The MALDIVES
One of the planets most incredible wonders
Widely considered one of the most exclusive holiday destinations on the planet, this unspoiled paradise is blessed with consistently hot weather, palm-fringed beaches, an ocean teeming with wildlife, ultra-luxury design hotels, and award-winning restaurants. The Maldives is a world-class playground for those seeking a truly unforgettable experience.
This sun-soaked archipelago is located in the warm Indian Ocean, South West of Sri Lanka. Consisting of a double chain of 26 atolls that cross the equator, this extraordinary wonderland of spectacular beauty is made of 1,192 tiny jewel-like islands, each surrounded by the whitest of soft sand and the clearest, shallow waters imaginable.
The beauty of the Maldives is not found only above the water. Be enchanted by the mesmerizing underwater world that lies beneath the surface. Home to around 5% of the world's coral reefs, the Maldives offers an explosion of vibrant colours made up of soft and hard corals. Thousands of exotic fish species are attracted to the nutrient-rich waters that flow through the reef, including majestic manta rays and whale sharks that call the Maldives their home.
The Maldives has more than 30 protected areas of marine biodiversity, and in 2011, the breathtaking Baa Atoll, which is home to globally significant biodiversity among its numerous reefs in the Indian Ocean, became a designated UNESCO Biosphere Reserve and is particularly famous for its manta rays.
Historically a honeymoon destination, today the Maldives has something to offer any type of holiday desire, from solo travel and multi-generational holidays to tiny castaway couple retreats or large activity-packed resorts to discover. The choice is yours.
Resort Islands
Bucket-list island escapes
The Maldives archipelago sets the standard when it comes to luxurious island living, with more than 160 private resort islands providing travelers with a unique "one island, one resort" experience and unrivaled privacy. Incredible overwater bungalows, private beach hideaways, and breathtaking natural beauty; the caliber of accommodation is simply sky-high. Resorts range from tiny islands that will take just 10 mins to walk around, to larger islands up to around 2 km in length. Whether you are traveling as a family, on a romantic getaway, or for an adventurous escape, you will find a resort that is perfect for you.
October 2022 marked the Golden Jubilee of the Maldives tourism industry. The date marks the anniversary of the official opening of its first tourist resort just 50 years ago which led to the inception of the tourism industry in the Maldives.
Geography
A string of jewels in the Indian Ocean
The smallest country in Asia, the Maldives is a nation of 1,192 tropical islands sprawling 820 km from north to south and 130 km from east to west in the tranquil waters of the Indian Ocean. Though covering an area of approximately 90,000 square kilometres spanning the equator, only 298 square kilometres of that is dry land – making the Maldives one of the most geographically dispersed countries on earth.
A vast underwater mountain range forms this mesmerising country, yet less than 4% of it breaks the water's surface. Its visible peaks form the archipelago's low-lying islands, grouped into a double chain of 26 atolls. Islands on the outer ring of each atoll are flanked by a coral reef on one side and a lagoon on the other. The middle islands tend to have coral reefs that completely encircle the island.
A third of the population lives in the capital city, Malé, while the rest live among 200 locally habited islands scattered across the length of the country. Aside from the other 150 plus resort islands, the rest of the country’s islands are uninhabited or used for agriculture and other livelihood purposes.
People & Culture
A vibrant island nation
One of the world's smallest populated countries with just over half a million people, the Maldives is home to a rich and vibrant culture and traditions. Influenced by cultures from the Indian Ocean rim, the Maldivian culture, craft and traditions have been shaped by the island's environment, the surrounding seas, and its strategic position on the historical spice route.
The Maldivian race is the result of centuries of settlements and migrations from various parts of the Indian subcontinent, resulting in a melting pot of different cultures and ethnicities. This diversity has resulted in the unique Maldivian culture and heritage, with Islam being the only religion practiced in the country.
Maldivians have long relied on the seas for their livelihoods, with fishery traditionally being the main source of sustenance. While fishing still plays an important role today, tourism has become the primary source of economy, providing a stable and sustainable source of income and employment to the people of the Maldives.
‘Dhivehi’ is the language of the Maldivian people, and is the only country where it is spoken in the world. The current script, Thaana, is written from right to left and was developed from Arabic numerals around the 16th century.
Food is heavily influenced by South India and Sri Lanka featuring a lot of chili and lime and heavily based on local ingredients fish and coconut, with many of the dishes unique to the region, no parallels can be found anywhere else in the world.
The Maldives is a nation with a vibrant culture of craftsmanship. From lacquered wooden ornaments to finely woven reed mats and coral carvings, these crafts have been handed down through generations, showcasing the unique skill and artistry of Maldivians. Perhaps the most impressive craft of all is that of boat building. The traditional Maldivian boat, the ‘dhoni’, has been meticulously crafted over centuries, resulting in a vessel that is perfectly suited to the changing conditions of the seas.
