The right way to Plan a Journey to the Maldives

Point out a visit to the Maldives, and also you’re instantly met with wistful sighs. There’s a cause this lengthy string of low-lying islands within the Indian Ocean is on the prime of many vacationers’ lists. Maybe it is the sugary-white sands, the thatched-roof overwater bungalows, the swaying palm bushes, or the waters so electrical blue that its shade deserves a brand new classification.

“The colours simply pop within the Maldives. Completely no filter is required!” says Sarah Harvey, Maldives skilled and journey journalist. “The ocean is so intensely turquoise that it nearly glows, and the water is clearer than anyplace I’ve but seen within the Caribbean. I as soon as misplaced half an hour standing waist-deep in a lagoon simply marveling on the a whole lot of tiny rainbows refracted by the solar throughout the sandy sea flooring.”

It is no surprise it was additionally topped the favourite island vacation spot in Asia in Journey + Leisure‘s 2024 World’s Finest Awards. No matter these islands’ magic contact is, it has loved-up honeymooners and rich households flocking to its 174 non-public island resorts. Made up of 1,192 tiny islands unfold all through 26 atolls, solely round 200 of its islands are “native islands,” and 174 are resort islands, with extra opening up yearly.

“It is a actually distinctive escape from the day by day, stuffed with range and exploration that’s extra stunning than many give credit score for,” says Venetia Cox, journey advisor at Cazenove+Loyd. “It isn’t only a passive vacation spot for leisure. It has unimaginable marine biodiversity, which could be skilled by way of snorkeling or diving, and has a few of the finest seashores on the earth.”

Learn on to begin planning your dream journey to the Maldives.

Finest Motels and Resorts

Soneva Fushi

A castaway island dream, this sustainable luxurious resort is named one of the vital family-friendly resorts within the Maldives. It has been wowing company for nearly 30 years with the nation’s largest youngsters membership and rooms devoted to ice cream, candies, and meat and cheese — all complimentary. “Each time I am going to Soneva Fushi, I get giddy; the island makes me really feel like a giant child! The water villas have water slides. You’ll be able to skip between eating places by way of a wood walkway within the jungle cover,” says Harvey. “There’s a lot enjoyable baked into this resort’s DNA.”

Joali Maldives

It’s all concerning the glitz and glam at this Raa Atoll resort. Every of Joali’s 73 villas is a design dream dotted with touches like rose gold finishings, emerald marble showers, and pops of coral pink. “The meals right here can also be superb, and the Japanese restaurant is excellent,” says Cox.

Waldorf Astoria Maldives Ithaafushi

This resort was voted the finest resort in Asia in 2022 by T+L readers and considered one of our readers’ 100 favourite accommodations on the earth for 2024. One of many largest human-made islands within the nation, Waldorf Astoria Ithaafushi has 119 palatial villas and a can’t-miss spa. Its 11 eating choices, together with an Australian-style grill helmed by a Michelin-starred chef, are additionally a significant draw.

4 Seasons Resort Maldives at Landaa Giraavaru

The 4 Seasons at Landaa Giravaaru’s sprawling 103 villas provide a extra refined and glossy tackle an island paradise. It’s “Manta on Name” telephones for when manta rays seem close by and stellar service are just a few highlights. “The most effective issues about it’s the ‘psychic butlers’ who appear to know precisely what you need earlier than you do,” says Harvey.

Gili Lankanfushi

A brief boat trip from the airport takes you to this thatched-roof paradise which Cox calls, “the unique Robinson Crusoe escape” — however five-star. Gili Lankanfushi’s 45 open-air overwater villas are rustic and eco-friendly, imposing a no-plastic coverage and a “no information, no footwear ethos.” Reserve considered one of its standalone Crusoe Residences for an extremely non-public keep — they’re solely reachable by boat.

