Maldives Holidays

Private islands, overwater villas, and lagoons so clear the fish look like they're floating on air – A Holiday in the Maldives is the ultimate escape.

Holidays to the Maldives 2026 highlights

• Overwater living - glass-floor villas where you can watch reef sharks cruise beneath your morning coffee. The iconic Maldives experience, and yes, it really is as good as the photos.

• All-inclusive made for purpose - when your resort is the entire island, all-inclusive makes perfect sense. Meals, drinks, snorkelling gear, and sunset cruises sorted before you even unpack.

• Marine life encounters - swim with whale sharks in South Ari Atoll, spot manta rays at Hanifaru Bay, or float above a house reef teeming with turtles and clownfish ten steps from your villa.

• Family-friendly islands - shallow lagoons, kids' clubs, and resorts designed around keeping little ones entertained (and parents sane). The Maldives does family holidays better than most people expect.

• Honeymoon royalty - private sandbank dinners, sunset cruises, floating breakfasts delivered to your villa pool. If romance has a postcode, it's somewhere in the Maldives.

• Year-round diving - visibility regularly exceeds 30 metres between November and April, and water temperatures stay warm enough year-round to leave the wetsuit at home.

3 Fun Facts About the Maldives

• It’s got more islands than you’ve had hot dinners – the Maldives boasts over 1,190 islands! Yep, it’s basically the ultimate island-hopping paradise.

• The Maldives is flatter than a pancake – with the highest point being a whopping 2.4 meters above sea level, you won’t find any hills to hike here.

• A pint of beer typically costs between $6 to $10 USD (about £5 to £8), depending on where you are, but you won't get these views or this weather back home.

The Maldives are for you if...

• You consider "barefoot luxury" an actual lifestyle choice, not just a buzzword

• Your ideal morning commute is a five-step stroll from your overwater villa straight into the turquoise sea

• You’re ready to trade the group chat drama for swimming alongside whale sharks and sea turtles

• You're fully prepared to master the art form of "doing nothing" at a 5-star standard

• You want a trip where the sunset looks photoshopped, but you get to watch it with a cocktail in hand for real

• You're looking for total, uninterrupted main-character energy - whether it's a dream honeymoon or a "just because" mega-splurge

Best Time to Visit the Maldives

The Maldives works year-round, which is easily one of its biggest flexes. But the quick verdict? November to April is your window for wall-to-wall sunshine and glassy seas. May to October is the insider move if you want front-row seats to incredible marine life and noticeably friendlier price tags.

Dry Season (November — April)

• The Vibe - pure, uninterrupted paradise.

• The Reality - we’re talking calm seas, endless blue skies, and underwater visibility so clear (30+ metres!) you'll feel like you're swimming in an aquarium.

• The Catch - January to March are the absolute driest months. Because they line up with UK winter blues and school holidays, demand skyrockets. If this is your window, book early - peak perfection comes with peak pricing.

Wet Season (May — October)

• The Vibe - big wildlife, bigger savings.

• The Reality - don't let the name spook you. "Wet season" here usually just means a dramatic tropical downpour that blows over in an hour, leaving the sun to pop back out like nothing ever happened.

• The Big Win - plankton-rich waters bring out the ocean's real VIPs - we're talking manta rays and whale sharks swimming right up near the surface. Summer and October half-term travellers get front-row seats to breathtaking marine life alongside their sunbathing, all for a fraction of the dry-season cost.

Local Lingo - Talk Like a Maldivian

Dhivehi is the national language of the Maldives and has been shaped by various languages, including Arabic, French, Portuguese, Persian and English. The good news? English is widely spoken in tourist areas, so you'll never be stuck, but knowing a few words of Dhivehi goes a long way. Locals absolutely love it when visitors make the effort, and the smiles you get back are worth every stumbled pronunciation.

• Assalaamu Alaikum - the go-to greeting, meaning "peace be upon you." The Maldives is a Muslim nation, and this is how locals say hello. The response is "Wa Alaikum Assalaam." Use it when you arrive at a local island, and you'll immediately earn serious respect.

• Baajjaveri hendhuneh - good morning. Hard to pronounce, brilliant to try. Even a half-decent attempt will get you a big smile from the resort staff.

• Shukuriyaa - thank you. Simple, easy to remember, and one of the most useful words you'll use all holiday. Bodu Shukuriyaa means "thank you very much", save that one for when the floating breakfast arrives.

• Salaamai kurey - help! Hopefully you'll never need it, but worth knowing just in case.

• Maruhabaa - welcome. You'll hear this constantly from resort staff from the moment you step off the seaplane. Now you can say it back.

Quick Tip - The Maldives is a Muslim country, and the population follows Islamic customs. Handshakes are common, but if you're a man meeting a woman, let her offer her hand first; if she doesn't, a nod or a smile is a perfectly respectful greeting.

