A double string of 1,190 coral islands to the southwest of Sri Lanka, stretching north to just south of the equator, make up the Republic of Maldives.
We have hand-picked just a few of the best resorts here, but have many more on our books. So, if you’re looking to go somewhere that we have not published on our site, please let us know.
This archipelago in the Indian Ocean, 130 km (81 miles) at its widest point and 820 km (510 miles) in length, is also the flattest in the world, with the highest natural land less than 2.4 m (8 feet) above sea level.
Grouped into 26 atolls – ring-shaped coral formations enclosing a lagoon, which provide a natural defence against wind and wave – the Maldives covers a total area of 859,000 square kilometres (331,661 square miles), yet only 1% of this is land. Not surprisingly, this aquatic nation is considered one of the top 10 diving spots in the world. With only 200 inhabited islands and an additional 98 islands developed exclusively as tourist resorts, tourism is the dominant support for the economy.
Malé is the capital of the Republic of Maldives, an island 2 km (1.2 miles) long and 1 km (0.6 mile) wide. Though built to the edge, Malé is clean and quaint, with markets, mosques and a maze of small streets that approximately 103,000 people call home.
Keen to dive? Read about the best Maldives hotels with a house reef in our blog.
From London: 12 hours
Mauritain Rupee
GMT +3
Six months left on your passport, a visa will be issued on arrival for three months
The weather in the Maldives is exactly what you expect from your tropical paradise. Pleasant temperatures all year round, with two main seasons: the dry season (from the end of October until the end of March), and the rainy season (from the end of April until the end of October).
The dry season is therefore the prime time to visit the Maldives, when the weather is ideal for simply lazing on the beach, or diving in and around the hot spots in the Maldives. The average temperature during the dry season is around 27C (80F).
The water temperature in Maldives never drops below 25 degrees, and with the average sunshine surpassing 8 hours in a day, it is difficult not to enjoy the blissful weather conditions.
An ultra lux resort, Each residence is allocated a dedicated Barefoot Guardian and Barefoot Assistant to ensure a unrivalled level of service...
Amilla offers a lush paradise on a stunning tropical island of sandy beaches....
On the Noonu Atoll in the north west of the Maldives, Cheval Blanc Randheli encompasses five pristine islands in a stunning lagoon, offering the ultimate...
This wonderful luxury island retreat has earned a reputation for exceptional standards of service combined with superb accommodation. Perfect for a romantic escape....
This stunning private island resort offers the ultimate in stylish simplicity, total relaxation and gourmet dining, just a 30 minute speedboat journey from Male airport....
The first and only luxury resort to open in the pristine Thaa Atoll, COMO Maalifushi has just 62 sublime over-water villas and garden suites. Is...
A holiday to Constance Moofushi is all about relaxation and rejuvenation and combines the Robinson Crusoe barefoot elegance of an elegant luxury resort with the...
Find adventure and relaxation for all the family at the Four Seasons' colourful private island of Kuda Huraa, voted the number one Travel Experience 2011...
This luxurious island retreat is situated in the Baa Atoll, a UNESCO World Biosphere Reserve. This Four Seasons is set in 40 acres of lush...
This luxurious retreat is situated on the otherwise uninhabited island of Dhonakulhi. Nestled in a lush, verdant paradise, it offers an effortless blend of nature-inspired...
Gili Lankanfushi (formerly Soneva Gili) was the first all over-water villa resort in the Maldives and still leads the way with its spectacular villas-on-stilts. It...
JOALI BEING is the first dedicated well-being immersive retreat in the Maldives. Located in the northern reaches of the Maldives, the resort enjoys the tranquillity...
Lux* Maldives (previously called Diva) is located in the South Ari Atoll, which is renowned for being one of the best dive sites in the...
Opened in July 2016 and located on an idyllic island that's just a small strip of platinum white sandy beaches, surrounded by the vibrant blues...
Set on a pristine island within the Lhaviyani Atoll, Palm Beach Resort & Spa offers Italian hospitality in a Maldivian paradise surrounded by white sandy...
Stylish, trendy and very popular, One & Only Reethi Rah offers high quality accommodation combined with extensive leisure facilities. This award winning resort is on...
Wrapped in sweeps of sand and peaceful seas, occupying the southern Maldivian island of Falhumaafushi, this stunning modern resort enjoys state of the art facilities...
Located at the southern tip of the Addu Atoll, just south of the equator, the luxury Shangri-La's Villingili Resort & Spa sits on a long...
Located on the beautiful, privately-owned Olhuveli Island, this luxurious resort offers beach and over-water accommodation which combines elegant, organic design with eco-awareness to stunning effect....
The newest luxury resort to open in the Maldives (November 5), Soneva Jani is the perfect combination of nature and luxury, providing guests with an...
The ultimate Robinson Crusoe island, Soneva Fushi by Six Senses is a 30 minute seaplane journey from Male airport and offers a fabulous barefoot luxury...
Bandos Island resort (4*) is nestled in lush green vegetation, with white sand beaches and crystal-clear waters in its own lagoon, and just a 20...
Coco Palm Dhuni Kolhu is a delightfully escapist resort island in the Baa Atoll, surrounded by pure white sandy beaches with a breathtaking lagoon, accessed...
Located on a tiny island in Baa Atoll, a scenic 35 minute seaplane flight from Male. Fantastic combination of land and water based activities, plus...
If your holiday to the Maldives wouldn't be a holiday with a few games of tennis, we would recommend you stay at the luxurious Reethi...
Many are surprised that we suggest the Maldives for surfing, but if you choose to stay at the superb Four Seasons Kuda Haraa or the...
If you love playing around in and on the water, then the warm waters around the Maldives will be perfect for you. All resorts offer a...
If you love spas, white sandy beaches, warm turquoise seas and sunshine - then you will love the Maldives. Each of our featured resorts has exemplary...
The clear warm waters in the Maldives are perfect for snorkelling and conditions are ideal for both adults and children. The white sandy beaches on all...
The Maldives are world famous for the superb diving around the islands. It's a diver's paradise! Migratory ocean species such as mantas, whale sharks, dolphins and...
The Maldives, sprinkled across the Indian Ocean, are a fabulous holiday destination - but only one is just for adults. Komandoo Maldives Resort is an idyllic...
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