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 enjoys a tropical climate, making it a year-round destination. However, the best time to visit is between November and April, during the dry season. This period offers clear skies, calm seas, and abundant sunshine, perfect for beach activities and water sports. However, if you’re looking to whale sharks or mantra ray read on…

Getting There

Until recently, British Airways was the sole provider of direct flights from London Gatwick to Malé, the capital of the Maldives. However, starting from October 27th, 2024, Virgin Atlantic will introduce a new direct service from London Heathrow. The flight duration is approximately 10 to 11 hours.

If you’re fortunate enough to fly business class, a direct flight is often the best choice. However, if you’re flying economy, a connecting flight might make your journey more comfortable and enjoyable.

Many of our local clients opt to fly from Birmingham or Manchester, typically with a layover in the Middle East using airlines like Emirates, Qatar Airways, or Etihad. Depending on the layover duration, the total journey time can range from 12 to 15 hours. Some of our clients even take advantage of the stopover to spend a few days exploring Dubai or Abu Dhabi.

From Malé to Your Resort

Upon landing in Malé, your journey isn’t over yet. The Maldives’ beauty is in its seclusion, so you’ll need to transfer to your resort via either seaplane or speedboat.

• Seaplane: Flying by seaplane offers an unmatched experience, allowing you to glide over crystal-clear waters and tiny, picturesque islands. It’s essential to note that seaplane operations are limited to daylight hours (6 AM to 4 PM) and luggage may be restricted.
• Speedboat: Speedboats are another viable option, particularly for resorts closer to Malé. They operate both day and night, offering greater flexibility. Transfers can take anywhere from 15 minutes to a few hours, depending on your resort’s distance. However, we would recommend taking the seaplane if the boat journey exceeds an hour, as it can be a choppy crossing!

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 inhabi

ted 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:

1. Location and Accessibility: Some resorts are closer to the international airport, while others require longer transfers by speedboat or seaplane. Consider how much travel you’re willing to undertake after a long flight.
2. Budget: Resorts in the Maldives range from luxurious to more budget-friendly options. Decide your budget in advance to narrow down your choices.
3. 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.
4. 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.
5. 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.
6. 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.