Where to Stay on your holidays to the Maldives

Maldives resorts work differently from most destinations – each has its own private island, so choosing your hotel means choosing your entire experience. From intimate boutique hideaways to sprawling family-friendly spots, here's how to find your perfect pillow.

For Honeymoons & Couples

If it's just the two of you, North Malé Atoll and the outer atolls are where the magic happens. Private resort islands in these areas offer the iconic overwater villas, secluded beaches, and candlelit dinners on the sand that make the Maldives the world's go-to honeymoon destination.

The Maldives is made for romance. Overwater villas with private pools, sunset cruises, candlelit dinners on the sand – it's the ultimate "just married and just loving life" destination.

• Centara Ras Fushi Resort & Spa – adults-only with overwater villas, infinity pools, and dining designed for date nights. Just 25 minutes by speedboat from the airport.

• Saii Lagoon Maldives, Curio Collection by Hilton – overwater living with stunning sunsets and dolphin spotting. Part of the CROSSROADS complex with multiple dining options.

• Baros Maldives – intimate and elegant, Baros has been welcoming honeymooners for over 50 years. World-class house reef and a Lighthouse restaurant with panoramic ocean views.

For Families

Families are best suited to South Malé Atoll or the larger resort islands with easy speedboat access from the airport, keeping transfers short and stress levels lower. Look for areas with shallow, calm lagoons and resorts offering kids' clubs and multiple dining options.

• Meeru Island Resort & Spa – one of the larger islands with kids' pools, six restaurants, and activities from football to snorkelling. Great value all-inclusive option.

• Holiday Inn Resort Kandooma – spacious villas, a kids' club, and a fantastic house reef. Six restaurants mean no mealtime battles.

• Kuredu Island Resort – a huge island with a golf course, diving centre, and a separate adults-only section if you need a breather. Brilliant for families with older kids.

For Luxury

For a pure, uncompromising luxury holiday, head to the outer atolls, Baa Atoll, Ari Atoll, and Noonu Atoll, where the most spectacular private resort islands sit. Further from the airport means more remote, more exclusive, and more extraordinary. Think seaplane arrivals, glass-floor villas, and house reefs teeming with marine life.

When only the very best will do. Private pools, butler service, and the kind of details you'll remember forever.

• The Sun Siyam Iru Fushi – fourteen restaurants, an award-winning spa, and villas with private pools. All-inclusive here means genuinely all-inclusive.

• Adaaran Prestige Vadoo – all-overwater resort with villas featuring glass floors and direct ocean access. Just 15 minutes from the airport.

• Constance Moofushi – barefoot luxury on a pristine island with one of the best house reefs in the Maldives. Adults-only and all-inclusive.

Cheap Maldives holidays

The Maldives on a budget is absolutely possible; you just need to know where to look. Local inhabited islands like Maafushi and Dhiffushi offer guesthouses, local restaurants, and a genuine glimpse into everyday Maldivian life at a fraction of the private island price. Staying close to Malé and the surrounding islands,  like Bandos Maldives, just 20 minutes by speedboat from the airport, also cuts transfer costs significantly and keeps things affordable without sacrificing that stunning Maldivian scenery, perfect if you're chasing a luxury vibe on a cheap holiday budget.

The Maldives doesn't have to break the bank. These resorts deliver the dream without the premium price tag.

• Embudu Village – authentic Maldivian atmosphere, excellent house reef, and no pretension. Just 25 minutes from the airport.

• Adaaran Select Hudhuran Fushi – a larger island with both beach and water villas. Good all-inclusive value and a surf break nearby.

All inclusive holidays to the Maldives

In the Maldives, all-inclusive holidays are almost essential because each resort sits on its own private island, which means there's no popping out to a local restaurant or nipping to the shop for a bottle of water. Everything you eat, drink, and do comes through the resort, so having it all sorted up front lets you properly switch off from the moment you arrive.

Most Maldivian all-inclusive packages cover meals across multiple restaurants, house drinks (cocktails, beer, soft drinks), non-motorised watersports, and access to the spa, sauna and gym. Some of the premium packages go further: premium spirits, excursion credits, spa treatments, and even your seaplane transfer bundled in. It's worth comparing what each resort includes before booking, because "all-inclusive" can mean very different things depending on where you stay.

What are the best all inclusive hotels in the Maldives for families?

• Meeru Island Resort & Spa. A large island with kids' pools, six restaurants, and a value-packed all-inclusive deal that covers watersports and daily activities for all ages.

• Hotel Riu Atoll. Big-resort energy with multiple pools, a splash park for the little ones, and the kind of buffet spread that keeps everyone from fussy toddlers to hungry teenagers happy.

What are the best all-inclusive hotels in the Maldives for couples?

