Snapshot
The Maldives offers the ultimate beach holiday experience. This archipelago of more than 1,000 coral islands lies on the equator south west of Sri Lanka and boasts a range of exquisite resorts and some of the best diving spots in the world. Here is a pristine land of white sands and blue water, a stress-free world where you can feel stress fleeing your body as you enjoy an atmosphere of pampered indulgence. Cast yourself away on a remote island and live a barefoot existence where nothing else concerns you other than a white sandy beach and endless turquoise seas, take a spa or massage, eat sumptuous food or indulge yourself with a range of water-sports in blissful surroundings. Many resorts are truly exclusive and have an island all of their own. The Maldives is a perfect accompaniment at the end of a tour of Sri Lanka which makes Red Dot’s expertise even more suited to helping you formulate your holiday plans.
Explore our range of Maldives resorts
Weather
The Maldives has a tropical climate, hot all year round and influenced by two monsoons. The southwest monsoon runs from May to September, more prominent in the northern islands. Wind may make the sea rough and discourage divers, although it is a popular time for surfers, and great-value deals abound. The north-east monsoon, from October to late November, is much quieter and brings occasional showers and evening thunderstorms, especially in the southern atolls. Peak season from mid-December to April has the most reliable weather. Temperatures are stable: highs are around 32 °C and lows around 25°C for most of the year. Relative humidity is high at around 80% and stable throughout the year.
Getting There
The Maldives from the air is a spectacular sight. As your airplane descends over this tropical paradise, thousands of little islands appear, each with its own ring of white coral reef enclosing its own blue lagoon. Malé International Airport sits on its own island and is a short distance from Male, home to about half the country’s population of 300,000. Once you land a speed boat or sea plane transfers you to your resort. The North and South Ari Atolls are most convenient for transfers from Malé. We can discuss with you how far you want to travel after you land at Malé airport and recommend resorts that answer your needs. Red Dot Tours can also arrange your flights at competitive prices. Flights from the UK take around 11 hours.
Highlights
- Try exhilarating water-sports, from sailing and jet-skiing to snorkelling and scuba diving
- Go whale and dolphin watching, or head out to sea in a traditional dhoni
- Go island hopping and have lunch on a remote coral island
- Explore the market places and historic mosques of Male
- Dine on traditional Maldivian cuisine, a blend of Arabic, Sri Lankan and Asian flavours
- Spend lazy days relaxing by the pool or on the beach
- Destress with spa treatments, Aromatherapy and Ayurvedic massages
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The Maldives is the world’s ultimate beach destination, so it comes as no surprise that the best activities here are centred around the sea. Children and the young at heart will delight in jet-skiing and other exhilarating sea-based activities, whilst older travellers and honeymooners may wish to simple sit and soak up the views – the sunsets here are particularly beautiful.
The best things to do in the Maldives:
Snorkelling:
Discover vibrant fish, Manta Rays and beautiful coral reefs when snorkelling in the Maldives.
Diving:
Explore the secrets of the sea with PADI-certified instructors and even get your diving license. A highlight of scuba diving in the Maldives is the chance to swim with whale sharks.
Surfing:
The Maldives is a great destination for surfing during the season (April to October),with exciting waves suited to practiced surfers in both the North and Southern Atolls.
Stand-up paddle-boarding:
Unwind and enjoy utter peace and quiet as you push yourself slowly through the shallows.
Fishing:
Fishing and deep-sea fishing in the Maldives are both highly rewarding for anglers, with opportunities for catching large specimens such as Giant Trevally and hooking some of the world’s most desirable pelagic fish including tuna, mahi mahi, marlin and wahoo.
Sand banks:
Escape to secluded sandbanks, small temporary sand islands surrounded by nothing but turquoise ocean.
Destination dining:
Treat yourself to an unforgettable dining experience – perhaps a picnic on a private island or romantic dinner on the edge of the ocean. A perfect Maldives honeymoon experience.
Spa treatments:
Rest, relax and pamper yourself with a range of spa treatments from around the world.
History suggests that the Maldives has been inhabited for more than 3,000 years, perhaps first settled by travellers on the ancient Silk Route from the Indus Valley civilization. Archaeological evidence suggests the existence of Hinduism and Buddhism before the country embraced Islam in 1153 A.D. The physical features of today’s Maldivians, their traditional rituals, music and dance forms as well as their cuisine is a result of a melting pot of cultures. Dhivehi, with its origins linked to the Indo-Aryan group of languages, is the country’s official language. English is also widely spoken by Maldivians in Male with French, Italian, German and Japanese also spoken by staff in the resorts. Islands of the Maldives do not exceed more than six feet above sea level, inviting fears that this paradise is under gradual threat from global warming and rising sea levels.
Food in The Maldives
Maldivian cuisine is a spicy blend of Arabic, Indian, Sri Lanka and Oriental flavours, with fish, mainly tuna, being a favourite ingredient. Resorts on the Maldives usually have international cuisine and interpretations of local dishes as a part of their buffets. For those wishing to try authentic Maldivian cuisine, we recommend eating at a café in the capital, Malé. Here varieties of snacks or `short-eats’ – pastries such as samosas – are served. Lunch includes fish and curries served with roti (pancakestyle breads).
