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Discover the Most Breathtaking Retreats in the Maldives

A Holiday of A Lifetime and/or the Perfect Honeymoon Destination

Should you visit Maldives or Bora Bora?

Ah, the classic dilemma of choosing between Maldives and Bora Bora!

Both are stunning destinations, each with its own unique charm. However, Maldives does hold a certain special quality…and there is a multitude of stunning places to stay.  Let’s mention only a few fabulous options on where to stay when you’re in the Maldives:

Best Holidays in the Maldives Travel and Home

Dreaming of a holiday in the Maldives?

The Republic of Maldives also called the Maldive Islands, is situated in the north-central Indian Ocean. It consists of a chain of about 1,200 small coral islands.

If you have to consider the Maldives vs Bora Bora, it might be good to look at the distance from where you are.  While Bora Bora is closer to the United States, the Maldives is closer to Africa and Europe.  But booking a trip to the Maldives is easy:

Book a Multi-day, Ready-made Holiday

It is all ready for you to just enjoy. All inclusive tours and trips to the magical Maldives, arranged by trusted tour operators.

If you’re looking at where to stay in the Maldives, I can promise you there is something for everyone.  From family-friendly resorts that the kids will love with loads of activities and kids clubs, to the very remote and romantic settings for a couples retreat.    We have a few fabulous ideas on where to stay while you’re in the Maldives, throughout this article.

Best places to stay while in the Maldives

Soneva Fushi

These eco friendly, spacious luxury villas at Soneva Fushi are hidden among dense foliage on a private island, located within the Baa Atoll, a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve. It is a 30-minute seaplane transfer from Male International Airport.

Conrad Maldives Rangali Island

Set on 2 separate islands connected by a bridge, the luxurious Conrad Maldives Rangali Island offers spacious private villas. It boasts the all-glass underwater Ithaa Restaurant and 2 award-winning spas.

While you are there

Do ‘Island hopping’ while you are there. 

The fact that the archipelago is made up of more than 100 islands (some not inhabit), makes for interesting sightseeing

Mostly you can bank on the fact that every resort is on its own private island.

Maldives beach life
  • Male Atoll
  • Meeru Island
  • Ari Atoll
  • Maafushi
  • Karamathi
  • Hulhumale
  • Vaadhoo

Things to do

Book your flights:

  • The main activity in the Maldives is water sports. For example, there is Kayaking, paddle-boarding, jet-skiing, water-skiing, parasailing, windsurfing, wake-boarding, kite-surfing, scuba diving, and more.
  • Enjoy your resort/hotel.  The Maldives is all about the activities in and around the water and the resorts.  Enjoying fabulous days at your villa or hotel is often a dream holiday for many.  This might be the perfect time to read that book or catch up on your suntan.
  • Visit a spa and get some royal treatment.
  • A sunset dinner experiencing the local culture is a must-do while you’re there.
  • Visit Male fish and local market.
  • Go on a walking tour of the towns or join a local culture tour.

You can book the above and more with the link below:

Things to do in the Maldives

Feeling all alone on an island and looking for things to do in the Maldives? Book some of these activities. From walking tours and snorkeling to culture trips and food experiences. Romantic beach dinners and professional photo shoots, private tours and night fishing, and many more...

Experience the culture

Here you will find a mix of Sri Lankan, Malaysian, Middle Eastern, Indonesian, and African influences. This makes for very interesting cuisine choices.  We definitely recommend that you attend at least one music and dance performance which is combined with local cuisine.   Often these events are arranged by the resort itself.

Stars on the beach

The Maldives is famous for crystal blue water and white sandy beaches.

But did you know: Vaadhoo Island offers something quite spectacular?

 

Vaadhoo Island is a definite must-see. On this beach, the bioluminescent plankton creates a sea of stars that wash up on the beach. It is spectacular and will definitely be an unforgettable experience.   The best time to see this is during mid-summer and mid-winter.  (We recommend mid-summer.)

Don’t save or think of the Maldives as a honeymoon destination.  In my opinion, this is a fantastic travel destination that the whole family would love to experience.

Is the Maldives expensive

maldives hotel

Accommodation - Where to stay in the Maldives

Known for its clear emerald waters and beautiful beaches, the Maldives definitely has it all for both budgets.  For example beautiful hotels for those on strict budgets and for those looking for a more luxurious lifestyle there are loads of luxurious bungalow resorts right in the middle of the ocean.  Also, the overwater bungalows are all in different price ranges, so there is literally something for everyone.

You can search more Hotels and more lodging options with sea views, by clicking on this link.

6 Popular places to stay in the Maldives

Pick and Click

All price ranges:  These are popular with travelers and received good ratings from guests:

Meeru Island Resort & Spa

Equator Village Resort

Thundi Guest House

Embudu Village Resort

Vilamendhoo Island Resort & Spa

Kuramathi Maldives

Luxury Resort Accommodation in the Maldives

Soneva Jani Resort – Maldives

In my opinion, if you are looking for luxury you cannot get better than the Soneva Jani Resort (Not sponsored).  Beautifully designed interiors and spectacular views will make you want to stay forever.

