The Travel Point

Overview

We’ve been offering holidays to the Maldives for over 30 years, and there’s a reason that it’s our most popular destination. Far-flung and exotic, with private islands of dazzling white sands and swaying palms fringed by crystal blue waters, it's the ultimate luxury beach escape.

We're the original Maldives experts and have hand-picked our favourite islands
There's nowhere better for an away-from-it-all honeymoon
Don't just limit yourself to one island, a twin-centre Maldives holiday is easier than you might think
Superb diving and snorkelling – many islands have their own house reef
Great choice of island resorts where you'll find one perfect for you

Best time to visit Maldives

Temperatures in the Maldives vary little throughout the year, averaging 25-30ºC
The peak season is December to April, when it's hotter and drier
May to July and September to November tend to have higher rainfall and some cloud, but still see plenty of sunshine amidst short downpours, and this is when you can benefit from the greatest value offers.

Maldives holiday highlights

The Maldives is the place for relaxation. Expect to lose all sense of time, what day it is and what’s going on elsewhere. This is the home of ‘no news, no shoes’ after all.

Savour gourmet dining and the most beautiful ocean sunsets. And if the stunning views aren’t enough, activities and experiences on offer range from Robinson Crusoe-style desert island escapes to a whole host of watersports.

The underwater world here has been the subject of countless documentaries – the highlight perhaps being the chance to drift alongside manta rays (best seen between June and October). Many of the islands are surrounded by wonderful coral reefs, often with fantastic marine life just moments from the shore. So if an all day diving trip isn’t for you, look out for hotels which have a house reef accessible directly from the beach. And if it’s man-made and underwater, then chances are that it’s a ‘world first’: there’s an underwater spa, underwater music club and underwater restaurant, all found on different islands.

The choice of accommodation in the Maldives is impressively diverse – from tiny boutique hideaways with just a handful of rooms to larger, all inclusive resorts with abundant facilities; authentic, rustic retreats to cool and contemporary hotels; and simple beachfront bungalows to the most exclusive overwater pool villas. But all of the resorts resort sit on their very own island. And boarding a speedboat or seaplane to transfer to your hotel is far more exciting than the everyday taxi ride.

There’s a reason why the Maldives ranks highly on honeymoon wish lists: romantic candlelit dinners under starry skies, secluded hideaway accommodation and palm-fringed beaches come as standard. If that isn’t enough, exclusive upgrades, seaplane transfers, private lounges and bespoke experiences make for an extra special honeymoon.

And, although it might not be the obvious choice for families, the Maldives is a natural playground and a number of family-friendly resorts offer kids’ clubs, activities and family beach accommodation.

Take a look through our hand-picked collection of Maldives hotels or make an appointment to meet one of our Personal Travel Experts – they know the Maldives really well and can help you find your perfect island.

Things to do in Maldives

Lonubo, Maafushivaru

An ultimate indulgence, enjoy a private dining experience on an uninhabited island. There’s just one couple allowed on Lonubo for dinner at a time, so it really is your own private island for the evening! A delectable five-course menu will be prepared and served by your private chef and waiter, accompanied by sparkling wine and the gentle lap of the ocean. After dining, your chef and waiter will depart, leaving you alone to stargaze from the large bed on the beach or from the ‘love beds’ in the trees. To return to Maafushivaru, simply call the resort from the dedicated mobile phone and ask them to whisk you back to the main island. The next morning, wake up late and enjoy continental breakfast in bed in your villa on Maafushivaru. This experience is available exclusively to guests staying at Maafushivaru.

Lonubo private island, Maafushivaru

What could be more romantic than your very own private island for the night? You’ll be dropped off late afternoon, with time for snorkelling and swimming at leisure before the sun sets over the Indian Ocean and the night sky is filled with stars. Your accommodation on this uninhabited island is a charming Beach Villa, nestled amongst the trees, with air-conditioning, television, iPod dock, minibar, mobile phone, outdoor bathroom and sun deck. The next morning you'll enjoy a sparkling wine in-villa breakfast. Then, when you’re ready to be picked up, simply call the resort from the dedicated mobile phone. With just one couple on the island each night, this really is an utterly secluded and romantic escape. This experience is available exclusively to guests staying at Maafushivaru.

Diving in the Maldives

These idyllic coral islands rank amongst the best dive destinations in the world. When conditions are good, the underwater visibility is at the highest level – sometimes exceeding 50 metres – and the warm water temperatures year-round make diving in the Maldives a pleasure. The North Malé Atoll is home to the Lion’s Head and Wattaru Kandu dive sites, both of which are frequented by reef sharks. Wattaru Kandu is also home to stingrays and garden eels whilst Lankanfinokhu, or Manta Point as it’s known locally, is a great place to see manta rays being cleaned by local colonies of cleaner fish.

Male Airport

his air-conditioned private lounge is available to pre-book at preferential rates. Enjoy snacks and soft drinks after check-in at Malé airport for a relaxing start to your journey home.