aerial photo of a beautiful tropical beach on island in maldives

Maldives Holidays

Flights
Flight Search panel loading...

Find your island paradise in the beautiful Maldives

Maldives holidays offer year-round sunshine and the ultimate in relaxation – the perfect recipe for a dream-like escape from the everyday.

Made up of more than 1,000 tiny islands, filled with sumptuous resorts on white sands that fringe the impossibly blue waters of the Indian Ocean, this is your very own slice of heaven on earth.

From taking in the sights and sounds of the cosmopolitan capital Malé, to experiencing the luxury of your own private island, the Maldives is a destination like no other. Discover enchanting coral reefs and immerse yourself in 3,000 years of history in this tropical paradise.

Whether you’re looking to sink your toes into soothing sands or enjoy activities on the waves, this is truly a trip for the senses. Browse our range of holidays to the Maldives and begin the adventure of a lifetime.

a young woman at the bottom of steps leading from a water villa to the ocean in the Maldives

Things to do in the Maldives

From romantic getaways to fun family adventures, Maldives holidays have something for every kind of traveller. 

a hammock between palm trees on tropical beach in the maldives

Breathtaking beaches

Nestled in its own corner of paradise, it’s no wonder every beach in the Maldives is magical.

From sands so white they light up at night to cyan blue waters ideal for snorkelling alongside colourful shoals of fish, there are no better beaches on the planet.

Sunbathe in style while sipping a refreshing drink beneath the tropical palm trees on the powder-white beach of Hulhumale.

Stick around until sunset to see the sky erupt in bright orange hues, its reflection shimmering off the clear, tranquil water.

Where to stay in the Maldives

Island luxury 

Discover luxury holidays in the Maldives and indulge in the finer things in life, from relaxing spas to exceptional cuisine, and of course, magical beaches.

Perhaps the height of opulence can be found at the Centara Grand Island Resort & Spa, a five-star hotel situated on the stunning Maafushivaru Island.

Make the most of the array of on-site spa facilities, wonderful gardens and private tennis courts during your stay in this sun-kissed corner of the Maldives. 

a wooden walkway leading to water villas in the maldives
windsurfing at sunset in beautiful waters in the maldives

Active breaks

The Maldives is well known for its spectacular waters.

Sheraton Maldives Full Moon Resort on Furanafushi Island has everything you need to relax, including a spa and your own private marina.

There are plenty of opportunities to try your hand at watersports. Whether it’s windsurfing, water skiing, parasailing or jet skiing, you’ll find it on offer here.

You can also head out on dolphin tours and fishing trips.  

Blissful escape

The five-star Jumeirah Vittaveli is located on Bolifushi Island and offers stunning facilities with private cabins suspended over crystal-clear waters, doubling up as your own private diving board and snorkelling point.

You’ll find designer stores on site for the perfect retail therapy fix, along with a range of amenities including four restaurants offering both local and international cuisine. 

a couple on loungers on a tropical beach in the maldives

All you need to know about the Maldives

Public holidays

The Maldives celebrates Independence Day on July 26 and Republic Day on November 11. Victory Day on November 3 marks the defeat of an attempted presidential coup in 1988.
 

Languages spoken

The language spoken in the Maldives is Dhivehi, however, most resorts and attractions use English as their main language. 

Local currency

The local currency in the Maldives is the Maldivian rufiyaa (MVR), however, most tourist resorts accept and deal in US dollars. Debit and credit cards are widely accepted.
 

Plugs

The Maldives uses a standard three pin system, with 220V and 50Hz frequency. It’s a good idea to bring a travel adaptor.

More about the Maldives

An oasis of peace and tranquillity, there’s more to the Maldives than meets the eye. 

Cuisine

Surrounded by the Indian Ocean, freshly caught fish is a staple of the Maldivian diet.

Traditional dishes have a heavy influence of spice, taken from neighbouring countries such as India and Sri Lanka, along with the coconuts grown on the islands.

The best place to sample the local delicacies on your Maldives holiday is in Malé, filled with fish stalls displaying the catch of the day and markets teeming with sweet aromas and colourful produce.

There are plenty of traditional restaurants dotted across the islands if you want to sample local cuisine in a more formal setting.

Don’t worry if spice and seafood aren’t your thing, each resort offers a choice of dishes from around the world.

Food table seafoods
Palm tree decoration

Culture

Sitting between Asia and Africa, the Maldives’ cultural heritage takes its cue from a variety of sources.

You’ll find Arabic, Indian and Indonesian influences here, making it a fascinating place to visit. The islands wear their own unique traditions with pride.

The sea is at the heart of Maldivian culture, reflected in paintings, sculptures and folklore featuring tales of sea monsters and mystical seafarers.

Be sure to pick up a souvenir or two from your Maldives holiday in the form of colourful jewellery and mats woven from indigenous reeds.

History

The Maldives has a rich and fascinating history which you can explore at the National Museum on Malé.

The first settlers on the islands are believed to have been fishermen from the coastal areas of present-day India and Sri Lanka.

The culture of the Maldives developed during the 1,400-year-long Buddhist period, with the archipelago being unified under the rule of King Koimala. A Sri Lankan prince, he established a kingdom in the 12th century, with Malé at its centre.

It’s thought the importance of Arabian traders was one of the main reasons why his successor converted to Islam, with the Maldives remaining a predominantly Muslim country to this day.

Mosque Maldives

Why we love the Maldives

“The Maldives is a stunning destination where you’ll find luxury resorts, clear warm waters and unforgettable diving. Explore local islands, enjoy your pick of watersports, or simply relax in your own private resort.”

People who love the Maldives also enjoy…

abu dhabi dune bashing

Abu Dhabi

With a rich cultural heritage, theme parks and incredible cuisine, the capital of the UAE offers both the relaxation of the beach and the excitement of the city.
 

phuket andaman beach

Phuket

This Thai island has something for every kind of traveller – from golden beaches ringed by palm trees and glorious indigo seas, to relaxing retreats and vibrant nightlife.

bangkok skyline in sunset

Bangkok 

Thailand’s capital is a city for the senses. With traditional temples, sizzling street food, revered history and bustling markets, it’s a place like no other.
 

seychelles ocuan beach

Seychelles

Another island paradise, you'll find beautiful beaches, warm waters and colourful coral life in the Seychelles. Pefect for getting away from it all in blissful surroundings.