Example Itinerary

Living the High Life: Maldives and Dubai

Duration
9 days / 8 nights
Price Per Person
Interests
Romance, Beaches, Celebrations
Destinations
Maldives, UAE

If you're in need of serious escapism, this nine-day journey to the Maldives and Dubai rolls out the red carpet and pulls out all the stops. Boat, fly, snorkel, scuba, swim, and lounge your way through the Maldives during your stay on the easily-accessible and absolutely stunning North Malé Atoll. Next, it’s on to Dubai, where you’ll check into one of the top hotels in the world, from which you’ll explore the City of Gold, taking in both its colorful past and its shiny, modern present. This is an nine-day journey that will leave you bronzed, relaxed, and totally in awe. 

This itinerary is an example. It’s designed to inspire you and provide you with thoughtfully curated ideas. You can choose to do this exact itinerary or completely personalize it. All trips are 100% bespoke.

Highlights

  • Bird's-Eye Views: Capture both the Maldives and Dubai from the sky with thrilling seaplane and helicopter rides, which showcase the reclaimed-land structures of the UAE and the jewel-like isles of Maldivian atolls.
  • Superlatives: Gaze up at the Burj Khalifa, the tallest man-made structure in the world, then ascend to the 122nd floor to dine at panoramic At.mosphere, the world's tallest restaurant.
  • Wildlife: In the Maldives, cruise with dolphins at sunset and explore coral metropolises on a scuba diving excursion; in the UAE, get off-road to the Dubai Desert Conservation Reserve to encounter desert wildlife.

Day-by-Day

Day 1

North Malé Atoll

Fly in to the Maldives’ capital of Male, and escape the densely-populated city on a speedboat, which will whisk you away to the stunning Kaafu Atoll. Here, you’ll find everything you could ask for from a tropical paradise: sparkling azure waters, towering palm trees swaying in the light breeze, and soft, white-sand beaches. Check in to your resort of choice - we recommend the One & Only Reethi Rah or Huvafen Fushi.

Hotel Options
Why We Love This Hotel

Sun: Arguably the main reason a person goes to the Maldives is to enjoy the abundant sunshine, and Huvafen Fushi has kept this in mind, providing ample opportunities to enjoy the glowing ball of fire above, whether from a lounge chair or plunge pool.

Dining: Despite being on a private island seemingly cut off from the rest of the world, there are still a surprising number of dining options that range from five-course gourmet meals to classic Italian pizza.

Comfort: From private plunge pools and dips in the ocean to sun-soaked decks in the world-class spa, there is no shortage of ways to please your inner hedonist

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Huvafen Fushi Preferred Hotel
Why We Love This Hotel

History: The Maldives has barely changed since ancient mariners first moored off its coral-fringed shores. Guests can island-hop to a nearby atoll where fishing villages continue as they have for hundreds of years.

Location: Reethi Rah is part of the North Male atoll, around 1 hour by speedboat from the airport.

Service: Enjoy superlative hospitality at the Reethi Rah, with personalized pick-up from the airport and round the clock service from a Villa Host.

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One&Only Reethi Rah Preferred Hotel

Day 2

North Malé Atoll

Start the morning with a picturesque arm workout: kayaking through the surrounding crystal-clear waters. After breakfast, delve deeper into these exotic waters, literally, by taking a Discover Scuba Lesson. Replenish your energy with a tasty lunch, before heading back to Male, where you’ll explore the city on a cultural tour. Relax back at your hotel this evening.

Resorts By Speedboat
Resorts By Speedboat

Day 3

North Malé Atoll

Wake up with a rejuvenating beachside yoga class. You’ll want to be sharp and wide awake for your next adventure: a sea-plane flight that will glide through the air above the Maldives’ 1,190 islands, giving you a view of the atolls like no other. The afternoon is yours to enjoy at your leisure, until it’s time to step aboard a Dolphin Cruise for sundowner drinks amidst an awe-inspiring sunset.

Day 4

North Malé Atoll

Enjoy some time spent snorkeling this morning. You’ll have some time to relax before your next adventure: parasailing, which will give you a whole new perspective as you hang in the air behind a speedboat. You’ll no doubt be hungry after all that activity, and this afternoon you’ll learn how to prepare your own specialty lunch using fresh, local ingredients, during a cooking class with a master chef. Round the day off with an indulgent trip to the spa, before enjoying dinner and drinks by the beach.

