The magical Maldives are steeped in spellbinding beauty, blissful tranquillity and glorious sunshine – but which type of holiday in this paradise destination is the perfect match for you?

Maybe you crave a bumper feast of fun with your family, a romantic escape with the love of your life, an action-packed adventure with a group of thrill-seeking friends or the ultimate relaxing experience in the golden sunshine. Whatever you desire, this enchanting getaway, an archipelago consisting of more than 1,200 idyllic islands in the Indian Ocean, is the place where all your holiday dreams can come true. You’ll be wowed by silky soft sands, swaying palms, glistening lagoons, inviting ocean waters and beautiful coral reefs teeming with marine life. Luxury island living, invigorating leisure activities, delicious seafood dishes, water sports galore and island-hopping escapades are among the other delights which await. Let’s take a closer look at the various types of holidays available in this awe-inspiring exotic destination.

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Maldives Family Holidays

A classic combination of sun, sea and sand makes the Maldives a great choice for families seeking hours of fun on pristine beaches and a splashing time in the inviting ocean waters. Many Maldives all-inclusive resorts are located on their own private island and feature a host of amenities for young guests including lively kids clubs, water slides, adventure playgrounds and games rooms, plus a range of exciting activities such arts and crafts, treasure hunts, seashell-painting and traditional sandcastle-building sessions. The warm ocean waters are ideal for a myriad of family activities including snorkelling, glass-bottomed boat rides, dolphin-watching trips, banana boat rides, canoeing and underwater tours in a mini submarine. An exciting island-hopping trip on a traditional dhoni boat is another popular enterprise. Families will also be wowed by the fascinating wildlife in the Maldives including turtles, manta rays, geckos, fruit bats and reef sharks.

Maldives Romantic Holidays

Love is in the air in the Maldives, with tropical island beauty creating the perfect setting for romance. Unspoilt stretches of powdery sands, shimmering ocean waters, vast blue skies and majestic sunsets help make this mesmerising Indian Ocean destination the ideal place to spend blissful hours with the love of your life. Snorkel to the magnificent coral reefs to observe stingrays, sharks and turtles; enjoy a candlelit dinner on the beach or treat yourself with an indulgent pampering session for couples in your resort spa. You can also sip cocktails in a beachfront bar, picnic on a deserted sandbank, stroll hand in hand along the shoreline or set sail on a romantic moonlight catamaran cruise. This archipelago of heavenly islands is a popular honeymoon destination and a great choice for couples wishing to renew their vows or tie the knot in a beachfront wedding ceremony.

Maldives Water Sports Holidays

Water sports lovers can enjoy a dream holiday in the Maldives, with a multitude of activities on the waves to create magical memories which will last a lifetime. The dry season months of December to May are a magnet for water sports enthusiasts when the ocean is calm and temperatures are warm and appealing. A host of thrilling activities include flyboarding, stand-up paddleboarding, kiteboarding, jet skiing, tubing and windsurfing. The islands also appeal to holidaymakers who want to enjoy other exciting ventures on the sea including kayaking, canoeing, deep sea fishing, sailing, speedboat rides and catamaran cruises. Underwater walking with a transparent helmet is another popular attraction, as is scuba diving on the incredible coral reefs and scooter snorkelling to observe the abundant marine life. The wet season, from March to mid-November, is the best time for surfing when waves can be more than 10 feet high.

Maldives Relaxation Holidays

The Maldives tick all the boxes for anyone wishing to escape the stresses of everyday life and simply relax and unwind in peaceful and secluded surroundings. You can spend as much time as you desire lazing in a comfy lounger, hammock or cabana on the beach, marvelling at breathtaking ocean vistas and soaking up the invigorating sunshine. Many luxury 5-star resorts boast sumptuous spas where you can harmonise your body, mind and soul, with relaxing massages, soothing facials and signature body treatments among the services available. You’ll also restore your inner calm in outdoor yoga and meditation sessions. A range of chilled out evening pleasures can include movies on the sands, laid-back beach barbecues and the chance to sip creative cocktails and gaze in awe at beguiling ocean sunsets. Some island retreats also boast glistening infinity pools, opulent overwater villas and soothing jacuzzis for even more welcome relaxation.

