Luxury Maldives Holidays

Time difference: The Maldives is 5 hours ahead of the UK (GMT +5 hours).

Flight duration: Direct flight times from the UK are around 10 and 11 hours. Flights with a connection to Abu Dhabi, Dubai or Oman are likely to take 12 or 13 hours, depending on your transfer time.

Currency: Maldivian rufiyaa (MVR), although US dollars are widely accepted as legal tender.

Capital: Malé

Language: The official language of the Maldives is Dhivehi, an Indo-Aryan language closely related to the Sinhala language of Sri Lanka.

Voltage: 230 V

Visa Information: A 30-day visa will be issued to British visitors on arrival in the Maldives, providing there’s evidence of an onward journey out of the country (for example, a return ticket) and that you can fund yourself while there.

When is the best time to visit the Maldives?

You can expect a tropical climate almost all year round. However, the best time to visit is between November and April, with peak season between the driest months of December and March. The monsoon season runs from May to October, peaking in June.

Transfers and getting around on your Maldives holiday

When journeying from the airport to your luxury hotel, or when hopping between islands, you'll travel either by boat or seaplane.

Once on your island, you can explore the island on foot or bicycle if the resort has them available.

Consisting of 26 coral atolls 1,000km from Sri Lanka and home to white sand beaches and shimmering turquoise lagoons, the Maldives is an effortlessly beautiful country. Whether it's the North Malé Atoll and its popular dive spots like Banana Reef and Prisca, or the Raa Atoll's extensive array of luxurious accommodation options, you'll find something to inspire you.

The pristine waters of the South Ari Atoll are a hotspot for whale sharks, which you can observe while snorkelling. 

As for couples, all you'll need to do is enjoy the wonderful barefoot luxury to get a taste of romance. Swimming in the inviting warm water of your infinity pool is the best way to end the evening, or how about a relaxing spa treatment at Velaa Private Island to escape the stresses of everyday life?

No matter which luxury resort you end up choosing, you'll be able to enjoy an unforgettable holiday experience from start to finish. Sample wonderful Maldivian cuisine at Soneva Jani on the Noonu Atoll or discover one of 32 magnificent dive sites at Constance Moofushi on the South Ari Atoll. Alternatively, you can go swimming with beautiful marine life inhabiting the sparkling blue waters at Four Seasons Resort Maldives Landaa Giraavaru.

Relax on your private beach or in your private pool, spot tropical fish meandering around the colourful house reef and enjoy the comforts of an overwater villa. Whether it's watersports at Fairmont Maldives or the dive centre at LUX* South Ari Atoll, there's a host of amazing things to do in the Maldives.

Snorkelling through crystal clear waters while observing whale sharks, manta rays and reef sharks is an unforgettable experience. Perfect for exciting family holidays or romantic honeymoons, the water conditions are ideal for both adults and children to explore – with all necessary equipment provided.

On the North Malé Atoll, the luxury Maldives resort Gili Lankanfushi offers the award-winning Meera Spa to soothe and help promote balance. Not only that, but there are excellent sunset and fishing excursions throughout the islands. As such, you'll always have something to do, even if it's simply soaking in the rays.

You'll find some world-class dining experiences during your holiday.

At One&Only Reethi Rah, the resort's à la carte restaurant, Fanditha, focuses on a delectable assortment of Mediterranean delights in its beautiful beachside setting. Her Kitchen at JOALI Maldives prides itself on its immersive cookery experience where you share an exquisite banquet over a long table. Some luxury Maldives resorts also boast underwater restaurants for a truly special meal.

Surrounded by pristine waters, the beautiful resort Soneva Fushi has a diverse array of dining options. Tuck into traditional Maldivian cuisine with exceptional service at Sobah’s or enjoy stunning panoramic views with Mediterranean-inspired dishes at Fresh In The Garden. From the range of fresh treats at Mihiree Mitha to the delicious banquets at Down to Earth, Soneva Fushi is a foodie paradise.

Voted as the 'World's Most Romantic Restaurant', Crab Shack at Soneva Jani provides a fantastic offering of crab-based courses. Located on a soft white beach in the south, Crab Shack is the perfect spot for lunch and drinks before returning to your private villa and unwinding.

Whether it's the Noonu Atoll, North Malé Atoll, Raa Atoll, South Ari Atoll or Baa Atoll, you're simply spoilt for choice when it comes to luxury boutique resorts. Some of the beautiful islands include Malé, Hulhumalé, Biyadhoo, Fihalhohi and Maafushi. The slice of island life at Conrad Maldives Rangali is seriously special while the secluded isles of Six Senses Laamu are ideal for watching dolphins play.

During your next luxury getaway, why not visit the uninhabited islands? Plenty of resorts allow you to explore the soft sands, turquoise waters and lush palms of these castaway islands. Not only that, but you can enjoy a peaceful picnic on the sandbanks or even catch a spectacular sunset.

Whichever island you end up choosing, the range of beach suites and beach villas available are sure to leave you feeling utterly at peace throughout your whole stay. From the breathtaking private islands to the divine Fari Islands, your beach holiday in the Maldives will be unforgettable no matter what.