travel information for maldives

Best Time to Visit

Weather & Climate

Male International Airport Guide

Top Romantic Resorts

Sustainable Resorts

Top Things to Do

Best Beaches

Snorkeling & Diving

Nature Experiences

Food to Try

Best Restaurants

Your Trip to the Maldives: The Complete Guide

Made up of nearly 1,200 coral islands strung north to south in the Indian Ocean, the Maldives is one of the most popular beach destinations on the planet. Known for world-class diving, miles of empty white-sand beaches, and resorts oozing with luxury, the Maldives isn’t always the most budget-friendly destination (though bargains can be found). But if you’re looking for mind-blowing sunsets, sugary sand, and the most turquoise water you’ve ever seen, break out your credit card and book a flight. Read on for our complete Maldives visitor’s guide, and learn the best places to stay, eat, dive, and explore in this spectacular tropical locale.

Planning Your Trip

Best Time To Visit: In true tropical island style, temperatures in the Maldives average 83 degrees Fahrenheit (28 degrees Celsius) year-round, and there are only two main seasons; dry and wet. The dry season comes in fall and winter, from November through April, with temperatures ranging from 77 degrees Fahrenheit (25 degrees Celsius) to 89 degrees Fahrenheit (32 degrees Celsius). The low, monsoon season runs from May through October, with the wettest month usually falling in June. Temperatures in the rainy season range from 77 degrees Fahrenheit (25 degrees Celsius) to 87 degrees Fahrenheit (30 degrees Celsius).

Getting Around: As an island nation spread across hundreds of miles of the ocean, it’s only natural that boats are the country’s transport mainstay, so prepare your sea legs (or Dramamine). For those staying near the capital or attempting a more budget holiday, ferries are offered between some of the more populated islands in the Malé Atoll capital area. Speedboat taxis can be hired for short-distance island hopping, and private resort speedboats whisk guests away to properties in the immediate vicinity. For resorts set in distant atolls, further transport will be via seaplane or a domestic flight to one of the more far-flung airports followed by speedboat transfer to the resort.

Travel Tip: Many visitors to the Maldives must travel by seaplane to reach their final destination, so it’s important to note that seaplanes only operate during daylight hours. If your flight arrives after dark, consider staying at a nearby hotel on either Hulhulé Island or in nearby Malé city.

Things to Do

This is a country surrounded by water, water, and more water, so it's only natural that water sports have emerged as the leading activity in the Maldives. Landlubbers can bask in the sun on deserted sandbanks, or perhaps spend the day in one of the dozens of spas dotted at upmarket resorts throughout the nation.

• Diving: Some of the world's best diving can be found in the Maldives' coral atolls. Spot whale sharks and manta rays from May through November in the Baa Atoll UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, or dive deep with octopi and reef sharks to explore some of the area's famed shipwrecks.
• Water sports: Snorkeling, stand-up paddle, surfing, windsurfing, sailing, kayaking, and every other water sport imaginable are available year-round. Most resorts include access to non-motorized water sports equipment, and the larger populated islands generally have water sports rental facilities.
• Spa experiences: The Maldives is home to some of the most indulgent hotel spas in the world. These havens of tranquility offer everything from Thai massages set in overwater villas, to underwater treatment rooms, to complete detox, rejuvenation, or restoration packages. Most resorts have a spa on the property, so it's only a matter of choosing which will best suit your budget and relaxation desires.
• Nothing: Perhaps the ultimate activity of all in the Maldives is doing absolutely nothing. This definition of "nothing" means laying on a sun lounger on one of the country's best beaches , staring into the sea-green distance while sipping ice-cold coconut water and reading a novel.

What to Eat and Drink

Maldivian cuisine borrows mainly from India and Sri Lanka, which both highlight hot, spicy flavors. But in the Maldives, what you’ll eat largely depends on where you stay. High-end resorts offer a variety of a la carte local and international fare in a host of luxurious settings, including in overwater and underwater restaurants .

Budget resorts are more likely to provide buffet meals with both Western and Asian options for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. There are also small local eateries and cafes on many of the inhabited islands, purveying specialties such as fish cakes, soups, and curries.

Alcohol is prohibited in the Maldives (except for tourists at licensed hotels and resorts), so don’t expect to wash down your curry with a beer in any of the local establishments. Many of the more upmarket resorts, however, have full bars, and even wine cellars with hundreds of vintages to choose from.

Where to Stay

If visitors stay in the city of Malé, it’s rarely for more than one night, as there’s not much going on in the capital other than commerce, a few restaurants, and a museum or two. Most visitors stay in one of the dozens of resorts, which are often set on private islands in one of the country’s myriad coral atolls.

Accommodations vary widely in the Maldives, from rustic local guesthouses to some of the world’s most expensive resorts. If you’re on a budget, there are a handful of guesthouses and small hotels in many of the inhabited islands, such as in the North Malé Atoll or Ari Atoll.

There are also a variety of all-inclusive resorts, which range widely in quality. Check out Adaaran Prestige Vadoo , which is only 20 minutes by speedboat from the airport and has overwater villas with private pools, or the chic design and five restaurants at LUX* South Ari Atoll .

The Maldives’ lineup of five-star resorts are the stuff holiday dreams are made of. Postcard-perfect beaches, overwater villas, serene spas, and private butlers are only a taste of what to expect should you choose to splurge. Some of the most popular (and expensive) options include chains such as the Four Seasons , St. Regis , and the Six Senses , plus properties like Soneva Jani , which features massive overwater villas with private pools and waterslides, or Huvafen Fushi Maldives which has the world’s first and only underwater spa.

Getting There

The gateway to the Maldives is Velana International Airport (MLE), formerly Malé International Airport, which is set on an island adjacent to the capital city of Malé. Upon arrival, the best transport mode depends on where you’re staying. A bridge connects the airport (on Hulhulé Island) to adjacent Malé city, or there are taxis, speedboat taxis, and regularly scheduled (though not always on time) ferries.

The Maldives’ seafaring past and Indian Ocean location means the remote country has been heavily influenced by its closest neighbors, India and Sri Lanka, as well as Indonesia, Malaysia, and Africa. Many visitors will only see the surroundings of their chosen resort, but the Maldives possesses cultural treasures on the local islands and in Malé that are also worth exploring.

• One of the oldest mosques in the Maldives is the Malé Hukuru Miskiy, or Old Friday Mosque, which was built from ornately carved coral in 1658. The mosque is set on Hulhulé Island, an easy taxi ride from the airport.
• The Maldives National Museum in Malé is a compact yet illuminating repository for the country’s prized artifacts. Displays range from ancient to modern times and contain everything from religious carvings to whale skeletons to lacquered wood boxes handmade by Maldivian craftspeople.
• Across Sultan Park from The Maldives National Museum is The National Art Gallery. Established in 1999, this relatively new museum houses collections of Maldivian art from both past and present.

Money-Saving Tips

• May through October is monsoon season in much of Southeast Asia, and the Maldives is no exception. Although summer can sometimes bring heavy rainfall and severe storms, most often there are only afternoon showers, and risking a visit during these monsoon months (particularly June, considered the wettest month) means deep discounts compared to visiting the country during the peak season.
• Since alcohol is heavily taxed and marked-up in the Maldives, a drinks bill at the end of your trip can pose a hefty surprise. To keep the holiday stress-free and the umbrella drinks coming, consider choosing an all-inclusive package if you plan to indulge in adult libations during your stay.

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Travel advice, essential maldives.

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Maldives Travel Guide

Travelers' pro tips or experiencing maldives.

Snorkeling! Personally, I would never go to a resort without a house reef as I would be missing out on what is the best thing about the Maldives — the underwater world! The amount and variety of fish are incredible, and for first-timers being able to swim with sharks and turtles is such an amazing experience (in fact it never gets less amazing!).

darrylpaula

Our biggest priority when choosing an island is the accessibility and quality of the house reef/snorkeling. Another must-do is watching the sunrise and sunset.

Placitasgirl

The underwater world is, of course, my number one, but watching dolphins play at sunrise is probably my number two.

For us, the Maldives is all about snorkeling. Yes, it's stunningly beautiful and totally idyllic, but what makes it utterly unique is the underwater world that is SO accessible and varied.

Swimming with the fishes (sorry, couldn't resist) in the Maldives is a life-changing experience, so far removed from most people's day-to-day life that it has the power to change your whole perspective. For many of us, there is no going back — a holiday that isn't shared with a shark or ten is just not worth the bother.

Have to say it's the diving for me, amazing corals and fish, and if you time, the months you travel and location the opportunity to dive with Manta, whale sharks or 200+ sharks at the mouth of a channel is amazing. With Fuvahmulah, the addition of tiger sharks, oceanic manta, hammerheads, and threshers makes this a one-of-a-kind location for diving. Throw in the remoteness, and on a clear night, unbelievable skies, it's a paradise hard to replicate.

What is the best way to get there?

Velana International Airport (VIA) is the only international airport in the Maldives. It offers several flights to/from Asia, Europe, and the Middle East. From its location on Hulhule Island near the capital island of Male, you can grab your (usually pre-arranged) speedboat, seaplane or ferry to your destination island.

For more info, visit the  Male Airport Guide  or  Trans Maldivian Airways .

Do I need a visa?

Though a 30-day tourist visa is given to all travelers upon arrival, there are certain entry requirements, such as a passport that’ll be valid for at least six months.

For more visa info,  see here .

When is the best time to visit?

It doesn’t get much more tropical than the Maldives! And the best time to visit the Maldives is January through March, though prices may be higher this time of year. Prices are typically cheaper May through November during the rainy season. The average daily temperatures most times of the year are highs of 32 C (89 F) and lows of 26 C (78 F).

These high-speed boats are a common way to get around the islands, especially to/from the hotels and airports, but they can be expensive.

These get you to the more far-flung islands in the Maldives if you want to island-hop, but these, too, can be expensive.

Public ferries run between the inhabited islands, but schedules are often unreliable and can vary depending on the time of year. Visit here for more info.

On the ground

What is the timezone.

Maldives Time.

What are the voltage/plug types?

230 V and 50 Hz with type D and G plugs.

What is the currency?

Maldivian Rufiyaa (MVR)

Are ATMs readily accessible?

Only in certain areas.

Are credit cards widely accepted?

Is it easy to find a bank, how much do i tip.

$1-$2 per bag and a few dollars per day of your stay for the housekeeping staff.

Restaurants

Because of the service charge, just rounding up your bill is sufficient, but if the service was excellent, extra cash is always appreciated.

Spa Service

$5 per service.

Tour Guides

Tours in the Maldives can be expensive, so tips are not usually expected by guides. But, if one went above and beyond, at least $10 will suffice.

Are there local customs I should know?

The legal drinking age in the Maldives is 18.

Most residents speak English, but learning a few words of the national language Dhivehi is appreciated: “Assalaamu Alaikum” (hello); Ran’galhu, shukuriyaa (fine, thank you); Shukuriyaa (thank you).

Additional entry requirements in the Maldives include proof of pre-paid accommodations and that you have enough funds for your stay as well as confirmed onward/return tickets home. For more info, visit  here .

Environment

Coral reefs are the foundation of the Maldives, so it is very important to not disturb, touch, remove, or stand on its coral reefs when diving or snorkeling. And never leave garbage behind.

Always greet people

A courteous, formal greeting in French, “Bonjour, Monsieur/Madame,” is always appreciated — this includes shop attendants, wait staff, hotel staff, drivers.

Don’t talk loudly in public

It is considered rude and ugly.

Don’t expect fast service

Sales assistants in shops or wait staff in restaurants won’t approach you straight away — giving people time and space is an important part of French culture. Also, don’t expect wait staff to give you the bill when your meal is finished, you will have to ask for it.

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How to Plan the Perfect Maldives Vacation at the Best Hotels

Here's everything you need to know to plan the perfect Maldives vacation.

The world's lowest-lying nation rises barely three feet above sea level (at its highest point, a mere 10 feet) and fans over the Indian Ocean in wide, flat circles of blindingly white sand. The Maldives are nestled halfway between Indonesia and Africa and attract travelers seriously committed to communing with the sparkling turquoise tides.

Made up of 26 atolls spanning 1,190 different islands (of these, less than a third are inhabited), the Maldives are like one giant jigsaw puzzle of sandbars and lagoons. An impressive number of marine species have made their homes in the surrounding reefs and, as a result, a Maldives vacation is particularly popular among scuba divers.

The Maldives are where people come to experience island life at its most relaxed — and most beautiful. Whether you're criss-crossing coral reefs in a glass-bottomed boat or dozing off in your private overwater bungalow, the chances of returning home disappointed are slim to none. Here's everything you need to know to plan the perfect Maldives vacation.

How to Get Around on Your Maldives Vacation

Within each of the island chain's ring-shaped atolls — North Ari Atoll, South Ari Atoll, Laamu Atoll, and so on — is a group of different islands typically anchored by a small airport. The Kaafu Atoll is home to Velana International Airport, which is the main entry point for all travelers. This main airport, near the capital island of Malé, is where you'll likely start your Maldives vacation. From here, you'll need to arrange a separate flight or speedboat transfer to get to your individual hotel — and if you're resort hopping, you may need to take more than one seaplane or boat to get around the Maldives. Often the luxury hotels can help you organize a seaplane or boat transport to your final destination. You can also hire your own speedboat transfer through companies like Atoll Transfer or take a public ferry between islands.

When to Plan Your Maldives Vacation

December through April is the dry season and the most popular time to visit the Maldives. This can make hotels slightly more expensive, but it's also when you can enjoy a near-guaranteed streak of gorgeous, storm-free days. Moreover, dry season makes for better visibility (think: crystal-clear snorkeling and underwater diving). No matter what time of year, travelers can expect balmy temperatures in the mid-80s.

How to Visit Multiple Islands in the Maldives

The Maldives are full of dreamy, relatively untouched islands, and one of the joys of vacationing here is venturing beyond your hotel. A typical excursion might include fishing at sunset in a 60-foot dhoni (a traditional Maldivian wooden boat). Another favorite is island hopping, when resort guests are taken to a handful of nearby islands and properties to snorkel and explore on land (a packed or barbecue lunch is almost always included). Some hotels even offer intimate escapes for couples. Just imagine being taken out to a deserted beach in a dinghy, where you're left to enjoy the company of your significant other for the entire afternoon, equipped with only a fully stocked picnic basket and a mobile phone in case of emergencies.

Best Hotels in the Maldives

Patina Maldives, Fari Islands was perhaps the biggest news coming out of the Maldives in 2021. This icon-in-the-making hotel debuted in May 2021, and it's the inaugural Patina Hotels & Resorts property (a new brand by Capella Hotel Group). The 90 one- to three-bedroom beach and pool villas feature exquisite architectural elements. Guests will love spending time at the Fari Marina Village and Fari Beach Club, all of which are part of the Patina experience.

Waldorf Astoria Maldives Ithaafushi launched a new private island at the beginning of 2021 that's available only for exclusive rental. Not only that, but the iconic luxury property debuted new villas and the country's first Aqua Wellness Center for travelers who want to maintain their healthy lifestyle while enjoying the natural beauty of the Maldives.

Kuda Villingili Resort Maldives debuted in June 2021 in the North Malé Atoll. Located near Chickens Break, a must-visit surfing spot, it's the perfect hotel for travelers looking to take advantage of water sports on their Maldives vacation. The property also boasts a spa overlooking the beach and a Singaporean-style street food market.

Another great stay in the Maldives is Le Méridien Maldives Resort & Spa — a luxe experience by Marriott. In the Lhaviyani Atoll, this resort is all about beachfront cafes, lagoon-access overwater villas, and an embrace of midcentury Maldivian design.

Must-try Activities in the Maldives

Scuba diving in the Maldives is second to none — the nutrient-rich waters, fed by currents from the Indian Ocean, are like a Whole Foods for marine life. Brightly colored tropical fish, manta rays, reef sharks, whale sharks, eels, sea turtles, and more are attracted to the waters of the Maldives. Start at the South Ari Atoll, where you'll find popular dive sites like Broken Rock (split in half by a deep canyon) and Kudarah Thila.

In 2005, Ithaa became the world's first all-glass, undersea restaurant. Though the trend has spread, travelers can still enjoy a seafood feast at the intimate, 14-seat restaurant. Everything on the menu is sustainably caught. To eat here, however, you'll need to plan ahead: Reservations are required well in advance, and guests of Conrad Maldives Rangali Island , where the restaurant is located, get first dibs.

Dolphin watching in the Maldives is also fairly popular, though it of course requires patience. One of the best spots to see the gorgeous creatures is Muli Channel. Work with your hotel or a local dive center to snorkel these waters on a clear day, when you'll have the best chance of seeing a dolphin.

Maldives   Travel Guide

Courtesy of levente bodo | Getty Images

Why Go To Maldives

You've seen photos of the Maldives before: picture-perfect private villas suspended over striking blue waters, alabaster white sand beaches and spectacular sunsets dipping into the horizon. The scenic beauty of the Maldives is something to behold, something you can't quite understand until you're there in person.

The island nation of the Maldives is popular with honeymooners looking for seclusion and adventurers looking to explore the depths of the sea on a scuba diving or snorkeling excursion. If you don't fall into either category, consider that the Maldives' appeal has broadened in recent years. Today, honeymooners and divers are joined by a more diverse mix of families, groups of friends, and even solo travelers seeking wellness retreats or "budget" vacations in guesthouses rather than resorts. Travelers seeking the ultimate in relaxation can unwind at one of the many superb resort spas and all visitors should certainly spend an afternoon exploring an inhabited island village to get a snapshot of typical island life. The resorts in this region are also spectacular, ranging from underwater hotels to overwater bungalows to incredibly beautiful resorts . However, getting to and staying in this tropical paradise requires patience (there are no direct flights from the United States) and plentiful cash. Located in the Indian Ocean, roughly 600 miles southwest of Sri Lanka, the Maldives is about as isolated as you can get – and that's just one of its many allures.

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Maldives Travel Tips

Best months to visit.

The best time to visit the Maldives is from November to April, when there is little precipitation and warm temperatures, ranging between the high 70s and mid-80s. The island nation is warm and sunny year-round, but it does experience a dry season and a rainy season, and there are pros and cons to each. Though the period between November and April promises the best weather, this is also the busiest time of year and, as such, the room rates at resorts are expensive. However, since each resort inhabits its own island, you won't have to contend with the same intensity of crowds like you might during the high season in another tropical destination with more public facilities. Check the number of villas and size of the island before you go, so you can get an idea of how tranquil the island will be.

May to October is considered the rainy season, with the southern atolls experiencing the most rain. During this time, islands see between 7 and 8 inches of precipitation monthly and often strong winds. However, showers tend to be short and punctuated by sunshine. Some days, it only rains overnight, while there can be many hours of sunshine through the day, if you're lucky. Some travelers find the better deals available during rainy season make it worth the gamble of visiting, although July and August are the riskiest months. However, the term "deal" is relative, since the Maldives is a pricey location year-round. This time of year is also popular with surfers because the area sees bigger waves and better swells for surfing during these months.

Note that the private resorts are permitted to celebrate non-Islamic holidays, including Christmas, Easter and Diwali, but you will not find them celebrated on inhabited islands.

Weather in Maldives

Data sourced from the National Climatic Data Center

What You Need to Know

Tap water is desalinated This treated water is fine for showering and brushing teeth. Some resort islands have their own desalination plants (as the sea is too deep for a national water pipeline between islands), but many resorts offer bottled water instead. Bottled water is sometimes free, but can also be pretty expensive at some resorts. Normally, the resorts with their own desalination plants provide water for free.

It's hot These islands are located near the equator, meaning the temperatures are warm year-round and the sun is strong. Make sure to apply a liberal amount of sunscreen to protect your skin from the sun's UV rays.

Islamic tradition is important The Maldives is an Islamic nation, meaning it adheres to Islamic traditions and practices. However, because the resorts are on private islands, resort guests do not have to obey local cultural restrictions, meaning travelers can consume items normally banned, such as alcohol and pork, and are free to wear swimsuits. Beyond the resorts' borders, you'll find plenty of mosques and no alcohol. It's advised that women cover their shoulders, chest and knees unless they are at the airport or on a resort island (out of respect for the local culture rather than for their safety).