Resorts By Speedboat
Resorts By Speedboat

Day 5

North Malé Atoll

Get your day off to a great start today with a Tai Chi lesson, followed by breakfast, and a private lesson on the sea life that surrounds the islands from a resident marine biologist. The rest of the day is yours to enjoy however you like, be it beachside, poolside, or at the spa. You’ll want to look your best for tonight’s private dinner on the beach under the stars - it doesn’t get much more romantic than this!

Day 6

Dubai

Say goodbye to the Maldives today as you transfer to Male and depart for Dubai. Once arrived, you’ll be chauffeur-driven to your ultra-luxury hotel of choice, be it the Armani Hotel, Burj Al Arab, or The Palace at One&Only Royal Mirage & Palm. Spend some time getting acquainted with your plush new surroundings. In the evening, ascend the Burj Khalifa, the tallest man-made structure in the world. Savor drinks and unbeatable panoramic views of the city at the sky-high At.mosphere restaurant, perched 442 meters above ground.

Hotel Options
Why We Love This Hotel

Location: One couldn’t possibly ask for a more superlative and exciting location for a hotel, with the Armani Hotel nestled into the Burj Khalifa, the world’s tallest building, overlooking downtown Dubai.

History: One of the world’s most fascinating construction projects, the Burj Khalifa was inaugurated in 2010, and is today known as a vertical city that rises into the sky.

Service: Everything in the hotel bears Armani’s signature touch, including the warm Italian-style hospitality and fine service shown to its guests.

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Armani Hotel Dubai Preferred Hotel
Why We Love This Hotel

Location: The iconic symbol of Dubai, the Burj Al Arab lives on its own island, and is a destination in itself, towering over the exciting, vibrant, and ever-flourishing city.

History: Construction began on this landmark hotel in 1994, and since then, it has slowly but surely grown into the most luxurious hotel in the world, frequented by royalty and celebrities alike.

Service: Often referred to as the world’s only 7-star hotel, the Burj Al Arab’s service is quite literally in a class by itself, with perks that include a 24-carat gold iPad for each guest’s use upon check-in.

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Burj Al Arab Preferred Hotel
Why We Love This Hotel

Location: The hotel is ideally-located in the peninsula of Dubai’s artificial palm islands, of international fame, surrounded by a handful of similar ultra-luxury properties.

Service: Many of the hotel’s rooms feature teams of dedicated hosts who are ready to serve guests’ every need, at any hour of the day.

History: Since its opening in 2010, One&Only The Palm has been honored with a long list of awards, making countless “Hotlists” and consistently being named one of the best hotels in the world.

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One & Only The Palm Preferred Hotel
Why We Love This Hotel

Location: Flanked by desert and seas, this majestic property offers 65 acres of gardens and more than half a mile of private coastline.

History: This property recreates an ancient Arabian palace, with extensive palm-dotted gardens, archways, cupolas and a traditional hammam.

Service: Guests are treated like royalty at this resort, with discreet, attentive service provided around the clock.

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One&Only Royal Mirage Preferred Hotel
Dubai
Dubai

Day 7

Dubai

Step out into Dubai’s exciting streets and explore this Arabian gem. Start your day in style aboard a helicopter, which will provide you with a whole new, bird’s-eye perspective of the city. Stroll through the narrow alleyways of the Bastakiya quarter, enjoying the eclectic mix of art galleries and cafes housed in former Persian merchant shophouses. Engage in enlightening discourse over the culture of Emiratis with locals before sharing a traditional meal. In the afternoon, head to the Dubai Museum to learn about life in the Middle East before discovery of oil. Then, as the locals do, take an abra (water taxi) across the creek to visit the gold, spice, and perfume souks. Return to the hotel to unwind with a spa treatment before dinner. Optionally, those celebrating a special occasion may wish to take an indulgent private romantic 4-course dinner cruise aboard a luxury yacht accompanied by live entertainment.

Day 8

Dubai

Spend the morning at leisure how you please, whether relaxing at the resort, enjoying the beach and water sports, visiting the Dubai Miracle Garden, or viewing contemporary art at the local galleries. In the afternoon, be ready for an off-road adventure out in the desert. Take a ride on the sand dunes, weaving through the trackless desert and tackling high and low dunes. Take a wildlife drive thorugh the Dubai Desert Conservation Reserve, and if you wish, stop by the camel farm and take a ride on the desert animal. Celebrate the end of your magical trip at a secluded camp privately set up amongst the rolling dunes just for you. Watch a bellydancing performance, indulge in aromatic shisha, get authentic henna tattoos, and have a private falconry demonstration. Enjoy a multi-course traditional Arabic dinner by the bonfire under the stars.

Dubai
Dubai

Day 9

Departure

Enjoy a sumptuous breakfast before your transfer to the airport for your flight home.

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