• Constance Moofushi. Barefoot luxury on a pristine island, adults-only, with one of the best house reefs in the country and an all-inclusive package that covers premium drinks and sunset fishing.

• Diamonds Thudufushi. Italian-run with superb food (the pasta alone justifies the trip), easy access to whale shark territory in South Ari Atoll, and a beach that photographs like it's been retouched.

What are the best all-inclusive hotels in the Maldives for luxury?

• Sun Siyam Iru Fushi. Fourteen restaurants, an award-winning spa, and villas with private pools. "All-inclusive" here means genuinely everything, right down to the premium spirits.

• Emerald Maldives Resort & Spa. A premium all-inclusive concept on a huge lagoon island with serious dining credentials, a kids' club for family luxury travellers, and an overwater spa that's worth the trip on its own.

Overwater bungalows vs Beach Villas

It's the big decision. Both have their charms, and they're both giving luxury vibes no matter which way you swing it... So, we guess it depends on what you're fancying when you jet off... Have you got the kids in tow? Or is it a romantic retreat for you and the better half?

Overwater Villas:

• Direct lagoon access - roll straight out of bed and into the sea

• Glass-floor panels - watch the fish below from your living room

• More private - uninterrupted ocean views and no beach traffic past your deck

• Premium price - but it's the iconic Maldives experience

Beach Villas:

• Step straight onto the sand - from your door to the shoreline in seconds

• Often more space - sometimes with private gardens and more indoor square footage

• Better for young families - no drop into open water straight off the deck

• More affordable - generally a big step down in price from the overwater equivalent

Maldives honeymoon holidays

There's a reason the Maldives tops every honeymoon list. Private islands mean genuine seclusion. Overwater villas mean waking up to turquoise lagoons, and the resorts have turned romance into an art form.

What to expect:

• Floating breakfasts delivered to your villa

• Private sandbank dinners with personal chefs

• Couples' spa treatments overlooking the ocean

• Sunset dolphin cruises with champagne

• Stargazing from your private deck

What are the best beaches to visit in the Maldives?

The Maldives isn’t just serving beaches – it’s serving the beaches. We’re talking silky sands, crystal-clear waters, and vibes that range from romantic hideaways to snorkellers’ playgrounds. Here are some of the best beach spots to dip your toes in:

• Bikini Beach, Rasdhoo Island - soft sand and turquoise water, and the rare Maldivian local island where bikini-wearing is permitted (most inhabited islands require modest dress)

• Veligandu Island beaches - secluded stretches built for honeymoon strolls and selfies, the "never leaving" energy taken to its logical extreme

• Reethi Beach, Fonimagoodhoo Island - prime snorkelling with easy reef access straight from the beach

• Nalaguraidhoo Beach, Sun Island - bright blue water and lush resort backdrop, one of the more photographed stretches in South Ari Atoll

• Cocoa Island beaches - the luxury-and-yoga-retreat version of a Maldives beach day, barefoot spa territory

• Fulhadhoo Beach, Baa Atoll - quiet, unspoiled, and the antidote to resort-island bustle for days when you want tranquillity

• Dhigurah Beach, South Ari Atoll - one of the longest beaches in the Maldives at 3km, and the launch point for whale shark snorkelling

Your Maldives holidays 2026 travel guide

Things to do for families in the Maldives

• Snorkelling and dolphin cruises - the Maldives’ warm, shallow lagoons are basically nature’s paddling pools. Perfect for the little ones to splash about in, while the local dolphin pods love putting on a show for the resort boats.

• Whale submarine ride - want to show the kids the coral reefs without dealing with wet towels and soggy goggles? Hop on this semi-submarine from Malé. All the marine magic, zero dampness. The kids will absolutely lose their minds.

• Resort kids' clubs - need some actual "adult time"? Most of the larger resorts have you covered with full-day kids' clubs. We’re talking mini clubs, professional babysitting, and enough daily activities to tire them out by bedtime. You're welcome.

• Kayaks and paddleboards - because the lagoon waters are as flat as a pancake, learning to paddleboard is an absolute breeze. Plus, most resorts throw the equipment into your All-Inclusive package for free.

• Reef fish feeding at the jetty - a nightly ritual at loads of resorts. Grab a spot by the torchlight and watch the local fish (and the odd baby shark) turn up for their evening tea.

Things to do for couples in the Maldives

• Sunset cruises - picture this: a traditional dhoni boat, a glass of bubbly, and the sky doing that ridiculous pastel-pink thing. It’s the ultimate, cliché-but-we-love-it Maldives evening.

• Private sandbank dinners - just you, your favourite person, a personal chef, and a table pitched on your own private patch of sand. Oh, and the Indian Ocean acting as your background music. Fancy.

• Couples' spa sessions - if you haven't booked a side-by-side massage, are you even on holiday? Most resorts offer full couples' spa menus, complete with facials and hot tubs big enough for two.

