Maldives

Composed of 1,190 coral reef islands forming an archipelago of 26 atolls, the Maldives are acclaimed as a tropical paradise of pristine beaches and clear cobalt and turquoise waters. The country was formed from ancient volcanoes now hidden under the Indian Ocean. It is the planet’s lowest country, resting at just 4 feet 11 inches above sea level. They cover 35,000 square miles, making it one of the world’s most dispersed nations. It is the least populated (300,000 people) and smallest nation in Asia, though its size belies its prominence as a tourist destination. It is the perfect destination to tie off a multi-nation trip, particularly to Sri Lanka or India. Male is the international gateway to the Maldives via Hulhule Island, and the surrounding island resorts are accessed by private speedboat.

Once a Buddhist nation, the Maldives is now predominantly Muslim. Ever resilient, the friendly people of the Maldives have battled el Nino, the 2004 Asian Tsunami and the uncertainly of climate change. Nonetheless, this singular country features some of the best sand, sun and surf to be found anywhere, with world-class diving and ultra-luxurious resorts.

Maldives Regions

Maldives Itineraries

A Blissful Break in Kaafu Atoll, Maldives

Duration
6 days / 5 nights
Price Per Person
From $6,400
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An Unforgettable Honeymoon: Sri Lanka, Maldives, and Qatar

Duration
15 days / 14 nights
Price Per Person
From $19,500
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Living the High Life: Maldives and Dubai

Duration
9 days / 8 nights
Price Per Person
From $14,700
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Marine Conservation in the Maldives

Duration
10 days / 9 nights
Price Per Person
From $13,400
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The Ultimate Indian Ocean Adventure: India, Sri Lanka and Maldives

Duration
26 days / 25 nights
Price Per Person
From $30,100
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The Ultimate Maldives Getaway in Baa Atoll

Duration
6 days / 5 nights
Price Per Person
From $17,300
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Around the World in Three Continents | Aman Jet Expeditions | September 8–28, 2024

Date
September 8–28, 2024
Price Per Person
$194,888
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Around the World in Three Continents 2025 | Aman Jet Expeditions | September 7–27, 2025

Date
September 7–27, 2025
Price Per Person
$198,888
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Extraordinary India & Maldives By Private Jet

Duration
14 days / 13 nights
Per Person Per Day
Enquire for price.
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Preferred Hotel

Anantara Kihavah

Resorts By Seaplane, Maldives

Situated along the pristine beaches of the Maldives’ Baa Atoll island archipelago, the Anantara Kihavah is the perfect place for a beach vacation getaway with villas and residences along the beaches and above water that offer a nearly unmatchable level of luxury and comfort. Private infinity pools, Jacuzzis, and oversized bathtubs are the norm at this resort of 80 spacious accommodations, and this kind of extravagance extends to the resort’s wide array of dining destinations, its spa, and its stargazing center. After days spend island hopping, viewing the nearby coral reef on a diving excursion, or simply sitting around enjoying the comfort of one’s villa, guests can dine at the resort’s one-of-a-kind underwater wine cellar and restaurant, at a hand-picked destination dining location, or at any of the resort’s other restaurants with cuisines that range from Asian and Japanese to International and tapas. There is an on-site gym, open-air movie theater, and even a trampoline park complete with basketball hoops. No expense was spared when constructing the Anantara Kihavah, and accordingly guests have no shortage of things to do is the tropical paradise.

Preferred Hotel

Baros Maldives

Resorts By Speedboat, Maldives

The award-winning Baros Maldives is heralded as one of the most romantic resorts in the world, noted for its tranquility, lush vegetation, and pristine beaches, situated in a sparkling turquoise lagoon. The property's 75 luxury villas are available over seven categories, all of which are appointed with open-air bathrooms, outdoor rain showers, and private balconies, from which guests can enjoy either sunrise or sunset views. Many villas are overwater, though some are located on the island, while upgraded villas add private pools or gardens. Resort facilities include an infinity swimming pool, a gym (yoga sessions are complimentary), a spa, a dive center, and an on-site marine center with a resident marine biologist. For dining, guests can enjoy international dishes with a superb horizon view at The Lighthouse Restaurant, al fresco barbecue by the sea at Cayenne Grill, Asian plates at Lime Restaurant, or sundowners at Sails Bar or The Lighthouse Lounge. Destination dining is also available. The Baros Maldives Resort and Spa is a 25-minute boat ride from Malé's international airport.

Preferred Hotel

Cheval Blanc Randheli

Resorts By Seaplane, Maldives

Cheval Blanc Randheli is luxurious new property in the Maldives' Noonu Atoll, inhabiting a handful of islands surrounded by teeming reefs. It's still new, having opened in November 2013 and is top of its class; a Louis Vuitton Moet Hennessy property, only the second of its kind. The Randheli is around 40 minutes away from Male airport by seaplane, with a luxurious lounge at the airport so guests can make their transfer in comfort. The design and décor of The Randheli conveys relaxed island living in its light, natural palette and thatched roofs, yet a refined, contemporary edge shines through in its all modern interiors, up-to-the-minute technology and cathedral-style loft ceilings.