The St. Regis Maldives Vommuli Resort

Structure lovers will swoon over the St. Regis’ 77 artfully designed villas made to seem like manta rays and Maldivian fishing huts. A points-friendly resort, it’s a favourite for American vacationers looking for a far-flung tropical escape. Whereas the villas are onerous to depart, don’t miss out on its crustacean-shaped spa, house to one of many Maldives’ largest hydrotherapy swimming pools.

Velaa Personal Island Maldives

With a fame as one of many nation’s most unique and costly resorts, something is feasible at Velaa. From Wagyu teppanyaki dinners in its rooftop restaurant to 9 holes at one of many nation’s solely golf programs to a wellness retreat at its new Wellbeing Village; there are countless choices at this ultra-luxury, expertly crafted 47-villa island getaway.

Finest Issues to Do

Snorkel with marine life.

Ocean fans say the most effective a part of the Maldives exists underwater. So snorkel or dive amongst a kaleidoscope of colours and marine life, together with turtles, sharks, fish, manta rays, and whale shakes. “Diving and snorkeling with whale sharks is likely one of the most unimaginable issues you are able to do within the Maldives,” says Harvey.

Deal with your self on the spa.

Many island resorts within the Maldives have a devoted spa. Some are overwater with glass bottoms, and a few are within the jungle cover, however they’re all value reserving a remedy. Relying on the spa, company can discover nearly any remedy, from cryotherapy to 24k gold facials.

Bike across the island.

Nearly all of the resorts listed above give company bikes for private use throughout their keep. Spend mornings biking to the breakfast buffet and evenings using alongside the jetty, recognizing eagle rays and sharks under. The combination of freedom and enjoyable is likely one of the most original elements of a Maldivian resort keep.

Get out on the ocean.

Life and enjoyable within the Maldives revolve across the water. Resorts provide a seemingly endless laundry listing of water actions, together with browsing, fishing, dolphin cruises, paddleboarding, jet snowboarding, parasailing, sea bobs, flyboarding, catamarans, and even submersibles. The ocean is your oyster.

Go to a neighborhood island.

Whereas 99 p.c of tourists come for whole relaxation and leisure on the non-public islands, spend a day on a neighborhood one as an alternative. Most resorts provide excursions and experiences to go to the “actual Maldives.” “You may get befriended, you is likely to be fortunate sufficient to see girls taking part in a sport of bashi on the sports activities area, you may even get invited into somebody’s house for a cup of tea,” says Harvey.

Finest Time to Go to

Whereas there’s no incorrect time to go to the Maldives, the nation’s peak season is from November to April, a time synonymous with blue skies and scorching solar. Nevertheless, because of the results of local weather change, the seasons have gotten an increasing number of unsure. “Each Maldivian I’ve spoken to concerning the climate says the timing of monsoon season has been more durable to foretell prior to now couple of many years,” says Harvey. A go to through the low season from Might to October places you squarely within the monsoon season, however that doesn’t imply it will likely be a particular downpour. Planning your journey throughout this time will even prevent a couple of bucks as a result of extra inexpensive “off-season” villa charges. In case you base your self at a resort in or across the Baa Atoll throughout this time, you’ll be able to snorkel with a whole lot of huge manta rays feeding on the UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, Hanifaru Bay.

The right way to Get There

Vacationers arrive within the Maldives by way of Velana Worldwide Airport, which is ready to unveil an enlargement on the finish of the 12 months. Upon getting into the arrivals terminal, company will see dozens and dozens of resort representatives holding a plaque with the resort identify. When you’ve discovered yours, they’ll escort you to considered one of three locations: the home terminal for a aircraft switch, a speedboat for a switch on to your resort, or the brand new seaplane terminal for a seaplane switch. Don’t fear; it could sound overwhelming, however a resort rep will handle all the pieces for you; all you must do is comply with them.

The right way to Get Round

Transport to the resorts is often organized by your resort. When you’ve arrived at your non-public island resort, there’s not far to go. Visitors sometimes use the bicycles offered to get from one place to the opposite, name their butler for a buggy trip, or stroll the island barefoot.