How to Save Money in Maldives

Adjust your expectations Visiting the Maldives on a budget is unlike visiting other travel destinations like Mexico or Asia on a budget, where you may be able to get by spending less than $50 to $100 a day. There are some ways to save, but overall, a trip here is pretty pricey in comparison, even if you're staying in a guesthouse and taking local ferries.

Choose flights wisely Airfare from the United States is incredibly expensive. If you can pair a vacation here with one in Sri Lanka, the Middle East or Europe (where you can catch a direct flight), the cost will be less ludicrous. Or, consider signing up for a travel credit card and use airline and hotel loyalty points to book a vacation here.

Pick accommodations carefully Weigh the pros and cons of a "budget" hotel (known locally as "guesthouses") versus choosing a cheap resort. Guesthouses are normally in better condition than many of the cheapest (and oldest) resorts, since this form of tourism has only been permitted since 2010, and despite the term "guesthouse," they are often more like boutique hotels than budget lodgings. However, due to the fact that guesthouses are not on private islands, alcohol and skimpy swimwear are not permitted.

Culture & Customs

The Maldives has been an Islamic nation since the 12th century, but was previously Buddhist and Hindu. As an important trading post on the ancient Spice Route between East Asia and the Middle East, there are influences from China, Malaysia, Indonesia, Africa and the Arab world in Maldivian culture. It includes crafts like lacquerware, pottery, matt weaving, Bandiyya Jehun dancing inspired by Indian pot dances, and a form of drumming and dancing known as Boduberu ("big drum"), which is reminiscent of African drumming.

With this rich heritage, you'll find religious traditions entrenched in the culture on inhabited islands, while by contrast, resort islands are their own kingdoms far removed from the local way of life. Mosques are on every inhabited island, and you'll see women dressed in  headscarves, normally with jeans and flip-flops. Should you wish to visit an inhabited island, you too should dress reasonably conservatively out of respect for the local culture, and to avoid too many stares. Some inhabited islands are more liberal than others, so it's best to inquire locally, but as a general rule, men shouldn't wear sleeveless tops or short shorts, while women should cover their shoulders, chest and knees on inhabited islands.

If you're swimming or sunbathing on an inhabited island that doesn't have a tourist beach, be aware that bikinis and skimpy swimwear are illegal and travelers have been detained by police for it in the past. The simplest workaround is to wear boardshorts and a rash shirt, which also helps prevent sunburn.

Travelers are permitted to go inside some mosques, but it's best to ask a local first, as some mosques are closed to non-Muslims. On the inhabited islands, you'll also notice the sound of the "call to prayer" and sometimes even people praying in public at certain times throughout the day. Be respectful by lowering your voice and not walking in front of those who are praying. This is also the time of day when shops close, too. You can download a free prayer time smartphone app if you're spending a lot of time on an inhabited island so you don't get caught tripped up everything closing several times a day.

During Ramadan, don't eat or drink on the street on inhabited islands, because Maldivians fast during the day, and also be aware that most restaurants and cafes will not open until after sunset for anyone.

Public displays of affection, such as kissing or hand-holding, are illegal on inhabited islands. Again, you won't need to comply with any of this if you're staying on a resort island or liveaboard. Homosexuality is illegal in this island nation, but many resorts are gay-friendly, particularly the international brands and higher end resorts.

Alcohol and pork are also illegal on inhabited islands, although it is readily available on resort islands. If you're staying in the local island community and are craving a glass of wine, your guesthouse can normally arrange a day trip to a resort or a liveaboard so you can have a drink. You can also find alcoholic drinks at Hulhule Island Hotel, which is a quick, free shuttle ride from Velana International Airport.

With close to 200 resort islands, tourism is the dominant industry that draws on a large portion of the workforce and has elevated the country from the United Nations' Least Developed Country designation to Middle Income Country status in just 40 years. The other major industry is fishing using traditional methods, and this island nation exports its dolphin-safe tuna to countries across the world.

The Maldivian currency is the rufiyaa (MVR) and it is pegged to the US dollar; $1 equals about 13 to 15 rufiyaa. However, the exchange rate can fluctuate, so be sure to check it before you travel. The official language of the Maldives is Dhivehi, though most Maldivians speak and understand English and sometimes a third language too, especially those working at resorts.

What to Eat

You'll be able to find all kinds of international cuisine in the Maldives. Norwegian salmon, Japanese wagyu and Australian lamb are transported from all corners of the world to suit the demands of international guests. If you're attempting to have an eco-conscious vacation , you might want to check out an eco-friendly resort that cuts some of the air miles out of your dinner by growing some of its own fruit and vegetables and working with local farmers and fishermen, such as resorts like Soneva Fushi and Amilla Fushi.

Resorts have a main restaurant and a handful of specialty restaurants, with Italian, Thai and Japanese being some of the most popular cuisines. Many resorts also offer theme nights, such as "Maldivian Night," "Seafood Night" and "BBQ Night." If you're staying a week or more, consider a resort with at least three or four restaurants so you don't end up eating the same meals twice. Some of the cheaper resorts only offer buffets, the standards of which are variable, so checking recent reviews is a safe bet. A few of the high-end resorts cater to special diets like ketogenic, Paleolithic, gluten-free and vegan – you'll see this promoted on the resort websites.

Cafes and restaurants on inhabited islands don't offer such a broad range of cuisine as resorts, but you will find plenty of tasty Maldivian, Sri Lankan and Indian fare, as well as international classics like spaghetti bolognese, burgers, pasta and pizza. Maldivian cuisine relies heavily on the region's available ingredients, which means seafood, coconut and chilis feature prominently in most dishes. Tuna, wahoo and mahi mahi are a few of the local types of fish you can expect to find on menus in the Maldives. Other popular dishes include hedika (a kind of Maldivian tapas featuring savory fillings like fish, spiced potatoes and vegetables), fish curries and barbecued fish.

Keep in mind, because the Maldives is an Islamic nation, the local population is not allowed to drink alcohol, so there are no bars on inhabited islands. However, you will be able to enjoy alcoholic beverages at all resorts and liveaboards, and at the airport hotel (Hulhule Island Hotel), but not anywhere at the airport.

Getting Around Maldives

The best way to get around the Maldives depends on what kind of island you're on, although most visitors will stick to their chosen resort island. The majority of islands in the Maldives range in size between 0.3 and 0.7 square miles, which means they don't take long to navigate. Many resorts offer bicycles or chauffeured golf buggies to make getting around in the humidity easier, while if you're in a local town, your guesthouse might offer you a bicycle. In the capital city of Malé and in Hulhumalé , walking, buses or taxis are the main transportation options.

Note that if you have mobility issues, you may find this country can be trickier to get around due to the speedboat/seaplane transfers, large areas of sand and (normally) unpaved paths at resorts and on many inhabited islands. There's no air bridge at the international airport, but if you inform your airline in advance, it can make arrangements for a lifting device. A few resorts, such as Baros, Kuramathi and Adaaran Select Meedhupparu, have been recommended by travelers with mobility issues. Amilla Fushi is the only resort in the Maldives that has been officially designated an IncluCare-certified resort (even the dive center teams are trained to assist travelers with disabilities). IncluCare is a U.K.-based tourism organization specializing in inclusive and accessible travel training, assessment and accreditation.

Entry & Exit Requirements

The Maldives requires that international visitors have a passport that's valid for six months from the expected departure date, in addition to proof of sufficient funds and an onward travel plan. You will automatically be granted a 30-day visa on arrival, which can be extended to 90 days if requested. Vaccinations for hepatitis A and typhoid are recommended prior to arrival. For more information, check out the U.S. State Department's website .

Palm trees, aquamarine water and sugar white sand greet travelers at every turn in this island nation.

Explore More of Maldives

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7 of the best places to visit in the Maldives

Feb 27, 2024 • 5 min read

Experience the best of the Maldives with these unmissable places to visit © Thomas Barwick / Getty Images

The fabulous diversity of the Maldives means there’s an island for every type of tourist, from budget travelers to adrenaline junkies who dream of exploring beneath the waves.

So whether you’re a first-time visitor  on honeymoon or coming back again to gain a deeper insight into the region, here are our picks of the must-visit destinations in the Maldives.

1. Raa Atoll

Best for the diverse marine life 

The Raa Atoll, a 45-minute seaplane journey from Male ’s Velana International Airport, comprises 88 islands. Its diverse marine life, combined with its proximity to the UNESCO Baa Atoll Biosphere Reserve , makes it a great destination for divers, many of whom come to see the manta rays that head to this part of the Indian Ocean to raise their young.

Raa Atoll resorts worthy of a spot on your bucket list include Heritance Aarah , which has fantastic sustainability credentials as the Maldives’ first LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) Gold resort. It’s also got a brilliant on-site museum, where various artifacts and a replica of a traditional Maldivian village provide a wonderful insight into the region’s history.

Additionally, the Cora Cora Maldives resort has a dive school that offers a huge range of qualifications, including Bubblemaker courses for children who fancy heading beneath the waves for the first time.

2. The Fari Islands

Best for luxury

A new concept for the Maldives, the North Male Atoll’s Fari Islands development currently comprises two resorts. The Patina Maldives  attracts a young stylish crowd with its minimalist over-water villas designed by Studio MK27 and a boutique filled with clothing curated by fashion magazine  The Rake . There's also a huge focus on art, the highlight of which is American artist James Turrell’s Skyspace , a hollow wooden structure that affords unique views of starry night skies.

At the  Ritz-Carlton Maldives , butler service comes as standard, and youngsters are kept occupied by the enormous video console-filled kids club. In 2025, a third resort, the  Capella Maldives , will be added.

3. Crossroads

Best for the range of accommodation 

Crossroads is another multi-resort complex, and it was one of the first in the Maldives. It’s also a destination in its own right – in addition to the Hard Rock Hotel Maldives , Saii Lagoon Maldives and SO/ Hotel Maldives , there’s a beach club and marina. Its proximity to Male’s Velana International Airport – it’s just a 15-minute speedboat ride away – means visitors whose seaplane flights are delayed (a regular occurance, given seaplanes are unable to fly at night) no longer have to stay in the notoriously basic hotels in the center of Male, but can head to one of Crossroads’ three resorts, instead.

Planning tip:  Got a painfully early flight home after your holiday? Rather than spending your final night in Male, where there are limited hotels, book a night at one of Crossroads’ hotels instead.

4. Baa Atoll

Best for wildlife-spotting excursions 

Baa Atoll is another popular destination for divers, snorkelers and anyone keen to check out the region’s marine life. This is where you’ll find the UNESCO-listed Baa Atoll Biosphere Reserve, home to one of the Maldives’ largest coral reefs and a magnet for a wide range of species. Many visitors come to this atoll to spot manta rays – it’s home to Hanifaru Bay, where thousands of the creatures regularly gather to feast on plankton carried here by the Indian Ocean’s currents. We recommend booking a stay at Vakkaru Maldives , which offers big five diving safaris designed for guests hoping to see manta rays, whale sharks, turtles, dolphins and blacktip sharks, all of which thrive here. 

Planning tip: If spotting mantas is a priority, aim to visit the Baa Atoll between June and November .

5. Laamu Atoll

Best for remoteness

One of the least developed atolls, Laamu in the southern Maldives is known for its lush vegetation, palm-fringed beaches and fabulously clear night skies (several resorts here have in-house astronomers). There’s just one resort on this atoll – the Six Senses Laamu , which is one of the best Maldives resorts for marine life due to its collaborations with the Manta Trust , Blue Marine Foundation and Olive Ridley Project , founded to protect endangered turtle species. A large number of liveaboards (boats with onboard accommodation for divers keen to visit multiple atolls) operate here.

6. Local islands 

Best for culture vultures 

There are hundreds of so-called "local islands" in the Maldives – islands which aren’t home to resorts, but local communities of Maldivians, many of whom work as fishers. While certain resorts offer day trips to local islands, it’s also possible to stay on one, in homestay-style accommodation owned by locals. These include Maafushi , which is connected to Male via a regular ferry service; Fulhadhoo, which is a two-hour speedboat ride from Male and located on the wildlife-rich Baa Atoll; and the Ari Atoll’s Hangnaameedhoo, surrounded by a beautiful coral reef.

A stay on one of these islands doesn’t just offer brilliant value for money (expect to pay between US$30 and US$60 for a night in a guesthouse) but a fantastic insight into the Maldivian way of life, and many guesthouse owners will happily arrange visits to island schools or excursions with local fishers.

7. Fairmont Maldives Sirru Fen Fushi

Best for sustainability 

The Green Globe-certified Fairmont Maldives Sirru Fen Fush i is one of numerous Maldives resorts going all out when it comes to sustainability, but we’re flagging this particular property because it’s the one many resorts look to as inspiration. In the on-site sustainability lab, various pieces of hi-tech kit – including an extruder, which turns pellets made from marine waste into a range of products including furniture – allow staff to recycle more plastic than any other resort. It’s not just employees turning trash into treasure, either – during regular workshops, guests can make items such as earrings and toys from waste plastic. The resort also has a turtle ranger project, the Coralarium, which acts as an artificial coral reef, and an osmosis facility that allows the resort to generate its own water supply, eliminating the need for plastic bottles. 

This article was first published November 2021 and updated February 2024

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Introducing Maldives

About maldives.

• Images of Maldives
• History, language & culture
• Weather & geography
• Doing business & staying in touch

Plan your trip

• Travel to Maldives
• Where to stay

While you’re there

• Things to see & do
• Shopping & nightlife
• Food & drink
• Getting around

Before you go

• Passport & visa
• Public Holidays
• Money & duty free

Book your flights

• Malé Ibrahim Nasir International Airport

Maldives travel guide

The Maldives is a by-word for luxury, romance and tropical bliss. A beautiful string of low-lying coral islands in the Indian Ocean, they're also a paradise for diving enthusiasts and sun-seekers alike.

The country's 26 natural atolls and over 1,000 islands boast uniformly perfect coasts dropped like pearls in the warm waters of turquoise blue lagoons. With bright white powdery sand fringing most of the islands, it’s not surprising that over a million visitors come here each year.

The tourism industry began to blossom in the 1970s and now is the Maldives’ most lucrative industry. The luxury market is its unique selling point, and it is home to some of the world’s best hotels. Pretty much every resort has its own private island, complete with personal butlers and in-room massages. Such opulence has made it a firm favourite with honeymooners, who revel in the possibility of escaping to a romantic haven. The islands also offer slightly less pricey options, and some resorts are aimed at families and divers.

The Maldives are extremely low lying (80% of the territory is less than 1m/3.3ft above sea level). As such, the islands have worked hard to become one of the most environmentally friendly countries on earth and continue to so. Luxury and tourism have often been essential in providing economic benefits to local inhabitants who struggle to utilise local resources.

Recently, it has become more feasible on the Maldives for independent travellers and backpackers to avoid the luxury hotels and stay among the local people. The growing number of private guesthouses may well give the Maldives a new lease of life away from big-money tourism. What luxury means, after all, is in the eye of the beholder.

298 sq km (115 sq miles).

515, 596 (World Bank estimate, 2018).

1,102.5 per sq km (2,855.5 per sq miles).

Malé.

President Mohamed Muizzu since 2023.

Travel Advice

The Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office ( FCDO ) provides advice about risks of travel to help British nationals make informed decisions. Find out more about FCDO travel advice .

Read all the advice in this guide and see support for British nationals abroad which includes:

• advice on preparing for travel abroad and reducing risks
• information for women, LGBT+ and disabled travellers

Follow and contact FCDO travel on Twitter , Facebook and Instagram . You can also sign up to get email notifications when this advice is updated.

Travel insurance

If you choose to travel, research your destinations and get appropriate travel insurance . Insurance should cover your itinerary, planned activities and expenses in an emergency.

This advice reflects the UK government’s understanding of current rules for people travelling on a full ‘British citizen’ passport from the UK, for the most common types of travel.

The authorities in Maldives set and enforce entry rules. If you’re not sure how these requirements apply to you, contact the Maldivian High Commission in the UK .

All travellers to Maldives must complete a Traveller Declaration Form (IMUGA) within 96 hours of arrival and departure.

COVID-19 rules

There are no COVID-19 testing or vaccination requirements for travellers entering Maldives.

Passport validity requirements

Your passport must have an ‘expiry date’ at least one month after the date you arrive in Maldives. Make sure your passport is not damaged or you may be stopped by immigration. 

Check with your travel provider that your passport and other travel documents meet requirements. Renew your passport if you need to.

You will be denied entry if you do not have a valid travel document or try to use a passport that has been reported lost or stolen.

Visa requirements

You will get a 30-day visa on arrival if you enter Maldives as a tourist.

If you intend to work in Maldives, you must get a work visa before you travel .

For further information on entry requirements and visas, contact the Maldives immigration department .

Vaccination requirements

At least 8 weeks before your trip, check the vaccinations and certificates you need in TravelHealthPro’s Maldives guide.    

Depending on your circumstances, these may include a yellow fever certificate.

Customs rules

There are strict rules about goods you can take into or out of Maldives . You must declare anything that may be prohibited or subject to tax or duty.  

It is illegal to bring in anything deemed contrary to Islam, including ‘idols for worship’, bibles, pork and pork products, and alcohol.

There is a high threat of terrorist attack globally affecting UK interests and British nationals, including from groups and individuals who view the UK and British nationals as targets. Stay aware of your surroundings at all times. 

UK Counter Terrorism Policing has information and advice on staying safe abroad and what to do in the event of a terrorist attack. Find out how to reduce your risk from terrorism while abroad .

Terrorism in Maldives  

Terrorists are likely to try and carry out attacks in Maldives.

Attacks could be indiscriminate, including in places visited by foreigners. Stay aware of your surroundings, keep up to date with local media reports and follow the advice of local authorities.

The Maldivian authorities have disrupted a number of terrorist attack plans since 2017, and have made several arrests relating to attack planning, recruitment of terrorist fighters and spreading extremist ideology. There have been anti-Western protests by extremists on some islands, including expressions of support for Daesh.

Examples of recent significant attacks include:

• in 2021, a high-profile politician and a number of bystanders were injured by the detonation of an improvised explosive device ( IED ) in central Malé
• in 2020 there was an arson attack on a police speedboat in Laamu Gan
• in 2020, knife attacks that injured 3 foreigners in Hulhumalé were claimed by Daesh supporters

Political situation

Political protests take place occasionally in Malé. Avoid any protests or rallies to ensure your safety and security.  

Crime levels are low in the exclusive resort islands, but petty crime does happen. Do not leave items unattended on the beach or in unlocked hotel rooms.

Outside the resorts, there are incidents of gang-related violence including knife crime, mainly in Malé and in Hulhumalé. Avoid empty roads when on foot, particularly after dark.

Laws and cultural differences

Maldives is an Islamic country. It is illegal to publicly observe a religion other than Islam. Make sure that your actions do not offend, especially during Ramadan or when visiting religious areas around mosques. Violations of local laws may lead to a prison sentence.

Ramadan is a holy month for Muslims. The dates vary by year and country. In 2024 Ramadan is expected to take place between 11 March and 10 April in Maldives. During this time, do not eat, drink or smoke in public in the daytime, outside of holiday resorts. Get more advice when you arrive from your tour guide, hotel or business contacts.

Alcohol laws and bans

Alcoholic drinks are only available on resort islands. Do not take any alcohol out of your resort. You can be arrested and deported for possessing and drinking alcohol, or being intoxicated outside resorts and on inhabited islands.    

Illegal drugs and prison sentences

Maldives has strong anti-drugs laws. Importing or possessing drugs carries severe penalties, up to and including life imprisonment.

Wildlife, animal products and souvenirs

It is illegal to take tortoiseshell jewellery or ornaments, or pieces of coral out of Maldives. 

LGBT+ travellers

Same-sex relations are illegal and if you are convicted, you could get a fine or a lengthy prison sentence.    

Read more advice for LGBT+ travellers .

Local dress standards

You should be sensitive to local dress standards when outside holiday resorts, including on beaches used by locals. Men and women should:

• have shoulders covered
• avoid short or tight-fitting shorts
• have arms and upper legs covered when bathing

Nudism and topless sunbathing are not allowed anywhere, including on resort islands.

Outdoor activities and adventure tourism

Swimming safety.

