Maldives Holidays

Weather and best time to go to the Maldives

The Maldives has a warm, tropical climate with a monsoon season. Temperatures sit between 25°C and 31°C year-round, but often, you’ll experience a short tropical shower during the day – which isn’t cold and is quite refreshing. Given their location in the ocean, the islands can be windy too, but this means that any bad weather rolls across very quickly, giving way to textbook sunshine and warmth. The sea is around 25°C all year.

January to April is the dream season for a beach holiday in the Maldives, with glorious sunshine and warmth. May through to September carries a higher risk of rain, but the thundery showers pass quickly. It’s low season, so you’re likely to benefit from slightly cheaper prices too. October and November are very popular seasons for the sunshine but also for diving, as you’ve got the best chance of spotting whale sharks and manta rays. December is also warm with long, sunny days and the chance of a sharp shower during the day – but it’s still hardly ‘wintery’. To latch onto the ‘shoulder season’ prices, look for April and November deals.

How to get to the Maldives

Surprisingly, you can get direct flights to the Maldives from the UK. There’s a direct connection from Heathrow Airport with British Airways to Malé Velana International Airport, which takes between 10 and 11 hours. You can also get one-stop routes from most major airports in the UK, which often stop at destinations like Doha, Dubai, or Bahrain.

Getting around the Maldives

Once you’ve arrived in Malé Velana, your journey probably isn’t at an end. You may need to take a domestic flight, followed by a speedboat, to reach your resort. Many people opt for the once-in-a-lifetime option of taking a seaplane straight to their resort. It’s expensive, but very scenic and convenient. Some resorts also include a speedboat transfer in their all-inclusive package. If you’re not at an all-inclusive resort or resort with a private speedboat, you can take the public speed boat or public ferry to your island. The latter is the most budget-friendly option. Don't miss our guide to discover how island hopping in the Maldives will become an important part of your holiday.

Things to do in the Maldives

Embark on a Maldivian adventure where turquoise waters meet endless skies and every day promises new discoveries. Here's your ultimate guide to making the most of your Maldivian holiday.

Viewpoints and panoramas

In the Maldives, every turn is a new vista waiting to be admired. Stay in a water villa to wake up to panoramic ocean views, or embark on a sunset cruise for breathtaking vistas as the sky transforms at dusk. These moments are perfect for those looking to capture the essence of the Maldives in photographs or memories.

The best districts

Explore the distinct flavours of the Maldives by visiting:

• Malé: This bustling capital city offers a contrast to the serene islands with its busy markets, historic mosques, and colourful buildings.

• Maafushi: Known for its local vibe, Maafushi is a hub for those seeking an authentic Maldivian experience without compromising on the scenic beauty.

• Dhangethi: Known for its rich marine life and vibrant coral reefs, Dhangethi is a diver's paradise, offering close encounters with manta rays and whale sharks.

• Giravaru: With its pristine beaches and clear turquoise waters, Giravaru is perfect for those looking to escape into a tranquil, natural setting. The island's history as one of the first tourist resorts in the Maldives adds a unique charm.

• Fulidhoo: This small but stunning island is famed for its traditional Maldivian culture, peaceful ambience, and excellent snorkelling spots. Its beautiful lagoon and wide beaches make Fulidhoo a must-visit for those seeking a quieter holiday experience.

Parks and gardens

The Maldives' natural landscape serves as an expansive garden, with each island being a unique natural wonder. On certain islands, you can witness the magical glow of bioluminescent beaches at night, creating a surreal, star-like effect on the shores.

Day trips in the area

Enhance your Maldives holidays with:

• Island Hopping: Discover the local lifestyle on islands like Dhigurah or Thulusdhoo, each offering a glimpse into the daily life and culture of the Maldives.

• Snorkeling Excursions: The Maldives is a snorkeler's paradise, with vibrant coral reefs and an abundance of marine life just a short boat trip away from your resort.

Activities for families in the Maldives

Family fun is abundant in the Maldives:

• Resort Activities: Many resorts are geared towards families, offering safe swimming pools, playful kids' clubs, and interactive playgrounds.

• Educational Experiences: Engage with the local marine life through educational programs at marine biology centres, offering a fun and informative experience for children.

Free things to do in the Maldives

• Explore Malé: Delve into the culture and history of the Maldives with a self-guided walking tour around Malé, visiting sites like the Old Friday Mosque.

• Beach Activities: The beaches themselves are a playground of natural beauty, perfect for swimming, building sandcastles, or simply relaxing under the sun.

