Travel in Maldives: A Luxury Travel Guide

Picture this: You relax on your veranda with a cocktail, overlooking crystal-clear turquoise water beneath your feet. Sound like a dream? Welcome to the Maldives! Set in the Indian Ocean, luxury comes to vacation not knowing that even the sunscreen it wears is premium. We ensure you will get the best Maldives experience and the perfect backdrop for your bikini pics.

Luxury Maldives Travel Guide

Step 1: Select your Maldives tour package.

Ah, Maldives tour package – a phrase you can’t omit from this trip like you can’t omit the SPF 50. Whether for a honeymoon or to reward yourself after another year of Zoom meetings, we have the perfect package for you.

• Budget Luxury: It’s like champagne feeling but crafted from fresh coconut. Luckily, many resort offer affordable rates, especially in off-peak seasons.
• Ultra-Luxe: Want a butler who anticipates your needs like mango slices? Of course you do! Then choose an all-inclusive package where no request is too unreasonable (hello, undersea dining!).
• All-Inclusive Bliss: If you’re the type to order six courses, and the sippy sips to match, head over to book an all-inclusive package to enjoy it without worrying about the bill. You can choose the packages that match your expectations and budget, or splurge with your Chase Sapphire credit card—YOLO, right?

Step 2: Getting There (Underneath Seaplane Selfies)

If you are not an undercover billionaire with your own yacht you will most likely arrive in Malé via the Velana International Airport. From there, the real fun begins.  You can travel to your resort in style through a speedboat or seaplane. Here’s what to expect:

• Speedboat Rides: Fast, fun, and bouncy, they boost adrenaline as you race through the water—perfect for kicking off your island adventure. Keep your gear on to avoid losing it to the sea!
• Seaplanes: Ah, the Instagram goldmine. These small aircraft are marvelous when it comes to flying around the islands. It is magnificent to watch the atolls spread below like green gems set on a blue background.

For the ultimate pampering, private yacht transfers are available–because in the Maldives, everything is over the top.  While chartering your very own yacht, you’ll be able to enjoy the finest champagne while cruising the turquoise sea. Or, if you choose the seaplane route, pack light—these tiny aircraft are finicky about weight, and make sure to dress appropriately as they lack air conditioning.

Step 3: The Accommodation Dilemma

Beach house or water palace? Decisions, decisions. Here’s a quick guide to help:

• Overwater Villas: Ideal for anyone looking for the great opportunity to swim from their bed directly to the sea. These villas are as luxurious and private as they get, and they exude the kind of “do not disturb” attitude that comes with vacating, but keep the pampering coming.
• Beach Bungalows: For those of you who wish to enjoy walking around barefoot in the sand, beach bungalows are the perfect option. Bonus: Beach bungalows are usually slightly less-expensive here, but you will still receive the luxury experience.

The decor alone in your luxury villa will make your home seem like a college dorm, that is unless your Elon Musk 😉 These luxury resorts offer private pools with ocean views, glass-floored bedrooms, so you can enjoy a personal viewing of the Discovery Channel without interruptions.

Step 4: Activities (or Lack Thereof)

The Maldives really is a place where the most popular activity is inactivity. But for those who can’t sit still, there’s plenty to do:

• Snorkeling and Diving: The underwater world in the Maldives feels like a Disney fairy tale, filled with vibrant coral reefs and animated fish like Nemo and Dory. Scuba diving here offers the chance to meet gentle giants such as manta rays and harmless whale sharks, who are peaceful herbivores (they won’t eat you).
• Spa Indulgence: Why settle for a regular massage when you can experience ultimate relaxation by the soothing ocean or indulge in a truly unique underwater spa? The Maldives offers luxurious spa treatments that go beyond the ordinary, turning every moment of relaxation into an extraordinary experience. These indulgent spa experiences will make you feel like royalty, not just offering relaxation, but will provide a true escape into paradise.
• Water Sports: In the Maldives, activities such as jet-skiing, parasailing or a variety of other adventurous activities you desire can be found here.
• Sunset Cruises: Choose a cruise on a Dhoni boat for that perfect sunset lovers’ private and local experience. It’s like being in a Nicholas Sparks novel without the heartbreak.
• Fishing Adventures: For those of you who love to fish, the Maldives offers quite a few options for catching the big one. Catch your dinner today and let the chef at your resort prepare it in the traditional Maldivian manner.
• Yoga with a View: Are you a yoga master or someone who merely enjoys wearing stretchy pants to engage in yoga on a deck overlooking the ocean? Either way, both types and everyone in between will have an option to enjoy a yoga session or two while here.
• Underwater Exploration: You can find that the Maldives will offer semi-submersible tours that will give you a chance to view the sea creatures in this area without getting wet.

Step 5: Timing is Everything

The Maldives has two main seasons: The Dry Season runs from November to April, and the Wet Season runs from May to October.

• Dry Season: The last week of April is one of the best times you can choose to go. It’s at the end of the dry season (a little risky, but if you get lucky, and are willing to take the risk of the rains starting to show up), this time can offer the best of price/low chance of rains. The dry season also boasts of relatively quiet for waters making it great time for snorkeling and other water activities such as diving.
• Wet Season: Less people, cheaper products, but it can rain on occasion. You should not be too concerned about the rainy season, as the showers are fairly short, and there still will be plenty of sun for cocktails by the pool.

