Iconic overwater bungalows, ice-white sand lapped by azure sea and idyllic scenes that look like they’ve been photoshopped (but haven’t!). A Maldives holiday is exactly as perfect as it looks.
What do you get when you pair extravagant experiences with laidback vibes? Barefoot luxury (yeah, it’s a thing). And that’s exactly what a Maldives holiday promises in abundance, whether it’s arriving at your hotel in seaplane style or giving your feet the kind of freedom they’ve longed for.
Fancy leaping off your overwater balcony straight into the warm Indian Ocean? Go for it. Like the idea of having your own private stretch of sand? It’s yours. Want to wake up every morning with the sun rising over the ocean? Done.
Being an archipelago and all, you’ll find that a lot of what makes the Maldives so special is what lies beneath its waves. Mosey into the water from the shore with a snorkel, or head out to one of the Maldives’ famous dive sites, to spot manta rays swooping through the ocean, tropical fish darting around the coral reef and turtles being their turtley self.
Continue the aquatic theme with a glass-bottomed boat ride, a meal in an underwater restaurant (should you go for the fish, or is that too weird?) or a stand-up paddleboarding session to get salty in the best possible way.
The Maldives is a no-brainer for loved-up, head-over-heels couples. Whether you’re looking for the ultimate honeymoon destination or fancy celebrating an anniversary in far-flung paradise, a holiday to the Maldives will leave you well and truly smitten.
Here you can sip cocktails as the sun sets over the Indian Ocean, wake up in a luxury villa perched above the water and enjoy candle-lit dinners under a sea of stars. If you want romantic, and if you want unique, the Maldives has it by the boatload.
Best for... Sheer romance and plenty of marine magic 💞
Go... In winter for perfect snorkelling conditions 🤿
You have to... Take us with you! 🙏🏻
Currency
Maldivian Rufiyaa
Language
Dhivehi
Time difference
GMT +5
Cost of a beer
45 Rf
3-course meal
200 Rf
Flight time
10 hours
Warm, dry weather and perfect water visibility make December to April the best times to go to the Maldives. While the rest of the year is just as balmy, definitely expect a higher chance of rain.
Here for the wildlife? Whale sharks can be seen year round, so if you want even more up-close animal experiences, visit in October and November when hundreds of manta rays gather for food in Hanifaru Bay in Baa Atoll.
Summer showers make June to August best for picking up a cheap Maldives holiday. It’s not as ideal for snorkelling or diving, but you’ll still enjoy 30C-plus seas and lots going on in the resorts. December is usually the most expensive time to visit.