. – Maxine Brown, Personal Travel Expert, Kuoni Bluewater.

Are water villas always the best choice?

Water villas are the Maldives poster child: step-down swims, blue-on-blue views and the room reveal that racks up likes on your social feed. But best? That depends on how you holiday. Beach villas can be better value and more practical, especially for families who want sand at the door and restaurants close by. Pool villas have earned their place on the wish list too, especially for travellers who want their own cool-off spot on tap. At Ananea Madivaru Maldives and Coco Bodu Hithi, every villa has its own pool.

Is the Maldives good for families?

Honeymooners may have claimed the Maldives as their spiritual home, but there’s more here than rose petals and room service. Families are booking in serious numbers too. The appeal is wonderfully simple: bath-warm lagoons, boat trips and activities within flip-flop distance of your villa. Wondering what children can actually do between swims? Read our family Maldives guide. Expert tip: Niva Kuramathi Maldives is a brilliant all-rounder, especially if it’s your first time in the Maldives. You get the classic island beauty, plus the choice that comes with a larger resort, from different villa styles and à la carte restaurants to a kids’ club wonderland. – Sharna McKay, Assistant Manager, Kuoni Metrocentre.

What's the food like in the Maldives?

You can eat very well from the sea here, but you’ll find far more than grilled fish and lobster tails. Island resorts serve up a global platter of dishes, from Thai curries and handmade pasta to sushi, tandoor grills and colourful salads. Pick somewhere with several restaurants, such as Niva Dhigali Maldives, and you can enjoy a different menu each night. Buffet-focused resorts can also offer live cooking stations, generous spreads and plenty of options for all tastes. Expert tip: Look out for local dishes on the menu. Some resorts have a speciality Maldivian restaurant. I was blown away by the five-course tasting journey at Ba'theli by the Reef at Milaidhoo Maldives. – Alison Todd, Indian Ocean expert.

What should I wear in the Maldives?

Resort life is very relaxed, so think swimwear, linen, sandals and light layers. Bikinis are fine around resort pools and beaches, but dress more modestly on local islands, covering shoulders and knees where appropriate. You may want something smarter for dinner at some resorts, but leave the heels and heavy outfits at home.

What are the rules on alcohol and smoking or vaping in the Maldives?

Alcohol is available on resort islands, but you cannot bring it into the Maldives. Smoking is usually limited to designated areas and rules vary by resort, while vaping products are not allowed. Check the latest travel advice before you pack.

Are all Maldives resorts all inclusive?

No. Some resorts are all inclusive, while others offer B&B, half board or full board. The best option depends on how much choice you want and how much you’d like included. What each resort offers varies considerably. Some all inclusive hotels include premium packages, while others allow upgrades to include à la carte dining and premium drinks. Activities such as spa treatments, watersports and excursions may also be included depending on the package. If you’re a foodie or want the flexibility to dine around, all inclusive can be a great option.

Is the Maldives suitable for LGBTQ+ travellers?

Yes, LGBTQ+ travellers can and do holiday in the Maldives, particularly on private resort islands where the experience is welcoming. If you have any questions before you book, our experts can help you choose the right resort for your trip.

Do I need to bring currency?

Most extras are charged to your room and paid by card. You won’t need much cash, but US dollars are useful for tips or small purchases on local islands.

What's the difference between a local island and a resort?

A resort is usually its own private island, with restaurants, facilities and alcohol available. Local islands are home to Maldivian communities, so rules around dress, alcohol and public beaches are different.

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