Tropical Escapes
Maldives
Overwater villas, remarkable house reefs and the kind of quiet you can't find anywhere else. The secret is choosing the right atoll, and the right island.
One island. One resort. Nowhere you need to be.
In the Maldives, each resort has its own island. You arrive by speedboat or seaplane, and from that moment the only decisions are whether to swim, snorkel, have a spa treatment or watch the sunset from your deck.
There are more than a thousand islands spread across 26 atolls, and the resorts vary enormously in style, size and how easy they are to reach. Some are 20 minutes from the airport, others a seaplane or domestic flight away.
Choosing the right atoll, the right resort and the right villa is the most important decision you'll make, and it's where I can help most.
Find your place
Which area is best for your holiday?
Four areas compared side by side, each with something different to offer.
20 to 60 minutes by speedboat
North and South Malé Atolls
The atolls closest to the international airport, reached by speedboat rather than seaplane. They're home to many long-established, excellent resorts and are the easiest choice for a shorter stay.
Beach and water: White sand, clear lagoons and good house reefs at many resorts.
The feel: Easy and polished, with plenty of choice.
What's good: Quick, inexpensive transfers, arriving at any time of day, and great for families.
Worth knowing: You may see other islands and boats on the horizon, so it can feel less remote.
Things to do
Snorkel the house reef, take a sunset dolphin cruise, go big-game fishing, try a sandbank picnic or dive famous sites like Banana Reef.
Best for: Families, shorter stays and first-timers.
About 35 to 45 minutes by seaplane
Baa and Raa Atolls
To the north-west, Baa Atoll is a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve and home to Hanifaru Bay, where hundreds of manta rays gather to feed in season. It has some of the most beautiful and sustainable resorts in the country.
Beach and water: Powder-soft sand and rich, healthy reefs.
The feel: Natural, peaceful and beautifully remote.
What's good: Manta rays, marine life and wonderful barefoot luxury.
Worth knowing: Seaplanes only fly in daylight, so late arrivals may need a night near the airport.
Things to do
Snorkel with manta rays at Hanifaru Bay from June to November, join a marine biologist on the reef, stargaze from an observatory or take a sunset cruise.
Best for: Couples, nature lovers and families.
About 25 to 40 minutes by seaplane
Ari Atoll
To the west of the airport, Ari Atoll is famous for whale sharks, which can be seen all year round in South Ari, and for some of the best diving in the Maldives. It's also where you'll find the famous undersea restaurant.
Beach and water: Long sandbanks, clear lagoons and spectacular reefs.
The feel: Lively underwater, peaceful on land.
What's good: Whale sharks, manta rays and outstanding diving.
Worth knowing: Popular dive sites can be busy with boats in peak season.
Things to do
Snorkel with whale sharks, dive with manta rays, dine beneath the waves, take a sunset dhoni cruise or relax on a private sandbank.
Best for: Couples, divers and adventurous families.
About 1 hour by domestic flight, then a short boat ride
The far south
Laamu and the southern atolls are far from the crowds, with a handful of exceptional resorts on wild, unspoilt islands. It's the Maldives at its most peaceful.
Beach and water: Untouched beaches, big lagoons and excellent surf breaks.
The feel: Remote, peaceful and genuinely away from it all.
What's good: Real seclusion, healthy reefs and very few other visitors.
Worth knowing: The journey is longer, with a domestic flight and a boat or speedboat.
Things to do
Snorkel with turtles, surf the uncrowded breaks, visit a local island, take part in a reef conservation programme or have dinner on the sandbank.
Best for: Couples, return visitors and complete escape.
A few ways it could look
Ways to build your Maldives escape
Simple inspiration rather than fixed itineraries. Every trip is shaped around you.
7 nights · One island
One perfect island
Settle into one resort and properly unwind. Ideal when the island itself is the holiday.
10 nights · Two resorts
Two islands
A few nights on a family-friendly island, then finish somewhere smaller and more secluded.
12–14 nights · Sri Lanka → Maldives
Adventure and beach
Wildlife, tea country and culture first, then a short flight to finish with several days on an island.
10 nights · Singapore → Maldives
City and island
Break the journey with a few days in Singapore or Dubai, then fly on to the Maldives.
Where you might stay
Some gorgeous places to stay in the Maldives
From family-friendly islands to secluded hideaways, the Maldives offers accommodation for different budgets and styles of holiday. Here are eight worth considering.
North Malé Atoll · Families · $$$
Kurumba Maldives
The first resort in the Maldives, just 10 minutes from the airport, with lots of restaurants and a great kids' club.
North Malé Atoll · Couples · $$$$
Baros Maldives
An intimate, romantic island with a superb house reef, just 25 minutes by speedboat.
Baa Atoll · Families and couples · $$$$
Soneva Fushi
Barefoot luxury at its finest, with huge jungle villas, an observatory and an outstanding kids' den.
Baa Atoll · Families and couples · $$$$
Amilla Maldives
Spacious villas and residences close to Hanifaru Bay, with a relaxed, friendly feel and great food.
Ari Atoll · Couples and families · $$$$
Conrad Maldives Rangali Island
Two islands joined by a bridge, home to the famous undersea restaurant and close to the whale sharks.
Ari Atoll · Families · $$$
LUX* South Ari Atoll
A long, lively island with lots of restaurants, a kids' club and whale sharks nearby.
Laamu Atoll · Couples and families · $$$$
Six Senses Laamu
Barefoot luxury in the far south, with overwater villas and outstanding snorkelling from the house reef.
Gaafu Alifu Atoll · Couples · $$$$
The Residence Maldives at Falhumaafushi
A peaceful island in the deep south, with overwater villas and a beautiful lagoon.
Indicative price positioning only: $$ comfortable, $$$ premium, $$$$ luxury. Actual rates vary by season, room category, inclusions and transfers.
Practical tips
Planning your Maldives escape
When to go
December to April
The dry season
Sunny, calm and dry, with the clearest water. This is the most popular time to visit.
May to November
The wet season
Warm, with showers and stronger winds at times. Great value, and the best time for manta rays in Baa Atoll.
Peak times
Book early
Christmas, New Year, Chinese New Year and Easter are the busiest and most expensive times.
A guide to costs
The Maldives can suit a range of budgets. Here's a simple guide to what you can expect at each level.
Comfortable
Good four-star islands close to the airport, often with speedboat transfers and family rooms.
Luxury
Five-star islands with beach and overwater villas, beautiful spas and several restaurants.
Ultimate
The Maldives' most exceptional islands, with private pool villas and personal service.
Prices change with the season, the room and how you get there, so these are a starting point only. My planning fee is $250, and I'll compare resorts and packages to find you the best value for your dates.
Getting there
Fly to Malé via Singapore, Kuala Lumpur, Colombo or the Middle East. The Maldives is six hours behind Sydney in summer and five in winter.
Speedboat or seaplane?
Speedboats suit resorts close to Malé and run at any time. Seaplanes are a highlight in themselves, but only fly in daylight, so I'll time your flights carefully.
Is a meal plan worth it?
Usually yes. You'll eat every meal at your resort, and prices are high, so full board or all-inclusive is often good value.
Beach villa or overwater villa?
An overwater villa is unforgettable, with the reef beneath your deck. A beach villa offers more privacy, shade and direct access to the sand, and often suits families better. Many people enjoy a few nights in each.
Made for you
Your Maldives escape. Your way.
I'll help you choose the right atoll, the right island and the right villa, with flights and transfers that get you there smoothly.
Tell me your dates, who's coming and the kind of holiday you have in mind, and I'll find the place to match.
All you need to do is pack.
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