Music and dance display strong influences of East Africa, Arabia, and the Indian subcontinent. Traditional Maldivian drums known as ‘bodu beru’ are played to an accompanying song and dance of changing rhythms, traditionally sung after a hard day's work where people from the islands gather together to perform.
Weather
A year-round tropical paradise
Positioned on the equator, the Maldives enjoys an all-year-round warm climate. Temperatures stay consistently between 25°C and 32°C, with an average of 8 hours of sunshine each day.
The Maldives experiences two distinct seasons every year. The northeast monsoon brings a typically sunny, hot and dry period from December to April, while rain and showers become more prominent between May and November during the southwest monsoon when the South West trade winds arrive.
Getting Around
By sea or by sky
There's nothing quite as beautiful as gliding through the azure blue waters of the Indian Ocean by boat or gazing down over the jewel-like islands from a seaplane above. Transfer methods vary between resorts in the Maldives, depending on their location and accessibility. The three options include boat (speedboat or yacht), seaplane, or domestic flight. We will advise you of the transfer options available at your chosen resort and will pre-book these for you.
For leisurely pursuits, many resorts offer the option to charter a boat, such as a traditional ‘dhoni’ sailing boat, catamaran, or luxury yacht for cruising and sailing between the isles to explore. The resorts will likely offer a range of private and scheduled excursions to explore other locations of the Maldives within easy reach.
If visiting the capital island of Malé for any reason, taxis are readily available and there is a bridge linking this small 8.3 km² city to the international airport.
An island playground
Things To Do
The Maldives is an absolute haven for adventure seekers and beach-lover alike. From world-class diving and snorkeling during the dry season, or take on the waves in the wet season, there is something for everyone in the Maldives. Take a seaplane photo flight, explore the islands by bicycle, or try some of the leisurely - or exhilarating - watersports. Indulgent spa treatments, night fishing, surfing, sunset cruises, dolphin watching, sandbank picnics, movies under the stars, and private dinners set in awe-inspiring locations, are just some of the experiences to discover in the Maldives. Every resort offers something unique, so let us know what you're looking for and we'll help you find the perfect one.
Island Chic
Clothing
Light cotton clothes suit well with the hot tropical climate of the Maldives. Resort-wear is generally island chic, and casual elegant by day in the lunch venues. Some upscale restaurants will require more formal attire in the evening, with long trousers and shirts expected for gentlemen, and more elegant style dresses for ladies. Swimwear and gym wear is generally not permitted in restaurants at any time, with all guests required to be respectfully dressed. Sandals are ideal, as you may often want to slip them off and go barefoot when walking around the island.
When visiting the local islands and the capital city, the dress code should be a little more conservative with respect for the local culture. Guests should keep in mind that the Maldives is a Muslim country and hence we politely request that guests cover from the shoulders to below the knees.
Useful Information
Capital City
Malé City
Time Zone
GMT +5 /+6
Calling Code
+960
Electricity
240 Volts
Currency
The Maldivian Rufiyaa (MVR) is the local currency however this is a closed currency that cannot be used or exchanged outside of the country. US Dollars (USD) is therefore the preferred currency and is used throughout the Maldives and in all of the tourist resorts. Therefore, be sure to bring US Dollars with you if you intend to bring cash. All major credit cards are accepted in the country.
Visa
Generally, most nationalities receive a 30-day visa on arrival, provided that you have a valid passport, an onward ticket to continue your journey and a reservation at a tourist facility or enough funds to cover your stay in the country. Please ensure to check the latest information and entry requirements with Maldives Immigration before you travel.
Taxes
Tourism Goods and Service Tax (TGST) of 16% and a service charge of 10% is levied on all goods and services at tourist establishments. A Green Tax of US$ 6.00 per person per day is payable for guests staying at tourist accommodation. Taxes are subject to change according to Government mandates and will be charged accordingly.
Medical Services
The main public hospital Indira Gandhi Memorial Hospital (IGMH) and private hospitals ADK and Treetop are located in Malé and Hulhumalé. Each Atoll has at least one hospital and most resorts have their own clinics and in-house doctors. Decompression chambers for diving emergencies are also available in selected locations in the country.
Alcohol
The import of alcohol into the Maldives by tourists is not permitted, however, alcohol is available at all resorts. If you enter the Maldives with alcohol, this will be seized until your international departure where you can easily claim it back after checking-in for your flight.
Mobile Services
Prepaid SIM cards are available from two mobile service providers at the airport. The SIM cards can be used for local and international calls and for data.
Maldives Atolls