Experience a holiday adventure like no other in the Maldives, a breathtaking paradise playground where you’ll be spoilt for choice when it comes to sensational things to see and do.

From thrilling adventures in the sea and exciting island-hopping trips to fun-packed hours on silky soft sands and up-beat entertainment after dark, this spellbinding Indian Ocean escape has it all. Go dolphin-spotting on a traditional dhoni boat, scuba dive down to beautiful coral reefs, gaze in awe at mesmerising sunsets or parasail high above a shimmering lagoon. The Maldives, an awe-inspiring archipelago consisting of more than 1,200 islands, make a huge impression on every visitor, with luxurious 5-star resorts, incredible wildlife, postcard-perfect scenery, fabulous food and amazing hospitality. This enchanting getaway really is a dream come true for couples, families and groups of friends craving an unforgettable time in blissful tropical sunshine. Let’s take a look at top things to do in the Maldives which help make it a dream holiday destination.

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Relax In Paradise

There’s nowhere like the Maldives when it comes to a dream setting for relaxing and switching off from the pressures of everyday life. The jaw-dropping tranquillity, endearing seclusion and seductive charm of this Indian Ocean retreat will take your breath away. Glorious seascapes, pristine sandy beaches, swaying palms, expansive blue skies and invigorating year-round sunshine create the perfect ambiance to take your stress levels way down low on a peaceful all-inclusive holiday. Chill out with a cocktail in a comfy beach cabana, hammock or lounger, watch the sun go down from your luxurious overwater villa or wander to the sumptuous resort spa for some indulgent head to toe pampering. Restore your inner calm in an outdoor yoga and meditation session, set sail on a romantic moonlight catamaran cruise or marvel at the exotic flora and fauna. Other delights include glistening infinity pools, soothing jacuzzis and quaint beachfront bars.

Enjoy An Aqua Adventure

A holiday in the Maldives offers the chance to dive into a world of aquatic thrills and spills, with something to delight every type of visitor, from fun-seeking families to honeymoon couples craving special moments in the great outdoors. This water wonderland is the place to have a splashing time, with a myriad of exciting activities and adventures in store. Snorkel or scuba dive beneath the waves to observe coral reefs teeming with colourful tropical fish, enjoy an exhilarating speed boat ride or swim in the warm waters with turtles, whale sharks and manta rays. Other wonderful activities include night fishing trips, banana boat rides, kayaking, whale and dolphin-watching trips, catamaran cruises and underwater walking with a transparent domed helmet. You can also enjoy a plethora of sensational water sports including jet skiing, tubing, flyboarding, parasailing, windsurfing, paddleboarding and kiteboarding.

Discover A Feast Of Flavours

You won’t have trouble finding something delicious to send your taste buds wild with delight in the Maldives. A fusion of Indian, Sri Lankan, Arabic and oriental cuisines creates a feast of flavours, with fragrant curries, fresh seafood, tangy soups, barbecued meats and divine desserts among the joys which await. Popular Maldivian dishes include Garudhiya (fish soup), Mas Huni (shredded smoked tuna), reef fish cutlets, Boshi Mashuni (banana flower salad), Tharukaaree Riha (vegetable curry) and Handulu Bondibai (rice pudding). A Maldivian Lady is a much-loved local drink made with white rum, apricot brandy, grenadine orange and pineapple juice. The luxury resorts in the Maldives are renowned for their top-class restaurants and thatched roof beachfront bars serving flavoursome snacks and refreshing drinks. Other unforgettable culinary experiences include underwater dining venues, romantic candlelit dinners on the sand, sandbank picnics and floating breakfasts in your villa’s private plunge pool.

Embrace Island Life

It’s a good idea to make time to get away from your own paradise resort to immerse yourself in traditional Maldivian life on other islands, including the capital Malé. This gives you the opportunity to discover the archipelago’s rich culture and history, as well as the chance to meet locals and buy souvenirs. The largest islands in the Maldives include Maafushi, Hithadhoo, Gan, Naifaru and Dhidhdhoo. There are many forms of transport for island-hopping adventures including seaplane, helicopter, speedboat or traditional dhoni boat. The capital Malé is home to beautiful mosques, charming colonial architecture, fine dining restaurants and a bustling fish market. It’s also a great place for some retail therapy with street markets, fashion stores and craft shops. Key sights include Republic Square, the Tomb of Mohammed Thakurufaanu, Old Friday Mosque, the National Art Gallery and Muleeaage, the official palace of the President of the Maldives.