The sea around Maldives can have strong tidal currents and a number of tourists drown every year. Always take local advice before going into the sea.

Scuba diving

Many resort islands are more than an hour away from the nearest decompression chamber. Make sure you understand how your dive operator would get you to one of the 3 hyperbaric chambers in the islands. 

Transport risks

Road travel.

If you are planning to drive a car in Maldives, see information on driving abroad .

You’ll need to have both the correct version of the international driving permit ( IDP ) and your UK driving licence with you in the car. 

Hire car companies often have stricter requirements for their customers, such as a year of driving experience and minimum age 20 or 21.

There is a high risk of piracy and armed robbery in the Gulf of Aden and Indian Ocean.

There have been attacks on local fishing sailing vessels (dhows) in the Gulf of Aden and Horn of Africa. The international Naval Counter Piracy Forces advise all sailing yachts to stay out of the designated High Risk Area because of the risk of hijack or hostage-taking for ransom by criminal groups.

Extreme weather and natural disasters

Flash flooding can affect low-lying islands during periods of heavy rain. Follow the advice of the local authorities.

Before you travel check that:

• your destination can provide the healthcare you may need
• you have appropriate travel insurance for local treatment or unexpected medical evacuation

This is particularly important if you have a health condition or are pregnant.

Emergency medical number

Dial 102 and ask for an ambulance.

Contact your insurance company promptly if you’re referred to a medical facility for treatment.

Vaccinations and health risks

At least 8 weeks before your trip check:

• the latest information on recommended vaccinations and health risks in TravelHealthPro’s Maldives guide
• where to get vaccines and whether you have to pay on the NHS travel vaccinations page

The legal status and regulation of some medicines prescribed or bought in the UK can be different in other countries.

Read best practice when travelling with medicines on TravelHealthPro .

The NHS has information on whether you can take your medicine abroad .

Healthcare facilities in Maldives

Medical facilities are limited – the only fully equipped hospitals are in Malé and Hulhumalé. Most resort islands are within reach of a doctor or have their own medical facilities, but many are several hours’ travel away from emergency treatment.

FCDO has a list of English-speaking doctors in Maldives.

There is also guidance on healthcare if you’re living in Maldives.

Travel and mental health

Read FCDO guidance on travel and mental health . There is also mental health guidance on TravelHealthPro .

The Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office ( FCDO ) cannot provide tailored advice for individual trips. Read this travel advice and carry out your own research before deciding whether to travel.

Emergency services in Maldives

Ambulance: 102

Police: 119

Contact your travel provider and insurer

Contact your travel provider and your insurer if you are involved in a serious incident or emergency abroad. They will tell you if they can help and what you need to do.

Refunds and changes to travel

For refunds or changes to travel, contact your travel provider. You may also be able to make a claim through insurance. However, insurers usually require you to talk to your travel provider first.

Find out more about changing or cancelling travel plans , including:

• where to get advice if you are in a dispute with a provider
• how to access previous versions of travel advice to support a claim

Support from FCDO

FCDO has guidance on staying safe and what to do if you need help or support abroad, including:

• finding  lawyers
• dealing with a  death in Maldives
• being arrested or imprisoned in Maldives
• getting help if you’re a  victim of crime
• what to do if you’re  in hospital
• if you’re affected by a crisis , such as a terrorist attack

Contacting FCDO

Follow and contact FCDO travel on Twitter , Facebook and Instagram . You can also sign up to get email notifications when this travel advice is updated.

You can also contact FCDO online .

Help abroad in an emergency

If you’re in Maldives and you need emergency help from the UK government, contact the British High Commission Colombo who provide consular assistance for Maldives.

FCDO in London

You can call FCDO in London if you need urgent help because something has happened to a friend or relative abroad.

Telephone: 020 7008 5000 (24 hours)

Find out about call charges

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Living like a local in the Maldives

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Book a Hotel

© Columbus Travel Media Ltd. All rights reserved 2024

• 3 Other destinations
• 4.1 History
• 4.2 Economy
• 4.3 Culture
• 4.4 Climate
• 4.6 Visitor information
• 6.1 Entry requirements
• 6.2 By plane
• 6.3 By boat
• 7.1 By plane
• 7.2 By boat
• 9.1 Diving and snorkelling
• 9.2 Surfing
• 10.2 Tipping
• 11.1 Maldivian cuisine
• 13.1 Resorts
• 13.2 Guesthouses
• 13.3 Village homestays
• 16 Stay safe
• 17 Stay healthy
• 19.1 Emergency services

The Maldives ( Dhivehi : ދިވެހިރާއްޖެ Dhivehi Raajje ) are an archipelago in the Indian Ocean with picture-perfect beaches, strikingly blue water, and luxury resorts. There are 200 inhabited islands and 154 islands with tourist resorts. Just under the surface of the beautiful blue ocean, there's a wealth of wildlife to see: over 2000 species of fish in all colours of the rainbow roam the clear waters around the islands.

Regions [ edit ]

The Maldives are an archipelago of 1,192 coral islands formed of 26 atolls, or atholhu in Dhivehi — the source of the English word. These are not single islands, but giant ringlike coral formations hundreds of kilometres wide that have fragmented into countless islands.

Atoll naming is complex, as the atolls have both lengthy traditional Dhivehi names like Maalhosmadulu Dhekunuburi , and snappy code names like Baa that refers to administrative regions and may consist of more than one geographical atoll. The code names are the letters of Dhivehi alphabet, but being easier for non-Maldivians to remember and pronounce, the code names are popular in the travel industry and are hence also used here. Of the 21 administrative atoll groups, only (parts of) 10 are open to tourism, and from north to south these are:

The other atolls are Gaafu Alifu, Gaafu Dhaalu, Gnaviyani, Haa Alifu, Noonu, Haa Dhaalu, Laamu, Njyavinani, Shaviyani and Thaa.

Cities [ edit ]

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• Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'Module:Fuerdai Vandal Sick BuiIding in Wuhan causes coronavirus Willy on Wheels My testicles are very soapy and keep going up and down up down up down up down up down up down up down up down up down up down Joshua Wong's Frozen Wee House of Yahweh' not found. — just north of Addu, well off the beaten track
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Other destinations [ edit ]

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Understand [ edit ]

History [ edit ].

The heritage of the Maldives is told in legends, in records of old copperplates, coral-carved ancient scripts and echoes of traditional culture. The story tallies in known South Asian history with mentions of the great Mauryan ruler Emperor Ashoka.

After being a Sultanate under Dutch and British protection, the Maldives gained independence from the British in 1965 and became a republic in 1968. Maumoon Abdul Gayoom ruled over the country with an iron fist and did not hesitate to jail dissidents. He was re-elected five times in more or less rigged elections. Resistance to his rule culminated in violent rioting in 2003 and 2004. Much to everybody's surprise, free and fair elections were held in 2008, and Maumoon conceded defeat to opposition leader Mohamed Nasheed, "Anni". By December 2011, though, the tables had turned. Most of Nasheed's allies had left his government and there were increasingly large anti-government protests. Nasheed resigned in 2012 under murky circumstances and then lost a controversial 2013 election to Maumoon's half-brother Abdulla Yameen, whose administration has cracked down on political freedom and imprisoned opposition figures. During his rule, Yameen withdrew the Maldives from the Commonwealth, and pivoted his foreign policy away from Maldives' traditional ally, India, to align more closely with China in exchange for Chinese investments.

In the 2018 election, Yameen was defeated by opposition candidate Ibrahim Mohamed Solih. Despite fears that he would refuse to step down, Yameen publicly conceded the election shortly after, and handed power peacefully to his successor on 17th November 2018. Under Solih, the Maldives re-joined the Commonwealth in 2020, and has largely pivoted Maldives' policy back to India, though it has continued to maintain cordial ties with China.

The tsunami of 26 December 2004 caused extensive damage to the Maldives - of a population of only 290,000, over a third was directly affected by the tsunami and more than 15,000 people were left homeless. The economic damage alone was over 62% of the GDP or US$470 million. The immediate response from international donors and agencies mobilized more than US$400 million in aid after the disaster, much of which was used to help misplaced persons rebuild their homes and infrastructure damaged by the waves.

Economy [ edit ]

Tourism, Maldives largest industry, accounts for 28% of GDP and more than 60% of the Maldives' foreign exchange receipts. Over 90% of government tax revenue comes from import duties and tourism-related taxes. Over 1.7 million tourists visited the islands in 2019. Fishing is the second leading sector. The Maldivian government began an economic reform program in 1989 by lifting import quotas and opening some exports to the private sector. Subsequently, it has liberalized regulations to allow more foreign investment. Agriculture and manufacturing continue to play a minor role in the economy, constrained by the limited availability of cultivable land and the shortage of domestic labour. Most staple foods must be imported. Industry, which consists mainly of shipping, boat building and handicrafts, accounts for about 18% of GDP. Maldivian authorities worry about the impact of erosion and global warming on their low-lying country; 80% of the area is one metre or less above sea level.

Culture [ edit ]

Maldivians are entirely Sunni Muslim, and the local culture is a mixture of Sinhalese, South Indian and Arab influences. While alcohol, pork, dogs and public observance of non-Muslim religions are banned on the inhabited islands, the resorts are allowed to exist in a bubble where almost anything goes.

Note that the weekend in the Maldives runs from Friday to Saturday, during which banks, government offices and many shops are closed. You won't notice this at the resorts though, except that lunch hours may be shifted for Friday prayers.

Climate [ edit ]

The Maldives are tropical, with plenty of sunshine and temperatures around 26.4°C (79.52°F) to 31.5°C (88.7°F) throughout the year. However, rainfall increases considerably during the April-October southwest monsoon, particularly from June to November.

Read [ edit ]

• The Maldives: Islamic Republic, Tropical Autocracy by J. J. Robinson, a journalist who lived in the Maldives through some of its 21st-century political turmoil. In addition to an interesting look at what life is like for foreigners in Malé and for staff behind the scenes at the resorts, the book gives a detailed and surprisingly readable account of the complex political crises that the country experienced between 2008 and 2015.

Visitor information [ edit ]

• Visit Maldives website

Talk [ edit ]

Maldivian ( Dhivehi ), a close relative of Sinhala (spoken in Sri Lanka) but with borrowings from Urdu, Hindi, Arabic and many other languages, is the official and national language. It is written in a remarkable hybrid script called Thaana , which uses Arabic and Indic numbers as the base of the alphabet, written from right to left with Arabic vowel signs. The script is thought to have originated as a secret code for writing magical formulas so that outsiders can't read them, which would also explain why the ordering of the alphabet is, as far as linguists can tell, random.

English is widely spoken, particularly by government officials and those working in the tourism industry. English is also the language of instruction in schools. "House reef" describes a coral reef accessible from the beach or jetty, thus you may hear discussions about whether an island has a good house reef or not.

Since the Maldives are a popular destination for German and Italian holidaymakers, a sizeable number of local resort workers speak German and Italian. This may vary depending between resorts.

Get in [ edit ]

Entry requirements [ edit ].

The Maldives have a remarkably easy visa policy: Everybody gets a free 30-day visa on arrival, provided that they have a passport valid for a minimum period of 1 month from the date of entry, a return journey confirmed ticket and entry requirements to the onward destinations, a prepaid confirmed hotel booking at a registered hotel or proof of financial means for sufficient funds to support the stay in Maldives (US$100 + $50 per day). See the Maldives Immigration website for details.

Traveller Declaration must be filled in and submitted by all travelers travelling to and from Maldives, within 96 hours to the flight time. The form has to be submitted electronically via IMUGA .

Importing explosives, weapons, firearms, ammunition, pornographic material, materials deemed contrary to Islam including ‘idols for worship’ and bibles, pork and pork products, and alcohol into the Maldives is forbidden and all luggage is X-rayed on arrival. Exporting sand, seashells or coral is forbidden. All dogs are banned from the Maldives. See the Maldives Customs Service website [dead link] for details.

By plane [ edit ]

Practically all visitors arrive at Velana International Airport [dead link] ( MLE  IATA ), on Hulhulé Island next to the capital city Malé . The airport is served by a wide array of flights from China , India , Sri Lanka , Dubai , major airports in South-East Asia , and charters from Europe. Many flights stop in Colombo (Sri Lanka) on the way.

If you want to get an amazing aerial view of the islands, try to get a seat on the left side of the flight.

British Airways flies directly from London Gatwick to Malé during the winter (October to March). No direct flights operate from London Heathrow, however, it is possible to get an indirect flight via India or the UAE for example. Singapore Airlines flies daily direct from Singapore to Malé, with late night timings.

Gan Airport ( GAN  IATA ), on the southern atoll of Addu , serves a few international flights.

Departure taxes are included in your ticket.

By boat [ edit ]

There are no regular passenger boats to the Maldives. Even yachts usually steer clear, as navigating around the reefs is hazardous and permits are expensive. Dogs are banned from the Maldives. Even if they remain on your boat the authorities can be extremely sketchy about this compromise, and this can put the life of your dog at risk, should the officials you are dealing with not be sympathetic to your situation. Be sensible and do not bring them into any Maldivian port.

Get around [ edit ]

There are four main ways of getting around in the Maldives: domestic flight , boat , seaplane and private yacht (liveaboard). The boats are the Maldivian equivalent of a car, while seaplanes and private yachts (liveaboards) are mainly reserved for tourists.

Seaplanes prefer not to operate at night, so if you arrive at the airport after dark and are going to a distant resort, you may have to spend the night in Malé , Hulhumalé or at the airport hotel in Hulhulé . Private transfers, though expensive can be opted for resort transfers, instead of spending the whole night at Malé City. Private transfers could cost US$500-800. On the way back, there may also be a significant gap between the time your transfer arrives and your flight departure. Check with your resort or travel agent.

No point in the Maldives is more than 90 minutes away by plane from Malé , and visitors to the more far-flung resorts use air taxi services. There are four main operators: Manta Air , Flyme operates scheduled flights from Malé to Maamigili, Dharavandhoo and Hanimaadhoo, Trans Maldivian Airways which flies DHC-6 Twin Otter seaplanes that take around 15 passengers. The company schedules most planes at 6PM the previous day. Delays are frequent, it is not rare to wait for 5 hours in the TMA lounge. Seaplane scheduled in the evening has a high risk of being cancelled as delays add up and the sky becomes darker, in such cases TMA will make you take a combination of domestic flight and boat, potentially making you reach your destination well after dinner time.

Scheduled inter-island services are provided by Maldivian , which flies from Malé to Gan , Maafaru, Thimarafushi, Dharavandhoo, Funadhoo, Fuvahmulah, Hanimaadhoo, Ifuru, Kaadedhdhoo, Kadhdhoo, kooddoo, Kudahuvadhoo, Maavarulu, Faresmathoda, Hoarafushi, Madivaru and Kulhudhuffushi. Travel permits are no longer required.

The taxi boats generally take tourists to and from the islands in the North and South Malé atolls. They come in all different shapes and sizes depending on the quality of the resort you stay, and the Four Seasons has a large enclosed motor cruiser with drinks and food, while the lesser resorts have open-sided dhoni fishing boats.

Public dhoni ferries and cargo boats are available for more the independent-minded and budget-conscious. The main operator is MTCC , who list schedules and fares on their website.

The previous system of requiring written invitations and Inter Atoll Travelling Permits (IATP) for those wishing to visit other islands has been abolished; you're now free to travel wherever you wish. IATPs are still required if you wish to dock your own yacht, see Customs for details.

By bus [ edit ]

There are a number of bus routes around the capital including those which connects with the airport. They are run by RTL .

See [ edit ]

Most visitors come to enjoy the countless plush resorts, excellent beaches and stunningly colourful underwater life . Due to the isolated position of the island, the number of animals on land is limited, but the ocean has a wealth of wildlife. You will likely see plenty of anemones, different kinds of rays, octopus, squid and even giant clams. Whales, dolphins and turtles are spotted often. The Baa Atoll , named a UNESCO World Biosphere Reserve in 2011 and one of the richest coral reefs in the world is becoming the main tourist draw while also becoming an example of sustainable tourism in a protected area. In short; snorkelling or diving is an absolute must, see the Do-section below for more information.

The gorgeous and ubiquitous white sand beaches are a sight by themselves, especially with the tropical island setting they are in. A flight to one of the many resort islands gives spectacular aerial views of these picture-perfect islets, defined by rims of white sand and wide strokes of cobalt blue water.

Yet, if you can pull yourself away from your luxury holiday spot, the capital city Malé might be an interesting diversion. The bustling financial and political centre of the country has a few sights. Try the National Museum for a touch of history. While the building may not look too promising, the museum's fine collection includes beautiful Arabic and Thaana engraved woodworks, religious pieces, weaponry and other historic artefacts. The town also has a number of worthwhile mosques. The 17th-century Old Friday Mosque is the oldest one in the country, and officials are often willing to let polite and properly dressed visitors in. The Grand Friday Mosque & Islamic Centre is its 1984 modern counterpart, and dominates the city's skyline. While simple in design, the large, white marble structure and the shining gold dome is an attractive sight.

Do [ edit ]

Diving and snorkelling [ edit ]

Aside from making the water bungalow rock on your honeymoon, the primary activity on the Maldives is scuba diving . The atolls are all coral reefs hundreds of kilometres away from any major landmass, meaning that water clarity is excellent and underwater life is abundant. Manta rays, sharks, even a few wrecks, you name it, you can find it in the Maldives.

While diving is very good by world standards even in the immediate vicinity of Malé, visibility and the chance of encountering large pelagic fish increases as you head to the outer atolls. Many divers opt for live-aboards, which can work out much cheaper than paying high resort fees. Currents vary considerably, with generally little inside the atolls but some powerful streams to be found on the sides facing the open sea. Water in the Maldives is warm throughout the year and a 3 mm shorty or Lycra dive skin is sufficient. Diving is possible throughout the year, but rain, wind and waves are most common during the season of the southwest monsoon (June-November). The best time for scuba diving is from January to April when the sea is calm, the sun is shining and the visibility can reach 30 m. There are decompression chambers on Bandos in Kaafu (15 min from Malé), Kuredu in Lhaviyani Atoll and at Kuramathi on Alifu .

The one downside to diving in the Maldives is that it's quite expensive by Asian standards. Prices vary considerably from resort to resort, with specialist dive resorts offering better prices. In general, a single boat dive with your own gear cost around US$50, and US$75 without. Beware of surcharges: you may be charged extra for boat use, guided dives, larger tanks, etc. On the upside, safety standards are usually very high, with well-maintained gear and strict adherence to protocol (check dives, maximum depth, computer use, etc.) being the rule rather than the exception.

Hanifaru Bay is a protected biosphere by UNESCO and is famous for some of the largest congregations of manta rays on the planet.

Surfing [ edit ]

The Maldives is becoming an increasingly popular surfing destination. Turquoise water and perfect waves make it an ideal and uncrowded destination for surfers looking for smooth surfing conditions.

The best period for surfing in the Maldives is between March and October; the biggest waves occurring in June, July and August. This paradise is exposed to the same swells as Indonesia is, except that its higher latitude and its South-East exposure offers cooler and less hardcore surfing.

The O’Neil Deep Blue Contests held in the Maldives have placed Maldives firmly on the world’s surf map. While most of the recognized surf breaks are in Malé Atoll, there is certainly more to be discovered.

Specialized companies organize tailored multi-day boat trips in the region, allowing surfers to move easily from one point to another and maximizing the surfing time.

Buy [ edit ]

Money [ edit ].

The local currency is the Maldivian rufiyaa , denoted by the symbol " Rf " or "MFR" (ISO code: MVR ). It is divided into 100 laari. However by law, resorts price services in US dollars and require payment in hard currency (or credit card), so there's no need to change money if you're going to spend all your time at the resorts. Most hotels have a shop but this is limited to diving and holiday essentials (sun cream, sarongs, disposable cameras, etc.) Some excursions from resorts will take you to local islands where there are handicraft type things to buy, but they are typically made outside the Maldives and sold at significant markups.

Coins come in denominations of 1, 2, 5, 10, 25 and 50 laari, 1 and 2 rufiyaa. Banknotes come in denominations of 5, 10, 20, 50, 100, 500 and 1,000 rufiyaa. The current series of rufiyaa banknotes is printed entirely on polymer.