Wondering how long you should stay in the Maldives for a holiday?  In my opinion, I think you need at least 4 to 5 days to take in everything and include some relaxation time.  But if your budget allows more time, do go for a 7 day or longer stay.

Enjoying the sound of the ocean and the stunning views right from your own bungalow. You don’t have to go anywhere else and you need nothing more because it is all there. You even have a walk-in mini-bar with an espresso machine. The bungalow has an open-air bathroom with direct access to the lagoon as well as a retractable roof in the master bedroom.

For the lazy days, you have your own pool and some of the bungalows even have slides from the top floor of your bungalow into the lagoon.  Perfect for families or even friends sharing a fantastic holiday experience.

Soneva Jani Noonu Atoll Maldives

The main building at the resort has a Spa, gift shop, and a water sports and dive center, and the resort has its very own overwater silent cinema.  Oh, and I forgot to say that the bungalow has glass floor windows into the lagoon.

They also have various dining options as well as a complimentary cheese room…. yes, you heard correctly.  A Cheese Room and a Chocolate Room and an Ice-cream Room.  Need I say more?  

Travel Tip:  Do all your shopping before going to the island or resort.  And when making your booking, do an all-inclusive booking.

Soneva Jani Maldives - You can book direct with booking.com using this link

If you're wondering where to stay, we recommend the beautiful Soneva Jani Resort as a consideration.

Going to the Maldives for a Honeymoon or a Family Holiday or even as a bunch of friends living out their dream – There are no limits.  

Gili Lankanfushi Resort

Another beautiful 5 Star Resort is Gili Lankanfushi, offering luxury accommodation.

“Enjoy premium wine and gourmet chocolate at The Wine Cellar and Underground Chocolate Cave. By the Sea, Restaurant serves fusion and Japanese cuisine. The Main Restaurant and Bar offers international buffet spreads.” – booking.com

Gili Lankanfushi Maldives - You can book direct with booking.com using this link

A beautiful resort with wonderful accommodation.

Meeru Island Resort and Spa

Meeru Island Resort and Spa has a private beach area and bike hire is available, so you’ll have plenty to do. You can engage in various activities, such as golfing, snorkeling, and windsurfing. Male International Airport is only 37 km from the property.  

Meeru Island Resort and Spa - You can book direct with booking.com using this link

"Families particularly like the location and gave it an excellent rating for a stay with kids." - booking.com

Award Winning Accommodation in Maldives

The Maldives received among others, the following awards for 2020:

The Indian Ocean’s: Leading Cruise Destination, Leading Beach Destination, Leading Dive Destination.

The award is no surprise to us as the Maldives is simply spectacular.  The best travel destination for both family and romance.

The World Travel Awards for Maldives’ Leading –

All-Inclusive Resort Award 2020 – Lily Beach Resort & Spa

Beach Resort Award 2020 – Diamonds Thudufushi

Boutique Resort Award 2020 – Baros Maldives

Family Resort Award 2020 – Atmosphere Kanifushi Maldives

Luxury Resort Award 2020 – The St. Regis Maldives Vommuli Resort

Resort Award 2020 – Park Hyatt Maldives Hadahaa

Villa Resort Award 2020 – Constance Halaveli Maldives

Water Villa Resort Award 2020 –  Four Seasons Resort Maldives at Kuda Huraa

More accommodation options

3 More very popular options for accommodation in the beautiful Maldives.  You can’t go wrong:

The Standard, Huruvalhi Maldives

Sun Siyam Vilu Reef

Bandos Maldives

The Maldives on a budget

Should you be traveling on a budget, it might be a better option to stay at one of the many guesthouses or beautiful hotels, instead of an expensive resort.  Also, be on the lookout for cheap flights (maybe via Europe), to save money – see our link above for excellent deals.  Direct flights might be more expensive depending on the time you fly.

With this in mind also consider your options for an “all-inclusive” resort or hotel stay.  These reservations often include drinks and food, which will make life much easier.  Considering how expensive travel could be, it might be cheaper in some cases to stay at a place where everything is available and you then don’t have to add extra traveling costs.

Furthermore booking between April and the end of May might also save you some money as this is out of ‘peak season’, but remember you might get more rainy weather.

Best time to visit the Maldives

Obviously, you will expect a warm tropical climate and that is exactly what you will get with average weather between 24°C to 31°C year-round.  However, the best time to visit the Maldives is between November and April.

The time from January to April is the dry season, with little rain and low humidity, making this peak season at the resorts, but also the best time to go should you be thinking of the perfect holiday weather. The high season falls between December and March.

Keeping in mind that the monsoon runs from May to October, peaking around June when you book your stay.  Yes, you might get some rainy days in the Maldives.  It is not always sunshiny days, so be prepared.

International airport

Male International Airport Guide (Maldives) – Valana International Airport, Male, Maldives  (Search and compare available flights)

Male International Airport (IATA: MLE, ICAO: VRMM) is the main international airport in the Maldives. It is located on Hulhule Island in the North Male Atoll, near the capital island Male.

From here you will be able to take a boat to the Capital city (Male) or directly to many of the resorts.  Should you be staying further away, they also have inter-island flights available.  But do ask your hotel or resort if they have airport transfer as most of them do.

maldives airport
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