Luxury Holidays in the Maldives 2025/2026

When you think of the Maldives, the vision of overwater villas isn’t far behind. They make for an iconic scene in the Indian Ocean, thatched villas snaking out from tropical islands like arms floating above the azure-blue coral reefs. Many Maldives overwater bungalows boast plunge pools and private decks so you can gaze out over the glittering ocean beyond, while hammock netting perched over the water can give you a great place to laze in the privacy of your villa while soaking up the rays. Some water bungalows in the Maldives have steps directly to the lagoon you’re hovering above, so you can grab your snorkelling gear and dive straight in to a magical marine world!

No matter which island you’re staying on, you’re guaranteed to be just yards or a short boat trip away from amazing snorkelling and diving. Glide among vibrant forests of coral that pop with a whole spectrum of colours, swimming alongside schools of tropical fish and marvellous marine creatures like turtles and rays. The stars of the show are the magnificent manta rays, which you can see at Hanifaru Bay in the Baa Atoll between May and November, or in the Ari Atoll between October and April. Whale sharks can also be spotted in the Maldives throughout the year, with the South Ari Atoll one of the best places to see them. Guided whale shark tours afford you the chance to swim or snorkel alongside them. Shipwrecks offer an alternative sight under the surface, many now encrusted in coral themselves and have become artificial reefs home to a rich array of marine life. Best of all – you can often reach them from stairs directly into the sea from your water villa or they’re a few sandy steps from your beach villa on land.

While snorkelling and relaxing are two fantastic ways in which to indulge while holidaying in these drops of paradise, there’s plenty more things to do in the Maldives. Whether you’re a couple or a family, sandbank picnics are undeniably incredible experiences where you can savour fine food and drink with just you, your loved ones and a tiny sprinkling of sand. A range of water sports offer alternatives to snorkelling and diving, with non-motorised options like kayaking and stand-up paddleboarding great for leisurely paddles around the lagoons. Maldives activities like deep-sea fishing and boat trips are also excellent alternatives. For a taste of traditional Maldivian life, a village visit on a nearly island will put you in touch with the locals and youngsters can often be seen playing football or basketball in among the palms!

There’s nowhere else quite like the Maldives and if there was anywhere in the world we’d choose as a likely destination that fictional castaway Robinson Crusoe would’ve ended up on it would be here. You’ll find solitude and seclusion easy to come by in the Maldives, whether it’s on a sleepy stretch of beach or just relaxing in your villa. At one point or another on your holiday you’ll feel you’re the only ones around and that’s exactly how an island retreat should be.

The standard of service in the Maldives is just as good as its views and nothing is too much trouble for any of the warm and friendly staff at any of the resorts. Attention to detail is of utmost importance and when it comes to hospitality, the Maldives really sets the bar. Food and drink in the Maldives is delicious and of an extremely high standard, and resorts always have a selection of different-themed restaurants for you to choose from, so you have plenty of choice. You’ll be treated like royalty and that’s really special whether you’re on your honeymoon or a family who just want to put their feet up.

Wine and dine beneath the Maldives incredible oceans in one of the locations many underwater restaurants. From Only Blu, located near the Maldives capital, to the highly rated Ithaa on Rangali Island. 

See this incredible natural phenomenon caused by bioluminescent plankton with your own eyes on a visit to the Maldives’ Vaadhoo Island.  

The Maldives is a chain of around 1,200 small islands in the Indian Ocean, located south-west of Sri Lanka and India.

The direct flight time from London to Malé in the Maldives is 10 and a half hours.

There are around 1,200 islands in the Maldives, grouped into several atolls consisting of tiny coral islands and sandbanks. Only around 200 of them are inhabited, plus another 100 which have resorts on them.

British passport holders need a visa to visit the Maldives and this is issued free of charge upon arrival. You also need six months validity on your passport from your departure date.

The capital of the Maldives is Malé, which is found in the southern reaches of the North Malé Atoll. It's also home to the country's international airport and where you will fly into before catching a connecting flight, seaplane or speedboat to your resort.

No vaccinations are currently recommended for the Maldives. If you’re entering the Maldives from a Yellow Fever zone, possession of a valid Yellow Fever inoculation certificate is required. For any current travel health advice, you should seek guidance from your GP at least four to six weeks prior to travel.

The currency is the Maldivian rufiyaa, although US dollars and credit cards are widely accepted.

The time difference is GMT +5 hours.

The Maldives has a hot, tropical climate all year round, so light clothing is essential. Don't worry about smart evening attire, though. Most resorts actually encourage a relaxed dress code, such as tailored shorts and a short-sleeved shirt or t-shirt for men and summer dresses for women – some resorts don't even require you to wear shoes!

For a sunny destination like the Maldives, it goes without saying that a hat, sun cream (reef-safe sun cream if possible) and sunglasses are essential, while a camera is handy for capturing those blissful tropical memories. Even though malaria isn't a risk in the Maldives and the presence of mosquitoes isn't too bad, we'd also recommend packing some insect repellent, just to be sure.

There are plenty of places you can combine with the Maldives. Sri Lanka is one of the best options, as you can mix its wildlife, landscapes and culture with a relaxing stay in the Maldives. Thailand is another easy option with direct flights that offers a completely different experience, while direct flights also connect the Maldives with Middle Eastern destinations such as Dubai, Abu Dhabi and Oman.