If you are heading to Malé City or the other inhabited atolls, exchanging some rufiyaa will come in handy. The coins, in particular, are quite attractive and make an interesting souvenir in themselves, but the smaller denominations are rarely used or seen. The rufiyaa is tied to the US dollar within a 20% band but is practically 15:1. US dollars are near-universally accepted: shops usually exchange them at 15:1 or 10:1.

Maldivian rufiyaa can be changed at Bank of Maldives in the arrival area of airport. If you want to change rufiyaa back to your currency before departure, you need to keep the receipt. After check in, at Bank of Maldives in the departure area of airport, you can change rufiyaa back to the currency you previously changed to rufiyaa, not exceeding the amount listed on the receipt. The Bank of Maldives may not have small notes of your original currency though.

Tipping [ edit ]

Tipping is not compulsory in the Maldives as a 10% service charge is added to everything, although it is not certain that the money is passed on to the staff.

Over the years the tipping culture has changed in the Maldives, mainly due to overseas visitors giving varying amounts of cash as tips.

Costs [ edit ]

Maldives is expensive for those who have comfort and service-oriented tourism in mind. Resorts have a monopoly on services for their guests and charge accordingly: for mid-range resorts, US$1000 per week per couple is a conservative budget for meals, drinks and excursions, in addition to the cost of flights and accommodation. Practically anything, including hotel rooms if booked locally, has a 10% "service charge" added, but tips are expected on top.

For an adventurous traveller who has time, Maldives can be a very affordable and rewarding experience, with prices comparable to Malaysia. A number of inhabited islands have guesthouses with typical prices €25-40 per room. On more remote islands, renting rooms in villages is possible at even less. Food is inexpensive, and fish curries are delicious. Public ferries will transfer you between different islands of the same atoll for a few US dollars (though for less obvious locations, there will typically be 1 ferry per day and no ferries on Fridays). For transfers to remote atolls, one can negotiate with cargo boats, which would often take people for €14-38, depending on the destination. Cargo boats do not have schedules and depart when loaded. One may expect 1 boat in 1-3 days for each atoll.

It is important to have in mind that staying on inhabited islands implies respecting the strict Muslim norms including no alcohol, modest dress, reserved behaviour. However, the locals are very welcoming and the experience may be much deeper and more rewarding than staying in resorts.

Eat [ edit ]

All the resorts are self-contained so they have at least one restaurant, which generally serves the type of cuisine expected by their guests (i.e. modern European or generic Asian). Breakfast is almost always included, and most resorts offer the option of half-board , which means you get a dinner buffet, and full board , which means you get a lunch and dinner buffet. These can limit the damage compared to ordering a la carte, but your options are typically very limited and drinks are often not covered, not necessarily even water. If you're planning on drinking a lot, it may be worthwhile to go all inclusive , but even this typically restricts you to house drinks.

The only other place to find food is Malé City . This comes in two forms. Either small restaurants aimed at the tourists (of which there are a couple of nice Thai restaurants), which are often expensive, or small cafes called hotaa , selling local Maldivian food at prices as low as Rf20 (US$6) for a complete meal.

Maldivian cuisine [ edit ]

Maldivian food revolves largely around fish ( mas ), in particular tuna ( kandu mas ), and draws heavily from South Indian tradition, especially Kerala . Dishes are often hot, spicy and flavoured with coconut, but use very few vegetables. A traditional meal consists of rice, a clear fish broth called garudhiya and side dishes of lime, chilli and onions. Curries known as riha are also popular and the rice is often supplemented with roshi , unleavened bread akin to Indian roti , and paaparu , the Maldivian version of crispy Indian poppadums. Some other common dishes include:

• mas huni — shredded smoked fish with grated coconuts and onions, the most common Maldivian breakfast (eat it as is or wrap it in roshi )
• fihunu mas — barbequed fish basted with chili
• bambukeylu hiti — breadfruit curry

Snacks called hedhikaa , almost invariably fish-based and deep-fried, can be found in any Maldivian restaurant.

• bajiya — pastry stuffed with fish, coconut and onions
• gulha — pastry balls stuffed with smoked fish
• keemia — deep-fried fish rolls
• kulhi borkibaa — spicy fish cake
• masroshi — mas huni wrapped in roshi bread and baked
• theluli mas — fried fish with chilli and garlic

Drink [ edit ]

As the Maldives are Muslim, alcohol is banned from the local population. However, nearly all resorts, live-aboard boats and the Hulhulé Island Hotel (on the same island as the airport) are licensed to serve it, usually with a steep markup.

Tap water in resorts may or may not be drinkable: check with the management. Bottled water is extortionately priced, with US$5/bottle being typical.

Sleep [ edit ]

The Maldives had a longstanding policy of keeping tourists on dedicated islands, which meant they could only stay in full-service resorts where the cost of a night's accommodation started around US$200 and went up into the stratosphere, and the vast majority of visitors continue to opt for these. However, from 2008 all the islands were opened to tourism, and backpacker-friendly guesthouses starting from US$30 a night opened on inhabited islands across the archipelago.

Resorts [ edit ]

Most resorts take up their own island (1500 x 1500m to 250 x 250m), meaning that the ratio of beach to guests must be one of the best in the world and it is hard to imagine that you would ever have to struggle to find your own private piece of beach to relax on. Many have a "no shoes" policy and with such soft sands, it is easy to love this idea.

The range and themes or the resorts are impressive, and most people will find one they like. They can be grouped into three types:

• Dive resorts , designed primarily for divers. Geared expressly for people who want to spend most of their time underwater, facilities on land are limited, but the house reef is usually excellent. Often found in the more far-flung parts of the archipelago.
• Holiday resorts , designed primarily for families. These are large and have a full complement of facilities (several restaurants, day-care centres, etc.), but don't have the over-the-top luxury and have less privacy. Most of these are located on Kaafu , with easy access from Malé City.
• Luxury resorts , designed primarily for honeymooners and the jet set. The place to be if you want designer furniture, gourmet food and a plasma TV in an overwater villa reachable only by rowboat, and are willing to pay high prices for the privilege.

A Maldivian classic is the overwater bungalow , built on stilts directly above a lagoon. While these look fabulous and sound appealing, they have their downsides:

• They're usually packed tightly together, often sharing a wall, meaning little privacy.
• Especially at low tide, the water level may be too low to allow swimming or snorkelling.
• Resort facilities may be a fair distance from the bungalows.
• The lapping of waves is romantic enough on a calm day but can make it next to impossible to sleep if a storm blows through.

These factors vary from resort to resort, so research carefully. A good one is definitely worth trying at least once, but many Maldives repeaters prefer a bungalow with a private beach .

When considering where to go, factor in transport time and costs from the airport: the more far-flung resorts generally require an expensive seaplane transfer and you may have to stay overnight at the airport on the way. On the upside, the further away you are from Malé, the more peaceful the islands and the better the diving.

Many resorts, especially the smaller dive-oriented ones, cater largely to a single nationality, leading to "Italian" resorts, "Dutch" resorts, "German" resorts, etc. While almost all welcome any nationality and have some English-speaking staff on hand, you may be cut off from any evening entertainment and have problems e.g. diving if you don't speak the local lingo.

Guesthouses [ edit ]

There are guesthouses on inhabited islands, and Maafushi island is popular with looking for hassle-free accommodation of this type. Low-end prices are €25-35 per night.

Examples include: Equator Village on Addu Atoll, a former British Royal Air Force base converted to a 78-room hotel. The cost is around US$100-150 per person per day all-inclusive (including some alcohol). Another unique location is Keyodhoo Guest House, this guest house is on top of a recreation centre built by an Australian after the tsunami (US$20 pp/per night). Most visitors are scuba divers or adventure travellers. Other Inns/B&B can also be found on Vaavu Atoll, Dhaalu Atoll, Kaafu Atoll, North/South Malé Atoll and Ari Atoll Hangnaameedhoo. Only a few of these inns and B&Bs have their own pool. Confirm if bikinis are allowed on the beach. The distance between the inns and beaches are usually short, but visitors should still dress appropriately to Maldive customs.

Village homestays [ edit ]

More independent-minded travellers and those looking for cultural experience may consider renting rooms in villages. This will require either walking through the village and asking around if you're particularly confident of your social skills or inquiring in Malé City whether someone can put you in contact with their friends or relatives on a remote island for such an informal homestay. Prices can be as low as €15 per night for a clean functional room.

Learn [ edit ]

The first university in Maldives (Maldives National University) was inaugurated on 15 February 2011. Operated under the aegis of the Department of Higher Education and Training, MCHE and the Islamic University of Maldives are the only free public degree-granting institutions on the island. The college offers a range of degrees, diplomas, and certificates, with particular emphasis on engineering, health science, education, tourism, and management. The average enrolment at MCHE is around 4,000 students in long-term (that is, more than one academic year) programs and around 2,000 in short-term (shorter than one academic year) courses. State-owned institutions such as Maldives Polytechnic and TVET Maldives offers free technical and vocational training to help develop skills for employment. Several private institutions offer internationally recognised undergraduate and postgraduate courses.

Work [ edit ]

Getting a job in the Maldives can be tricky. It is not the kind of place where you can just turn up and start job hunting. Generally, the resorts take on a mix of local and international staff so you need to approach the resort Human Resources departments. There is a good mix of jobs but a lot of the roles are diving based (divemasters, instructors, photographers, etc.)

Most resorts are predominately one or two nationalities so finding the resorts that match your language skills helps. After that experience always helps (especially for diving instructors as the Maldives are well known for their strong currents and half of the time the currents will take you straight out into the Indian Ocean).

Generally, if you get a job with a resort then they will get you a work permit and pay for your flight, food and accommodation. They don't really have much choice, it's hardly as if you can pop out to the supermarket and pick up a pizza for dinner.

Stay safe [ edit ]

Dial toll-free number 1478 or (+960) 9790070 to contact the tourist police at anytime for information or assistance.

Most visitors to the Maldives stay in “resort hotels” where crime levels are relatively low. Nevertheless petty crime, including the theft of goods left unattended on the beach or in hotel rooms, does occur. You should take care of your valuables and other personal possessions, especially when travelling in Malé City. Use safe deposit boxes on island resorts.

The sea around the Maldives can have strong tidal currents and a number of tourists drown every year. You should always take local advice before entering the sea.

You should be sensitive to local dress standards when on local islands or if staying on an island where the resort is not the exclusive property on the island – cover your shoulders and avoid short or tight-fitting shorts (men and women). Bikinis are only allowed in a designated area on some local islands. Nudism and topless sunbathing are not allowed anywhere, including on resort islands.

Maldives has very strong anti-drugs laws. Importing or possessing drugs can carry severe penalties, including life imprisonment. Locals and police are likely to treat seriously the possession and consumption of alcohol, and being intoxicated, outside resorts and liveaboards.

Same-sex relations are illegal and convicted offenders could face lengthy prison sentences and fines.

Cases of sexual harassment are not rare in Maldives. Solo female travellers should be vigilant.

Blasphemy, criticism of Islam and proselytizing by non-Muslims in Maldives, including the public possession and distribution of non-Muslim religious materials (such as the Bible), is illegal.

Stay healthy [ edit ]

Health facilities are established in each inhabited island with island level primary health centres, followed by a higher level of health facilities and speciality care hospitals at the atoll level, and tertiary care facilities at the urban/city level. If you fall seriously ill during your stay, you may be transported to another country for adequate medical care.

There are no serious problems with diseases in the Maldives. Beware that tap water may not be drinkable at all resorts: enquire locally. The Maldives are malaria-free, but some islands do have mosquitoes and catching dengue fever from them is possible, albeit highly unlikely. For those coming from regions infected by yellow fever, an international certificate of inoculation is required.

Most of the problems come from diving or sun-related injuries. Heatstroke always causes problems in the tropics but couple that with divers spending hours at a time on a boat wearing a wetsuit and overheating of one form or another is a real issue. Keeping this in mind, such injuries will be easily avoidable as long as you drink lots of water and get into the shade as much as possible.

Lots of the resorts have their own doctor or nurse and most are within easy reach of the decompression chambers. Malé City has efficient and fairly modern hospitals but bear in mind that it is a long way to get medically evacuated home from.

Respect [ edit ]

Much of what is considered good manners in South Asia is applicable to the Maldives.

Maldives is a highly religious country and local laws reflect the fact that the country is an Islamic country. You can very easily elicit strong responses by speaking negatively about religion, especially from an agnostic point of view.

Connect [ edit ]

There are two mobile operators: Dhiraagu and Ooredoo . Both of them sell local prepaid SIM card or eSIM with the internet connection at competitive rates. The first-mentioned of them is the leading local telecom company which has wider coverage while prices are about the same with its competitor. They both have shops right next to the airport arrivals area upon exiting. Also, both offer 4G/5G data connections. Also if you plan to sail maybe you can be interested in satellite service offered by Ooredoo.

Most hotels and cafés offer public Wi-Fi but connections are usually slow. A local mobile number is needed to purchase time at many Wi-Fi hotspots around the country.

Emergency services [ edit ]

Dial 119 or (+960) 3322111 for police, (+960) 3322211 for flight information, 118 for fire and rescue, and 191 for coast guard.

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Maldives Travel Advisory

Travel advisory june 23, 2023, maldives - level 2: exercise increased caution.

Reissued with updates to health information.

Exercise increased caution in Maldives due to terrorism .

Country Summary: Terrorist groups may conduct attacks with little or no warning, targeting tourist locations, transportation hubs, markets/shopping malls, and local government facilities. Attacks may occur on remote islands which could lengthen the response time of authorities.   

If you decide to travel to Maldives:

• Visit the CDC page for the latest Travel Health Information related to your travel.
• Avoid demonstrations and crowds.
• Monitor local media for breaking events and be prepared to adjust your plans.
• Be aware of your surroundings.
• Stay alert in locations frequented by Westerners.
• Enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program ( STEP ) to receive Alerts and make it easier to locate you in an emergency.
• Follow the Department of State on Facebook and Twitter .
• Review the Country Security Report for Maldives.
• Prepare a contingency plan for emergency situations. Review the Traveler’s Checklist  plan for emergency situations.

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21 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE TRAVELLING TO THE MALDIVES FOR THE FIRST TIME

Wondering what you need to know before travelling to the Maldives? Have burning questions about what to expect on your Maldives holiday? This is your one-stop comprehensive guide for Maldives travel information.

1.WHAT IS THE BEST TIME OF YEAR TO VISIT MALDIVES?

The weather is most favourable during the dry season from November through to April. Peak tourist season falls inside this period, from Dec – Feb. Prices are most expensive & availability is in high demand during this time. The wet season runs from May through to October & travellers can certainly expect sunny spells within this period. Prices are less expensive during these months, with many travel deals on offer. The surf season is the same as the wet season (April – October) & diving can be year round, island depending.

2. WHICH AIRPORT DO I FLY TO IN MALDIVES?

Velana International Airport (Malé). The airport is located on Hulhule Island, which is actually attached to Hulhumale Island (the transit island). Hulhumale Island is accessible via taxi& bus and is ideal for travellers arriving late at night. The capital cityof Malé is also close by – just a 5 minute ferry ride / 10 minute taxi ridefrom the airport.

3. DO I NEED A VISA FOR MALDIVES?

Maldives Immigration issues a 30 Day Tourist Visa On Arrival to all nationalities, subject totourists being able to produce a passenger arrival card (given in plane or upon arrival inside airport), a confirmed reservation for each night of theirintended stay and documentation for a departing flight. Tourists may be requested to produce these items to an Immigration Officer upon entry into Maldives, soplease be prepared – save a copy to your smart phone or have these printed beforehand.

At Indulge Maldives Holidays, we provide you with an Immigration voucher that you can produce, containing all of your travel details. All passengers arriving in Maldives must havea machine-readable passport in order to be allowed entry. Your passport must also have at least 6 months validity from your departure date from Maldives to be granted the Tourist Visaon Arrival.

4. DO I NEED TO HAVE MALDIVES ACCOMMODATION PRE-BOOKED?

Yes. All tourists must have a valid hotel reservation for the duration of their stay as this is a condition of entry to be granted the 30 Day Tourist Visa on Arrival.

5. WILL SOMEONE GREET ME AT THE AIRPORT ON ARRIVAL?

Yes. Once you arrivein Maldives, you must first clear Immigration. From the moment you step throughthe automatic sliding doors of the arrival hall, the resort or hotel staff ofwhere you are staying will greet you with their property signboard. If staying at a resort, you can alternatively proceed to the respective resort counterinside the airport. The resort / hotel representatives will assist you with your speedboat, sea plane or domestic flight transfer. Upon your departure from Maldives, the property will again assist you with your return to the airport toensure a smooth departure process from Maldives.

6.  CAN I ARRANGE ISLAND TRANSFERS FROM THE AIRPORT IN MALDIVES?

No. It is not possible to arrive in Maldives & book yourself atransfer from the airport. There are no public ferry, speedboat, sea plane or domestic flight services available from inside the airport. All transfers must be pre-booked through your tour operator, guesthouse, hotel or resort. Speedboat transfers to islands may only run once daily & need to be timed with flights. Our team has knowledge of all island transfers & can assist you with this. For more details on types of transfers & how to arrange, please read our ‘How to book a Maldives Island Transfer’ guide here.

All transfers are dependent on weather conditions and are subject to change, pending poor weather. Transfers are often combined with other flights so there may be a short wait upon arrival / and on departure. Your island representative will advise you of this when meeting you at the airport.

7. WILL SOMEONE GREET ME WHEN I ARRIVE AT AN ISLAND? 

Upon arriving at your intended holiday island, a representative from the guest services team of your hotel, resort or guesthouse will meet you on the jetty. Transport to the hotel will beprovided. You will be assisted with your check in process and escorted to your room shortly after arrival.

8. ARE ANY ITEMS PROHIBITED FROM ENTERING MALDIVES?

Yes. As the Maldives is 100% Muslim country, no alcohol, pork, pornography, religious artifacts,idols of worship, narcotics and psychotropic substances, explosives or weapons are allowed to enter Maldives. When departing Maldives, no sand, turtle shells, seashells or marine products can be taken out of the country by tourists.

9.  WHERE CAN I PURCHASE ALCOHOL IN MALDIVES?

Maldives is a 100% Islamic nation, meaning the sale & consumption of alcohol is strictly prohibited. Alcohol cannot be brought into Maldives & it is not sold induty free. Resorts & liveaboards/safari boats are the only exception where guests can freely enjoy alcoholic beverages during their vacation. If staying on a local island, there is no alcohol sold due to the strict Islamic laws. Travellers can however visit a designated floating bar boat located off selected islands (Maafushi, Thulusdhoo), & purchase alcoholic drinks for consumption onboard. Budget approximately US$10 per drink on safari boats.

10. WHAT IS THE MAIN CURRENCY USED IN MALDIVES?

The main currencies used in Maldives are US Dollars (USD) & Maldivian Rufiyaa (MVR).The official exchange rate is USD$1 = 15.42 MVR.

LOCAL ISLAND VACATIONS: We highly recommend using MVR / USD cash on local islands. Travellers should withdraw or exchange MVR cash on arrival at the airport. It is only possible to withdraw MVR currency from ATMs. Please note currency conversion rates & international bank fees will apply. Travellers cannot withdraw USD cash from ATMs. Not every local island will have ATM services available, so it is best to withdraw MVR cash at the airport onarrival. If paying in USD cash, it is common for change to be given in MVR. The standard conversion rate of USD & MVR is USD$1 = 15.42MVR will be applied. The use of Credit / Debit Cards is very limited on local islands.

RESORT VACATIONS :  We highly recommend using USD / Credit / Debit cards at resort islands. There is no cash withdrawal services on resort islands. MVR currency will not be accepted on resort islands.

MVR can only be exchanged back into your original currency upon your departure from Maldives, only if you have the original receipt issued to you on your initial exchange, at the airport Bank of Maldives exchange counter.

11. DO I NEED TO TIP IN MALDIVES?

Tipping is not compulsory in Maldives, however if you are happy withthe service you have received by the local people who take care of you during your Maldives vacation, a tip is would be appropriate & very much appreciated by the local people as wages are considerably low in Maldives. The amount to tip is completely up to you and your budget, however as a generalized guide, a tip of USD$10 (150MVR) – $20 (300MVR) would be appropriate. Also note,you will not be haggled in Maldives as this is against cultural customs and traditions.

