MALDIVES - Our guide to paradise

There are 1192 islands in the Maldives and choosing the right one for you can be overwhelming that’s why we are here to help you select the right island based on your specific needs.

We have been ourselves as a couple and as a family so we can offer real advice based on our personal experiences.

Emma & Jason

Simple - for the exclusivity and limited space it offers from the many coral islands scattered across the Indian Ocean. In fact 1.8 million people travelled to the Maldives in 2023 and figures for 2024 are already up by 10%. Over 155k were just from the UK alone making it a more popular destination for travellers year on year and who can blame us with the prestige white sandy beaches and turquoise sea it’s a real paradise destination for all.

We have been for 7 nights and for 12. We have had people book for up to 16nights! We personally think 12 is the sweet spot but again I’d happily go for less if that was your budget, don’t be put off. Check as well when you book how many nights in resort are you getting as you normally lose the first day travelling so you may need to add an extra night.

Everyone - couples/families/solo travellers/friends/celebrations - We’ve met them all on our travels!

The Maldives really is an all year round destination with temperatures of 24-31 degrees. Oct - April is considered the best time to travel and the driest. May - September is when you could see some rain although it tends to be short lived. These months can be cheaper to visit apart from school holidays which are generally high.

Most UK international airports now operate to Male and BA & Virgin fly direct from London making the average 12hr journey just 10.5hr.

Non-direct flights connect at several destinations such as Istanbul, Doha, Bahrain and of course Dubai. More airlines are operating now making the destinations more easy to get to.

Seaplanes, domestic flights and speedboats - what a choice!

If you are staying at an island close to Male then you will only be offered a speedboat. If you are further away then you have a choice of either seaplane or a domestic flight to a different airport followed by a speedboat ride. The seaplane can be quicker although some islands charge more for this service and they only operate during the day until around 3pm so it really depends on your flight times as to which transfer will work best for you. We can take care of that part for you.

With over 170 resorts to choose from you will be spoilt for choice. These range from small remote to large and lively. Let us help you decide

These are good if you are on honeymoon or travelling in the school holidays as a couple as you will get lots of families especially in the school holidays. Here are a few;

Komandoo Island

You & Me by Cocoon

Veligandu Resort

Cinnamon Hakuraa Huraa

Centara Ras Fushi Resort

Robinson Maldives

Kudadoo Private Island

Yes Yes Yes!

We have been with ours and it is brilliant for families if you get the island right. Apart from the amazing snorkeling that is available there is so much more to keep them occupied.

Facilities such as a plunge pool and slide from the decking of your watervilla, a full size football pitch with summer camps by ex-professional players, inflatable waterparks in the sea, go karting, horse riding, watersports....... You will also find kids clubs and evening entertainment along with movie nights under the stars.

The sea around the islands is calm making it safe for children to swim and snorkel.

What we liked when we brought our children to the Maldives was the independence it gave them. The islands are so safe that it allows them to go and make friends in an environment with no roads or vehicles and with no escape!

Our favorite family islands are Adaaran Select Meedhupparu, Siyam World, Oblu Xperience & Villa Nautica

Water villas are such an amazing experience and some include butler service, private plunge pools and slides with dedicated restaurants and larger pools that are exclusive to these guests only. The only downside is if you don’t have exclusive areas you may find yourself still having to go out and find loungers on the beach.

Beach villas are brilliant and the thing we like about these are the outdoor shower and the private area you have on the beach directly outside your villa just a stones throw away from the beautiful sea.

2 bedroom villas for families and interconnecting villas are available for those families needing their own space.

Our overall favorites are;

• Adaaran Select Meedhupparu for the exclusive extras the Water villas provide & the interconnecting beach family villas
• Cinnamon Dhonveli for Water suites with access to a swim up pool and the beach villas as excellent. There is a 2 storey house with pool as well!
• Siyam World for plunge pool in all its rooms and slides from the Water villas.
• Nika Island for family Water villas & Beach villas with your own private swing!
• Embudu village for affordable Water villas
• Oblu Nature, Villa Nautica, Varu by Atmosphere all have private beach pools.

Imagine having up to 11 restaurants to choose from and 101 cocktails for your evening meal! That’s the offer at some of the Maldives islands. A La Carte fine dining is also available. Again you may find that certain restaurants are exclusive to Water villa guests only or premium all inclusive guests. 

Some islands offer dining on the beach under the stars for a set price and if you are wanting something extra special then there is the dining under the sea restaurants available at Conrad Maldives, Rangali Island, Hurawalhi Resort, Lobigili Island, You & Me, Niyama Private Islands and Ozen by Atmosphere. 

Some islands have standard all inclusive and you have to pay extra for premium. The difference can range from watersports, excursions and spa credit so make sure you check. Some islands include premium as standard. The cost of drinks can be expensive, even soft drinks so you must consider this is choosing a half or full board dining plan.

Some of the best coral reef in the world can be seen just a few yards from the edge of the sea. It really is breathtaking but again each islands experience is different. The first time you stay at the Maldives you will be blown away by everything. The 2nd time, because you will be ruined for holidays and find yourself desperate to return, you will see the difference between islands. Some house reefs are better than others. There are also excursions that take you snorkeling with turtles and Mantarays, which we did as a family. We also went out with torches at night to spot the many sharks that are in the ocean! Don’t worry they only come out at night!

If you really want to see sharks up close then head to the tuna factory near Male airport where you can do a shark tank experience if you are brave enough

Our favorite reefs are Adaaran Select Meedhupparu, Embudu Village, Siyam World, Joy Island, Oblu Nature Helengeli

All the islands really make a fuss of anyone with something to celebrate, you’ll have all seen the artistic towel swans and pictures with bamboo stalks on the beds!

Dining on the beach, underwater restaurants, sleeping under the stars on sandbanks in the middle of the ocean. There are just so many options to celebrate something extra special. You can even upgrade to a Water villa for a night.

All the Maldives islands are incredible and provide some of the best service in the world with the friendliest staff. However, if you are looking for high-end exclusive resorts with impecable service then these are some reccommendations;

*Finolu Baa

*Emerald Faarufushi

*Ozen Bolifushi & Ozen Life Maadoo

* Amilla Resort

*Niyama Private Islands

*Constance Halaveli

*Hurawalhi