Maldives

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Holidays to the Maldives take you to a string of tropical islands – called atolls – where idyllic hotels and house reefs reign supreme.

Floating in the Indian Ocean, the Maldives are the cream of the crop when it comes to secluded beach holidays. The waters are their own brand of blue, the sands are blindingly white, and rows of palm trees stand to attention along the shoreline. What’s more, if you count each island individually, you’ve got almost 2,000 reasons to visit. Some are such small specks that they're inhabited by a single hotel – meaning the ultimate peace and quiet – and lots are ringed by colourful house reefs.

Each of the 26 atolls in the Maldives has its own unique selling point. Some of these ring-shaped reefs are known for their aquarium-like diving conditions, while others focus on luxury hotel digs. The North and South Ari Atolls offer easy access to the Maldivian capital, Malé, and the islands in the Ari Atoll have a reputation for their world-class scuba sites. The more northern atolls, like Lhaviyani and Raa, are known as the least chartered, and the atolls in the south are becoming the focus of cutting-edge hotel designers.

For honeymooners, nothing compares to the Maldives’ just-married credentials. Private islands, speedboat transfers and sea views are pretty much the norm, so you'll feel like you're getting star treatment wherever you stay. The archipelago’s trademark accommodation is stilted water villas, which come with four-poster beds and infinity views of the sea. The islands’ restaurants, meanwhile, have turned romantic dinners into an art form. And with because everything's spread between so many pin-drop islands, you won't clap eyes on a crowd anywhere.

Paradise-ready properties are the Maldives' main forte, thanks to stilted villas and hotels on private streaks of land. A couple of standout properties are the Hard Rock Hotel Maldives, which has a pool that plays underwater music, and the ROBINSON Maldives, which offers gourmet dinners for two* on the beach. All Inclusive breaks are a big hit, too.

Frequently asked questions about the Maldives

How long does it take to fly to the Maldives?

Flights from the UK to the Maldives take between 10 and 11 hours, depending on which airport you fly from. Most holidays also include a speedboat transfer, domestic flight or seaplane flight, too.

What is the time difference between the UK and the Maldives?

The Maldives are five hours ahead of the UK – so when it’s 9am here, it’s 2pm there.

What currency do they use in the Maldives?

The currency in the Maldives is the Maldivian rufiyaa, but euros and US dollars are also accepted in most resorts.

Do I need a visa to visit the Maldives?

You’ll be granted a 30-day visa on arrival to the Maldives, and your passport must be valid for at least one month. For more details, check the entry requirements on the FCDO advice page.

When is a good time to visit the Maldives?

You can expect a tropical climate when you arrive in the Maldives, which means hot weather throughout the year, as well as wet and dry seasons. You’ll get the highest temperatures and the least rain from December to March, and it’s usually wettest in October.