12. ARE THERE TOURIST TAXES IN MALDIVES?

All service industry purchases such as accommodation, restaurants, cafés & excursions will attract a 10% service charge & 12% Government Tax. For accommodation a mandatory government Green Tax of USD$3 per person per night is charged by local island properties & USD$6 per person per day by resorts. Our Indulge Maldives Holiday packages are inclusive of all taxes, however if eating out or purchasing additional excursions, please note that the above may apply. The airport departure tax of US$25.00 is included when you purchase your airline ticket.

13. DO MALDIVIANS SPEAK ENGLISH?

Yes – almost all Maldivians speak fluent English. Dhivehi is the national language and it uses its own alphabetic system, reading from right to left.

14. DO I REQUIRE ANY VACCINATIONS BEFORE TRAVELLING TO MALDIVES?

It is always advisable to discuss with your doctor before travelling to Maldives for current up to date information. We recommend ensuring your Tetanus, Typhoid, Hepatitis A and Hepatitis B and Diphtheria vaccinations are up to date. Whilst there is no Malaria in the Maldives, Dengue Fever is often present. Wearing mosquito repellent is recommended, especially around sunset. We advise to bring medication to treat common conditions such as travellers diarrhoea & vomiting.

15. DO ANY DRESS CODES APPLY IN MALDIVES?

If staying at a resort island – you can wander around in your bikini all day if you please.

When staying on local islands, it is however important to dress a little modestly when moving through the local village area & passing by the houses where local people and children live. This aims to prevent offending Maldivian locals. Local island tourism is still quite new in Maldives, and local people are adjusting to having tourists on their islands. Wearing longer skirts, dresses, shorts, thick-strapped singlet tops & t-shirts is considered appropriate when walking through the village areas. Never walk through a village island wearing only a bikini, as this is strictly against local laws.

Walking around the beach & tourist areas of an island, it’s generally acceptable to wear shorts & singlets, having arms / legs exposed. Tourists must only wear bikinis at the designated bikini beaches of an island. Always check first if it is a bikini beach before swimming. Your guesthouse or hotel can advise you on this. It is necessary to wear a sarong, light beach dress, t-shirt & shorts etc when moving to & from a bikini beach. Bikinis are also fine to wear on sandbanks, snorkeling trips, & at resorts – always ask your guesthouse /hotels if you aren’t sure if your clothing is appropriate.

If visiting the capital city Malé, we recommend to dress modestly – knee length shorts & t-shirts as a minimum.

16. CAN I DRINK THE WATER IN MALDIVES?

No, not unless you like drinking salt water!

Each hotel will provide bottled drinking water for guests. It’s also easy to purchase extra water bottles from local shops, for around 30c for 1L. If you bring a refillable drink bottle, this will help to cut down on plastic as re-fill stations are available. Brushing your teeth with the water is fine.

17. DO MALDIVES HOTELS HAVE WIFI / WILL I NEED A SIM CARD?

WiFi is supplied by some hotels & guesthouses. The Maldives has a fast and reliable internet connection. If you wish to connect to internet when you are out & about each day, it may be advisable to purchase a SIM card. This is easy to do at the airport from Ooredoo & Dhiraagu, the two main phone/internet coverage providers in Maldives. USD$20 will provide around 3-5GB of data.

18. WHAT TYPE OF ELECTRICAL ADAPTOR WILL I REQUIRE FOR MALDIVES?

The three-pin (British style) socket is mostly used in Maldives. Some guesthouses provide international powerpoints and will have adaptors available for hire, however weadvise on bringing your own.

 19.  WHAT SIZE SUITCASE SHOULD I BRING TO MALDIVES?

You will probably have a 30kg luggage limit with your airline ticket, however this isn’t to say that you will need to bring 30kgs of luggage to Maldives! Remember you will be travelling via speedboat and you may need to carry your luggage on and off boats. You may also need to wheel / lift your suitcase through sandy roads at times.

20.  DO I NEED TRAVEL INSURANCE?

YES – this is a must when travelling internationally & should be arranged at least 1 week in advance of your trip commencement. Travel insurance can cover the cost of medical treatment, travel misadventure & baggage mishaps. Always read your policy in depth before purchasing. Travel Insurance is compulsory in joining our retreats.

21. WHAT TO BRING TO MALDIVES

Maldives is a tropical destination so daytime temperatures are usually around 28-30 degrees.

We recommend bringing:

• Lightweight,comfortable & cool clothing
• Atleast one or two modest outfits to wear through island villages / to Malé City e.g. long skirt / pants / long dress / t shirt / long sleeve top
• Day time casual clothing for the islands – shorts, t-shirts, skirts, singlets etc
• Smart casual clothing for any special dinner nights / resort day trips
• Shoes– thongs/flip flops or sandals. No need for enclosed shoes unless you want to workout. Possible booties for surfing.
• Bikinis, swimmers, rash vests, board shorts
• Sunglasses & hats
• Dive certification & log book if you wish to dive
• Electricalchargers, cables & batteries
• Electrical  equipment: ipad / phone / laptop / camera / go-pro
• 50+Sunscreen
• Mosquitorepellent
• Motionsick tablets / wristbands
• Prescriptionmedication along with actual prescription
• Aftersun gel
• Moisturiser
• Beach Towel – often be supplied by hotels
• Hand Sanitiser
• Ear plugs & eye mask
• Travel Money Card
• USB– for photos

BOOK YOUR MALDIVES TRIP WITH US…

We love providing affordable & personalised service for our guests. We take care of everything from the planning right through to your departure from Maldives. We offer you:

• The very best rates – cheaper than your will find anywhere online
• We match your holiday wish list to the perfect island & property – saving you time & money.
• Free Maldives phone / email consultation
• A complimentary Maldives holiday itinerary
• Free FAQ Guide to Travelling the Maldives for the First Time
• Free 18 page Maldive on A Budget e-book
• Arrange all excursions & island transfers in accordance with your flights
• We are also Surf Travel Specialists
• Professional Photography Services (drone, underwater, lifestyle)
• We are available on What’s App throughout your entire stay in Maldives should you require assistance during your stay

CONTACT OUR FRIENDLY TEAM TODAY 

YOU MAY ALSO LIKE:

HOW TO BOOK MALDIVES ISLAND TRANSFERS

BEST TIPS FOR TRAVELLING THE MALDIVES ON A BUDGET

THE 10 BEST BUDGET ISLANDS IN MALDIVES

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INDULGE MALDIVES

Indulge Maldives Holidays is an exclusive Maldives Travel Agency. We specialise in both affordable & luxury vacations to Maldives, group style island hopping retreats & surfing holidays. Our Australian Founder & Travel Specialist Kristie has lived in Maldives for almost 8 years & has travelled to over 50 Maldives islands. She works alongside Maldivian locals & takes exceptional care of her clients'​ needs, from planning to departure. Indulge Maldives proudly partners with over 30 local island hotels & 60 Maldives resorts. Our holiday packages start from as little as US$50 per night. Contact Kristie today & let her help you create your dream Maldives vacation, no matter your budget!

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THE 10 CHEAPEST RESORTS IN MALDIVES

Nomadic Matt's Travel Site

Travel Better, Cheaper, Longer

The Maldives Travel Guide

Last Updated: August 17, 2023

The Maldives is one of the most sought-after luxury destinations in the world, conjuring images of lavish resorts and jet-set honeymooners lounging in beachfront villas and swimming in sapphire waters. While the Maldives is home to all of those things and is known as a luxe destination for splashing out, it’s also possible to visit here without entirely breaking the bank.

Located in the Indian Ocean, this remote country of 1,192 islands and 26 coral atolls is bursting with world-class diving and snorkeling. There are a plethora of opportunities to explore outside the hotel resort bubble and take in the beautiful remoteness of this tropical paradise. Thanks to a greatly improved boat transfer system and the opening up of independent guesthouses, the Maldives is evolving into a (slightly more) budget-friendly vacation spot.

This travel guide to the Maldives can help you plan your trip, save money, and make the most of your time in this gorgeous tropical getaway!

Table of Contents

• Things to See and Do
• Typical Costs
• Suggested Budget
• Money-Saving Tips
• Where to Stay
• How to Get Around
• How to Stay Safe
• Best Places to Book Your Trip
• Related Blogs on the Maldives

Top 5 Things to See and Do in the Maldives

1. Explore Malé

The Maldivian capital, while small, has plenty of things to see and do. Seet the country’s 17th century mosque (Hukuru Miskiiy) and get a historical overview of the country at the National Museum. Be sure to grab a coffee and watch the world go by in one of the charmingly chaotic cafes too.

2. Go diving

The Maldives is one of the best diving destinations in the world. See hammerheads in Rasdhoo Madivaru (aka Hammerhead Point) or free dive with whale sharks. There are also lots of mantas and sea turtles here too. Single-tank dives start at 775 MVR.

3. Relax on the beach

Outside the private resorts, Omadoo (on the South Ari Atoll) and Ukulhas Island (on the Alif Alif Atoll) are two of the best beaches in the country. Manadhoo is another great place too. Just make sure you’re on a designated ‘Bikini Beach’ (a beach specifically for westerners).

4. Enjoy the food

The seafood here is beyond delicious and incredibly fresh. Most of the restaurants in Malé offer outdoor dining areas. Some of the more popular places to go include The Seagull Café, Symphony, Royal Garden Café, and Irudhashu Hotaa (for quick meals).

5. Do some watersports

Banana boats (inflatable boats pulled behind a speedboat), parasailing, water skiing, jet skiing, snorkeling, and kayaking can all be found here. Prices range from 380 MVR for snorkeling to 2,000 MVR per person for tandem parasailing.

Other Things to See and Do in the Maldives

1. treat yourself to a spa day.

Even when you’re on a modest budget, it’s wonderful to indulge in an extra dose of R&R. Expect to pay at least 1,000 MVR for a 30-minute massage. Some of the larger hotels offer discounts for early-morning/late evening bookings so inquire with your hotel, Airbnb host, or guesthouse to find out about deals.

2. Go fishing

Seafood is an integral part of Maldivian cuisine. Most hotels and guesthouses rent poles, bait, and provide a guide for around 775 MVR. Skipjack and yellowfin tuna, wahoo, mahi-mahi, bigeye scad, and mackerel scad are all commonly found here. If you’re an experienced angler, some of the best game fishing in the world can be done here. Expect to pay at least 3,000 MVR for a half-day shared charter.

3. Snorkel in the Baa Atoll

The Baa Atoll is a 1,200-square-kilometer (463-square-mile) UNESCO Biosphere Reserve brimming with manta rays and whale sharks. On a clear day, you can see them swarming below the surface. It’s only a five-minute boat ride from Dharavandhoo Island but visiting the area is strictly regulated and there is an 80 person capacity so as not to disrupt the precious ecosystem. Admission is around 550 MVR, which gives you 45 minutes in the water and a certified snorkel guide. Profits go towards the Baa Atoll Conservation Fund.

4. Tour the National Art Gallery

Established in 1999, there’s no permanent gallery here so be sure to check the website in advance as the space is left empty if there is no visiting exhibition on display. The temporary exhibitions at the gallery, which range from traditional paintings and local textiles to international modern artists, are well worth a visit.

5. Dive the Maldive Victory

In 1981, this 100-meter-long (328-foot) cargo ship hit a reef and sank. It’s now an incredible dive site for experienced divers. Resting between 15-31 meters (50-100 feet) below the surface, there are strong currents here that keep the tropical fish flowing through the shipwreck — but they also make it a challenging dive site. There are all kinds of coral, fish, and sponges here. It’s accessible all year around.

6. Visit the Malé Fish Market

Come here and catch a glimpse of Maldivians living out their daily routine in the commercial center of Malé. Select a fish (if you can muster your way through a purchase as most fishermen don’t speak English) and have it cooked at your guesthouse for dinner.

7. Wash up on a sandbank

These tiny mounds of sand in the middle of the Indian Ocean are the closest you can get to feeling like you’re on your own private island. Private trips can be arranged to any one of the hundred different banks dotted around the islands (many of which are attached to/affiliated with resorts). Tours usually last 2-3 hours and cost 900 MVR.

8. Skip Maafushi

Maafushi, once a sleepy little island, is now the victim of uncontrolled development. There are hotels going up left and right, boats making frequent trips to Malé to pick up tour groups, and an increasingly-crowded and overbuilt beach. The few restaurants on the island cater mostly to tourists and outside the area cleaned up for visitors, it’s one trash-covered dump. Skip it!

9. Do all the watersports

Diving and snorkeling to see the life under the water is what the Maldives are famous for but there’s plenty more to do. Most resorts have kayaks, paddleboards, and paddle boats that you can borrow for free. Others offer surfing, windsurfing, and kitesurfing packages for both beginners and experienced surfers (May-October is the best time for this). Then you’ve got things like banana boating, tubing, jet skiing, sailing, parasailing, and flyboarding which are all also often available.

10. Stay on a local island

Most people stay in the high-end resorts when they go to the Maldives but there’s so much more to the islands than this. Local islands give you the chance to get to know the Maldives as a country rather than just seeing a resort and a ton of biodiverse marine life. The local islands are where you can find guesthouse accommodation which is cheaper, and there is more variety in terms of tour operators, restaurants, and other things to do. Fulidhoo, Ukulhas, Rasdhoo, and Thinadhoo and some of the most popular choices. Generally speaking, the further away from the capital you get the more laid-back and quiet the islands are.

Maldives Travel Costs

Accommodation – Private rooms at guesthouses are going to be your cheapest option in the Maldives, with prices starting around 625 MVR per night.

Resorts start at 6,000 MVR per night (not including the private speed boats or seaplane transfers you need to arrive there). They can cost upwards of 30,000 MVR a night, making this an ideal place to use any hotel points you have saved up.

Airbnb is available around the islands with private rooms starting at 700 MVR, though 1,200 MVR is more common. For an entire home/apartment, prices start at 1,500 MVR but can go as high as 6,000 MVR or more! Entire homes/apartments are far less common so be sure to book in advance if you prefer one.

Wild camping isn’t possible as all land around the islands is owned. Your only real camping option is to ask to pitch a tent in someone’s back yard, however, this isn’t a reliable solution so skip camping here.

Food – Traditional cuisine in the Maldives is based on fish, coconuts, and rice. Tubers like taro and sweet potatoes are also common staples. Aside from all kinds of fish and seafood soups and stews, be sure to try favorites such as gulha (fried fish filled dough balls), kuli (spicy fish cakes), and dessert treats like bondi bai (Maldivian rice pudding).

Most traditional meals cost less than 70 MVR at casual local restaurants though most resorts and hotels include meals since restaurants here are rare.

For a three-course meal of traditional food at a budget-friendly hotel, expect to pay around 300 MVR with a drink.

Alcohol is generally prohibited but can be found at the more luxurious resorts. Expect to pay a premium for it: beer costs upwards of 125 MVR while cocktails are double that. A latte or cappuccino costs 35 MVR while a bottle of water is 5 MVR.

If you’re looking to cook your own food, make sure you stock up at the STO trade center in Malé. Shopping here can save you a little extra money, especially if you are staying somewhere with a kitchen. Prices here are often more competitive than street vendors and there is a great assortment of fresh fruits, vegetables, and other daily essentials.

For a week’s worth of staples like rice, produce, and seafood, expect to pay around 700 MVR.

Backpacking the Maldives Suggested Budgets

If you are backpacking the Maldives, my suggested budget is 1,100 MVR per day. This assumes you’re staying in a budget guesthouse, cooking all of your meals, not drinking alcohol, taking public ferries to get around (but mostly sticking to one island), and doing free and cheap activities like snorkeling and relaxing at the beach.

On a mid-range budget of 4,300 MVR, you can stay in a budget hotel or private Airbnb, eat out for most of your meals, take some guided tours, go diving, do some water sports, visit a couple of islands, and take the occasional private water taxi to get around.

On a “luxury” budget of 9,500 MVR or more per day, you can stay in a hotel, drink alcohol, eat out for all your meals, island-hop, and do more activities and guided excursions such as fishing charters and parasailing. This is just the ground floor for luxury though. The sky is the limit!

You can use the chart below to get some idea of how much you need to budget daily, depending on your travel style. Keep in mind these are daily averages – some days you’ll spend more, some days you’ll spend less (you might spend less every day). We just want to give you a general idea of how to make your budget. Prices are in MVR.

Maldives Travel Guide: Money-Saving Tips

The Maldives is a challenging place to save money so non-resort travel is fairly new to the country. There are only a few things you can do to lower your budget here:

• Bring plenty of cash – Though the Maldives has its own currency (MVR), US dollars are widely accepted — and you often get a better price if you pay in USD. This varies from one restaurant or shop to another, so carry both and pay with whatever gives you the best rate. There are only ATMs in Malé.
• Bring a reusable water bottle – The tap water here is not safe to drink so make sure you have a reusable bottle with you. To stay safe, bring a water filter like LifeStraw to ensure your water is clean and free from bacteria. It saves you money and saves the environment too!
• Island hop by ferry – The Maldives’ islands are served by a series of ferries from Malé. They run on opposite days (to Maafushi on Monday, back to Malé on Tuesday) and rarely on Friday (the Muslim sabbath). You can jump from Malé to an atoll’s capital island then to smaller, nearby islands in the chain. Ferries cost between 55-150 MVR depending on the distance. Plan ahead and research the ferries beforehand so you can avoid paying for a private speedboat.
• Consider all-inclusive packages – The taxes and import fees on food and drink means that you really don’t have many restaurants to choose from. Some hotels offer great rates which include food, drinks, and even premium amenities such as watersports, free yoga classes, or spa treatments.
• Use a travel agent for resort stays – This might seem counterintuitive for a budget traveler but agents who specialize in Maldives travel often have access to better deals than you can find on the internet. Their prices generally include speedboat or seaplane transfer costs and you may even find that you get upgrades on arrival.
• Book in advance – While most budget travelers figure out their plans on arrival, booking in advance has several benefits. For starters, Airbnbs, guesthouses, and hotels can get booked up in peak seasons so your options may be limited. If you have booked in advance, your hotel or friendly villa/guesthouse owner can help facilitate transfers and arrange activities.

Where To Stay in the Maldives

Hostels are virtually non-existent in the Maldives so people on a budget mostly stay in guesthouses and small hotels. Here are a few suggestions to help you get started and save money:

• Dream Inn (Thulusdhoo)
• Sands Exotic Hotel (Thulusdhoo)
• Hanifaru Transit Inn (Dharavandhoo)

How to Get Around the Maldives

Boat – The unreliable but reasonably-priced public ferry is a no-brainer for independent travelers, with ferries starting at 55 MVR depending on the route. If you’re looking to visit an island farther away from Malé, you need to do some island hopping via the ferry system. This might require you to stay overnight on an island along the way as the ferries do not run daily or regularly. Most ferries also do not run on the weekends.

Many of the islands further afield can only be accessed by private boat or plane. Check the ferry schedule well in advance and plan accordingly (I didn’t and it threw off my whole itinerary).

The island ferry schedule can be found here .

Private speedboats cost around 385-1,500 MVR per person depending on the distance from Malé.

When to Go to the Maldives

The Maldives is a year-round destination with temperatures hovering between 23-31°C (74-89°F). The high season runs from December to April, when airfare and hotel prices increase dramatically (especially around Christmas, New Year, Chinese New Year, and Easter). Book in advance if you want to visit during this period.

Don’t be too nervous about booking during the monsoon period, which runs from May to October. You can enjoy fewer crowds, better rates, and plenty of sunny days in between the few-and-far rainy spells.

Diving is spectacular throughout the year. For other watersports, such as surfing, the best breaks are from mid-February to November.

How to Stay Safe in the Maldives

The Maldives is an incredibly safe destination for tourists. Keep an eye on your belongings in public areas in Malé, which is more prone to petty crime (although at a very low level). On the other islands, especially the resort-focused islands, it’s highly, highly unlikely anything is going to happen to you or your stuff. That said, it’s always a good idea to avoid leaving any valuables on the beach while you swim.

Solo female travelers should feel safe here, though the standard precautions apply (always keep an eye on your drink when out, never walk home alone at night, etc.)

