If a trip to the Maldives is on your bucket list, you’re in for an unparalleled treat. Nestled in the Indian Ocean, this tropical paradise is an archipelago comprising around 1,200 islands. Out of these, about 150 host resorts that cater to a wide range of tastes, preferences and budgets.
The Maldives has a tropical climate, making it an enticing destination throughout the year. However, the prime window for a visit is from November to April, during the dry season. This period is marked by clear skies, tranquil seas, and abundant sunshine, ideal for beachgoers and water sports enthusiasts. Currently, I’m here in October, and although it’s breezy with intermittent cloud cover and showers, I’ve loved every second, and I wouldn’t be dissuaded from visiting during this time again.
Direct flights to the Maldives are offered by British Airways and Virgin Atlantic, typically taking between 10 to 11 hours. Many of our local clients opt to fly from Birmingham or Manchester with a connection in the Middle East with Emirates, Qatar Airways, or Etihad.
The remote nature of the Maldives necessitates a transfer to your resort via seaplane, speedboat, or domestic flight, or sometimes a combination. Resorts accessible by domestic flights are more remote and teeming with marine life, making the extra effort to reach them truly worthwhile.
Family-Friendly Resorts
Contrary to popular belief, the Maldives is extremely family-friendly with resorts offering a plethora of activities for children, from marine biology classes to dolphin-watching excursions. Many resorts provide kids’ clubs, babysitting services, and family villas with interconnected rooms. Water sports, snorkelling, and safe swimming areas are plentiful, ensuring that children of all ages remain entertained.
Amilla Maldives Resort & Residences and the Sun Siyam resorts, including Olhuveli, Iru Veli, and Siyam World, are particularly popular family choices amongst our clients.
Couples’ Romantic Getaway
The Maldives is also an idyllic romantic destination, frequently highlighted in honeymoon lists and couples’ retreats. Intimate overwater bungalows, private dining on secluded sandbanks, and luxurious spa treatments create an environment perfect for romance. The stunning sunsets, pristine beaches, and serene atmosphere make it an ideal setting for couples.
Surprisingly, there aren’t that many adults-only resorts, but here are our top picks: You & Me by Cocoon Maldives; COMO Cocoa Island; Komandoo Island Resort & Spa; Baros and Hurawalhi Island Resort.
Solo Traveller Retreat
Solo travellers will find the Maldives to be a haven of peace and solitude. The nation is known for its warm hospitality and safe environment making
it the perfect choice for a solo getaway. Wellness retreats, diving courses, and yoga sessions are particularly popular among solo travellers, offering ample opportunities for self-discovery and relaxation.
Anantara Veli consistently provides a good solo experience, as do many of the adults-only options mentioned above.
Cultural and Religious Considerations
The Maldives is predominantly a Muslim country, which does impose certain restrictions, especially in the capital city of Malé and local inhabited islands. Alcohol consumption is prohibited outside of resort islands, and modest dress is advised when visiting local communities. However, on resort islands, these restrictions are relaxed, allowing you to enjoy alcoholic beverages and dress as you would on any tropical holiday.
How to choose your perfect resort!
Choosing a resort in the Maldives is a delightful yet crucial decision to make your vacation unforgettable. Here are some key factors to consider:
- Location and Accessibility: Some resorts are closer to the international airport, while others require longer transfers by internal flight, speedboat or seaplane. Consider how much travel you’re willing to undertake after a long flight.
- Budget: Resorts in the Maldives range from luxurious to more budget-friendly options. Decide your budget in advance to narrow down your choices.
- Type of Accommodation: The Maldives offers a variety of accommodations, from beach villas to overwater bungalows. Consider your preferences for privacy, view, and access to amenities, and be mindful that often children under the age of 12 cannot stay in an overwater villa for safety reasons.
- Activities and Amenities: Check if the resort offers activities that interest you, such as snorkelling, diving, water sports, spa services, and dining options. Some resorts also have kids’ clubs and family-friendly amenities. For example, if you’re interested in seeing whale sharks and manta rays these tend to congregate ‘downwind’ of the prevailing monsoon as they follow the plankton across the atolls. For example, in Hanifaru Bay – which is located on the eastern edge of Baa Atoll, both manta ray and whale shark sightings peak during the wet season i.e. between May to early October.
- Dining Options: most ‘affordable’ resorts offer one (or may be two) dining options which will be buffet-orientated with live cooking stations, with more expensive resorts offering a much wider choice. Most of the islands offer all inclusive, which we recommend as unlike other destinations it’s one island and one resort, so you don’t have the option to walk to alternative restaurants and bars.
- Beach Villa or Overwater Bungalow? Beach Villas are typically, more spacious, direct access to the beach, and usually surrounded by lush greenery. Great for families with children as they can play on the sand right outside. Of course, it will depend on the resort but in our experience these tend to afford more privacy. Overwater Bungalows are hard to find anywhere else in the world, so they are often associated with a Maldives getaway. Stunning ocean views, and direct access to the lagoon for swimming and snorkelling. A romantic choice for couples and honeymooners. However, when selecting an overwater bungalow you really need to be sure of how they are set up, as some afford privacy whilst others not so much! Overwater bungalows are generally more expensive and less suitable for young children due to safety concerns.
Our recommendation is to book your Maldives get away with an expert like us, as we will be able to guide you to the perfect resorts for your budget and preferences – please book an appointment here or call 01902 288104.