Preferred Hotel

COMO Cocoa Island

Resorts By Speedboat, Maldives

Explore COMO Cocoa Island, a resort built amidst crystal clear waters and powdery beaches. Situated on its own island, Cocoa Island has 34 overwater suites modeled after traditional dhoni boats, the gently-curving, wooden vessels used by local fishermen. Simple wooden walkways built above the shallow lagoon connect the suites to the hotel’s facilities. Each room has its own private terrace, allowing guests to effortlessly slip from the bedroom straight into the warm turquoise sea. The resort offers a truly luxury experience with a highly customized level of service. Dining options include the luxurious Ufaa, which serves cuisine inspired by the foods of south India’s Malabar Coast; COMO Shambhala, which features fresh, organic ingredients and an authentic, Indian-style tandoor oven; and in-villa and beachside dining. Guests can indulge in holistic wellness treatments and explore world-class diving sites. COMO Cocoa Island is a 40-minute speedboat ride from the international airport at Male.

Preferred Hotel

COMO Maalifushi

Resorts By Seaplane, Maldives

COMO Maalifushi is the only luxury resort in the pearly white and otherwise undeveloped Thaa Atoll in the southern part of the Maldives. Accessible by a 35-minute domestic flight to Thimarafushi Airport followed by a 25-minute speedboat ride, this is a truly remote and gorgeous getaway. Designed by Japanese architect Koichiro Ikebuchi, the 65 villas and rooms are tastefully decorated with a combination of cultural authenticity and chic modern style. Built with New Zealand pine, floored with teak and artfully thatched, the accommodation options cater to all guests from honeymooning couples in search of peace and romance to families seeking adventure and fun. In the three restaurants, guests can take their pick of dining options to suit their mood. Crystal clear lagoon waters are perfect for swimming and snorkelling, treatments at COMO Shambhala Retreat are sure to relax and rejuvenate,while a range of watersports and a fully-equipped gym are available for more active guests.

Preferred Hotel

Gili Lankanfushi

Resorts By Speedboat, Maldives

Experience barefoot luxury at Gili Lankanfushi, a resort nestled in a glistening lagoon above a coral island. Each of the 45 villas at Gili Lankanfushi are built overlooking the waters of the lagoon, and connected together by wooden jetties. All villas come standard with king-sized beds, sun decks and patios, wide-screen televisions, and bathrooms with separate shower areas. Dining options include an overwater dining area, where guests can savor fresh seafood and local produce over the lagoon’s waters; By-The-Sea, a fusion eatery which combines Peruvian and Japanese cuisines with a beautiful view of the surrounding ocean; as well as in-villa and beachside dining. Guests may also indulge themselves at the full-service Meera Spa, which offers a number of facials, massages, and organic treatments derived from ocean ingredients. In addition, Gili Lankanfushi is also home to a fully-equipped PADI center, where guests can dive on the corals and abundant marine life in the area. Gili Lankanfushi is a 20-minute speedboat ride from the international airport at Male.

Preferred Hotel

Huvafen Fushi

Resorts By Speedboat, Maldives

Huvafen Fushi describes itself as a "living dream," and this is a title that is indeed hard to argue with. Occupying a private resort island in the Maldives, the resort’s 40-some private bungalows and pavilions offer stunning views of the Indian Ocean, and all are fitted with private plunge pools. It goes without saying that the beds and furnishings are top quality, and luxurious bathing facilities, such as oversized tubs, rainforest showers, and even Jacuzzis, are the norm in this tropical paradise. Many of the accommodations are located directly above water, as are a number of its restaurants, which serve fresh seafood and flavors of both Western and Asian inspiration. There is also an underground wine cellar cum restaurant on the island that boasts over 6,000 different wines. Of course, a sommelier is on hand to help guests make sense of it all. In terms of activities, there is a surreal spa that features two underwater treatment rooms. Guests can enjoy looking out upon a marine landscape as treatments are administered, though there are also aboveground treatment rooms. Naturally, water activities abound here, and the aquatic center provides equipment and guides for scuba diving and snorkeling expeditions alike. There is also an overwater water gym, and yoga classes are held daily.

