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Heaven is a place on earth
Over 1,100
Species of fish
Currency
Maldivian Rufiyaa/US Dollars
Pad barefoot along dazzling beaches under leaning palms. Enjoy water so clear that boats look as though they are levitating, and sand so white and fine that it pours through your hands like milk. Every island is wreathed with reefs; every day is close to perfect – and all you’ll need to remember is where you last left your shoes. Welcome to the Maldives.
Despite their timeless beauty, the Maldives have only really been a holiday destination for the last 40 years. But 40 years is plenty of time for some of the world’s best resorts to perfect the art of relaxation. Private villas are the norm here, whether stylish beachside houses or stilted huts. And forget house whites or house rules: most islands have a ‘house reef’ – their nearest coral habitat. But there’s more: submarine tours, underwater nightclubs and even ‘Instagram butlers’ have become features in Maldives luxury resorts in recent years.
The Maldives might have started out as a honeymooner destination, but it’s no longer just for two; those original honeymooners kept coming back, with their families in tow. The Maldives now has plenty of family-friendly places to stay, plus great kids’ clubs.
Though there’s loads to do in the Maldives, it is true that there is no place on earth better suited to doing nothing. This is not a sightseeing destination – unless spotting a hammerhead or a whale shark in their natural habitat. Instead, you can savour the silence of the reef, the hushed wind combing through the coconut palms and nature’s natural rhythms on your solitary island paradise. Your spa appointment could be the only deadline you meet all week. Or, you can pick a bigger resort full of activities to dive, swim and embark on adventurous excursions. You can even play nine holes of golf. Book flights to the Maldives and get ready to laze or play – it’s up to you.
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Whatever your price range, create your perfect trip to the Maldives using our budget planner and find the best combination of accommodation, activities and dining to suit you.
From cheap hotels and moderately priced resorts to – at the other end of the scale – luxury island retreats, we’ve got the holiday to suit you. Whilst the Maldives aren't traditionally on the budget traveller’s map, there are ways to save money on your adventure. But if you're looking to create the trip of a lifetime, look no further than the islands’ five-star resorts. Get inspired before you go.
Most resorts have a choice between villas on the island and accommodation out to sea. For a first-time guest, it can be hard to know which to choose.
The so-called ‘overwater’ properties are linked to the mainland by jetty and stand above the water on stilts. Sometimes they have glass-bottomed rooms, so you can literally sleep with the fishes. With their direct sea access, they are perfect for keen swimmers– especially if they’re located near the house reef. Maldives water villas might not be suitable to children under the age of eight. Check with your resort.
Island accommodation usually has the advantage of being nearest the resort facilities – the pools and the restaurants. Some island accommodation sits right on the beach, meaning you’ll have your own private strip of sand to call your own, perhaps with hammocks, perhaps even with a sand-floor living room. Beach villas like this can be perfect for families – you don’t want anyone taking an unexpected swim, after all.
An impossible question. There are over 100 resort islands to choose from for your holiday. These formerly uninhabited islands are now the site of some of the grandest resorts in the world.
Strictly speaking, the best Maldives island to visit depends on what you want to do. Some islands are particularly famous for their marine life. Divers should head to the Ari Atoll and stay at LUX* Ari Atoll.
Large islands can have more activities on offer. Take Kuredu Island Resort which was one of the first to get a golf course – albeit just six holes. It also hosts a wealth of activities.
In contrast, small islands can feel more exclusive. Thanks to private villas scattered across the grounds (and waters), you might find yourself asking ‘where is everyone?’. With less than 40 villas available on some of the smallest resorts, you might feel as though you’re commanding your own private island. Try Milhaidhoo Island, a bijou property with a minuscule island domain.
When budgeting, don’t forget to add up extra costs. Reaching the far island of Villingili involves an expensive 70-minute seaplane transfer across the equator to Shangri La Resort (though it’s worth it when you see the beautiful villas from above). Islands nearer Malé have less expensive speedboat transfers, which will save you a great deal of money over the seaplane. Cruise to the four-star All Inclusive Olhuveli, near the capital island on the South Malé Atoll.
Of the 1,190 islands of the Maldives, many are uninhabited. Some of these are known as ‘picnic islands’ – used by nearby resorts. Some are little more than glorified sand spits, but they do make blissful day trips if you want to channel your inner castaway.
There are around 200 inhabited islands – that is, islands where local people live. These include Malé, the capital of the country, and the nearby islands of Hulhumale and Maafushi.
Whilst it's blissfully easy to sink into indolence in the Maldives, your resort will offer plenty of excursions and activities, too. Make sure you tick some of these experiences off your bucket list.
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