How to Organize an Unforgettable Trip to the Maldives — Featuring Overwater Villas, Crystal-clear Waters, and Picture-perfect Islands

Mentioning a trip to the Maldives instantly evokes dreamy sighs. There’s a reason this collection of low-lying islands in the Indian Ocean ranks high on many travelers' wish lists. Perhaps it’s the powdery white sands, the charming thatched-roof overwater bungalows, the gently swaying palm trees, or the mesmerizing blue waters that seem to defy description.

“The colors in the Maldives are incredibly vibrant. No filter is needed!” says Sarah Harvey, a Maldives expert and travel journalist. “The sea is such a brilliant turquoise that it nearly glows, and the water is clearer than anywhere I’ve encountered in the Caribbean. I once spent half an hour standing waist-deep in a lagoon, entranced by the hundreds of tiny rainbows refracted by the sun on the sandy sea floor.”

It’s no surprise that it was named the top island destination in Asia in Dinogo's 2024 World's Best Awards. Whatever the enchanting allure of these islands, it has attracted blissful honeymooners and affluent families to its 174 private island resorts. Comprising 1,192 small islands scattered across 26 atolls, only about 200 are “local islands,” while 174 are resort islands, with more being developed each year.

“It's an extraordinary getaway from the ordinary, rich in diversity and exploration that often surprises those who underestimate it,” says Venetia Cox, travel advisor at Cazenove+Loyd. “It’s not merely a destination for relaxation. The incredible marine biodiversity can be explored through snorkeling or diving, and it boasts some of the finest beaches in the world.”

Continue reading to begin planning your dream vacation to the Maldives.

Top Hotels and Resorts

Soneva Fushi

This idyllic castaway island is a sustainable luxury resort celebrated as one of the most family-friendly options in the Maldives. For nearly 30 years, it has amazed guests with the largest kids club in the country and complimentary offerings of ice cream, chocolates, and a variety of meats and cheeses. “Every time I visit Soneva Fushi, I feel like a kid again! The water villas even feature water slides. You can wander between restaurants on a wooden pathway high in the jungle canopy,” shares Harvey. “Fun is woven into the very fabric of this resort.”

Joali Maldives

At this Raa Atoll resort, luxury meets glamour. Each of Joali’s 73 villas is a designer’s dream, adorned with details like rose gold accents, emerald marble showers, and vibrant coral pink touches. “The food here is fantastic, and the Japanese restaurant is particularly exceptional,” remarks Cox.

Waldorf Astoria Maldives Ithaafushi

This resort was named the best resort in Asia in 2022 by T+L readers and is featured among our readers' 100 favorite hotels in the world for 2024. As one of the largest man-made islands in the Maldives, Waldorf Astoria Ithaafushi boasts 119 luxurious villas and a must-visit spa. Its 11 dining venues, including an Australian-style grill run by a Michelin-starred chef, are significant attractions.

Four Seasons Resort Maldives at Landaa Giraavaru

The Four Seasons at Landaa Giraavaru features an impressive collection of 103 villas that present a refined and contemporary vision of island luxury. Highlights include “Manta on Call” phones to alert guests of nearby manta rays and exceptional service. “One of the best aspects is the ‘psychic butlers’ who seem to anticipate your needs before you do,” notes Harvey.

Gili Lankanfushi

A brief boat ride from the airport brings you to this thatched-roof paradise, which Cox describes as “the original Robinson Crusoe escape” — but with five-star luxury. Gili Lankanfushi features 45 open-air overwater villas that are rustic and eco-conscious, adhering to a no-plastic policy and a “no news, no shoes” philosophy. For an exceptionally private experience, book one of the standalone Crusoe Residences, accessible only by boat.

The St. Regis Maldives Vommuli Resort

Architecture enthusiasts will be captivated by the St. Regis’ 77 exquisitely designed villas, resembling manta rays and traditional Maldivian fishing huts. This points-friendly hotel is a top choice for American travelers seeking a remote tropical getaway. While the villas are enticing, don’t overlook the unique spa shaped like a crustacean, featuring one of the largest hydrotherapy pools in the Maldives.

Velaa Private Island Maldives

Known as one of the most exclusive and high-end resorts in the country, Velaa offers a world of possibilities. Indulge in Wagyu teppanyaki dinners at its rooftop restaurant, play a round of golf at one of the few courses in the Maldives, or rejuvenate at its newly established Wellbeing Village; this ultra-luxurious retreat features 47 meticulously crafted villas.

Top Activities to Experience

Snorkel alongside vibrant marine life.

Ocean lovers claim the true magic of the Maldives lies beneath the surface. Dive or snorkel among a stunning array of colors and marine creatures, including turtles, sharks, various fish, manta rays, and whale sharks. “Swimming with whale sharks is an unforgettable experience in the Maldives,” notes Harvey.

Indulge at the spa.

Many resorts in the Maldives feature dedicated spas, some perched over the water with glass floors, while others are nestled in the lush jungle. Regardless of the setting, booking a treatment is a must. Guests can enjoy a wide range of therapies, from cryotherapy to luxurious 24k gold facials, depending on the spa.

Cycle around the island.

Most of the resorts mentioned offer bicycles for guests to use throughout their stay. Enjoy mornings biking to the breakfast buffet and evenings cruising along the jetty, where you can spot eagle rays and sharks swimming below. This blend of freedom and enjoyment is one of the most distinctive aspects of a stay in the Maldives.

Explore the ocean.

Life in the Maldives is all about the water. Resorts provide an extensive array of aquatic adventures, including surfing, fishing, dolphin cruises, paddleboarding, jet skiing, parasailing, sea bobs, flyboarding, catamaran excursions, and even submersible trips. The ocean is full of possibilities.

Explore a local island.

While most visitors seek tranquility on the private islands, consider spending an afternoon on a local island. Many resorts organize tours that let you experience the authentic Maldives. “You might make new friends, witness women playing a game of i on the sports field, or even receive an invitation to someone’s home for tea,” says Harvey.

Optimal Time to Visit

Although there's no bad time to experience the Maldives, the peak season runs from November to April, characterized by clear skies and intense sunshine. However, the impact of climate change has made weather patterns increasingly unpredictable. “Every Maldivian I’ve spoken to mentions that the timing of the monsoon season has become harder to forecast over the last few decades,” says Harvey. Visiting during the off-peak months from May to October places you in the monsoon season, but it doesn’t guarantee constant rain. Traveling during this period can also be cost-effective, as villa rates drop. If you stay at a resort in or near Baa Atoll, you might snorkel with hundreds of giant manta rays feeding in the UNESCO Biosphere Reserve at Hanifaru Bay.

Getting There

Travelers reach the Maldives through Velana International Airport, which is set to open an expansion by the end of the year. As you enter the arrivals area, you'll spot numerous resort representatives holding plaques with their respective resort names. After locating yours, they will guide you to one of three options: the domestic terminal for a flight transfer, a speedboat to your resort, or the new seaplane terminal for a scenic seaplane ride. It might seem daunting, but rest assured, a resort representative will manage everything; all you need to do is follow their lead.

Getting Around

Transportation to the resorts is usually organized by your resort. Once at your private island resort, getting around is easy. Guests typically use provided bicycles to navigate, call their butler for a buggy ride, or simply stroll barefoot across the island.