Be Entertained After Dark

After savouring a delightful dinner in your resort and watching a beguiling sunset you can settle down to some enjoyable evening entertainment. Most resorts organise night-time activities to provide even more fun after a delightful day in the golden sunshine. Watch a movie under the stars in a beachfront cinema, listen to a relaxing jazz band, or enjoy the hypnotic rhythms of a traditional Boduberu dance group. Some resorts also host other types of evening entertainment including discos, magic shows, karaoke nights and quizzes. Subsix is a spectacular underwater nightclub in Huluwalu where you can dance into the early hours, as groupers, butterfly fish and other marine creatures glide past the floor to ceiling windows. Unique evening activities in the Maldives include crab racing and visits to the ‘glow in the dark’ beach on Vaadhoo Island where bioluminescent organisms in the ocean create a dazzling blue light.

Best Time To Visit

This heavenly destination is blessed with radiant sunshine throughout the year, but a particularly appealing time to visit the Maldives is between November and April. This is outside the monsoon season, so you’ll enjoy an abundance of sunshine, low rainfall and low humidity, making the conditions perfect for plenty of healthy outdoor fun. Temperatures in the Maldives are consistent throughout the year, at 28°C to 30°C, with around 8 hours of daily sunshine and sea temperatures averaging a pleasant 25°C for swimming and water sports thrills. March is the hottest month, with an average temperature of 29°C, while the coolest month is January when the mercury hovers around 27°C. May to November is the wet season in the Maldives, when strong winds and occasional thunderstorms occur. This is the time of year when you are most likely to secure a bargain holiday deal.

“You’ll fall in love with the Maldives the moment your seaplane or speedboat arrives at your paradise island of choice.

“The beautiful virgin beaches, inviting sapphire waters, alluring lagoons and stunning seascapes are truly out of this world.

“This really is the place for the ultimate outdoor holiday experience, where you can be at one with nature, soak up the invigorating sunshine and relax in idyllic surroundings.

“Water sports action, island-hopping adventures, exceptional leisure amenities, fantastic food and luxurious beachfront and overwater accommodation are just some of the delights which make the Maldives a dream destination.”

Amaya Kuda Rah

South Ari Atoll

Jet off for a taste of paradise on earth at this enchanting 5-star exotic island retreat where you’ll be wowed by exquisitely-appointed beach and water villas, silky soft sands, inviting ocean waters and sensational dining venues where culinary delights will tantalise your taste buds. Succumb to head to toe pampering in the sumptuous spa, dive in the beautiful coral reefs and keep in shape in the cutting-edge fitness centre. You’ll also discover an infinity edge pool, a games room, excellent excursions and water sports galore.

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Le Méridien Maldives Resort & Spa

Lhaviyani Atoll

Pure tropical bliss awaits at this magical 5-star family-friendly haven of relaxation, leisure and pleasure on the spellbinding island of Thilamaafushi. Enjoy water sports action in the crystal-clear Indian Ocean, soak up the sun on pristine powdery sands and pamper yourself in the resort’s plush spa. You’ll spend restful nights in a lavish beach or overwater villa and tuck into fresh seafood specialities and flavoursome local fare in a choice of top-class restaurants. Other superb amenities include a fitness centre, a beauty shop, a marine conservation hub and a lively kids club.

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Sun Siyam Olhuveli

South Malé Atoll

Relax and unwind during a once-in-a-lifetime holiday adventure at this sanctuary of tranquillity, surrounded by swaying palms, warm waters lapping on white sands and heavenly scenery. Savour the flavour of flaming grills and local delicacies in the fabulous Sunset Restaurant, sip creative cocktails under the stars and enjoy a refreshing dip in a sparkling infinity-edge swimming pool. Other delights at this magnificent family-friendly getaway include elegant jacuzzi villas, flood-lit tennis courts, a spa, a gymnasium, a dive centre and a myriad of fun-filled activities for young guests.

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