You’ll fall in love with the Maldives the moment you arrive in this sensational Indian Ocean destination which oozes breathtaking beauty, spellbinding serenity and blissful relaxation.

Prepare to be wowed by glistening lagoons, glorious coral reefs, inviting ocean waters and heavenly sandy beaches in an awe-inspiring archipelago consisting of more than 1,200 postcard-perfect islands. Soak up the golden sunshine on the sands, enjoy hours of water sports thrills and tuck into freshly-caught seafood specialities. Luxurious 5-star accommodation, enchanting wildlife, exciting outdoor activities and impeccable hospitality are among the other delights which will make a big impression on every visitor. From romantic experiences or honeymoons for couples to fun-packed adventures for families, this beguiling getaway has it all. Here are 5 key reasons why the Maldives is a dream destination for creating magical holiday memories which will last a lifetime.

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Indian Ocean paradise

You may need to pinch yourself to confirm you’re not dreaming when you gaze in awe at the phenomenal natural wonders all around you in the Maldives. This spectacular Indian Ocean paradise is in a league of its own when it comes to mesmerising beauty where you can completely relax and unwind. Epic seascapes, exotic flora and fauna, endless sands, big blue skies and swaying palms create the perfect setting for an unforgettable holiday experience. Year-round sunshine is ideal for catching some rays and fun on the sands, while there’s plenty to impress animal lovers, with dolphins, whales, manta rays and turtles among the creatures you’ll discover in the turquoise ocean waters. The luxury all-inclusive resorts in the Maldives let you live the dream in elegant surroundings, with many of them located on their own private island, with pristine beaches, incredible house reefs and world-class dining venues.

Luxury living options

Most resorts in the Maldives offer the option to stay in either a luxurious beach villa next to powdery white sands or a plush overwater villa where you'll spend heavenly nights directly above the ocean. Step barefoot outside your beach villa and feel the sand between your toes, with amazing ocean views which will take your breath away. Private plunge pools, tropical gardens, comfy cabanas, outdoor showers and fully-stocked mini bars are among the superb amenities available in these ultra-stylish beachfront havens of comfort. Staying in a lavish overwater villa is a truly enthralling experience where you’ll be surrounded by the tranquil ocean teeming with tropical fish just below your accommodation. Some villas are on stilts, with a thatched roof, a private plunge pool and steps leading down into the inviting Indian ocean waters. For obvious safety reasons most resorts do not recommend that young children should stay in water villas, with parents being given the option to sign a legal waiver declaration.

Aquatic escapades

You’ll be surrounded by a water wonderland in the Maldives, with hours of fun and excitement waiting on the waves. Snorkelling, paddling, canoeing, pedal boat rides and glass bottomed boat trips are ideal for families with younger children, while a myriad of exhilarating water sports, including flyboarding, jet skiing, tubing, windsurfing and kiteboarding, ensure excitement galore for thrill seekers. Scuba dive beneath the waves to discover the marine life on the coral reefs, set off on an island-hopping catamaran cruise or climb aboard a banana boat. A host of other superb activities in the crystal-clear Indian Ocean include night fishing trips, surfing, speedboat rides, dolphin and whale watching adventures, stand-up paddleboarding and parasailing. Siyam World in Noonu Atoll boasts the biggest floating water park in the Indian Ocean. Activities on the sands include beach football and volleyball, while traditional sandcastle-building sessions and seashell painting prove a big hit with the little ones.

A life of leisure

This extraordinary escape is brimming with wonderful sports and leisure activities, with something to delight every type of holidaymaker. Keep fit and active with everything from tennis on outdoor courts to beach volleyball on the sands. Enjoy a few lengths in a shimmering infinity pool or take to the ocean for snorkelling, canoeing and an array of high-energy water sports. Many resorts also boast cutting-edge fitness centres for keeping in shape throughout your stay and sumptuous spas where you can succumb to head to toe pampering, with soothing massages and tropical body scrubs among the joys which await. Enjoy a fishing trip aboard a traditional dhoni boat, watch a movie under the stars in a beachfront cinema or set off on a fascinating island nature trek. Other pleasant leisure activities include scenic bike rides, scuba diving, seaplane trips and the chance to marvel at entrancing sunsets.