Step 6: Embrace the Island Life

A few tips to truly live your best Maldivian life:

• Ditch the Shoes:

There really is such a thing in the Maldives as a no-shoe policy. Who requires stilettos, when the sand is this fine? In most Maldivian resorts you will be asked to take off your shoes and leave them in designated places to not only respect the owners of the property and others, and keep the germs and ick from the streets out.  You will generally be offered alternate footwear as well, so you won’t have to worry.

• Learn the Art of Hammocking:

Yes, it’s an art. Expertly position yourself and your camera for the most comfortable positions to nap in and best shots. Pro tip: When it comes to villa rental, hiring one that comes with a hammock hanging over the water is not a bad idea and set your drink down before attempting to get in 😉

• Disconnect:

The Maldives is the perfect destination for disconnecting from the Internet, your phone, and the rest of the world. But let’s be honest – you’re probably going to want to snap at least a couple pics.

• Respect the Environment: The Maldives is a fragile environment—choose eco-friendly accommodations, avoid touching coral reefs, and refrain from using single-use plastic products. When people think of luxury, they can do so without having it come at the cost of the health or well-being of the planet.
• Indulge in Stargazing:

As you would expect from a tropical paradise, the Maldives is blessed with near zero light pollution at night. Get some cover and recline, as the universe takes some time to give you a dose of perspective regarding your email inbox.  I truly cannot wait for that day to come once again!

• Beyond the Resorts:

Exploring Local Culture while the resorts are so heavenly is still a must if you make the trip this far. The local Maldivian culture is charming and traveling to a place so beautiful without meeting the people?  Why?

• Male’:

Some of the attractions that a visitor will find are located in Male’, as it’s the most populated of the islands in the Maldives.  These attractions include markets, mosques and the National Museum. It’s a stark contrast to the islands’ serenity and an intriguing sight, especially if you need a quick break from the quiet.

• Local Islands:

Packages that you can book on GetYourGuide or Viator, can take guests to local islands to interact with people, taste authentic food, and enjoy Maldivian arts and crafts. You can also book packages with many of the hotels, or even ask your Airbnb host if they offer what you desire. Make sure you try the Maldivian curry while you are there as well as the mas huni, a tuna and coconut breakfast dish.

• · Cultural Shows:

Make sure to take in a show that highlights the local Maldivian music and dance.

• Craft Shopping:

The Maldives offer plenty of souvenir shops to take in the flavor of this Paradise back home. From local foods, colorful rugs, and coconut jewelry, the souvenirs you’ll find here are as unique as your vacation.

• Eco-Tours:

While you enjoy the beauty of this location, make sure to take the time to learn about the Maldives’ conservation efforts and how they’re tackling climate issues at marine centers.  Learning how others do their part to keep this area pristine will not only give you a sense of appreciation, but help you to find new ways to do your part around the world.

Save Like a Pro and Sip Coconut Water Like Kim K.

You’ve probably been thinking of the Maldives for years, but planning a retreat here with overwater bungalows, blue seas, and all the coconuts you can stand, but it’s outside of your budget? Well, fear not as I’m here to give you a bit more on how to make that dream come true without paying an arm and a leg.

• Skip the Overwater Villas

Yes, they’re iconic, but let’s face it: They cost as much as a small car, so consider staying in guesthouses on nearby islands instead. They’re cute, warm, and make you feel like you’re living in one of those “oh, I live here now” posters.  This will give your vacation a homey touch while enjoying paradise.

• Eat Like a Local

Forget $100 lobster dinners. Savor the best Maldivian street foods in Malé, from fresh fish curries to coconut sweets and spicy dishes that’ll make your taste buds cry.

§ Ditch the Fancy Speedboats

Ah, the private speedboat transfer: A enjoyably smooth thirty minutes of pretending to be James Bond, then a few hours of sobbing over the check. You can do that in Miami; here, try to live a slower life that will allow you to detox and detach from “the real world”.

• Embrace the Art of Haggling

Shopping for souvenirs? Go put on your best negotiator hat. Don’t be offended if a seller tells a joke—it could get you a better price on that magnet or sarong. But, save it for the souvenirs and refrain from bargaining over the coconuts, local foods, etc.  Everything has its place, and you’re saving a ton by not eating at the resorts, but remember, everyone has to make a living.

§  Book Smart

Plan your trip during the off-season (Dec to April) for super cheap everything. You’ll get wet any which way, but with tropical drinks in hand, the rain just adds to the fun!

• Travel with Friends

Divide and share expenses is the greatest of all hacks in the book. To be clear, sharing rooms, meals, or boat trips can make it considerably more affordable and make it way more enjoyable by bringing your own people along.

• Don’t Overpack

The concept of dressing in the Maldives is effectively bikinis and beach shoes. Skip the checked bags and unnecessary clothes for the trip. No one’s noticing your dress when the views are this stunning.

Final Thoughts: Worth Every Penny

The Maldives is not just a location but an experience. It’s the kind of trip where you feel like royalty, even if you’re living on ramen for months. Whether swimming with sharks, dining on the beach, or napping in a hammock, everything feels incredible (just remember your sunscreen).

So, go ahead, click here for the best Maldives Tour Packages to make your dream vacation come true, and as always, Travel Till You Drop!