Maldives

Private islands, overwater villas and remarkable reefs, where the resort you choose shapes the whole trip.

Ideal trip length: 5 to 7 nights
Best time to go: December to April
Time zone: GMT+5 (Maldives Time)
Currency: Maldivian rufiyaa (MVR); resorts bill in US dollars

Entry update

Tobacco is banned for anyone born in 2007 or later, and vapes are banned for all visitors. The traveller declaration is completed online before arrival.

All visa and entry notes · Official source

About Maldives

In the Maldives, the resort is the destination. Each one sits on its own island, so the choice shapes everything: the reef, the beach, the food, the transfer and the mood. Some islands suit honeymooners who want privacy, others suit families with kids' clubs and shallow lagoons, and a few are built for divers. Getting this match right is the most important decision of the trip.

Transfers matter too. Resorts near Malé are reached by speedboat, while distant atolls need a seaplane or a domestic flight and boat. Seaplanes fly only in daylight, so late arrivals may need a night near the airport. Beyond the villa, the reefs offer snorkelling with turtles, rays and reef sharks. A good house reef lets you swim straight from the beach, and the night skies are wonderfully clear.

When to go

Jan

Feb

Mar

Apr

May

Jun

Jul

Aug

Sep

Oct

Nov

Dec

BestGoodLess ideal

December to April is the dry northeast monsoon, with calm seas and the clearest water. From May to November the southwest monsoon brings more rain and wind, but also manta season in Baa Atoll. The water stays warm all year.

Maldives

Places to go

Maldives

Overwater villas and private island resorts across the atolls, reached by speedboat, seaplane or domestic flight.

See hotels

Hotels

My picks in Maldives

The hotels I'd start with, and who each one suits.

All hotels in Maldives

1 MICHELIN KeyForbes Four-Star Four Seasons Preferred Partner

Before you go

Arriving

Getting there

Velana International Airport in Malé has direct flights from the Gulf, Europe and Asia, including Singapore. Resort teams meet guests on arrival for the onward transfer.

Getting around

Each resort arranges transfers by speedboat, seaplane or domestic flight. Seaplanes fly only in daylight, which shapes your choice of international flight.

Visa and entry

All nationalities get a tourist visa on arrival of up to 30 days; file the free IMUGA traveller declaration within 96 hours before landing. Check the official source before you travel.

Checked November 2026

Official source · All visa and entry notes

Money and culture

Money

Resorts bill in US dollars and accept major cards, so you rarely need rufiyaa. Government taxes, a nightly green tax and a service charge are added to resort bills.

Tipping

Most resorts add a service charge. Many guests also leave an optional tip for their butler or dive guide at the end of the stay.

Local customs

Bringing in alcohol or pork is illegal, and modest dress is expected in Malé and on local islands. Vapes are banned, as is tobacco for anyone born in 2007 or later.

On the ground

Language

Dhivehi. English is spoken fluently at resorts and widely in Malé.

Plugs and power

Resorts mostly use Type G or universal sockets; Types C and D also appear.

Safety

The Maldives is very safe for resort guests. Respect currents when snorkelling beyond the house reef, and follow the resort's guidance on boat trips and diving.

Quick answers

Maldives: quick answers

When is the best time to visit Maldives?

December to April. December to April is the dry northeast monsoon, with calm seas and the clearest water. From May to November the southwest monsoon brings more rain and wind, but also manta season in Baa Atoll. The water stays warm all year.

How long should I spend in Maldives?

5 to 7 nights is a good length for a first visit. Tell me what you enjoy and I'll shape the route around it.

Which luxury hotels do you recommend in Maldives?

My picks are Four Seasons Resort Maldives at Landaa Giraavaru, Waldorf Astoria Maldives Ithaafushi, Soneva Fushi (Maldives) and JOALI Maldives. Each hotel page has my write-up, what guests say and the benefits I can add.

Do I need a visa for Maldives?

All nationalities get a tourist visa on arrival of up to 30 days; file the free IMUGA traveller declaration within 96 hours before landing. Check the official source before you travel.

Updated November 2026

How I plan it

I match the island to the traveller first, then the villa and the transfer, checking seaplane timings against international arrivals.

Benefits arranged before you arrive.
One point of contact from start to finish.
Hotels matched to how you travel.

Plan my trip