Maldives Adventure Holidays

From snorkelling and scuba diving ventures beneath the waves to island-hopping trips on a speedboat, helicopter or floatplane, the Maldives is an enthralling destination where every holidaymaker can unleash their inner explorer spirit. Take to the ocean on a big game fishing trip, enjoy an exciting time in a glass-bottomed canoe, head off on a whale and dolphin-spotting venture or parasail above the sparkling ocean. There are dozens of magnificent lagoons, reefs and underwater caves in the Maldives where you can don your flippers, snorkel and mask for a thrilling time, including Kandooma Thila, Rainbow Reef and Banana Reef. The Maldives are also home to fascinating shipwrecks including Kuda Giri Wreck and the Victory Wreck. Visits to other islands, including the delightful capital Malé, are a great way to get a flavour of local life, while also learning all about the Maldives’ rich history and culture.

Best Time To Visit

Glorious sunshine all-year-round makes the Maldives the perfect choice for an unforgettable experience in the great outdoors. The needs of every type of holidaymaker will be catered for, whether you desire a relaxing time in dreamy surroundings or an adventure-packed getaway to remember. This Indian Ocean archipelago enjoys an average of 8 hours of sunshine each day, with the ocean temperature rarely falling below 25°C, which is ideal for diving, swimming and a plethora of water sports, whatever time of year you visit. November to April is a great time to visit the Maldives, when you’ll experience plenty of rejuvenating sun, low humidity and minimal rainfall. The hottest month is March, with an average temperature of 29°C, while the coldest month is January when the mercury still averages an impressive 27°C. Strong winds and occasional thunderstorms occur in the wet season from May to November, although this is a good time to secure an excellent holiday deal.

“This amazing destination will impress every holidaymaker with its phenomenal beauty and wonder, which creates the opportunity for a once-in-a-lifetime experience in a magical setting.

“Solo travellers, couples, families and groups of friends will experience a taste of paradise on earth, surrounded by beautiful beaches, sapphire waters, swaying palms and thrilling outdoor activities.

“You’ll spend fun-filled hours on the pristine white sands, water sports action in the inviting ocean, plus delicious local fare, sublime accommodation and superb leisure amenities in your luxury island resort.

“Golden sunshine throughout the year makes the Maldives perfect for unique outdoor adventures and island-hopping trips where you can immerse yourself in traditional Maldivian life.

“For a feast of sun, sea and sand, look no further than this incredible Indian Ocean escape where holiday dreams really do come true.”

Royal Island Resort & Spa

Baa Atoll

Succumb to breathtaking beauty and blissful relaxation at this sensational family-friendly 5-star sunshine retreat. Delicious Maldivian cuisine and seafood delicacies are among the delights in the resort’s top-class dining venues, while restful nights await in your lavish villa accommodation. Enjoy plenty of water sports action, experience holiday pampering in the plush spa or head out to sea on an exciting catamaran cruise. A host of other superb amenities at this fabulous all-inclusive escape include tennis courts, a glistening swimming pool, a dive centre and a programme of live evening entertainment.

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Atmosphere Kanifushi Maldives

Lhaviyani Atoll

Jet off and live the dream at this luxurious 5-star haven of pleasure and leisure which is surrounded by powdery white sands, turquoise waters and amazing scenery. Soak up the sun beside the shimmering lagoon, savour culinary delights in a myriad of wonderful restaurants and set off on exciting cultural excursions and fun-packed adventures. You’ll also discover a cutting-edge gym for an energetic holiday workout, an inviting swimming pool, a sumptuous spa for head to toe pampering and a lively kids club to keep young guests entertained.

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Adaaran Select Meedhupparu

Raa Atoll

Prepare to be wowed by dreamy days and entertaining nights at this charming tropical oasis in the sun-kissed Indian Ocean. Beach discos, water sports fun, volleyball and a bumper programme of evening entertainment are among the pleasures which await. Mediterranean, Indian and International cuisine will tantalise your taste buds, a state-of-the-art gym is the place to keep in shape and an elegant spa offers indulgent treatments and services. Other attractions in this tranquil hideaway include a sparkling swimming pool, a shopping arcade, tennis courts and a sauna.

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