Explore the Maldives by public transport

• Local Travel: Experience the Maldives like a local by travelling between islands on traditional dhonis, offering a scenic and authentic way to navigate the waters.

Wellness in the Maldives

• Spa Retreats: The Maldives is renowned for its luxurious spa treatments. Indulge in a range of therapies, from traditional Maldivian massages to modern wellness treatments, all set against the backdrop of the tranquil ocean.

• Yoga and Meditation: Many resorts offer yoga and meditation sessions, often held on idyllic beachfront or overwater pavilions, providing a serene environment to rejuvenate mind, body, and soul.

Nature & outdoor activities

• Water Sports: The Maldives is a haven for water sports enthusiasts. From the adrenaline rush of jet skiing and parasailing to the peaceful experience of stand-up paddleboarding, there's something for every level of adventurer. Discover the best Maldives resorts for water sports.

• Nature Walks: While traditional hiking isn't common in the Maldives, nature walks through the lush vegetation of the islands offer a chance to explore the diverse flora and fauna.

From the tranquillity of beachside relaxation to the excitement of water-based adventures, the Maldives offers an array of activities to suit every traveller's preference. Whether you're seeking a family-friendly holiday, a romantic escape, or an adventurous exploration, the Maldives promises unforgettable experiences.

Most popular beaches in the Maldives for your Maldives holidays

The Maldives, a mesmerizing chain of over 1000 islands, is famed for its breathtaking beaches, many located on private islands owned by luxurious hotels. These exclusive beaches are often accessible only to guests, offering a secluded and premium beach experience. Here's a glimpse into some of the most renowned beaches in the Maldives:

• COMO Cocoa Island, South Male Atoll: COMO Cocoa Island five-star resort is a slice of paradise with white-sand beaches, world-class diving, and a picturesque environment of wild grapes, hibiscus, and palm trees.

• Kandolhu Maldives: A boutique stay on a tiny island with sugar-soft sand. The island's size allows for a unique experience of walking its entire perimeter with your toes in the sand, complemented by excellent snorkelling and diving opportunities.

• Four Seasons Resort Maldives at Landaa Giraavaru: Nestled in a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, this resort, Four Seasons Resort Maldives, offers a blend of wellness and conservation. The highlight is its pristine beach with a breathtaking sandbar extending into the azure sea.

• Reethi Rah, North Male Atoll: Part of the One&Only Reethi Rah, this location boasts 12 stunning beaches. It's the epitome of luxury escapism, offering sunbathing, dining, and even massages on the beach.

• Veligandu Island Resort & Spa, North Ari Atoll: Famous for its extraordinary sandbank, this resort, Veligandu Island Resort & Spa, offers a unique experience of sunbathing in what feels like the middle of the ocean, with an alternative view from a beach-side infinity pool.

Secret beaches in the Maldives

While the Maldives is well-explored, there are still places where you can experience a more local or authentic Maldivian vibe:

• Thulusdhoo: Known for its surfing culture, Thulusdhoo has numerous hotels catering to various budgets and is not dominated by a single resort. This gives visitors the freedom to explore its beaches, like the popular Tourist Beach, and enjoy activities like snorkelling and surfing at famous breaks like Cokes.

• Fulhadhoo Island: A peaceful island with only 250 residents, it's two hours from Male by speedboat. With its quiet beaches, it's an ideal spot for spotting wildlife like fish, birds, and turtles.

• Ukulhas: Offering the dreamy Maldivian beach experience without the hefty price tag, Ukulhas boasts beautiful, clean beaches with shallow, calm waters. It's a perfect destination for finding a peaceful spot on your Maldives holidays.

Enhance your Maldives holiday experience by exploring our guide to the best beaches in the Maldives, ensuring you discover the perfect spots for unforgettable moments by the sea. Get ready to soak up the sun on the islands' most pristine sands.

What to eat in the Maldives during your Maldives holidays

Indulging in local cuisine is a must-do on your Maldives holidays. Many hotels in the Maldives, known for their luxury, offer a wide array of international dining options. However, the local food is something you shouldn't miss.

• Fruit: The Maldives is famous for its fresh, juicy fruits. Enjoy them in your hotel as part of a delicious fruit platter, either as a snack or for breakfast. And for dessert? Dhonkeyo kajuru, a delightful deep-fried fruit fritter, is a treat not to be missed during your Maldives holidays.

• Fihunumas: A renowned Maldivian dish, Fihunumas is essentially fish wrapped in banana leaves and baked to perfection. It's a unique flavor experience that's typical of Maldivian cuisine.

