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Maldives Holidays
Great news! Following updated FCDO advice, you can now fly to and through the Middle East, putting favourites like the Maldives back within reach. For last-minute summer escapes or to lock in travel plans ahead, speak to our travel experts.
Get Maldives‑ready and call us on 0800 294 9701, visit us in-store, or send us an email for more details.
Imagine private white-sand islands fringed by crystal blue waters… the Maldives is the ultimate luxury island escape.
The speedboat slows and it comes into sight. A tiny speck of an island surrounded by a turquoise lagoon and the whitest sand you've ever seen. It’s better than the pictures – the Maldives is where colour comes to life. We can tell you this first-hand, because we’re the original Maldives experts and have been creating luxury Maldives holidays for almost 50 years.
There’s a reason why holidays to the Maldives are so popular. Expect to lose all sense of time and what’s going on elsewhere as you sink into your overwater villa’s private pool or step straight on to the sand from the terrace of your beach villa. Here, working your way through the hand-crafted cocktail list is as strenuous as it gets. Need more? How about venturing beneath the ocean’s surface to glide alongside turtles and whale sharks; sipping Champagne on a luxury cruise as the sun sets; or escaping to an uninhabited island, Robinson Crusoe-style, for an unforgettable evening-for-two under the stars.
We can tell you where you'll find the best house reefs, the sleekest water villas and the best-value all-inclusive options. From rustic beach escapes to ultra-luxury private pool retreats, we’ve hand-picked the best and each of our chosen resorts sits on its own private island.
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Maldives - Perfect for
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Robinson Crusoe islands
Each of our handpicked resorts is on its own private white-sand island but they all have their own unique atmosphere.
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It’s honeymoon heaven
There’s a reason why the Maldives ranks highly on honeymoon wish lists: these picture-perfect islands are a real-life desert-island fantasy.
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Kid-friendly Maldives
Although it's not always the obvious choice for families, the Maldives is a natural playground and a number of resorts offer kids’ clubs and family villas.
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Hand-picked resorts
Of the 100-plus resort islands in the Maldives, we’ve handpicked our favourites - there's always an island to suit you.
Our favourite multi-centre holidays combine the best of both worlds, from city and beach to immersive cultural experiences with time by the sea.
Maldives Hotels
Our recommendations for the best places to stay in Maldives
Outrigger Maldives Maafushivaru Resort
Contemporary architecture with clean lines and designed with a palette that mirrors the sparkling...
Emerald Faarufushi Resort & Spa
Emerald Maldives is sustainably savvy and supremely dreamy, with a fantastic all-inclusive packag...
Cinnamon Hakuraa Huraa Maldives
Surrounded by a shallow lagoon, the two islands that make up Cinnamon Hakuraa Huraa are the epito...
Finolhu, a Seaside Collection Resort
Wander along one of the Maldives’ longest sandbank and soak up the lively atmosphere at this cool...
Niyama Private Islands Maldives
There are so many opportunities to create your own Maldivian experiences across tropical twin isl...
OBLU Nature Helengeli by Sentido
A laid-back all-inclusive resort with a beachy and contemporary style
Ellaidhoo Maldives by Cinnamon
This enchanting, eco-friendly island comes with ocean-facing bungalows and is known around the wo...
The Standard, Huruvalhi Island
The Standard celebrates all that’s playful and downright cool, with hip restaurants, eye-popping...
SAii Lagoon Maldives, Curio Collection by Hilton
SAii Lagoon Maldives is a smart choice if you like the idea of the Maldives, but you don’t want t...
'You won't get bored'
Sacha Collison, Indian Ocean expert
If you think the Maldives isn't for you as there's not enough to do, think again. Bigger resorts have more options of places to dine for a change of scene at night and they have more activities (and not just watersports - football, tennis, and a gym with a view).
'A real 365-days-a-year destination'
Jim Robinson, Indian Ocean expert
The question we're asked most - will the weather be good? You’d be hard-pushed to go any stretch of 7 days in the Maldives and it not rain once. The climate is a solid 30 degrees year-round with a little more rain from May to August, but that’s when you get great value, particularly for family holidays.
'Go all inclusive or not?'
Tim Breaker, Kuoni Trafford Centre
Half or full board in the Maldives can be incredible value as you don't have to pay for extras you're not going to use. But all inclusive puts your budgeting mind at rest if you're a foodie and want to make the most of those sundowner moments.
