Maldives
Step Into Paradise
The Maldives has it all: deep blue seas, turquoise reefs, white sandy beaches and palm trees. This is a true haven, where you are certain to find the peace and tranquillity that can be so elusive elsewhere.
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Lying astride the Equator, the Maldives have a monsoon climate. Outside of the annual wet season, the weather is excellent and extremely reliable. They are much closer to Sri Lanka and India than they are to Africa, and this is readily apparent in the local culture and superb cuisine.
In total, there are some 1200 islands in the Maldives, and around 26 coral atolls. While the dress code is ‘island chic’ in resorts and lodges, the sensitivities of local people (many of whom are Sunni Muslims) should be respected by wearing more modest clothing in towns and villages.
The Best of Maldives
The Maldives offers a variety of incredible experiences, ranging from luxurious resort stays to unique cultural activities.
Here are ten of the best things to experience during your private island vacation in the Maldives:
1. Snorkelling and Diving: The Maldives is renowned for crystal-clear waters and vibrant coral reefs, making these islands one of the best places in the world for snorkelling and diving. You can explore underwater ecosystems filled with colourful fish, rays, sharks and even sea turtles.
2. Overwater Accommodation: Stay in an iconic overwater villa for an unparalleled luxury experience. These bungalows offer stunning ocean views, private pools, and direct access to the turquoise water.
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3. Island Hopping: The Maldives is made up of over 1,000 islands, each with its own unique charm. Visiting multiple islands by boat allows you to discover the local culture, visit pristine beaches, and enjoy secluded spots.
4. Private Sandbank Picnic: Enjoy a private picnic on a remote sandbank, surrounded by clear blue waters. It’s an idyllic and peaceful way to connect with nature and daydream about life as a castaway.
5. Whale Shark Watching: The Maldives is one of the best places to spot the majestic whale shark, the largest fish in the world. Snorkeling or diving with these gentle giants in the warm clear waters of the Indian Ocean makes for an unforgettable encounter.
6. Sunset Dolphin Cruise: Take a cruise at sunset to seek out pods of playful dolphins. The stunning scenery combined with the dolphins’ acrobatics makes for magical moments that will stay with you always.
7. Luxury Spa Treatments: The Maldives boasts some of the world’s most luxurious spas, offering traditional Maldivian treatments and relaxing massages as part of an authentic focus on guests’ wellness. In addition to serene, overwater treatment rooms, the Maldives is also known for offering innovative medical procedures.
8. Traditional Maldivian Cuisine: Savor local dishes such as mas huni (a traditional breakfast), fish curry, and garudhiya (fish soup) at local restaurants or at your resort.
9. Fishing Trips: The Maldives is known for its exceptional fishing spots, including both deep-sea fishing and night fishing experiences. Expert local guides ensure the best possible chances of a rewarding excursion.
10. Underwater Dining: Enjoy gourmet meals while observing marine life through glass walls when you dine beneath the waves at one of the Maldives’ famous underwater restaurants.
Whichever experiences or excursions you choose, you’ll enjoy the outstanding natural beauty and intriguing culture of the Maldives and discover why these islands appeal equally to adventurous and more relaxed travellers.
Barefoot Luxury
Handcrafted Island Itineraries
Soneva Jani
Soneva Jani ensures you are spoiled for choice from the moment you arrive. The iconic over-water villas offer a whole new way to experience the natural beauty of the turquoise lagoon, while the spacious island residences provide ample scope for daydreaming about your next adventure. Whether it takes place above the waves or below them, it is sure to enchant and delight.
Soneva Secret
Soneva Secret 2024 raises the bar in terms of bespoke Private Ocean Islands experiences through a focus on personalized service and tailor-made experiences. From the moment your seaplane touches down on the unruffled surface of the lagoon at Makunudhoo Atoll, you’ll enter a world of beguiling natural beauty, where your every whim becomes reality.
Soneva Fushi
Soneva Fushi effortlessly proves that the very best in barefoot luxury can live side-by-side with a sensitive, sustainable approach to preserving fragile island ecosystems. Located in a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, this resort offers what may be the ultimate luxury – the opportunity to spend time in truly unspoiled habitats, ranging from lush jungle to warm azure waters.
Four Seasons Kuda Huraa
This award-winning resort makes the most of its beautiful setting on North Malé Atoll to create a paradise of beach and ocean. This captivating destination offers both warm, traditional Maldivian hospitality and endless moments of joy, from the charming flower gardens to the restorative and deeply relaxing spa and the sun-kissed stroll along raised wooden walkways to your overwater villa.
Four Seasons Landaa Giraavaru
Dazzling in every way, this Baa Atoll Reserve resort delights the eye with saturated colors and the reflections of the tropical sun from ocean, jungle and pristine white beach. Enjoy a glittering cascade of experiences from world-class cuisine in unforgettable settings, to the opportunity to get involved with the sea turtle rehabilitation project and immersive wellness experiences at the AyurMa spa.
Waldorf Astoria Ithaafushi
The magic of this Maldives resort comes from the almost overwhelming natural beauty that you’ll see all around you. Nature’s elements of water, sand and foliage form the stage for activities as unique as swimming in overwater pools to hours of fun for children in the onsite water park. Indeed, this is the ultimate playground for both adults and kids, and invites you to embrace and express your inner joy.
Anantara Kihavah
Rising mirage-like from the ocean, this private island resort features the only underwater observatory in the Maldives. Being surrounded by the turquoise waters of the lagoon lets you literally deepen your experience, while the approach to barefoot luxury as envisioned by Anantara Kihavah lets you reconnect with nature. It’s time to use all your senses to enjoy the wonderful world unfolding around you.
One&Only Reethi Rah
When you close your eyes and daydream about Private Ocean Islands, this is the resort you picture. A perfect curve of white sand frames a sparkling lagoon and sets the scene for the perfect summer escape. Enjoy quintessential Indian Ocean moments, exceptional cuisine, and that special feeling that comes when your troubles drift away, and you can truly, deeply relax.
Cheval Blanc
Cheval Blanc brings their desire to redefine hospitality to another exceptional destination: Randheli in the Maldives. Reach out and touch tropical blooms or warm, clear ocean – this is paradise found. From the serenity of your villa to the magical children’s kingdom that is Le Carousel, time spent here will fulfil your every island wish.
Conrad Rangali
Two Maldives islands combine to form a single sanctuary for honeymoon couples or families. Whether you choose to stay in a beachside or overwater villa, your time here will present you with opportunities to create lifelong memories with loved ones, whether you prefer to spend your island time catching rays, catching fish or simply catching up.