• Stargazing on the beach - with zero light pollution, the night skies out here are unreal. Some resorts even bring out the big guns (telescopes) for guided stargazing sessions.

• Floating breakfast in your villa pool - a massive breakfast spread delivered on a tray that floats right in your private pool. Is it a bit extra? Yes. Is it an instant Instagram winner? Absolutely.

Things to do for adventure seekers in the Maldives

• Diving with whale sharks - head to the South Ari Atoll, the ultimate year-round hotspot for these gentle giants. You can book a half-day boat excursion from about £80 - worth every single penny.

• Manta ray snorkelling at Hanifaru Bay - located in the Baa Atoll, this is hands-down one of the best manta sites on the planet. Plan your trip between May and November (monsoon season) to see them in their hundreds.

• Night snorkelling - swap the sun cream for a torch. Torch-lit reef dives reveal the Maldives' nightlife - and by that, we mean octopuses, lobsters, and predatory fish out on the hunt.

• Surfing (May to October) - think the Maldives is just for lounging? Think again. The monsoon swell brings world-class waves, especially around the North Malé Atoll. Time to wax the board.

• Scenic seaplane tour - your airport transfer will probably double up as a sightseeing flight anyway, but you can also book dedicated photo flights to get those jaw-dropping, postcard-perfect aerial views of the atolls.

Things to do for foodies in the Maldives

• Floating breakfast - look, we mentioned it for the couples, but foodies need to know too. It’s technically breakfast, but it’s mostly an elite-tier holiday experience.

• Mas huni for breakfast - skip the standard cereal and go local. This traditional Maldivian breakfast is a delicious mix of shredded smoked tuna, coconut, chilli, and onion, served with warm flatbread. It’s an absolute game-changer.

• Underwater restaurants - want to dine with the fishes? Iconic spots like Hurawalhi and Conrad Rangali have actual glass-walled dining rooms inside the reef. Just make sure to book weeks in advance, as tables fly.

• Sunset fishing then dinner - go old-school with resort-organised line fishing from a traditional dhoni boat. The best bit? The crew will cook your fresh catch right on the beach for you afterwards.

• Maldivian cooking class - most of the bigger resorts run half-day masterclasses focusing on tuna-centric local classics. Trust us, learning to cook like a local makes for a way better souvenir than a fridge magnet.

Diving & Snorkelling in the Maldives

The Maldives is one of the world's top diving destinations. Visibility regularly exceeds 30 metres, water temperatures stay warm year-round, and the marine life is extraordinary.

What you might see:

• Manta rays (especially in Baa Atoll and Ari Atoll)

• Whale sharks (South Ari Atoll is a hotspot)

• Sea turtles (common at most resort house reefs)

• Reef sharks (white-tip and black-tip varieties)

• Over 2,000 species of fish

Don't dive? No problem. Many resorts have house reefs you can snorkel from the beach – no boat required. Some of the best marine life is in water shallow enough to stand in.

Best times for diving

• Dry Season (November–April) - calm seas, exceptional visibility up to 50 metres, and perfect conditions for beginners and experienced divers alike.

• Wet Season (May–October) - don't let the name put you off. This is actually prime time for manta rays and whale sharks, with plankton-rich waters bringing them closer to the surface. Surfers love this season too.

Quick Tip - even if you've never dived before, most resorts offer beginner discover dives with certified instructors in the lagoon. You could go from never diving to swimming with turtles on the same day. The Maldives makes it that easy.

More long haul holiday destinations to catch your eye

If you aren't sold on the Maldives (weird flex, but okay), then you might wanna check out some of these other places for a long-haul jaunt away from the UK & Ireland:

• Thailand - Incredible beaches, street food that'll change your life, and temple-dotted islands from Phuket to Koh Samui. Prices go an incredibly long way too.

• Caribbean - Private-island all-inclusive resorts that genuinely deliver, a rum culture that seeps into everything, and some of the best beaches on the planet across Jamaica, Barbados, and the Dominican Republic.

• Mexico - Caribbean-coast beaches, ancient Mayan ruins, and Cancun for mega-resort all-inclusive holidays with world-class dining and proper nightlife.

• Dubai - Seven-star hotels, desert excursions, and a full-city offering alongside gorgeous beach clubs. The kind of over-the-top luxury that has to be seen to be believed.

• Sri Lanka - Temples, tea plantations, elephant safaris, and surf beaches at Galle. Cultural depth and coastal beauty on an island that's only just hitting its stride as a holiday destination.

Just a heads up, the departure process for those travelling to the Maldives has changed. Please see the FAQs below for more info.

The Maldives has implemented a comprehensive ban on vaping products. Therefore, you're prohibited from bringing e-cigarettes, vapes and vaping devices into the Maldives; these items will be confiscated at the airport and disposed of.