Holidays in Maldives
- Maldives
- 4 Star
A dazzling lineup of facilities make the large island of Kuramathi one of the Maldives’ most popular resorts.
Price based on:
- 7 nights from £1,684 p/p
- 2 adults
- Full Board
- Return flights from London Gatwick
- Transfers included
- Travel on Tuesday 25th May 2027
- Maldives
- 5 Star
Kandolhu is an exquisite isle with diverse dining and accommodation options that belie its tiny size.
Price based on:
- 7 nights from £2,521 p/p
- 2 adults
- Bed and Breakfast
- Return flights from London Heathrow
- Transfers included
- Travel on Sunday 12th July 2026
- Maldives
- 5 Star
Contemporary architecture with clean lines and designed with a palette that mirrors the sparkling blue surroundings.
Price based on:
- 7 nights from £2,873 p/p
- 2 adults
- Half Board
- Return flights from London Heathrow
- Transfers included
- Travel on Thursday 10th September 2026
- Maldives
- 4 Star
Perfectly placed to explore the North Ari Atoll’s spectacular underwater world.
Price based on:
- 7 nights from £2,322 p/p
- 2 adults
- All Inclusive
- Return flights from London Heathrow
- Transfers included
- Travel on Wednesday 2nd September 2026
- Maldives
- 5 Star
You’ll always only be a few steps from the sandy beach or crystal-clear waters of the lagoon at this luxury resort.
Price based on:
- 7 nights from £2,826 p/p
- 2 adults
- Half Board
- Return flights from London Heathrow
- Transfers included
- Travel on Thursday 10th September 2026
- Maldives
- 5 Star
Dhigali brings modern design, sustainable principles, and a family-friendly feel to the Maldives.
Price based on:
- 7 nights from £2,528 p/p
- 2 adults
- Premium All Inclusive
- Return flights from London Heathrow
- Transfers included
- Travel on Tuesday 15th September 2026
- Maldives
- 5 Star
Emerald Maldives is sustainably savvy and supremely dreamy, with a fantastic all-inclusive package.
Price based on:
- 7 nights from £3,667 p/p
- 2 adults
- Deluxe All Inclusive
- Return flights from London Heathrow
- Transfers included
- Travel on Friday 16th April 2027
- Maldives
- 5 Star
An intimate resort providing a complete luxury escape, Baros is where style meets simplicity.
Price based on:
- 7 nights from £2,747 p/p
- 2 adults
- Bed and Breakfast
- Return flights from London Heathrow
- Transfers included
- Travel on Sunday 12th July 2026
- Maldives
- 5 Star
With homemade bubblegum ice cream and a beach club vibe, expect a whimsical time on these paradise shores.
Price based on:
- 7 nights from £2,126 p/p
- 2 adults
- Bed and Breakfast
- Return flights from London Heathrow
- Transfers included
- Travel on Thursday 10th September 2026
- Maldives
- 4.5 Star
With classic Maldivian beaches and beautiful water villas, Athuruga is authentic yet cosmopolitan.
Price based on:
- 7 nights from £2,706 p/p
- 2 adults
- All Inclusive
- Return flights from London Heathrow
- Transfers included
- Travel on Thursday 10th September 2026
Take a look to plan your perfect Maldives getaway.
Maldives Travel FAQs: Expert Answers for Planning Your Holiday
The Maldives has been typecast for years: expensive, exclusive and impossibly romantic. The candlelit, castaway fantasy is alive and well, but this island nation has more range than its reputation suggests – from family-friendly stays and smart-value choices to wild marine adventures and resorts with very different personalities.
Planning a Maldives holiday? Our experts share real answers to the questions travellers ask most
1. 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
2. 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
3. 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 wining 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
4. 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
5. 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, of course, 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 guide to the best things to do in the Maldives and our round-up of 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
6. 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
7. Are all Maldives islands the same?
The Maldives may be famous for the same headline ingredients – 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
8. 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 Insta 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, that private-pool perk is built in – every villa has its own pool.
9. 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; it’s not just couples checking in. 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.
10. What’s the food like in the Maldives?
You can eat very well from the sea here. You would hope so, with all that ocean on the doorstep. But you’ll find far more than grilled fish and lobster tails. Island resorts serve up a global platter of delicious 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 work your way around a different menu each night. And if your resort has more of a buffet focus, don’t assume that means basic: expect live cooking stations, generous spreads and plenty for fussy eaters, plant-based plates and pudding people alike.
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.
11. 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.
