Maldives
Overwater villas, turquoise lagoons, and unrivalled natural beauty
Best Time
November – April
Flight Time
10h 30min from UK
Language
Dhivehi (English at all resorts)
Currency
Maldivian Rufiyaa (MVR) / USD widely accepted
About Maldives
The Maldives is the ultimate luxury escape — an archipelago of 1,200 coral islands scattered across the Indian Ocean, each ringed by impossibly blue lagoons and brilliant white sand.
Most resorts occupy their own private island, offering complete seclusion and personalised service. The legendary overwater bungalows allow you to step directly from your villa into crystal-clear sea, where vibrant coral reefs teem with whale sharks, manta rays, and sea turtles.
Almost everything is included in resort packages — dining, water sports and activities — making it easier to budget despite the premium price tag. Several resorts now also cater excellently to families.
When to Visit
The dry season (Nov–Apr) offers calm seas and minimal rainfall. The wet season (May–Oct) brings occasional heavy rain but temperatures remain warm (28–30°C) and prices are significantly lower. Diving is excellent year-round.
Top Highlights
Local Insights
Book your speedboat or seaplane transfer to the resort before arrival
Alcohol is only permitted within licensed resort islands
Bring reef-safe sunscreen — regular sunscreen can be banned near coral
Snorkelling from the beach is often better than expensive boat trips
Green tax and service charges are usually added automatically to bills
Available Packages — Maldives
View AllExpected Costs & Taxes
UK Airport Passenger Duty (APD)
Added to flight cost — varies by destination & class
Entry Visa
Free 30-day visa on arrival for UK passport holders
Tourist / Resort Tax
Green Tax USD 6/night for 4-5★ resorts (approx £4.80). Resorts also add 10% service charge + 16% T-GST on all bills.
Daily Spending Budget (excl. accommodation)
Mid-Range
£80
per day
Luxury
£300+
per day
Tipping: USD 1–5 per person per day for housekeeping; 10% on spa treatments (service charge usually auto-applied at checkout).