• Seafood: Given its island nature, Maldives holidays are incomplete without trying the local seafood. Try Garudhiya, a traditional fish soup enhanced with ginger and chilli, for a taste of the sea like never before.

• Masi huni: This traditional Maldivian breakfast, made from shredded tuna, coconut, lemon, and chilli, and served in roshi flatbread, is a culinary delight you must try during your Maldives holidays.

• Kulhi boakibaa: Savour these exquisite fish cakes, a staple of the Maldivian tapas-like snack tradition. You can find them at street vendors or served in the afternoon at your hotel.

• Boshi mashuni: This unique Maldivian salad is a blend of shredded banana flower, fresh coconut, curry leaves, lime, and chillies. It's a dish specific to the Maldives and a must-try on your holiday.

• Delicious snacks: Enhance your Maldives holidays with local snacks like Bis Keemiya (a samosa variant), Huni Roshi (sweet coconut-stuffed flatbread), and Gulha (fish, coconut, and rice dumplings).

• Coconut water: With an abundance of coconuts, fresh and hydrating coconut water is easily available and a must-have during your Maldives holidays.

Enjoy these culinary delights and make your Maldives holidays a memorable gastronomic journey!

Water sports in the Maldives

Engage in thrilling water sports in the Maldives, a paradise for aquatic enthusiasts. The crystal-clear sea surrounding the islands is perfect for a variety of activities:

• Swimming, Snorkelling, and Scuba-Diving: These are top activities for exploring the vibrant underwater world. Some resorts allow snorkelling right from the comfort of your shore-side or over-water villa.

• Kayaking and Paddleboarding: Ideal in the sheltered lagoons, these activities offer a serene way to explore the waters.

• High-Adrenaline Sports: For the thrill-seekers, try jet skiing, parasailing, windsurfing, and wakeboarding. The Maldives provides perfect conditions for these exhilarating sports.

Sports facilities for travellers in the Maldives

Sports facilities in the Maldives vary across hotels, but most offer a range of options to stay active:

• Hotel Facilities: Depending on the hotel, facilities may include tennis courts, beach volleyball, indoor gyms, beach yoga, and pilates.

• Water Sports: Alongside the array of water sports, some resorts offer sports classes, or you might prefer a hotel with a pool for casual swimming.

• Beach Activities: Beach walking and barefoot running are fantastic, free options for staying fit and enjoying the natural beauty of the Maldives.

• Local Options: On non-private islands, look out for community football pitches, offering another way to engage in sports and interact with locals.

Events during Maldives holidays

Maldives holidays offer a serene escape with a calendar filled with unique events and celebrations, enhancing the allure of this island paradise.

Celebrating seasons and special occasions

• New Year on Maldives Holidays: Ring in the New Year with spectacular beach parties and gala dinners at resorts across the islands, where fireworks illuminate the ocean.

• Festive Season on Maldives Packages: Experience the joy of the festive season with themed events and exclusive shopping opportunities for unique souvenirs and local handicrafts at resort boutiques.

• Easter Celebrations: Resorts often host special brunches and egg-hunting activities for families enjoying their Maldives packages during Easter.

• Inclusive Events: The Maldives is becoming more inclusive, with some resorts hosting events that celebrate diversity, including LGBTQ+ friendly celebrations.

• Carnival Vibes: While not a traditional event in the Maldives, some resorts embrace the carnival spirit with themed parties and colourful parades, offering a taste of the carnival atmosphere in a tropical setting.

Festivals in the Maldives

Maldives holidays are not just about sun, sea, and sand; they're also a chance to immerse in the local culture through various festivals and events.

• National Day: Celebrating the Maldives' independence, this day is marked by parades and patriotic displays, especially in Malé.

• Maldives Marine Festival: Focusing on the conservation of marine life, this festival includes educational activities, diving events, and showcases the rich marine biodiversity of the Maldives.

• Ramadan and Eid Festivals: Witness the cultural and religious fervour of the Maldives during Ramadan and Eid, with special packages offering a glimpse into local traditions and feasts.

• Bodu Beru Festival: Experience the traditional Maldivian music and dance at this cultural festival, a highlight for visitors interested in the local way of life.

• Fisherman’s Day: Celebrated across the islands, this day honours the importance of fishing to the Maldivian economy and culture, with competitions, seafood feasts, and festivities.

Maldives holidays and packages not only promise relaxation and breathtaking natural beauty but also offer a rich tapestry of events and festivals that showcase the islands' cultural heritage and vibrant community life.