Maldives holidays

What can you find in the Maldives that you won’t find elsewhere?

Made up of 26 atolls dotted in the Indian Ocean, the islands of the Maldives are some of the world’s most remote and remarkable. This sublime destination couldn’t be more deserving of the hype,with sand that melts into shimmering turquoise sea, secluded over-water villas (on land villas are also available for families, more often than not) and a kaleidoscope of coral reefs as standard. Maldives holidays are what island dreams are made of, but potentially they are fleeting ones. Sadly, due to global warming, the country’s low-lying beaches may just disappear. All the more reason to visit now.

Who is the Maldives best for?

Honeymooners and escapists are best placed to make the most of a Maldives holiday. This picture-perfect paradise is ideal for those wanting to get away from the stresses of their daily lives with all the ingredients to help you relax. Avid divers can channel their inner Jacques Cousteau, exploring the abundance of dive sites on offer teeming with exotic marine life such as groupers, eagle rays and even whale sharks. Others may want to play out their Robinson Crusoe dreams basking on sun-baked beaches and enjoying long lazy lunches on their own private stretch of sand. And, of course, the Maldives remains one of the great destinations for families, too, if you choose the right resort. We’re here to help on that front because the team at Original Travel have visited well over 30 of the best resorts, and so come armed with the power of comparison.

What are the best ways to discover the Maldives?

Take a week to 10 days to unwind in a private island resort whether you want to focus on wellbeing, pamper yourself in the spa or experience unparalleled marine adventure. Choose from stilted lagoon-facing villas surrounded by coral, beach bungalows with open air showers or perhaps a palm-thatched treehouse for a return-to-nature vibe. With direct flights available, the Maldives can be combined perfectly with a trip to India or Sri Lanka.

Special things to do in the Maldives

Surfing and liveaboard diving in the Maldives

Sunning yourself on the beach is certainly a strong contender for the best thing to do in the Maldives, but we can also recommend from the resorts that have superb surf breaks for beginners or pros alike, and we work with the best liveaboard dive boats, so you can explore the unspoilt dive sites of the remoter atolls.

Take part in a Buddhist ceremony and unwind in a castaway paradise

For a Sri Lanka and Maldives honeymoon to remember, we can create a personally tailored itinerary to help you make the most of this landmark event. We recommend flying to Sri Lanka to attend a Buddhist blessing held in an exquisite temple. Mark the celebration with a jungle dinner a deux before flying to the private island of Velassaru in the Maldives where you can lap up crystalline sea views and top-notch sunsets on a romantic sojourn.

Indian romance and chocolate-box islands

Start in Kerala, strolling the scented streets of Cochin and floating down the sleepy backwaters of Alleppey on a converted traditional rice barge. Head to Periyar National Park for intense wildlife viewing, stopping to soak up the vibrant hills coasted in rippled tea plantations and forests fragrant with spice. From one visual marvel to another, and green to blue, fly to the cerulean lagoons of the Maldives where you can then relax and reboot.