With the exception of the 2004 tsunami, large-scale natural disasters are rare. However, climate change has led to an uptick in increased rainfall, storm surges, and minor coastal floods. Make sure you have travel insurance when you visit.

Respect the Muslim customs by adhering to dress codes, especially in the capital, where resort wear isn’t common. Do not drink alcohol outside your resort as fines are possible.

While scams here are rare, you can read about common travel scams to avoid here if you’re worried about getting ripped off.

If you experience an emergency, dial 119 for assistance.

Always trust your gut instinct. Make copies of your personal documents, including your passport and ID. Forward your itinerary along to loved ones so they’ll know where you are.

The most important piece of advice I can offer is to purchase good travel insurance. Travel insurance protects you against illness, injury, theft, and cancellations. It’s comprehensive protection in case anything goes wrong. I never go on a trip without it as I’ve had to use it many times in the past. You can use the widget below to find the policy right for you:

Maldives Travel Guide: The Best Booking Resources

These are my favorite companies to use when I travel. They consistently have the best deals, offer world-class customer service and great value, and overall, are better than their competitors. They are the companies I use the most and are always the starting point in my search for travel deals.

• Skyscanner – Skyscanner is my favorite flight search engine. They search small websites and budget airlines that larger search sites tend to miss. They are hands down the number one place to start.
• Hostelworld – This is the best hostel accommodation site out there with the largest inventory, best search interface, and widest availability.
• Booking.com – The best all around booking site that constantly provides the cheapest and lowest rates. They have the widest selection of budget accommodation. In all my tests, they’ve always had the cheapest rates out of all the booking websites.
• Get Your Guide – Get Your Guide is a huge online marketplace for tours and excursions. They have tons of tour options available in cities all around the world, including everything from cooking classes, walking tours, street art lessons, and more!
• SafetyWing – Safety Wing offers convenient and affordable plans tailored to digital nomads and long-term travelers. They have cheap monthly plans, great customer service, and an easy-to-use claims process that makes it perfect for those on the road.
• LifeStraw – My go-to company for reusable water bottles with built-in filters so you can ensure your drinking water is always clean and safe.
• Unbound Merino – They make lightweight, durable, easy-to-clean travel clothing.
• Top Travel Credit Cards – Points are the best way to cut down travel expenses. Here’s my favorite point earning credit cards so you can get free travel!

Maldives Travel Guide: Related Articles

Want more info? Check out all the articles I’ve written on backpacking/traveling the Maldives and continue planning your trip:

My In-Depth Guide to Experiencing the Maldives on a Budget

How to Spend a Week in the Maldives for Less Than a Night in a Resort

Get my best stuff sent straight to you, pin it on pinterest.

• Where To Stay
• Transportation
• Booking Resources
• Related Blogs

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• Passports, travel and living abroad
• Travel abroad
• Foreign travel advice

Entry requirements

This advice reflects the UK government’s understanding of current rules for people travelling on a full ‘British citizen’ passport from the UK, for the most common types of travel.

The authorities in Maldives set and enforce entry rules. If you’re not sure how these requirements apply to you, contact the Maldivian High Commission in the UK .

All travellers to Maldives must complete a Traveller Declaration Form (IMUGA) within 96 hours of arrival and departure.

COVID-19 rules

There are no COVID-19 testing or vaccination requirements for travellers entering Maldives.

Passport validity requirements

Your passport must have an ‘expiry date’ at least one month after the date you arrive in Maldives. Make sure your passport is not damaged or you may be stopped by immigration. 

Check with your travel provider that your passport and other travel documents meet requirements. Renew your passport if you need to.

You will be denied entry if you do not have a valid travel document or try to use a passport that has been reported lost or stolen.

Visa requirements

You will get a 30-day visa on arrival if you enter Maldives as a tourist.

If you intend to work in Maldives, you must get a work visa before you travel .

For further information on entry requirements and visas, contact the Maldives immigration department .

Vaccination requirements

At least 8 weeks before your trip, check the vaccinations and certificates you need in TravelHealthPro’s Maldives guide.    

Depending on your circumstances, these may include a yellow fever certificate.

Customs rules

There are strict rules about goods you can take into or out of Maldives . You must declare anything that may be prohibited or subject to tax or duty.  

It is illegal to bring in anything deemed contrary to Islam, including ‘idols for worship’, bibles, pork and pork products, and alcohol.

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Exercise a high degree of caution in Maldives due to the risk of civil unrest and the threat of terrorism.

Maldives (PDF 260.15 KB)

Asia (PDF 2.21 MB)

Local emergency contacts

General emergency, fire and rescue services, medical emergencies.

Call 102 or go directly to the hospital.

Call 3322111.

You can also call the tourist police on 979 0070.

Advice levels

Exercise a high degree of caution in Maldives.

Malé has frequent protests and demonstrations. There are Parliamentary Elections scheduled for 2024. Avoid affected area and follow the advice of local authorities. 

• Terrorism can occur anywhere at any time. Terrorists may target areas visited by tourists. Follow the advice of local officials.
• Drug-related crime and gang-related violence occurs in urban areas, including Malé. Petty theft happens on beaches and in hotel rooms. Leave your valuables in a secure location. Monitor local media to avoid trouble spots.
• The monsoon season is from mid-May to November. Strong winds, rough seas and torrential rain can occur. Tsunamis can also occur. Keep in contact with friends and family. Follow the advice of local authorities.
• The sea around Maldives can have strong tidal currents and rips. A number of tourists drown every year. There may not be safety information at beaches. Take appropriate precautions.

Full travel advice: Safety

• Insect-borne diseases are a risk, including dengue, Zika virus and chikungunya. Use tropical strength insect repellent.
• Hepatitis and rabies are also a risk. Boil drinking water or drink bottled water.
• Medical services, including emergency services and decompression chambers, are limited. It can take several hours to reach medical facilities. If you become seriously ill or injured, you'll need to be evacuated. This can be very expensive.

Full travel advice: Health

• Don't use or carry illegal drugs. Penalties for drug offences are severe and can include life imprisonment.
• Serious crimes, such as murder, can attract the death penalty.
• It's illegal to import or drink alcohol unless you're on a resort island.
• It's illegal to publicly observe any religion other than Islam. Don't import pornography or pork products. 
• Maldives recognises dual citizenship. 
• Standards of dress and behaviour are conservative in Malé and non-resort islands. Dress modestly in Malé and non-resort islands. Take care not to offend.

Full travel advice: Local laws

• You can get a tourist visa on arrival to Maldives, provided you meet all entry requirements. Entry and exit conditions can change at short notice. Contact the  Department of Immigration and Emigration of the Republic of Maldives  for details about visas, currency, and customs.
• All travellers to Maldives must complete a  Traveller Declaration  within 96 hours before departure to and return from Maldives. 
• Airlines may require proof of certain vaccinations to travel. Check requirements with individual airlines prior to travel.
• Maldives may implement curfews, travel restrictions between islands, and entry restrictions at short notice. If you're in Maldives, follow the Maldivian tourism and health guidelines.
• The local currency is the Maldivian Rufiyaa (MVR), though $US is accepted at most resort islands.
• You can change money and use ATMs in Malé and many larger islands. Take cash if you're travelling to other areas.

Full travel advice: Travel

Local contacts

• The  Consular Services Charter details what we can and can't do to help you overseas.
• Contact the Australian High Commission in Malé, Republic of Maldives for consular help.
• To stay up to date with local information, follow the High Commission's social media accounts.

Full travel advice: Local contacts

Full advice

Civil unrest and political tension.

Public protests and events that draw large groups of people may occur in Maldives and can turn violent. 

To stay safe during periods of unrest:

• avoid all protests and large public gatherings
• monitor the media for planned or possible unrest
• obey curfews and seek local advice on safety and security
• follow the instructions of security personnel and local authorities

More information:

Demonstrations and civil unrest

Terrorism is a threat worldwide.

Terrorism can occur anywhere in Maldives at any time. Possible targets include government institutions and tourist areas.

To reduce your risk of being involved in a terrorist attack:

• avoid crowded areas
• always be alert
• follow the advice of local authorities
• monitor the media and other sources

Since February 2020, there have been several terrorism offences, including a stabbing attack on three foreigners in Hulhumalé, where an Australian was injured. Other incidents include an arson attack on a police speedboat in Laamu Gan in March 2020 and the detonation of an improvised explosive device in Malé in May 2021, which injured a high-profile politician and bystanders.

Terrorist threats

Drug-related crime occurs in Malé and other cities in Maldives.

Gang-related violence, including knife crime, has increased in urban areas, including Malé and Hulhumalé.

There is an ongoing risk of petty crime in Maldives, including pickpocketing, bag snatching and other petty crimes. Be careful of theft in crowds and these locations:

• hotels and guesthouses

To protect yourself from petty theft:

• carry only what you need
• leave valuables, including your passport, in a secure location
• follow local media for new security risks
• avoid trouble spots

Cyber security

You may be at risk of cyber-based threats during overseas travel to any country. Digital identity theft is a growing concern. Your devices and personal data can be compromised, especially if you're connecting to Wi-Fi, using or connecting to shared or public computers, or to Bluetooth. 

Social media can also be risky in destinations where there are social or political tensions or laws that may seem unreasonable by Australian standards. Travellers have been arrested for things they have said on social media. Don't comment on local or political events on your social media. 

More information:  

• Cyber security when travelling overseas  

Tours and adventure activities

Transport and tour operators don't always follow safety and maintenance standards. This includes adventure activities, such as water sports.

If you plan to do an adventure activity :

• check if your travel insurance policy covers it
• check the operator credentials and safety equipment before you book
• ask about and insist on minimum safety requirements
• always use available safety gear, such as life jackets or seatbelts

If proper safety equipment isn't available, use another provider.

Climate and natural disasters

The monsoon season is from mid-May to November. Strong winds, rough seas, torrential rain and flash flooding can happen.

If there is a natural disaster or severe weather :

• secure your passport in a safe, waterproof location or carry it on you at all times (in a waterproof bag)
• keep in contact with friends and family
• consult your tour operator about disruptions to your travel plans

Tsunamis can occur in Maldives. These are caused by nearby or distant earthquakes .

If you're near the coast, move immediately to high ground if advised by local authorities, or if you:

• feel a strong earthquake that makes it hard to stand up
• feel a weak, rolling earthquake that lasts a minute or more
• see a sudden rise or fall in sea level
• hear loud and unusual noises from the sea

Don't wait for official warnings, such as alarms or sirens. Once on high ground, check local media.

Register with the Global Disaster Alert and Coordination System to receive alerts on major disasters.

Travel Insurance

Ensure you have comprehensive travel insurance .

Your policy needs to cover all overseas medical costs, including medical evacuation. The Australian Government won't pay for these costs.

If you can't afford travel insurance, you can't afford to travel. This applies to everyone, no matter how healthy and fit you are.

If you're not insured, you may have to pay many thousands of dollars up-front for medical care.

• what activities and care your policy covers
• that your insurance covers you for the whole time you'll be away

Physical and mental health

Consider your physical and mental health before you travel, especially if you have an existing medical condition. 

See your doctor or travel clinic to:

• have a basic health check-up
• ask if your travel plans may affect your health
• plan any vaccinations you need

Do this at least 8 weeks before you leave.

If you have immediate concerns for your welfare or the welfare of another Australian, call the 24-hour Consular Emergency Centre on +61 2 6261 3305 or contact your  nearest Australian Embassy, High Commission or Consulate  to discuss counselling hotlines and services available in your location.

• General health advice
• Healthy holiday tips  (Healthdirect Australia)

Medications

Not all medication available over the counter or by prescription in Australia is available in other countries. Some may even be considered illegal or a controlled substance, even if prescribed by an Australian doctor.

If you plan to bring medication, check if it's legal in Maldives. Take enough legal medicine for your trip and consider bringing an extra supply in case your trip is unexpectedly extended.

Carry a copy of your prescription or a letter from your doctor stating:

• what the medicine is
• your required dosage
• that it's for personal use

Health risks

Insect-borne diseases.

There is a risk of insect-borne diseases in Maldives. These include:

• chikungunya

Zika virus is a risk to pregnant women. Read the Australian Department of Health's Zika virus bulletin for advice on how to reduce your risk.

If you're pregnant:

• discuss travel plans with your doctor
• consider deferring non-essential travel to affected areas

To protect yourself against insect bites:

• ensure your accommodation is insect-proof
• use tropical strength mosquito and insect repellent
• wear long, loose, light-coloured clothing

Other health risks

Waterborne, foodborne and other diseases are common. These include:

Serious outbreaks sometimes occur.

To protect yourself from illness:

• drink boiled water or bottled water with intact seals
• avoid ice cubes
• avoid uncooked and undercooked food, such as salads

Get medical advice if you have a fever or diarrhoea.

Infectious diseases

Medical care

Hospital services, including rescue and emergency services, are limited.

There are two general hospitals in Malé. They offer general medical and some specialist services. The larger private hospital in Malé offers a wider range of services.

It can take several hours to reach a hospital from resort islands.

Facilities are limited for scuba-diving injuries. There are limited decompression chambers in Maldives. It may take several hours to reach these in an emergency. Dive within safety limits.

You may need to be evacuated if you become seriously ill or injured. Medical evacuation can be very expensive.

You're subject to all local laws and penalties, including those that may appear harsh by Australian standards. Research local laws before travelling.

If you're arrested or jailed, the Australian Government will do what it can to help you under our Consular Services Charter . But we can't get you out of trouble or out of jail.

Penalties for carrying or using illegal drugs offences are severe and can include mandatory jail sentences and life imprisonment.

If you're caught with even a small amount of illegal drugs, you can be charged with trafficking. 

Carrying or using drugs

The death penalty can apply for serious crimes, such as murder.

In Maldives it's illegal to:

• import alcohol
• drink alcohol — unless you're on a resort island
• import pornography
• import pork products — see Maldives Customs

It is illegal to:

• publicly observe any religion other than Islam
• import non-Islamic religious material

LGBTI travellers

Same-sex sexual acts are illegal in Maldives.

Non-resorts islands

A permit is no longer required to visit a non-resort island.

Provided you have entered Maldives with a valid visa, you have permission to travel to any part of the country.

Australian laws

Some Australian criminal laws still apply when you're overseas. If you break these laws, you may face prosecution in Australia.

Staying within the law and respecting customs

Dual citizenship

Maldives recognises dual nationality.

Dual nationals

Local customs

Dress and behaviour.

Standards of dress and behaviour are conservative in most parts of Maldives.

Dress modestly in Malé (covering shoulders and knees for women) and on non-resort islands.

Take care not to offend. Public displays of affection outside of resorts are likely to cause offence.

The Islamic holiday month of  Ramadan  is observed in Maldives. Respect religious and cultural customs and laws at this time.

During Ramadan, eating, drinking and smoking may be illegal in public during the day. If you're not fasting, avoid these activities around people who are. 

Resort islands generally don't need to follow the rules of Ramadan, though guesthouses on inhabited local islands will. Seek local advice to avoid offence.

Explore our Ramadan page to learn more, including dates for Ramadan.

Visas and border measures

Every country or territory decides who can enter or leave through its borders. For specific information about the evidence you'll need to enter a foreign destination, check with the nearest embassy, consulate or immigration department of the destination you're entering. 

You can get a tourist visa on arrival to Maldives, provided that you meet all entry requirements. Entry and exit conditions can change at short notice. Contact the  Department of Immigration and Emigration of the Republic of Maldives  for details about visas, currency, customs and quarantine rules.

Border measures

Airlines may require proof of certain vaccinations to travel. Check requirements with individual airlines prior to travel. You must complete a  Traveller Declaration  form 96 hours before departure to and return from Maldives.

Tourists must have a confirmed booking at a registered tourist facility before entering Maldives. 

Other formalities

Yellow fever vaccination

You need a valid yellow fever vaccination certificate to enter Maldives if you're coming from a country with a risk of yellow fever. Some airlines may want to see one when you leave.

Find out about returning to Australia after exposure to yellow fever .

Countries with a risk of yellow fever (PDF 151KB)

Some countries won't let you enter unless your passport is valid for 6 months after you plan to leave that country. This can apply even if you're just transiting or stopping over.

Some foreign governments and airlines apply the rule inconsistently. Travellers can receive conflicting advice from different sources.

You can end up stranded if your passport is not valid for more than 6 months.

The Australian Government does not set these rules. Check your passport's expiry date before you travel. If you're not sure it'll be valid for long enough, consider getting a new passport .

Lost or stolen passport

Your passport is a valuable document. It's attractive to people who may try to use your identity to commit crimes.

Some people may try to trick you into giving them your passport. Always keep it in a safe place.

If your passport is lost or stolen, tell the Australian Government as soon as possible.

• In Australia, contact the Australian Passport Information Service .
• If you're overseas, contact the nearest Australian embassy or consulate .

Passport with 'X’ gender identifier

Although Australian passports comply with international standards for sex and gender, we can't guarantee that a passport showing an 'X' in the sex field will be accepted for entry or transit by another country. Contact the nearest  embassy, high commission or consulate of your destination  before you arrive at the border to confirm if authorities will accept passports with 'X' gender markers. 

• LGBTI travellers  

The local currency is the Maldivian Rufiyaa (MVR).

You can change money at resorts, though many will accept $US. You can also change money and use ATMs at banks in Malé and many larger islands.

Carry cash if you're travelling to other areas.

Most hotels and major tourist facilities accept credit cards.

Before you travel, ask your bank if your cards will work in Maldives.

Local travel

Travel between islands is by boat or seaplane.

Driving permit

To drive in Maldives, you'll need both:

• a valid International Driving Permit (IDP)
• a current Australian driver's licence

If you drive without an IDP, you may not be covered by your travel or vehicle insurance.

Road travel

There are few roads and vehicles in Maldives.

Road traffic accidents are common. Pedestrians and those travelling on motorcycles are at high risk of accidents. Follow road safety regulations and stay alert at all times.

Motorcycles

Check with your travel insurer to see if you're covered to use a motorbike.

Always wear a helmet.

Most helmets you can buy or rent in Maldives don't meet Australian standards.

Taxis and water taxis

Only use licensed taxis and limousines. Ask your hotel to arrange taxis.

Many resorts operate water taxis between the airport and other islands.

Always wear a life jacket, even if others don't.

Public transport

Public transport options are limited on land.

Ferries operate between major islands.

Contact your hotel for details.

Travelling by boat

Cruise ships and foreign flagged yachts arriving in Maldives must adhere to International Maritime Organisation (IMO) regulations and guidelines.

• Going on a cruise

DFAT doesn't provide information on the safety of individual commercial airlines or flight paths.

Check Maldives' air safety profile with the Aviation Safety Network.

Emergencies

Depending on what you need, contact your:

• family and friends
• travel agent
• insurance provider

Always get a police report when you report a crime.

Your insurer should have a 24-hour emergency number.

Consular contacts

Read the  Consular Services Charter  for what the Australian Government can and can't do to help you overseas.

For consular assistance, contact the Australian High Commission in Malé.

Australian High Commission, Malé

Level 5, JEN Maldives Malé

Ameer Ahmed Magu

Malé 20096, Republic of Maldives

Phone: +960 334 0080

Website:  Australian High Commission, Maldives

Facebook:   Australia in Maldives

Check the High Commission website for details about opening hours and any temporary closures.

24-hour Consular Emergency Centre

In a consular emergency, if you can't contact an embassy, call the 24-hour Consular Emergency Centre on:

• +61 2 6261 3305 from overseas
• 1300 555 135 in Australia

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Maldives Travel Information

The Maldives is an independent Republic of over 1,200 coral islands scattered across the blue waters of the Indian Ocean some 650 km southwest of  Sri Lanka . Its palm-fringed islands, sparkling white beaches, turquoise lagoons, clear warm waters, and captivating coral reefs draw pleasure-seekers and sports enthusiasts alike.

A haven for water-sports enthusiasts, the Maldives offers fantastic facilities for scuba diving, snorkeling, sailing, windsurfing, and fishing. Island hopping provides an excellent diversion for those requiring a more leisurely and varied break. The flight time between Sri Lanka and the Maldives is approximately 45 minutes.

