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Maldives
Maldives
The Maldives is the least complicated holiday there is: you choose an island, you fly to it, and then you stop making decisions.
Stays from €420 a night
The place
What Maldives is actually like
The country is around 1,200 islands across 26 atolls, and the tourism model is unusual — most resorts occupy an entire island, so your hotel is the destination. This is why choosing the property matters more here than anywhere else on earth.
Transfers shape both cost and experience. Resorts near Malé are reached by 15-minute speedboat; distant atolls need a seaplane, which costs several hundred dollars per person but is spectacular and only flies in daylight. Check transfer type and cost before booking — it is frequently a third of the total.
Guesthouse tourism on local islands, legal since 2009, has made the Maldives genuinely accessible. Maafushi, Dhigurah and Thulusdhu offer the same water at a tenth of the price, with the trade-off of local-island rules on alcohol and dress.
Timing
When to visit
Honest seasonality — including the months we would not recommend.
- Busiest
Dec – Apr
Dry season
Reliable sun, calm seas and the best visibility. Christmas and New Year are the priciest weeks of the year.
- Quietest
May – Jul
Wet but quiet
Short heavy showers and lower rates. Manta and whale-shark season in the south.
- Balanced
Aug – Nov
Shoulder
Mixed weather, best value of the year, and still plenty of sun between showers.
Neighbourhoods
Where to stay in Maldives
Each area suits a different trip. Pick the one that matches yours.
North & South Malé Atoll
Speedboat transfers, no seaplane cost, widest choice of resorts
- Value
- Short stays
- First visits
Baa Atoll
UNESCO biosphere reserve and the manta ray aggregation at Hanifaru Bay
- Diving
- Luxury
- Wildlife
Ari Atoll
The best whale shark and manta diving in the country
- Diving
- Snorkelling
- Marine life
Local islands
Guesthouses on inhabited islands at a fraction of resort prices
- Budget
- Culture
- Independent travel
Stays
Popular hotels in Maldives
Live prices from our accommodation partners for a sample three-night stay.
Things to do
What to do in Maldives
- Snorkel the house reef — the single most important thing to check before booking
- Manta cleaning stations in Baa Atoll, June to November
- A sandbank picnic, dropped off and collected by boat
- Night fishing on a traditional dhoni
- Bioluminescent plankton after dark on the right beach at the right time of year
- A dive course — visibility here makes it the ideal place to learn
Eating and drinking
- Mas huni and roshi, the traditional tuna-and-coconut breakfast
- Freshly grilled reef fish at a beach barbecue
- Garudhiya, a clear tuna broth with rice, lime and chilli
- Resort wine lists are extensive and priced accordingly — check duty-free allowances
Book ahead
Tours, tickets and day trips
Practicalities
Things worth knowing
Check the house reef before anything else
Resorts vary enormously. A strong house reef means world-class snorkelling from your steps; a weak one means paying for every boat trip.
Seaplanes only fly in daylight
A late arrival into Malé can mean an unplanned overnight near the airport. Check the last transfer time against your flight.
All-inclusive usually is worth it
On a one-resort island there is no alternative. Compare the board upgrade against à la carte prices before dismissing it.
Local islands have local rules
Alcohol is not served, and modest dress is expected away from designated bikini beaches.
Orientation
Maldives at a glance
Questions
Maldives FAQ
How much does a trip to the Maldives cost?
Enormously variable. Guesthouses on local islands start around €70 a night; mid-range resorts run €300–600; the top overwater properties exceed €1,500. Transfers can add €200–600 per person on top.
Overwater villa or beach villa?
Overwater for the view and direct lagoon access; beach villas are usually cheaper, cooler, more private and better for families. Many people split their stay between both.
When is the best time to go?
December to April for the most reliable weather. May to November brings lower prices and better manta and whale shark encounters, at the cost of some rain.
Is the Maldives good for families?
Yes — most resorts have kids' clubs and shallow lagoons, though some are adults-only. Check the policy and the transfer length, which matters a great deal with young children.
Elsewhere