Dining delights

The top-class dining venues in the Maldives resorts are renowned for their fabulous fare which will satisfy the most discerning palate. Maldivian food is a fusion of Indian Arabic, Sri Lankan and oriental flavours, with creative seafood dishes, barbecued favourites and mouth-watering curries among the culinary delights you’ll discover. Much-loved island dishes include Mas Huni (shredded smoked tuna), Kukulku riha (chicken curry) and Garuhhiya (fish soup). Local desserts include Aluvi Boakibaa (cassava coconut cake), while a Maldivian Lady is a refreshing and potent drink made with white rum, grenadine, apricot brandy, orange and pineapple juice. A host of wonderful personalised dining experiences in the Maldives can include an intimate candlelit dinner, a lively beachfront barbecue, a romantic picnic with the love of your life on a private sandbank and a delicious floating breakfast in the comfort of your villa’s plunge pool. There’s also the opportunity to dine beneath the waves in one of several sensational underwater restaurants.

The Maldives archipelago enjoys glorious sunshine all-year-round, with a tropical monsoon climate ensuring high temperatures and clear blue skies. An average of 8 hours of daily sunshine and sea temperatures which are usually above 25°C is ideal for swimming, water sports and plenty of fun in the great outdoors. A superb time to visit is outside the monsoon season in November to April when there’s no shortage of sun, with low rainfall and humidity. The mercury remains at a consistent level throughout the year, with the hottest month being March with an average temperature of 29°C, while the coldest month is January at 27°C. The wet season in the Maldives is from May to November, when strong winds and sporadic thunderstorms occur, so this is a less popular time to visit, although it is does offer the opportunity to snap up a bargain holiday deal.

"The Maldives really do offer a taste of paradise on earth, with outstanding beauty which must be seen to be believed. You’ll feel the pressures of everyday life drifting away as you chill out on the beach or beside a sparkling swimming pool – but there’s also the opportunity to enjoy hours of fun and excitement in the sea, with a huge range of water sports available.

“No expense is spared to ensure the ultimate in comfort and style in the accommodation available in the Maldives, whether you opt for a charming beachfront villa or a water villa above the ocean.

“An island-hopping boat trip provides a great day out and a visit to the capital city Malé is highly recommended.

“The food in the Maldives is fantastic, with scrumptious fresh seafood among the delights, and many resorts stage lively evening shows, including traditional Boduberu dance events, to ensure plenty of music and entertainment after dark.”

Cocoon Maldives

Lhaviyani Atoll

Jet off and live the dream in this magnificent 5-star getaway, surrounded by sugary soft sands and sapphire waters. Spend restful nights in a luxurious villa or suite and savour culinary delights in the fabulous Octopus Restaurant. A myriad of other wonderful amenities at this family-friendly haven of pleasure include a water sports centre, spa, gym, swimming pool and kids club.

Check out Cocoon Maldives

Kandima Maldives

Dhaalu Atoll

This spectacular 5-star island retreat will wow every guest with its imposing villa and studio accommodation, an impressive choice of 10 unique restaurants and a bumper programme of live evening entertainment. You’ll also discover a well-equipped fitness centre for keeping in shape, a kids club for the little ones, lively pool parties, a tennis court, football pitch and a sumptuous spa for the ultimate pampering experience.

Check out Kandima Maldives

The Standard Huruvalhi

Raa Atoll

A splashing time awaits at this fabulous 5-star getaway where the attractions include a thrilling inflatable aqua park, a private sandy beach, a house reef and plenty of water sports action. There’s also a moonlight cinema, a tennis court, a kids club, a plush spa and a state-of-the-art gym. Lavish overwater pool villas are among the accommodation options and a choice of wonderful dining venues will tantalise your taste buds.

Check out The Standard Huruvalhi