The islands have been populated for over 3,000 years ago. Early settlers were travellers on the Silk Route and from the Indus Valley civilization. With a warm, friendly, and hospitable culture, it is easy to feel comfortable and relaxed among the locals.

The Maldives has been a melting pot of different cultures as people from different parts of the world came to the islands. Some of the local music and dance for instance resemble African influences. There is also a great South Asian influence in some of the music and dancing, and in the traditional food of the Maldivians. Women play a major role in society, though gender roles are quite traditional.

The Maldives is a luxury destination with many upscale resorts. As a country of islands, most goods are imported, so travellers should definitely budget for this.  

Any alcohol brought to the country will be confiscated by airport authorities on arrival. You will be given a receipt to reclaim it on departure. Alcohol is readily available for purchase at all the resorts, so there is no need to bring your own.

At Goway we believe that a well-informed traveller is a safer traveller. With this in mind, we have compiled an easy-to-navigate travel information section dedicated to the Maldives.

Learn about the history and culture of the Maldives, the must-try food and drink , and what to pack in your suitcase. Read about Maldives's nature and wildlife , weather , and geography, along with 'Country Quickfacts' compiled by our travel experts. Our  globetrotting tips , as well as our visa and health information, will help ensure you're properly prepared for a safe and enjoyable trip. The only way you could possibly learn more is by embarking on your journey and discovering the Maldives for yourself. Start exploring… book one of our Maldives vacations  today!

Extend Your Trip

After your Maldives tour, consider visiting other destinations. Goway offers exciting  China vacation packages ,  India tours , and  Thailand vacation packages  plus a comprehensive selection of vacation packages in many other Asian countries.

Book your Maldives vacation with Goway!  

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GOWAY DESTINATIONS

These are the best all-inclusive resorts in the Maldives, from overwater bungalows to family-friendly getaways

A trip to the Maldives — that dreamy equatorial archipelago of white-sand beaches, swaying palms and vibrant reefs — might seem like Champagne wishes and caviar dreams. And its luxury resorts certainly offer plenty of both delicacies. However, there are also affordable all-inclusive options where you won't pay extra for a satisfying meal or a cocktail at the bar, which can be a relief after the time and money spent to reach this far-flung destination.

Over the last 50 years, luxury resorts have transformed this tiny Indian Ocean country into one of the most beloved beach destinations out there, equally accessible to families on school holidays and couples on romantic getaways.

Some travelers come for its world-class diving, snorkeling and reef surfing. Others come simply to unplug and unwind. Meanwhile, the resorts' kids clubs with plenty of water activities are a hit with the young ones.

Changing climate patterns mean it's never a bad time to go to the Maldives, but the peak season runs from November to April. Whichever time of year you decide to visit, these 11 Maldives all-inclusive resorts — and hotels offering all-inclusive packages — will give you a warm island welcome, and you won't have to worry about spending too much out of pocket after you arrive.

A 40-minute seaplane ride from Male whisks guests to this lush Raa Atoll escape. The resort's 120 villas and suites are spread across 49 hectares of private island and over a massive turquoise lagoon.

Emerald's luxury all-inclusive package offers four places to eat and drink, including an ever-changing international buffet at Aqua Restaurant and zesty Latin-American dishes at Amazonico Restaurant. Guests on the "Deluxe All-Inclusive" package can partake in any of the four restaurants day or night. Plus, the villa's minibar, premium spirits and nonmotorized sports are also included.

This member of The Leading Hotels of the World caters to couples and families with its diving and water sports centers, large Balinese-style spa and 16,000-square-foot kids club with a sprawling outdoor play area with plenty of activities and a kids-only restaurant.

All-inclusive packages at Emerald Maldives Resort & Spa start at $590 per adult and $360 per child per night.

This 122-villa Accor property in the Gaafu Alifu Atoll is one of the best all-inclusive resorts in the Maldives for budget-conscious travelers. A one-hour flight from Male, the resort sits on an island of over 44 acres with a unique freshwater lake in the middle.

Pullman's all-inclusive package extends guests the choice of meals at three different restaurants, including a dedicated vegetarian menu at Phat Chameleon and Italian specialties at Souq Oven, washed down with a wine list including 80 international vintages at its three beachside bars.

Travelers to the island will see it's basically one giant sandbox for adults, with beach boot camp classes, a tennis court, snorkeling and stand-up paddleboarding all included. It's also a kid-friendly island with small clubs for little ones and teens. They'll especially love the Aqua Villa, a two-bedroom accommodation with an underwater bedroom.

All-inclusive rates at Pullman Maldives All-Inclusive Resort start at $1,127 per night, based on double occupancy.

When it comes to Maldives all-inclusive resorts, this one is hard to beat. At Kudadoo, barefoot luxury combines with bespoke butler service for its "Anything, Anytime, Anywhere" ethos. Guests have unscripted dining, so they can order omelets to the room at 4 p.m. or shrimp cocktail at midnight. Yes, a stay at Kudadoo will definitely leave you spoiled.

The resort has just 15 enormous overwater residences, each with a private pool and a Japanese ryokan-style aesthetic that will have you feeling Zen as soon as you step foot inside. And while most guests may never leave their private overwater palace, we recommend you do. The two-story Retreat houses the bulk of guest experiences, including a Japanese restaurant, cocktail bar, game room, gym and spa, where unlimited treatments are included.

Activities galore are also part of the experience, from private picnics on the nearby deserted Dream Island to diving and flyboarding.

All-inclusive rates at Kudadoo Maldives Private Island start at $3,017 per night, based on double occupancy.

A 30-minute speedboat ride from Male's Velana International Airport (MLE) brings you to paradise. Anantara Veli shares a lagoon with its sister properties, Anantara Dhigu and Naladhu Private Island. And while guests also have access to Anantara Dhigu, Veli has everything you need.

Its 67 beach, water and overwater villas have recently been redesigned with black-and-white interiors and natural pops of color decorating the pitched-roof spaces. The resort's "All-Inclusive Indulgence" package gives guests a unique choice of either 12 or 24 hours of "all-inclusive premium beverages." It also confers discounts for stays longer than three nights.

Having access to another resort means double the dining options, so guests can eat a big buffet breakfast at Fushi Cafe or the Indian restaurant, Cumin, before enjoying a lunch of grilled seafood or meat at Sea.Fire.Salt. or Spanish tapas at the Dhoni Bar. When dinner rolls around, guests can choose between the four included restaurants or go to the much-loved Baan Huraa for Thai or Origami for Japanese, where a $60-per-person credit goes toward your meal.

All-inclusive rates at Anantara Veli Maldives Resort start at $840 per night, based on double occupancy, with a three-night minimum.

One of the country's newest points-friendly resorts wows with its simultaneously brutalist yet tropically romantic design, ideal for couples. Sitting on just over 27 hectares of white sands in the northern Raa Atoll, each of its 80 beachfront and overwater villas has a private pool.

Its all-inclusive package requires a three-night minimum stay, but once you touch down here, you won't want to leave. All meals at its main international restaurant, Seasalt, are included, as is alcohol. But the real perk you get from booking this rate is the 60-minute spa treatment in Alila's tranquil treetop spa and a complimentary group dolphin cruise included in the package.

And while leaving your Balinese-meets-Japanese-inspired villa seems like a chore, the island's activities are worth it. Spend your days at the water sports and dive center, the yoga pavilion, the paddle tennis courts, the game room, or by the beach.

All-inclusive rates at Alila Kothaifaru Maldives start at $1,138 per night, based on double occupancy.

Hugging the equator, this luxe Hyatt hotel is in the Huvadhoo Atoll, one of the country's deepest and most southern. Its secluded locale means marine life here is as colorful and plentiful as it gets, and there is a unique 360-degree house reef reputed to be one of the best in the Maldives.

The resort opened in 2009 as an Alila but rebranded to Park Hyatt in 2011. Its 51 villas include 14 classic Maldives overwater bungalows — all with private ocean access and the majority with private plunge pools. The remaining 37 are on land, including the three-bedroom Residence. Guests on the all-inclusive package can enjoy meals at the international Dining Room, the Maldivian-inspired Island Grill and the beachside Bar. But standout restaurants, including the Japanese overwater Koi and the plant-based Chef's Garden Treehouse, are also bookable at a 50% discount. Luckily, water, soft drinks and most alcoholic drinks are also included.

When guests aren't diving into the tropical fruit-filled breakfast, they can treat themselves to an ayurvedic massage at the Vidhun Spa, go fishing past the equator, practice sunset yoga or lounge by one of the two large resort pools.

All-inclusive rates at the Park Hyatt Maldives Hadahaa start at $940 per night, based on double occupancy.

Soneva Jani is, without a doubt, one of the best all-inclusive resorts in the Maldives. Although high-flying travelers may break the bank with the Soneva Unlimited package, it's worth every penny.

When Soneva says "all-inclusive," it really means it. There's unlimited dining at its seven restaurants, including the plant-based So Wild by Diana Von Cranach and the cracking-good Crab Shack, as well as alcohol, including vintages from the Soneva Unlimited package-specific wine list. You can spend the entire day in the resort's two Soneva Soul spas getting treatments like cryotherapy and ayurvedic massages arranged by your private butler at no extra charge. As the cherry on top, marine activities, laundry and the minibar are also part of the package.

Besides what may arguably be the world's best all-inclusive offering, every guest has access to the resort's 24/7 ice cream, chocolate and charcuterie rooms. Kids can go wild at The Den, a two-story kids club with multiple waterslides. If you're an adult, don't worry; nearly every palatial overwater villa has its own waterslide and retractable roof for stargazing.

The Soneva Unlimited all-inclusive rate at Soneva Jani starts at $1,220 per adult per night.

Located in the northern Lhaviyani Atoll, the small private island that is home to Hurawalhi is a 40-minute seaplane flight from Male. The adults-only (ages 15 and up) resort's 90 villas are apportioned across five categories, ranging from Beach Pool Villas to Ocean Pool Villas. And while they may be more compact compared to accommodations at other resorts, the style is contemporary and comfortable.

But at Hurawalhi, guests will want to spend most of their time in the water anyway. Go snorkeling along the house reef, visit one of the world's largest populations of manta rays and enjoy a plethora of complimentary water sports. If you'd rather not get wet while admiring the marine life, book a table at the world's largest undersea restaurant, 5.8 Undersea Restaurant.

Although the resort's all-inclusive package doesn't comprise dinner at 5.8 Undersea, the experience is worth splurging for. However, the package does include meals at its three other restaurants and unlimited "all you can drink'' beverages at its two bars. Highlights of the package include a group sunset dolphin cruise, a 30-minute snorkeling session with the resort's marine biologist and a 30-minute group windsurfing lesson.

All-inclusive rates at Hurawalhi Island Resort start at $1,149 per night, based on double occupancy.

Opened in 2019, this IHG property has 81 rooms and suites in 14 categories that range up to three-bedroom residences. The three-bedroom Lagoon Residence feels like a SoCal beach house with rope-slung chairs, beanbag-style seating and a private pool. It doesn't have direct access to the ocean, but across the sandy path, it has access to the island's lagoon for some snorkeling.

IHG Club Benefits here include afternoon tea, pool goodies and an aperitif hour, as does the resort's all-inclusive package, which also proffers three meals a day at a selection of its five restaurants and unlimited drinks from a special menu at its two bars. If you're not getting pampered at the overwater Avi Spa or wading in the resort's massive beachside pool, you're probably eating. Try the oven-baked pizzas at The Collective and the catch of the day at The Fish Market. Be sure to visit the Champagne sommelier at the dhoni-shaped Sunset Bar to add some sparkle to your stay, too.

A big plus of the all-inclusive offering is the use of nonmotorized water equipment and the 50% discount on seaplane transfers in the offseason (through Sept. 30).

All-inclusive rates at InterContinental Maldives Maamunagau Resort start at $1,270 per night, based on double occupancy.

Opened by Accor in 2018, this large private getaway sits on nearly 40 acres of a lush natural island in Shaviyani Atoll. Having the country's longest infinity pool is the resort's claim to fame, but there's a lot more to experience here, especially with the all-inclusive package.

Choose from 120 villas in several different room categories, including a signature thatch-roofed overwater bungalow and a more creative tented jungle villa, each with a private pool. Guests can opt for a daily changing buffet at Raha Market or special menus at its two seafood-focused restaurants, Kata and Azure, and a selection of premium beverages.

As a truly kid-friendly island, there are multiple-bedroom villas perfect for the whole family. Plus, children under 12 stay and eat for free as part of the all-inclusive package. They can spend days painting coconuts in the Art Studio, making new friends in the Kids' Club or snorkeling in the Coralarium, a beautiful underwater sculpture garden and regeneration project.

All-inclusive rates at Fairmont Maldives, Sirru Fen Fushi start at $930 per night, based on double occupancy.

While it is one of the country's most family-friendly resorts, the fact that Lux* South Ari Atoll is on an island with a nearly 2-mile shoreline means there's plenty of room for everyone. At the edge of the Ari Atoll, this long sliver of sand has 193 stylish villas and pavilions with fresh white interiors and classic thatched roofs.

Once guests decide to leave the room, this sprawling resort has eight restaurants, five bars, a sprawling spa and two large pools to play in. Dining options for the all-inclusive package include Southeast Asian, Mediterranean, Indian and international, but exclude the resort's Italian and Japanese restaurants. However, there is a 40% discount if you're craving pasta or sushi. Taittinger Champagne by the glass and a selection of liquors flow freely at the resort's handful of bars if you book the all-inclusive offer, though.

There's not enough time in the day to try all of the resort's activities, but you can pack your vacation with free activities from bocce to kayaking to quiz night. However, we recommend booking a whale shark snorkeling excursion and a muscle-melting massage at the Lux* Me Spa.

All-inclusive rates at Lux* South Ari Atoll start at $626 per night based on double occupancy.

The 30 Best Maldives Resorts for Every Kind of Island Traveler

With just over 50 years of tourism under its belt , the Maldives haven’t been on the vacation radar—at least with US travelers—for that long, but the archipelago nation has made up for that in the last decade or so with a near-constant stream of eye-catching resort openings. To date, there are over  170 resorts in the destination, situated on sugary sand private islands , away from any other signs of civilization. With most of the major hospitality names represented, and nearly every resort offering things like overwater villas, secluded beaches, and water-based activities, it can be tough to narrow down which slice of paradise might be best for you. To help, we’ve highlighted 30 properties by the type of traveler they might best appeal to, from the family-focused to the foodie, the romantic to the budding marine biologist.

For the Romantic

True, pretty much anywhere you choose in the Maldives is going to be romantic, as the dreamy setting—plus things like private decks and plunge pools, secluded dining spots, and champagne-fueled cruises—have helped make this a top destination for honeymoons and proposals. But some hotels offer a little extra for their coupled-up guests.

Conrad Maldives Rangali Island’s hotel-within-a-hotel, the Muraka , is set a short speedboat ride away from the main resort, and features just one suite: a two-level residence with a living room, bedroom, and dining and entertainment spaces floating above the ocean, and a master bedroom, bathroom, and lounge area set 16-feet underwater, complete with glass walls so you can take in the vibrant marine life. This first-of-its-kind undersea suite comes with its own 24-hour butlers, who can arrange private seaplane transfers directly to the suite; a private chef, who will lead cooking classes or fishing trips; and access to exclusive activities like guided stargazing excursions and midnight snorkeling tours.

Six Senses Kanuhura

The latest addition to the Maldives’ growing array of offerings is the highly-anticipated new Six Senses Kanuhura . This sister property to the more kid-friendly Six Senses Laamu has plenty of secluded spots to sneak off too—including two private islands. Spend the day under the coconut trees of the nearby deserted island of Masleggihuraa and the evening on a private dhoni cruise on the lookout for dolphins. Couples can cuddle up on a cabana at The Point. This dining destination, perched on the edge of the breaking waves, is made for watching the sunset with Spanish tapas and Sangria in hand.

Naladhu Private Island Maldives

Small but stunning, this newly refurbed resort is perfect for honeymooning couples and guests who want a more intimate vacation. It has just 20 private villas, each with a pool, private beach cabana and discreet butler service. Naladhu Private Island specializes in curating exclusive experiences, whether that’s a private outdoor movie night on cozy couches in the secluded coconut grove or a beachside dinner under the stars. The resort has a no-menu concept and a fabulous team of chefs who will make all of your culinary dreams come true. It’s the perfect place to escape from the world with your beloved..

The Nautilus

With no clocks and no schedules, this Baa atoll oasis is the perfect place for couples to reconnect. This elegant property has just 26 villas dotted around a small private island ideal for morning strolls and romantic sunsets spent sipping champagne by the nautilus-shaped pool. Its “anything you want, day or night” ethos opens your vacation up to magical experiences like private fireworks shows and private picnics on a castaway sandbank. The Nautilus’ overwater Solasta Spa also specializes in couples’ treatments, including a blissful three-hour Spa Journey.

Gili Lankanfushi  

A short speedboat ride from Malé makes Gili Lankanfushi one of the most easy-to-reach luxury resorts in the country. Its stellar locale after a long plane ride and second-to-none service has made it a go-to for honeymooners since it opened in 2012. While the resort has a Jungle Cinema and a fantastic overwater spa, a kids’ club is noticeably missing, making it ideal for couples looking for total R&R. After a day of snorkeling the house reef , rest your head in one of the fabulous overwater bungalows, or perhaps in the world’s largest overwater villa—a massive villa that sprawls over 18,000 square feet and has four bedrooms, a cinema, library, indoor gym, private spa, two-story waterslide and a 678-square-foot pool.

For the Gourmand

From Michelin-star chef experiences to fiery teppanyaki dinners to mile-long buffets, dining in the Maldives is nothing short of extraordinary. Most resorts offer multiple dining options serving a variety of cuisines to keep things fresh; some spots, though, take things to new culinary heights.

Waldorf Astoria Maldives Ithaafushi

When there are a whopping 11 delicious dining options on island, it’s hard not to stuff yourself silly. Home to the first floating Zuma in the world, Japanese is arguably the Waldorf Astoria Maldives’ most popular cuisine. But the Ledge, by Michelin-star chef Dave Pynt, is a close second with brontosaurus-sized pieces of meat and other grilled classics. Down the beach, at Yasmeen, Levante dishes served in an elaborately-designed Arabian village shine, while guests at Terra enjoy caviar amongst the treetops in hanging bamboo pods. And that’s not even half of the resort’s dining venues.

The St. Regis Vommuli Resort

The St. Regis Maldives Vommuli Resort earned its foodie cred soon after opening in 2016. In addition to menus that run the gamut from Italian and Japanese to Indian, Korean, Pakistani, and Cantonese, the resort has hosted Michelin-starred chefs for a series of notable tasting dinners and intimate cooking classes, which we hope will come back post-Covid. It also has an award-winning wine cellar, Decanter, with difficult-to-find vintages, including a port dating back to 1795 . But, it’s not all fancy fare. Head to Crust & Craft to design your own pizzas or eat fresh fish tacos. Don’t forget to have the resort’s signature Bloody Mary at the Whale Bar, the resort’s whale shark-shaped overwater lounge.

Vakkaru Maldives

If wine’s your thing, check in to Vakkaru Maldives , set just a 30-minute seaplane ride from the main island of Malé in the Baa Atoll UNESCO Biosphere Reserve. The resort’s wine cellar, Vakkaru Reserve, is stocked with over 4,000 bottles from around the world , spanning both the Old and New Worlds. Among its most impressive are a 2008 Petrus for $12,000 and a 1974 Château Cheval Blanc, valued at $500,000. The resort’s sommelier is also experimenting with aging wine in the Indian Ocean. Plucked from the depths, try one of these coveted bottles in the wine cellar, a well-equipped space to enjoy a wine tasting with cheese and charcuterie or a paired tasting menu dinner. Both will be led by the resident sommelier.

One&Only Reethi Rah

With eight dining spaces, One&Only Reethi Rah is a gourmand’s dream. Many resorts in the Maldives have just one or two restaurants, so the diverse cuisine is especially notable. One night, you might indulge in sashimi and nigiri at its Japanese restaurant Hoshi. Next book a plant-based meal at Botanica featuring vegetables from the island’s garden — so delicious that you won’t miss the meat. Your most memorable meal might take place out in the island’s lush landscape; the resort specializes in private dinners with bespoke menus and attentive service.