12. What are the rules on alcohol and smoking or vaping in the Maldives?
Alcohol is available on resort islands, but you can’t 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.
13. 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 a lot. Some all inclusive hotels have premium all inclusive as standard, while others have the kind of buffet restaurants you’d expect with the option to upgrade to premium or select all inclusive, where a la carte dining and premium drinks are included. But it’s not all about the food and drink, there’ll be activities and things to do like spa treatments, watersports and excursions with all inclusive that you might not get on other board types. If you’re a foodie or you think you’ll want to dine around, definitely look into all inclusive.
14. 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.
15. 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.
16. 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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From sunset cruises to local island visits and desert-island picnics, there are lots of activities that you can arrange once you’ve arrived at your chosen island.
Diving in the Maldives
These idyllic coral islands rank amongst the best dive destinations in the world. When conditions are good, the underwater visibility is at the highest level – sometimes exceeding 50 metres – and the warm water temperatures year-round make diving in the Maldives a pleasure. The North Malé Atoll is home to the Lion’s Head and Wattaru Kandu dive sites, both of which are frequented by reef sharks. Wattaru Kandu is also home to stingrays and garden eels whilst Lankanfinokhu, or Manta Point as it’s known locally, is a great place to see manta rays being cleaned by local colonies of cleaner fish.
In the South Malé Atoll, Hukrueli is another place to see rays and cleaner fish, and Maaya Thila, a protected marine area, is home to white-tip sharks, turtles, zebra morays and the elusive guitar shark. Hanifaru lagoon in the Baa Atoll is one of the best places to see whale sharks and manta rays – June to September being the best time as this is during the monsoon season and equinox when the lagoon is filled with plankton.
The Scuba Diver course provides pre-entry level certification in three days and on completion you can then upgrade to an Open Water Diver qualification by taking the additional five day course. Our Ten Dives and Six Consecutive Days diving allow qualified divers to make the most of their time in these beautiful islands. Courses are available at Kurumba Maldives, Dhigali Maldives, Velidhu and Meeru.
Dive a little deeper into what makes a Maldives holiday so special and how we can create a retreat that’s unique to you. Let us tell you those all-important practicalities, inform you of the ways you can reach your island and what you can expect when you are there.
Capital
TIME DIFFERENCE
GMT + 5 hours
CURRENCY
Officially the Maldivian rufiyaa, but US dollars are more widely used in resorts.
FLYING TIME TO DESTINATION
Malé 10¼ hours
RELIGION
Islam
LANGUAGE
Dhivehi. English is widely spoken.
Where is the Maldives?
The Maldives is a string of atolls made up of more than a thousand coral islands scattered in the Indian Ocean to the southwest of India and Sri Lanka. The smallest country in Asia stretches over 500 miles from north to south with one of the atolls located south of the equator. The flight time from Sri Lanka's capital, Colombo, to Malé is just an hour and a half.
Maldives transfers
There are few places in the world where your hotel transfer is a huge part of your holiday experience. Forget long minibus rides from the airport or endless hours stuck in a taxi, the unique formation of the Maldives means that to reach your private island resort you’ll get to travel by speedboat or seaplane.
Beaches
The Maldives is the ultimate beach destination; each island is almost entirely encircled by eye-dazzlingly coral sands and many of the paths that run across the resort are left in their natural state. Some islands even have meandering sandbanks which are the perfect place for sunset strolls or toes-in-the-sand, candlelit dinners.
All Inclusive
Whether it’s an all-inclusive island or one with an all-inclusive option, this is one region of the world where it really does make sense to opt for the complete package. Inclusions vary between resorts – some of the most generous Maldives holiday packages include all meals at a choice of restaurants, sparkling wine and cocktails, minibar drinks, watersports and excursions.
Diving & snorkelling
There are top dive sites scattered all around the Maldives, where you can spot extraordinary creatures like hammerheads, guitar sharks, manta rays, zebra morays and whale sharks. The clear waters are warm year-round and the underwater visibility can reach over 50 metres. Plus, most islands are surrounded by a reef so you can snorkel straight from the beach through dedicated snorkelling channels.
Food & drink
The general standard of food and drink on a Maldives holiday is excellent, with many islands offering a choice of buffet and à la carte restaurants and well-stocked wine cellars. Seafood dishes top the menus, but you’ll find flavours from all around the globe. Private dining experiences are incredibly popular, with options ranging from lobster dinners by candlelight to desert island picnics.
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