This is a rough guide on what to expect from the Maldives.
Each hotel has an explanation of what it has to offer. These are hotels which are consistently recommended as luxury hotels in the Maldives. Obviously I will be able to tailor them better once I know your budget.
For now, this is solely to serve as seeing if the Maldives is something that takes your fancy and what sort of island you are interested in staying at.
If the Maldives doesn't take your interest or you want me to look into Mexico or St Lucia instead, please let me know.
You will need to get a plane to Malé International Airport. From there, you will need to take a speedboat, ferry or seaplane to the island.
Depending which island you pick will depend on how long it takes and how frequent the transport is.
Islands with a 30-40 minute seaplane
The below hotels are a list of places which have a short 30-40-minute seaplane ride. You will see they are all in a similar location and these are the most popular islands to visit.
Located on an uninhabited five-island cluster in the Noonu Atoll, the Maldives’ most exclusive resort is fringed by pristine beaches, blanketed with lush tropical greenery, and surrounded by a 5.6 km (3,4 mi) lagoon of crystal clear waters with uninterrupted Indian Ocean views.
This is the latest addition to this celebrity-frequented hangout – Gwyneth Paltrow and Brad Falchuk honeymooned here – is dazzling. Set on the southern tip of the island is 27 brand-new, romantic overwater structures. They're some of the largest water villas anywhere, with huge private pools, sweeping terraces, glass-floor panels, waterslides and retractable roofs that can be rolled back to reveal the stars when it gets dark – visit the observatory on a clear night and you might even see the Rings of Saturn.
The Soneva Unlimited package includes food and drinks, seaplane transfers and spa treatments.
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The Soneva Jani is frequently rated in the top 10 hotels in the Maldives. It is rated the best place for relaxation.
Thanks to its splendid location within the northern Baa Atoll, there’s no shortage of marine wildlife adventures at this resort. When not snorkelling with manta rays, there is an overwater spa and a choice of six excellent restaurants and bars, but really it is all about the talcum-white sands and turquoise waters.
Alila Kothaifaru is the perfect Maldives hotel for couples in search of laid-back luxury. As with many Maldives hotels, guests can choose between villas on the beach and over-water residences. The latter may be the more iconic Maldivian accommodation, but the houses on the sand are more secluded, in this case mostly due to the foliage; these also have their own swimming pool and a path leading to the shore. Guests can choose between villas that are primed for sunrise or sunset.
The Singapore-based Studiogoto is behind the sleek, clean lines that are keystones of the Alila brand. Another big focus of this outpost is letting the natural surroundings steal the show – each villa has a glass wall to ensure the jungle backdrop is seen even when you’re inside. Similarly, the restaurants and bars are open to the elements to maximise sea-gazing. To reach the spa, which is shrouded by greenery for maximum privacy, you’ll have to head up into the treetops.
Nearby is Hanifaru Bay, a UNESCO World Biosphere Reserve and a hotspot for both manta rays and whale sharks; and Vaadhoo Island, where you can see the ‘Sea of Stars' phenomenon of bioluminescence in the reefs in late summer.
There are six restaurants to try, so you don’t have to worry about being real castaways – couples will especially love the Shack, a sand cay reached by sailing across on a traditional dhoni for a sunset barbecue cooked by your own chef.
The island of Landaa Giraavaru is large enough for guests to nip around on bicycles. Villas feel oversized too, each with masses of outdoor space and a whopping big swimming pool. The most romantic are the beach set-ups, which are separated by thick tropical greenery and roll right out onto a broad stretch of platinum sand. Meaningful experiences abound, whether it's meeting three-flippered rescue turtles at the retreat's pioneering rehabilitation centre, helping marine biologists to identify manta rays in Hanifaru Bay or joining a sunset earth blessing. An hours-long tantric love ritual can be booked at the sensational Ayurvedic spa.
With its talcum-white sand, swaying palm trees and intensely blue water, Heritance Aarah ticks all the boxes for a Maldivian escape. There’s an excellent choice of dining, top-notch facilities (featuring the Maldives’ first medi-spa) and a range of accommodation including over-water and interconnecting villas.
The shade of banyan trees, a clutch of charming wildlife encounters, quiet stretches of beach: this long, lean island is a natural retreat. Seamless service, watersports and a child-friendly approach ensure a rejuvenating stay for couples, solo travellers or families – all a 35-minute seaplane ride from Malé.
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Islands slightly further north/south
The below is a recommended place for honeymooners but is a longer journey as it's too far for seaplanes to touch down directly, so visitors arrive at the Six Senses Laamu via a combination of flights and a speedboat ride
As far as eco-luxe experiences go this is about as glorious as it gets. The star-gazing is phenomenal, the horizons go on forever and the marine life is magnificent, while guests are further spoilt with a surfeit of white beaches, surf breaks, an outdoor cinema and an outstanding spa.
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It is one of the most recommended places in the Maldives though and has outstanding reviews.
The Fairmont is slightly further out but has been recommended as one of the best luxury resorts.
The remote Fairmont Maldives offers a blissful blend of creamy white beaches and lush forest reaching out into untouched ocean. This chic resort is now home to the first coral regeneration project of its kind, as well as the longest infinity pool in the Maldives, and offers attention to detail without pretension.
This is an all-inclusive resort which is more affordable than other places.
From stepping off your flight, this expansive island of Olhuveli is just a 45 minute speedboat ride away. With no need for a seaplane, jump straight into exploring our two islands, or simply sink into blissful relaxation. This time together is all yours.
Traditional Maldives meets modern design at Sun Siyam Olhuveli, with accommodations ranging from Maldivian-inspired suites to sleek contemporary villas. Designed to cater to your every whim, we’ve three pools to choose from, including an adults-only infinity pool that never fails to impress – but be warned, the lagoon may entice you into adventure.
It all begins on the water, and whether it’s parasailing, kitesurfing or diving, there’s countless ways to stay active. Our outstanding cuisine holds the ocean at its heart, too, with creative menus served across our selection of restaurants and bars, all prepared by world-class chefs.
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What is there to do in the Maldives?
In terms of what there is to do in the Maldives, here are a few suggestions to see if it is something that you're looking for:
Snorkelling and Diving -The Maldives is well-known as one of the world’s best locations to dive or snorkel
Water sports - fun tubing, water flying, parasailing etc.
Spa treatments - Maldives is known for its world-class wellness programmes
Dolphin and whale shark watching
Fishing
Admiring the sunsets/sunrise
Stargazing
Island hopping
Next steps
As I said, this is just a rough guide on what to expect.
If you have any specific questions about the Maldives, please let me know, or as I said, if you think Maldives isn't for you, I can do a short list for Mexico/St Lucia.
If you want to look at booking the Maldives, I can get more details from you on budget, dates, accommodation type etc so then I can plan you a customised holiday for your needs with a range of accommodation to suit you.
Travel enthusiast with a passion for photography, adventure and organisation!
Hello, I’m Lyndsey, I’m 32 years old and I live in Suffolk in the UK.
My brand is Suitcase Squirrell as I absolutely love to travel the world. I don’t know what I love more – travelling or planning a trip.
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