It's a nation of more than a 1,000 coral islands (grouped into 'atolls') scattered down the middle of the Indian Ocean like little gems. We offer you islands so tiny that each one is a resort in its own right. The water is crystal clear, the powdery sands are gleaming white, and the diving and snorkelling are amazing. With some great spas and a romantic, castaway environment, the Maldives are made for honeymooners.
In a nutshell
The most famous coral reefs in the world are found here. All kinds of colourful, tropical marine life can be viewed simply by putting on some snorkel gear and swimming into the lagoons. Diving is of course, huge, and you can get your PADI certificate at all of our resorts, or improve your existing skills. The pleasures here are mainly quiet and convivial: barbecues on the beach, sunset watching with a cocktail, the gentle rhythms of local music, all contributing to the very special atmosphere of this magical place. Surfing is big on the east of North Malé atoll, but you may prefer to come here to relax. Stay in the Spa Retreat at the Conrad Maldives Rangali Island, or one of our other spa properties, and you can add some top-class pampering to your itinerary of pleasures. Elsewhere, you can visit the sleepy capital, Malé, or take a boat to the town of Seenu on Addu atoll, from where you can visit traditional Maldivian island communities.
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.
Flight Upgrades - Business Class available from £669 supplement per person each way.
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.
Fly Direct to the Maldives with Sri Lankan Airlines - If you would prefer to fly direct to the Maldives, Sri Lankan Airlines fly 4 times a week direct from London Heathrow to Mal? (Mon, Thu, Fri and Sat). Supplement to fly direct between £0-£150 per person.
Transfers in the Maldives - If your flight to Malé arrives at night or departs very early in the morning, it may not be possible to transfer directly to your chosen resort by seaplane, as they only operate during daylight hours. It may be necessary to overnight at either the airport hotel or Kurumba, which is located a short boat ride from the airport. Prices start from £68 per person per night. Transfers in the Maldives are either by speedboat or seaplane. Due to the nature of the transfers, during adverse weather conditions it may not be possible to transfer immediately to your resort.
Additional info
Diving and Snorkelling
These islands, with their crystal-clear waters and coral reefs, are fabulous for underwater activities. Many resorts have 'house reefs' an easy swim from the beach. So if you'd just like to snorkel, you can experience the psychedelic colours of the coral and marine life from the surface - all resorts provide snorkelling equipment and many arrange snorkelling excursions to show you the varying reef structures and types of marine life. Want to learn to dive? Most resorts have a professional PADI diving school, with courses for beginners and advanced.
Honeymoons and Renewal of Vows
For a castaway, barefoot feel to your honeymoon, the Maldives are hard to beat. Many hotels offer COMPLIMENTARY extras for honeymooners, and all will have restaurants where you can dine outdoors, your table lit by candles, as you listen to the sound of the waves. As well as relaxing and enjoying sunset walks on the beach, followed by tropical cocktails, you'll be able to try diving or snorkelling together, discovering the amazing underwater world. The pace of modern life will seem like a million miles away in this idyllic place.
Spas and Well-being
In recent years the islands have gained some wonderful spa resorts. One of the best we offer is the Conrad Maldives Rangali Island. There you can stay in a luxurious Spa Water Villa on stilts over the ocean in the Spa Retreat, with daily treatments included. The glass-floored massage room is amazing. We also offer Kurumba and Taj Coral Reef which both have lovely spas. Down here you can experience Ayurvedic treatments, an ancient Indian philosophy which involves massages with herbs and oils, and the eating of certain foods. Why not give it a try?
Beautiful Beaches
The sunshine is year round, and virtually all of the islands and atolls are completely surrounded by powdery white sands over which you can pad into warm, turquoise blue water. Gentle and shallow, it is nature's very own swimming pool. These beaches are the perfect place to kick back, relax and escape the stress of modern-day life. The Maldives are also in the world's top 5 for whale and dolphin watching, with a quarter of the world's species to be found here.
Weather and climate