Preferred Hotel

JOALI BEING

Resorts By Seaplane, Maldives

Sister property to the artsy JOALI Maldives, the JOALI BEING is wellness-centric and boasts of being ‘the only nature immersive wellbeing island retreat of its kind in the Maldives.’ Offering 68 “well living spaces” spread across the beach and overwater, each villa offers a private pool, butler service, sea-view, outdoor rain shower, Wellbeing Bar, meditative musical instruments and wellbeing games. Culinary offerings at the resort are focused on an earth-to-table initiative, using fresh, locally harvest food that supports small farms and are sustainably sourced. FLOW is an open-plan interactive dining space with three restaurants: Plantea offers vegetarian and vegan cuisine; Su serves ocean-to-table pescatarian fare; B’Well features a selection of signature dishes. There is also a poolside bar, ideal for a casual lunch and sundowners. Curated wellness programs, ranging between give nights to three weeks, are designed suit each guest in areas of strength, mental clarity, hormonal balance, digestive, restorative sleep, and alignment for good health and immunity. The hotel is also a proponent of sustainability, collaborating with EarthCheck on several long-term initiatives such as a desalination water-bottling plant and a rainwater harvesting and greywater recycling system. It is also one of three turtle conservation sanctuaries, home to a coral nursery, and an ongoing reef restoration project. Located on the secluded island of Bodufushi in Raa Atoll, the resort is a 40-minute seaplane journey from Malé.
Preferred Hotel

JOALI Maldives

Resorts By Seaplane, Maldives

JOALI Maldives encapsulates its brand’s ’joy-of-life’ philosophy within this art-immersive resort, from its vibrant interior colors and decorative details to the interactive and experiential artistic pieces that accentuate the island’s natural beauty. The resort features 73 villas, each with one to four bedrooms, spread throughout the island and over its lagoon. Each villa has its own private infinity pool and dedicated butler service. Several villas offer stunning sunrise views, while even-numbered villas feature sunset views. Interiors are modern and tropical chic, with marble, bamboo, and natural materials. The resort features six restaurants with an interactive kitchen and encompasses a multitude of cuisines including southeast Asian, Chinese, Mediterranean, Japanese, Italian, and more, from snacks and street food to fine dining and teppanyaki. Specialty offerings include a wine cellar, an artisanal chocolate and ice cream shop, and a whiskey and cigar lounge. JOALI offers a range of activities such as snorkeling with manta rays, learning about coral degradation in the underwater museum, wakeboarding, chartered yacht and dhoni excursions, as well as meeting with local communities. Its signature experience leads guests on an art and sculpture tour of the island in a scavenger hunt of unique works designed specifically for Joali. Facilities include studios for yoga and Pilates, tennis court, soccer pitch, movement center, Technogym-outfitted fitness center, overwater meditation deck and consultation rooms with a Fit3D body scanner and QEST bioenergetic testing system. For relaxation, the JOALI spa specializes in exclusive therapies by Espa, wellness therapies such as sound healing and chakra work. JOALI is located on Muravandhoo island in Raa Atoll, a 45-minute seaplane flight from Malé airport.
Preferred Hotel

Kandolhu Island

Resorts By Seaplane, Maldives

Amidst the turquoise waters of the Indian ocean, to the northern end of the sparkling white string of pearls of the Ari atoll, tiny Kandolhu Island glitters especially brightly. Less than 45 miles from Male, the island can be accessed by seaplane in a matter of 25 short minutes. Yet, from the first barefoot step onto the pristine white sand, visitors feel totally secluded in a peaceful paradise, setting the scene for the perfect relaxing getaway, romantic holiday or unforgettable honeymoon. In all of the distinct five accommodation options over 30 villas, guests are enchanted by authentic local architecture and pampered by modern comforts and attentive service. From the wide range of wining and dining options, to the sumptuous Varu spa, contemporary design meets laid-back luxury across the resort for the perfect balance. Every whim is attended to, with exhilarating aquatic excursions including some of the best diving and snorkeling in the Maldives, while wine lovers are catered for with an optional all-inclusive package featuring an in-room wine fridge stocked with 30 bottles.

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Seasonality & Festivals

Browse a month-by-month breakdown of suggested itineraries, seasonal activities, climate considerations and festivals.

When to Go
When to Go
Festivals
Festivals

Weather in Maldives

The best time to visit the Maldives is from November to April, when the weather is clear with no rain.

  • The Maldives are situated in the Indian Ocean to the south-southwest of India. The country consists of approximately 1,190 coral islands spread over roughly 35,000 sq miles (90,000 sq km), making this one of the most disparate countries in the world. While there is a prevailing hot tropical climate that affects all islands, the weather can vary depending on the atoll where you are staying.
  • The tropical climate means relatively high humidity tempered by sea breezes. Temperatures fluctuate between as low as 77° F (25° C) and as high as 92° F (33° C), depending on the time of year.
  • There are two monsoons: the southwest from May to October, which is the true wet season, and the northeast from October to December that is relatively quieter. The driest period runs from January to April.
  • Temperatures are highest in April and May; at other times of the year, the temperature rarely exceeds 86° F (30° C).
  • Average rainfall per month during the southwest monsoon season can exceed 12 inches (205 mm) in a month.
  • The driest period lasts from January to April, when average rainfall is closer to two to four inches (50 to 102 mm) per month.

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