A guide to the Maldives

If you’re planning a Maldives holiday, the first thing to consider is how to get there. Whilst this certainly is a long-haul destination, the journey is relatively easy. You’ll find one-stop flights departing from most major UK airports, with the travel time averaging around 13 hours. Or, if you’re flying from London, you can get your hands on a 10-hour direct flight.  

Enjoy great food and in-flight entertainment – with the added luxury of a business or first-class upgrade if you’re feeling fancy - before touching down at Male International Airport. Then, it’s just a short speedboat or plane transfer to your island resort of choice.

There’s no wrong way to do a Maldives holiday, and if we’re speaking from experience, most people leave this idyllic country wishing they have more time to spare. But, between five days and two weeks is the standard amount of time spent here.

If you’re looking for a holiday that’s all about relaxation and living the slow life, a holiday to the Maldives is what we’d recommend. But, if you want that added element of adventure, you can split your time between two destinations. Sri Lanka is a fantastic option if you’re all about wildlife, while Dubai is great if you want a taste of the city.

While the temperatures in the Maldives remain stable all year round, this country has a monsoon climate, so thinking about when to book your holiday is essential. You’ll want to land yourself in the dry season, which runs from December through to April. During this time, you can expect low winds, bath-warm water and plenty of sunshine.

It’s worth keeping in mind that this time of year is also the most popular. So, be sure to plan ahead if you want to secure that dream resort – and get the best deals, too! 

Of course! If you want a family holiday that’s all about spending quality time together, you’re onto a winner with a trip to the Maldives. It’s easy to find quiet and private accommodation, which is ideal when travelling with tiny tots. On the other hand, loads of hotels and resorts offer fabulous kids and teens’ clubs, so you can be sure the entertainment will never run dry.

Here at Travelbag, we’ve got loads of incredible family-friendly resorts to choose from. At One and Only Reethi Rah, there’s a special programme where kids can swim with manta rays, Hard Rock Hotel Maldives has a super-cool, adults-free hangout, and Pullman Maldives Maamutaa is home to state-of-the-art family villas. 

The Maldives is the ultimate honeymoon destination. Even if you’ve not got a wedding on the horizon, there’s no better place to go for that extra-special couples’ holiday. Beautiful scenery and ultimate privacy are a given, but there are also heaps of romantic experiences for you to make the most of. 

Whether private dining on the beach at sunset, lagoon-side spa treatments for two, or cosy cooking classes and cocktail-making sessions, the Maldives has you covered. And, if you want your couples’ escape to be totally peaceful, you can opt for an adults-only resort or hotel.

When it comes to where to stay during your Maldives holiday, the options are endless. But, depending on what type of traveller you are and what sort of holiday you want, our Travel Specialists can easily narrow down the options and find you something perfect.

But if you want to browse before you call, these top-class resorts are an excellent place to start. For a touch of romance, look at the adults-only OBLU SELECT Lobigili. For a stylish escape that’s focused on sustainability, Baros Maldives is your best bet. And, if you fancy going all out with an all-inclusive Maldives holiday, glance at VARU by Atmosphere.

It’s not just about sun loungers and soaking in infinity pools in the Maldives. Really, you don’t have to spend a second sitting still if you don’t want to. Surrounded by miles of unspoilt Indian Ocean, it’s no surprise that water-based activities are the star of the show. You can snorkel and dive to your heart’s content or try windsurfing, jet-skiing, and heaps of other adrenalin-inducing watersports.

If you’d rather stay on land, many Maldives resorts offer tennis lessons, yoga workshops and fitness classes. Or, you can soak up the sights and learn about local culture on a guided excursion. 

Now that you’ve decided on a trip to the Maldives, it’s time to think about getting your suitcase packed. The main thing you’ll need is weather-appropriate clothing. So, think of thin materials that’ll help keep you cool, swimwear for all those dips in the ocean, and a light layer if it gets chilly in the evening.

As is the case when you’re travelling anywhere sunny, SPF is a must, and your sunglasses and sandals will always come in handy. If you’re planning on snorkelling or diving, a GoPro could be a good investment, but in terms of keeping it charged, there’s no need for an adapter, as the Maldives uses the same socket type as the UK!