Destination
Maldives Holidays
Desert island paradise in the Maldives
With over 1,000 idyllic islands, the Maldives boast stunning lagoons, beautiful white sand beaches, and dazzling underwater coral gardens. Famous for incredible diving opportunities, the Maldives is home to three quarters of the world's reef fish. Add fantastic luxury hotels, seamless service, and world-class spas, and you’ll soon discover why holidays to the Maldives are the perfect romantic retreat.
Twenty-six stunning atolls spread across the Indian Ocean with 1,200 gem-like islands, each home to just one exclusive resort for ultimate solitude and seclusion. Whether you’re after an island getaway for that dream honeymoon, a breath taking diving adventure to explore the stunning marine life and coral reefs, or an all-inclusive resort with beautiful water villas and a luxury spa – the Maldives offers the ultimate escape.
Luxury Maldives holidays are guaranteed to exceed expectation. Encapsulating outstanding service, world class gourmet experiences, and luxurious comforts. Discover the glorious Indian Ocean from a panoramic viewing platform or a sunken all-glass bathtub at Six Senses Laamu, to a round of golf at the stunning, picturesque Shangri-La's Villingili. Offering uncapped luxury and privacy, head to Jumeirah Vittaveli and indulge within your very own stand-alone private water villa.
Complete your dream holiday by combining your stay with another one of our iconic destinations. Spend a night or two in Dubai before or after your Maldives holiday. Or, soak up a bit of the culture and history of Sri Lanka before relaxing on the white Maldivian sands with a cocktail in hand.
Destination Highlights
Essential Information
See Practical Information- Time Zone GMT +5 hours
- Currency Rufiyaa (MVR)
- Visa Information British citizens will need to obtain a tourist visa on arrival, allowing a maximum of 30 days. Passport validity must exceed six months, and an onward or return ticket must be available on arrival.
- Language Divehi and English is widely spoken.
- Flight Time 10 hours and 25 minutes; direct flights from London Gatwick are available from November–April and indirect flights are available via the Middle East from the UK all year round.
- Health Information No special vaccinations are required for travel to the Maldives.
Top Tips from our Experts
Natalie
Destination Specialist
"Don't pack too much for a Maldives holiday - chances are you'll be barefoot most of the time."
Emma
Destination Specialist
“If you get the opportunity, travel to your castaway island by seaplane transfer. It's a stunning flight of fancy providing you with a bird’s eye view of these beautiful islands, and a great way of starting your holiday in style.”
Charlotte
Destination Specialist
"Don't just limit your stay to one room type in the Maldives - stay on the beach with direct access to the sandy beaches surrounding the islands, before moving onto a water villa and resting over the stunning Indian Ocean.”
Great sample itineraries
Here's a selection of popular Maldives itineraries to give you some ideas. But almost anything's possible so call us now and we'll create an amazing holiday just for you.
Sri Lanka and Maldives Multi Centre
Guide Price £2,199 pp
The former Ceylon, Sri Lanka is the Emerald Isle of the Indian Ocean, with rolling hills, diverse wildlife and a...
Spa & wellbeing holidays
Dubai and Maldives Multi Centre
Guide Price £5,889 pp
Take the chance to visit two of the world's most popular luxury destinations on one unforgettable holiday.
Luxury holidays
Bangkok and Maldives Multi Centre
Guide Price £3,739 pp
Bangkok is known to many as Asia's most distinctive city. A haven for those who are fascinated by palaces or golden...
All inclusive holidays
Doha and Maldives multi centre
Guide Price £3,839 pp
For an unforgettable authentic Middle Eastern experience, then look no further than Qatar. Where the old meets new in...
Family holidays
Types of Maldives holidays
Frequently Asked Questions about the Maldives
Flights to the Maldives take around 10 hours. During the winter, there are direct flight options to Malé International Airport from London Gatwick Airport several times a week with British Airways. There are also indirect options from various UK airports with Sri Lankan, Emirates, Etihad and Qatar year-round.
There are around 1,190 coral islands grouped into 26 natural atolls in the Maldives and around 200 of these islands are inhabited. Some of the islands are sandbanks and the highest land is just eight feet above sea level.
Some resorts will require you to take an 18-seater seaplane while others give you the option of taking a speedboat. The seaplane is quicker and the cost varies between $250 (£192) and $450 (£346) return, while the speedboat will cost from $75.
There is a 20kg limit per person, excluding infants. Some domestic flights are possible allowing 30kg per person. There is no restriction on speedboat transfers.
Our favourite hotels
Our favourite places to stay in the Maldives are below. We know everyone is different, so if you can’t see something you like, we'd be more than happy to help.
More Maldives inspiration
Taste of paradise in the Maldives
Read about our Travel Expert Sean's trip to the Maldives including highlights and must-sees.
No shoes, no news: welcome to the Maldives
"When I think of the Maldives, I think crystal clear waters, stunning coral reefs, breathtaking white sandy beaches, fascinating marine life and swaying palm trees..."
Getting around in the Maldives
Here we explore the best ways to get around the Maldives.
8 extraordinary things to do in the Maldives
Step beyond the sand and enjoy a wealth of unique and unusual experiences that you might not have thought existed here.