Kudadoo Maldives

Kudadoo Maldives brings the all-inclusive concept to new heights with its motto: Anything, Anywhere, Anytime. A butler will attend to your every need and plan fabulous activities, including decadent dining. They can set up private dinners or beach picnics anywhere on the island, perhaps under the stars or tucked away in a lush corner. Well worth the additional charge is the 5.8 Undersea Restaurant. The all-glass restaurant has curved walls and ceilings, so you can marvel at the sea life from all angles. Even the wine program is impressive, and a refreshing change from the sometimes lackluster options at all-inclusive resorts. Here, the all-inclusive wine cellar has 80 labels, all with ratings over 88 points from Wine Spectator and a sommelier to help you choose. If you’re looking for something unique, bottles from the Owner’s Wine Cellar are available at an additional cost. Another experience well worth the additional charge is the 5.8 Undersea Restaurant at neighboring resort Hurawalhi Maldives. The all-glass restaurant has curved walls and ceilings, so you can marvel at the sea life from all angles.

For the Family

Despite the dreamy romance of the destination, the Maldives offers plenty of spots that cater to multi-generational groups, and that offer fun for all ages of travelers.

Soneva Fushi

Renowned for its kids’ club, Soneva Fushi has always been a family favorite. The Den is the largest play area in the Maldives, spanning the size of six tennis courts. It’s the stuff of childhood dreams. Kids here can zoom down a waterslide, climb a pirate ship or spend hours in the dedicated Lego room. On top of that, it has its own cinema, dress-up room, cooking classes and much, much more. Parents find it so hard to pull their kid’s away that they have to bribe them with a trip to Soneva Fushi’s island-made ice cream and chocolate rooms—all included.

Amilla Maldives

It’s hard not to embrace your big kid on this lush tropical playground. Book a stay in one of Amilla’s Treetop Villas, and hover above the canopy in this super-luxe version of a treehouse. Another unique offering is the resort’s Glamping bubble, where older kids can spend the night in an air-conditioned bubble on a secluded slice of beach. Little ones can spend time in Sultan’s Village, the island’s kids’ club, where activities like pirate treasure hunts, coconut painting and disco nights keep them busy. At Javvu Spa, kids can indulge in treatments tailored to them, including a mini coconut scrub, a mini mani-pedi and mini meditation sessions.

Four Seasons Resort Maldives at Landaa Giraavaru

Children are not just accommodated; they are welcomed and celebrated at Four Seasons Resort Maldives at Landaa Giraavaru . The resort goes above and beyond to ensure that families traveling with children of all ages have a fun and seamless vacation. Its experts have thought of everything, including items to childproof your room to strollers, organic bath amenities, bottle warmers, and pop-up tents to shield little ones from the strong sunshine. It also offers children under six free meals and has personalized birthday amenities for kids under 12. Book one of the Family Villas, which have sofa beds, cribs, or roll-aways, so you don’t need to book a multi-bedroom suite to accommodate your family. Traveling with multiple families? Book one of the three-bedroom suites. Their days will be packed at the Kuda Velaa Club with programming for children and young adults or at the Marine Discovery Centre. They can learn to snorkel, discover wildlife, and help marine biologists transplant coral frames

Niyama Private Islands Resort Maldives

Over at Niyama Private Islands Maldives Resort , you’ll find the hotel separated into two islands: the more adult-friendly “Chill”, and the family-focused “Play,” home to multi-bedroom villas, the treehouse Nest restaurant, great surfing spots, and a lively kids club. On “Play,” the younger guests are catered to with a wide array of activities, from baby yoga to pizza-making classes and snorkeling “safaris.” Parents can join their spawn on the adventures, or enlist the services of a trained nanny or babysitter for when they need some quiet time.

For the Wellness Seeker

From traditional therapies that draw from the Maldives’ cultural heritage to the latest high-tech beauty treatments, you’ll find it all in the islands. With many guests checking in for at least a week, targeted wellness programs are also big here, with multi-day programs designed to tackle things like detox, stress relief, and fitness.

Six Senses Laamu

At Six Senses Laamu , the signature Six Senses personalized wellness assessment uses both diagnostic technology (including biomarker analysis and movement efficiency tests) and one-on-one consultations to create the perfect mix of treatments, workouts, meal plans, and expert sessions to fit your needs; a dedicated program for sleep health—which tracks and analyzes your REM patterns—is also available. (The barefoot-chic resort also has an all-day ice cream parlor dolling out complimentary scoops, if you want to balance the wellness with some indulgence.)

COMO Maalifushi

Holistic wellness is also at the core of COMO Maalifushi , the first resort in the pristine Thaa Atoll. In keeping with the COMO brand’s wellness philosophy, the resort helps you decompress and recharge via Asian-influenced treatments in the overwater spa rooms, yoga and meditation in the open-air pavilion, easy access to activities like surfing and diving, and dedicated COMO Shambhala Retreat healthy menus in the restaurants.

Anantara Kihavah Maldives Villas

At Anantara Kihavah Maldives Villas , check in to the Deluxe Spa Pool Villa to enjoy both holistic services—including two Ayurvedic programs featuring a mix of treatments, fitness, and healthy eating to target either Longevity or Detoxifying—as well as high-tech treatments like “Vampire” facials, IV therapies, and VelaShape fat-blasting in the Cocoon Medical Spa , the first full medi-spa in the region. The resort also has visiting wellness experts who offer intensive programs, complete with a health evaluation and wellness plan you can continue to use long after your stay. We recommend booking your trip around her residency.

Joali Being

Just from the name, you can tell that well-being is the primary focus of any trip to Joali Being . But, this isn’t an ascetic boot camp — it’s the first dedicated wellness retreat in the Maldives, so don’t expect a typical resort vacation . Each of the 68 opulent beach and water villas has a private pool and personal butler to attend to all of your needs. A stay here is tailored to each guest, courtesy of in-depth consultations, a bespoke wellness program, daily spa treatments and delicious yet healthy cuisine.

Soneva Jani

For over 25 years, Soneva’s luxury resorts in the Maldives have set the standard for sustainable luxury, but it isn’t content to rest on its laurels. Last year, the brand’s second property, Soneva Jani , unveiled a new chapter with the addition of 27 overwater villas, each ideally situated to ensure a sense of total privacy and stunning ocean views. The best part: many of the new Water Reserves have slides straight into the azure lagoon that children and adults will adore. Soneva also introduced a new unlimited offering, including all food, beverage, experiences, butler service, laundry and, perhaps most impressive, unlimited spa treatments at the nearly 19,000-square-foot Soneva Soul wellness center. Here, you can indulge in Ayurvedic and cutting-edge therapies, do yoga in an outdoor pavilion (including aerial yoga) and meet with specialists who can help you achieve your wellness goals.

For the Underwater Adventurer

Whether you’re an amateur marine biologist or just like swimming with the fishes, these resorts will help connect you to the wild underwater world.

Baros Maldives

Surrounded by a natural reef, Baros Maldives is home to the first EcoDive center in the area to be certified by International Reef Check, which monitors, maintains and restores coral reefs around the world. Thanks to this on-site resource, guests can take a coral gardening workshop with the resident marine biologist, in which they’ll learn how to collect and re-attach broken coral fragments to help encourage regeneration. You can also join the biologist on a private snorkeling trip to other reefs in the area, do a guided night dive using specially filtered lights, or just paddle around with sea turtles, reef sharks and more a few feet from the Baros beach.

InterContinental Maldives Maamunagau

In the remote Raa Atoll, InterContinental’s marine biologists work closely with Manta Trust. This non-profit leads the world in manta ray research to better understand these beautiful marine creatures. At the resort, guests can visit the nearby juvenile feeding ground, snorkel with these gentle giants in a responsible way and even adopt one. The resort’s “Name-and-Adopt-a-Manta” program supports the non-profit’s work. While manta rays are a big draw, the island’s house reef is nothing to scoff at. If you’re adventurous, ask your butler to sign you up for a night snorkeling session when the underwater world truly comes alive.

Raffles Maldives Meradhoo

Over at the 38-villa Raffles Maldives Meradhoo , the legendary Raffles butler service is taken to new levels (or depths) with dedicated Marine Butlers. Available to all guests, the aquatic experts are available to lead curated snorkeling tours of the resort’s two house reefs, which are home to tropical fish, baby sharks and sea turtles—the latter of which have been meticulously cataloged by the biologists. The resort is located in the remote Gaafu Alifu atoll, renowned for its rich variety of marine life.

Jumeirah Maldives Olhahali Island

This former LUX North Male resort kept its signature style during the rebrand. A bit of Mykonos mixed with Miami Beach, its all-white exteriors nearly match the color of the island’s sand. Its 67 overwater and beach villas have private pools, sexy curved walls and one seriously unique design feature—rooftops. Perfect for private barbecues, movie screenings and stargazing, each villa has a sprawling upstairs space. And downstairs, things are just as generous with a massive indoor and outdoor bathroom area full of island character.

Park Hyatt Maldives

Beloved for its barefoot luxury approach, this resort in the Huvadhoo Atoll is also known for its incredible house reef. Grab your gear and float over a mile around the uninterrupted corals for a glimpse of parrotfish and eagle rays. Or book any number of unique experiences with Park Hyatt ’s marine biologist. From scuba diving at more than 40 dive sites to night snorkeling to a guided snorkel session along the equator, the marine team here is next level.

For the Design Aficionado

It’s not all thatched roofs and tropical flair here—the Maldives has attracted some of the world’s top architects and designers, many of who have brought a contemporary take to island living.

Alila Kothaifaru Maldives

The Maldives’ newest resorts have design on the brain, and no one has done it better than Alila Kothaifaru . Opening its sleek timber doors in 2022, its design is a stylish mix of tropical brutalism meets Scandinavian chic interiors curated by Singapore-based Studiogoto. The resort’s 80 beach and overwater villa interiors vary from a cascading green wall gracing the outdoor bathrooms to calming timber tones and moody stone flooring invoking a Japanese aesthetic. This carries over into the resort’s Japanese restaurant, Umami and Yakitori Bar. Situated in the blinding white sand, the concrete exteriors mixed with timber are both striking and calming, a balance Alila Kothaifaru has managed to perfect.

Cheval Blanc Randheli

This elegant resort from LVMH perfectly blends French savoir-faire and design with its tranquil Maldivian surroundings. Cheval Blanc Randheli was designed by celebrated architect Jean-Michel Gathy, who used traditional materials like rattan, mother-of-pearl and bamboo throughout the property. Instead of the typical blues and greens that echo the greenery and ocean, Gathy used white, taupe, and a signature hue, “pop yellow,” which makes a statement in the lush tropical environment. There’s also some unmissable art, including Vincent Beaurin’s copper Arch in the lagoon. The villas and restaurants all have a sleek contemporary look, and even the newly refurbished Kids Club, Le Carrousel, has a beautiful design; some walls are painted with imaginary fish, and the building seamlessly blends with the landscape.

Patina Maldives, Fari Islands

You wouldn’t expect to find a world-class art destination in the middle of the Indian Ocean, but Patina Maldives, Fari Islands aims to change that through an ambitious residency program, art installations throughout the property and, the star of the show, a James Turrell-designed Skyspace pavilion, Amarta . Patina Maldives partnered with the Artling, a Singapore-based contemporary art consultancy, to commission bespoke art that guests interact with during their stay. Of course, the resort itself approaches architecture as art with design from Marcio Kogan’s firm Studiomk27. The villas were sustainably crafted from natural materials and have a serene environment, encouraging relaxation and connection with nature.

For the Fitness Warrior

Because not everyone is content to shuttle between the beach and pool for two weeks, these resorts offer activities that will help get the circulation flowing.

Joali Maldives

The sister property to Joali Being—and the first resort in the new Joali brand— Joali Maldives in  2019 debuted the RAW Fitness program, which has combined wellness with philanthropy by creating an outdoor “green gym” made up of things like handcrafted wooden structures, coconut hand weights and natural fiber ropes, and made entirely by students from a vocational school. The property also has a partnership with LUX Tennis, a Spanish tennis concierge service, with a resident tennis coach who can teach you how to hit that perfect serve or improve your backhand.

Angsana Velavaru

If you’d rather be in the water, Angsana Velavaru offers two beginner PADI diving certification courses at its 5-Star Gold Dive Center, each including confined and open water lessons and all necessary equipment. Once certified, explore some of the 30 diving spots around the South Nilandhe Atoll. For those that might prefer to stay closer to the surface, fishing trips and snorkeling with whale sharks can also be arranged.

Velaa Private Island

Velaa Private Island has a huge variety of activities, including some unique to the Maldives. It has one of the only covered tennis courts in the archipelago, a soccer field, a squash court, a climbing wall and a Technogym fitness center. But perhaps most impressively, it has a golf “short-game academy” on the island from José María Olazábal, which offers swing analysis, a golf simulator and coaching with PGA professionals. Its brand-new Wellbeing Village focuses on holistic wellness, including a yoga and pilates pavilion and an Ayurveda wellness center. On the water, you can embark on diving, snorkeling and fishing trips, or explore the island by jet ski, e-foil surfboard or even a hoverboard.

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This New, Playfully Designed Resort Showcases the Fun Side of the Maldives

By Kate Lloyd

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Is there a more thrilling way to start a holiday than by racing across the Indian Ocean on a speedboat? It seems unlikely. After I stepped out of the terminal at Malé Airport and onto the zippy inter-island runabout due to take me to SO/ Maldives, it wasn’t long before the malaise of long-haul travel faded into the distance, along with the capital city’s skyscrapers. 

And after no more than 15 minutes of sea spray and coastal bluster? I was on a private island in an archipelago overlooking the Emboodhoo Lagoon, tottering down a catwalk-inspired jetty into a bold, stylish resort; outrageous vistas every way I looked.

Of course, outrageous vistas are kind of the Maldives’ thing. It  is  a tropical paradise after; a nation of postcard-perfect white sands, lush greenery, and aquamarine water. SO/ Maldives—a manmade island in the nation’s midsection—has got all of the above in spades. But it also feels enticingly different to the minimalist, eggshell resorts you’ll usually find speckled across the ocean here. The petite spot is the first resort in the Maldives from Bangkok-based hotel group SO/, known for maximalist spaces inspired by the likes of Christian Lacroix and Karl Lagerfeld. And its aesthetic? Just as fab. Statement, rebellious fashion was front of mind for interior designers Eco-ID when creating the resort, with some interior details referencing Chanel’s cruise shows; the carousel set from 2008, and the fake beach from 2018. And thus, it’s a colorful, vibrant gem of a place; a hot pitstop for groups of friends and new couples rather than honeymooners. 

Take the hotel’s statement infinity pool, for example. Multi-tiered and rainbow-striped, it’s so playfully designed that it practically begs you to sip a sundowner from its edge. The dopamine-decorated Lazuli Beach Club it sits within is equally punchy. Every detail—from the color-blocked mosaic outdoor showers to the Art Deco DJ tower to the raffia sun shades to the orange and blue woven pool furniture—feels infused with fun. Did I spend many hours lying on its ultra-comfy shaded daybeds, complete with mini fridge and towel storage? Absolutely. But, naturally, not before I’d lounged by my own private pool first.

By Alexis Bennett Parker

By Jenny Berg

There are 80 contemporary villas at SO/ Maldives, half of which are the stilted over-water style, now synonymous with the country’s resorts, and half can be found nestled on the beach. All of them are inspired by movie star makeup trailers, with sweeping mirrors, floor-to-ceiling windows, stylish stone baths, peaceful sun terraces, and unique woven pieces from Thai artist Ploenchan Vinyaratn. (They also come with bikes, allowing you to zip from one side of the island to the other in 15 minutes, although the island does have a buggy service too.) 

I began my stay in an over-water villa, delighting in watching stingrays swim past my terrace at night and heading down its steps to plop myself into the sea each morning. It was my two nights in a beach villa, though, that made me truly fall in love with the island. The airy room opened onto a peaceful, jungle-walled garden with a private path down to a quiet beach. One of the most special nights of my stay involved simply grabbing a rosé from the mini bar and heading down to the shore to watch the sunset. It felt so secluded and luxurious.

Of course, you don’t come to a resort like SO/ Maldives just to have quiet evenings on the beach. You come because you know the food, drinks, and nighttime vibes will be impeccable—and the bar and three restaurants here are peppered at the island’s center. Middle Eastern spot Hadaba was my stand-out. I greedily feasted on mezze and shawarma in its atmospheric upstairs space, overlooking the sea. The cocktails at the open-walled bar downstairs were also excellent—an orange-infused Patrón Negroni was a real treat. Tables at high-end Chinese joint Citronelle tumbled onto the beach come the evening, with a live DJ playing from the shoreline. (The umami lamb and cumin pancakes and classic kung pao chicken were killer.) For lunch, I often found myself pottering over to Lazuli for salads and genuinely brilliant Neapolitan pizza. 

There’s a somewhat sustainably-minded approach to food at SO/. Menus are kept tight. Breakfast at Citronelle—think creamy avocado on toast and nutritious acai bowls—is largely à la carte to avoid the extreme buffet food waste many islands produce. It’s a priority elsewhere on the island too. Solar panels on the roofs of the over-water villas provide 40% of the resort’s power, and the spa—the spa!—is careful to focus many of its treatments on natural products that won’t harm the Maldivian wildlife. The bespoke hour-long massage I enjoyed there included hot and cold stone therapies, tailored to my needs, in a calming, elegant studio. It was so, so reviving.

Much of my stay involved moments of total relaxation like this; sipping a sweet, fiery ginger tea at the wellness center; kayaking around the lagoon on a breezy afternoon; an outdoor sunset yoga session with the island’s resident yogi Alok Kumar Rai, with the sea so close I could taste the salt.

Perhaps surprisingly for a five-star luxury resort, there’s something of a summer camp feel to SO/ Maldives. The team is small (by the end of my stay, I was on first-name terms with most of the waiters), and each group of guests is paired up with their own island guide (essentially cast in the role of “clued up, organized friend”). Then, there’s the activity schedule. There’s a daily roster of complimentary sessions for guests, spanning cocktail-making classes, mobility workshops, and excursions to neighboring islands. There’s also a board games room and a well-stocked water sports and snorkeling center, providing everything from scuba lessons to jet ski hire to dolphin-spotting cruises. 

The real highlight of my trip, however, was a snorkeling excursion. Taken out on a boat with the island’s marine biologist, I swam in an area beloved by nurse sharks and stingrays. Tens of them surrounded me—a truly once-in-a-lifetime experience—and the journey back to shore was just as exciting. We sailed alongside spinner dolphins as they leaped, twirling, into the air and then we took a final dip amidst shoals of rainbow-coloured finish at the hotel’s coral garden. 

The spinner dolphins visited me again as I got the speed boat back to Malé Airport. (A final treat!) And on the ride to shore, I thought about how refreshing SO/Maldives is. It’s a bright beacon of a resort—a youthful, modern new addition to a long-beloved holiday destination. I left totally blissed out.

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Flights from argentina to the maldives, fly from argentina to the maldives and travel in a relaxed manner.

From the moment you start your journey from Argentina to the Maldives you can leave everything to us. Experience Belgian hospitality with selected local products and enjoy your flight together with your loved ones. Brussels Airlines cares about you so we do our utmost to ensure you and your friends or family are all seated together — and you can rest assured that you’ll have sufficient legroom at your disposal too. No matter if you are on a business trip or taking a holiday with your family, when choosing Brussels Airlines you always benefit from attractive prices and the best choice. Reach Maldives well rested and in good spirit – if you want an even greater amount of leeway on your flight, choose our spacious and highly comfortable Business Class seats.

Not only can you look forward to the comforts of your flight but also to stunning sights: Several Belgian icons have been perpetuated on some of our aircrafts. Airbus A320, “Rackham”, features a Tintin theme, “Trident” pays tribute to the Belgian football team, “Amare” celebrates the Tomorrowland festival, “Aerosmurf” from everybody’s childhood favourites, the Smurfs, is sure to make kids’ eyes shine, and “Bruegel” honors Pieter Bruegel the Elder, one of the most gifted 16th century artists. Benefit from great prices and book your flight from Argentina to the Maldives on brusselsairlines.com.

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