Destination information
The Maldives is an archipelago of more than 1,000 islands to the south-west of the tip of India. It is obviously a long-haul destination and the trip can be tiring, but we consider it well worth it, as this as an excellent holiday destination. The near-perfect weather all the year round, combined with the friendly locals, the wonderfully warm bathing waters, and plenty of holiday activities, make your Maldives Holiday an increasingly popular choice for holiday breaks. Your flight will land in the capital city of Malé, one of the largest islands in the group. Malé has a population of over 100,000 and is as lively as it gets in the Maldives. A wide range of services and amenities are available to visitors to the city. Culturally, the capital is more conservative than the outlying islands, where most of the holiday resorts are located. Conservative attire for both men and women is recommended for this portion of your holiday in Maldives, and women should have a scarf or other head covering with them to avoid unwanted attention, as the residents of Malé typically follow Muslim conventions.
Diving and Snorkelling
The Maldives are a sensual overload, with crescents of sparkling white-sand beaches, colourful sunsets, clear turquoise water punctuated by coral reefs, and green palm trees swaying in the light breezes. The country is a photographer’s paradise and is cherished by snorkelers and SCUBA divers for its range of beautiful underwater terrain. The property boundaries of many hotels extend to small reefs just off their beaches, so snorkelling keen guests can enjoy the beauty of the reef right on their doorstep. Diving schools are available in most resorts, so you can take your exploration even deeper after some training.
Honeymoons and Renewal of Vows
For honeymoon to remember the Maldives is the favoured place to go. You can cocoon yourselves in the sound of the lapping waves and the warmth of the sun. Walk along the beach and get the coral sand between your toes, enjoying your time alone together. Getting away from the romance to more practical matters - take advantage of the complimentary extras that many hotels offer to honeymooners and have at least one dinner al fresco, beneath the twinkling stars. Attractive package deals are available that will save you money on a wide variety of services.
Spas and Well-being
Of course, for those who want to get away from it all and truly relax, the islands offer spa packages that provide you with great comfort day and night. Several hotels offer over-the-water bungalows for the ultimate in privacy and seclusion, some with a personal butler service. Fine dining is available throughout the islands, including a wide selection of healthy dishes with international flavours, as well as fine wines to accompany your meal.
Beautiful Beaches
With over 1,000 islands and atolls, many of them uninhabited, you won’t find a greater choice of beaches anywhere in the world; this is exclusive to a holiday in the Maldives. Whether you enjoy lounging on the sand, walking in the surf, snorkelling or diving, the Maldives offer a warm, sunny retreat from your busy life at home. Leave your worries and the stresses of day-to-day living behind you, and come to the one place on earth that will allow you to thoroughly unwind, and truly enjoy the beauty of land and sea. You don’t need to pack much more than a swimsuit and some sunscreen before visiting the Maldives, but you’ll return with pleasant memories that will last a lifetime.
Star attractions
- Great Snorkelling and Diving
- Island activities
- VIP treatment
- Perfect for Honeymoons
- Crystal-clear lagoons
Events calendar
Key events
Jan - Eid-ul-Adha – Popular Islamic festival
Feb - El am Hejir New Year – Islamic New Year
Mar - Eid-Milad Nnabi – lively festival which runs for nine days to celebrate Mohammed’s birthday
Jul - Independence Day – locals celebrate their nation’s independence with official celebrations, feasts and performances
Oct – The Hay Literary Festival in Male - celebrated with art, literature, music and performance
Nov – Victory Day/ Republic Day
Dec - December 10th is Fisherman’s Day in the Maldives
Please note: all events listed are for helpful information only and many are subject to entrance fees and/or prior reservation, and may be cancelled at any time. Please check with the relevant tourist office if you need further information on these or any of the other events in this region.
Postcards from... Top ideas from our travel experts
Our Top 5 hotels
This all inclusive resort features over-water Bungalows set on stilts, giving fabulous views of the lagoon and its colourful tropical fish. This 6-acre island is the first resort to be developed in Meemu Atoll and is uniquely designed beside one of the longest stretches of reef in the Maldives – so there’s superb diving or snorkelling opportunities to enjoy.
No details are available for this accommodation at present.
This tropical paradise provides everything you need for a relaxing holiday in the sun. Lavish accommodation comes very well-equipped with all mod cons and beautiful views of the resort or the ocean. As you would expect, there are water sports in abundance, plenty of land sports, including tennis and volleyball plus beautiful, white sandy beaches on which to simply relax.
The island is blessed with amazingly colourful coral reefs, fine white sandy beaches and a turquoise lagoon, making it perfect for those seeking unspoiled surrounds in which to relax. There's a great range of amenities, including all the water sports under the sun, restaurants, bars and regular evening entertainment.
The island of Bandos is a perfect setting for a romantic getaway or 2 weeks of heaven away from the pressures of work. The resort is nestled in lush green vegetation, with white sand beaches and crystal-clear waters in its own lagoon. For those looking for a more active holiday, there is plenty to do.
Additional info
ACD – Airport Development Charge of $25.00 will be introduced and collected from all international passengers (aged 2 years and above) upon departing from Ibrahim Nasir Male International Airport on flights scheduled from 1st January 2012 onwards.
When to go
Those tropical postcards, featuring bronzed bodies, clear seas and blue skies, could basically have been taken at any time of year as temperatures in the Maldives hardly ever dip below 30°. Between May-October the islands see more rainfall than the other months, but probably the best time of year to visit is in between December and April as humidity levels are low, temperature are high and living is indescribably easy.
Different destinations have different magic touches so make sure to check them out to see what makes your holiday with us so special.
Getting there
Flight Details - Emirates flights to the Maldives (via Dubai) depart 5 times a week (Fri, Sat, Sun, Mon and Wed) from London Heathrow, Gatwick, Manchester, Birmingham, Newcastle and Glasgow.
Flying Time - Approx 12 hours to Malé.
Time Difference - GMT +5 hours
Currency - Maldivian Rufiya (US$ travellers' cheques are recommended - some US$ notes are handy for tipping on arrival.)
Visa Requirements - British citizens do not require a visa.
Language - Maldivian Dhivehi is the official language. English is widely spoken.
Transfers in the Maldives - Transfers are either by speedboat or seaplane and you will be escorted to your departure point by our staff and the hotel representative. During adverse weather conditions it may not be possible to transfer immediately to your resort and as seaplanes only operate during daylight hours, it may be necessary to overnight at the airport hotel.
Seaplane luggage allowance in 20kg plus 5kg hand luggage per person. Excess may be charged at approx $4 per kilo and/or carried later. As you board, they will stow all luggage including handbags, so make sure you have your camera in your hand if you think you might like to take photos.