Maldives

<p>Cuisine: A delightful mix of South Indian, Sri Lankan, and Arabic influences, with a focus on seafood.</p> <p>Try: 'Mas Huni' (smoked fish with coconut and onion) and 'Fihunu Mas' (grilled fish with chili).</p> <p>Drinks: Sample 'Raa' (traditional toddy); alcohol is available in resorts.</p>

Food & Drinks

<p>The Maldives is world-renowned for its diving and snorkeling, with clear waters and abundant marine life. Water sports like jet skiing, windsurfing, and paddleboarding are also widely available for adventure enthusiasts. With its shallow and clear waters, the Maldives is perfect for snorkeling. Explore the thriving coral reefs right from the beach or join guided snorkeling tours to witness the breathtaking marine biodiversity.</p>

Snorkeling

<p>The Maldives is a quintessential tropical paradise, celebrated for its crystal-clear waters, pristine beaches, and thriving coral reefs. Unique experiences like staying in overwater bungalows and exploring the rich marine life make it an extraordinary destination.</p>

Maldives holiday

We Love

<p>Average Flying Time: Around 10-11 hours from London.</p> <p>Climate: Tropical, with average temperatures around 30°C.</p> <p>Transfer Times: Seaplane transfers typically take 15-60 minutes, while speedboat transfers depend on the distance.</p>

At a Glance

<h3>Overview</h3><p>Hurawalhi Island Resort is an adults-only, 5-star hideaway in the Lhaviyani Atoll, reached by a 40-minute seaplane from Malé. With just 90 villas, white sandy beaches and a strong focus on eco-friendly practices, it offers a high-end, boutique-style escape that balances romance, relaxation and soft adventure in a classic Maldivian setting.</p><h3>Accommodation</h3><p>Villas are contemporary in design with natural finishes that reflect the island’s surroundings, offered in both beachfront and overwater categories. Each provides generous indoor–outdoor space, with private sun decks, direct access to either the lagoon or sand, and in-villa dining options to support a discreet, adults-only atmosphere.</p><h3>Dining</h3><p>Dining ranges from relaxed to truly exceptional. Canneli Restaurant serves buffet and à la carte options with live cooking stations. Kashibo Restaurant &amp; Bar focuses on Asian-inspired cuisine in a lagoon-side setting, while 5.8 Undersea Restaurant delivers a signature fine-dining experience beneath the ocean surface. Casual bites, cocktails and champagne are available at Coco Bar and the Champagne Pavilion, and private in-villa dining can be arranged for added privacy.</p><h3>Facilities</h3><p>The resort’s main infinity pool overlooks the Indian Ocean and is framed by sun decks and lounging areas. Leisure facilities include a full-service dive centre, watersports centre and a marine biology centre offering educational insight into the local ecosystem. Sulha Spa provides treatments inspired by the natural environment, alongside relaxation areas. Active guests can make use of tennis and padel courts and a well-equipped gym.</p><h3>Location &amp; Transport</h3><p>Hurawalhi Island Resort is located in the Lhaviyani Atoll, surrounded by coral reefs and clear lagoon waters. Access is via seaplane transfer from Malé International Airport, taking around 40 minutes and offering scenic views of the atolls en route. From the island, guests can join boat excursions to nearby islands and sandbanks or explore local Maldivian culture on guided visits.</p><h3>Ideal For</h3><p>The resort is particularly well suited to couples and adults seeking a luxurious, adults-only environment with strong dining and excellent house reef access. It also appeals to honeymooners and celebration stays, as well as divers and snorkellers who want high-quality marine experiences alongside spa and relaxation time.</p><h3>Need to Know</h3><ul><li>Adults-only resort in Lhaviyani Atoll, accessed by 40-minute seaplane from Malé</li><li>90 villas, including beachfront and overwater options with private decks</li><li>Infinity pool overlooking the ocean, plus extensive beach and lagoon access</li><li>Dining options include Canneli (buffet/à la carte), Kashibo (Asian-inspired) and 5.8 Undersea Restaurant, plus Coco Bar and Champagne Pavilio</li><li>Watersports and dive centre for snorkelling, scuba diving and non-motorised activities</li><li>Tennis, padel and gym facilities for fitness-focused guests</li><li>Marine biology centre with educational activities and conservation focus</li><li>Sulha Spa with a range of massages and treatments inspired by the surroundings</li><li>Excursions available to nearby islands and cultural sites within the atoll</li></ul>

The resort has a lift and features 90 rooms. Multilingual staff at the reception desk in the lobby are happy to answer any questions. Amenities include a baggage storage service and a safe. Wireless internet access (no extra charge) is provided to guests. The tour desk offers assistance with booking excursions. The complex has wheelchair-accessible facilities. There are a number of shops, including a souvenir shop. A garden provides extra space for rest and relaxation in the open air. Additional amenities include a playroom and a library. Further services and facilities include a transfer service, room service (limited hours), a laundry service, a hairdresser, a coin-operated laundry and a hotel doctor.

Located on Laviyani Atoll, this resort has the perfect ambience for those in need of an adults-only holiday.

The resort includes 3 restaurants and a bar. Refreshing drinks at the beach bar are a perfect way to enjoy warm weather. Catering options include half board, full board and all-inclusive. Breakfast, lunch and dinner are available. The menu also offers gluten-free meals and vegetarian dishes. In addition, picnics and snacks are available. The show cooking is a particularly special attraction. The resort offers a selection of alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages.

Rooms are equipped with air conditioning and a fan. Guests can enjoy the sea view from a balcony or terrace. The rooms have a king-size bed and a sofa bed. A safe, a minibar and a desk are also available. Guests will also find a tea/coffee station included among the standard features. An ironing set is provided for guests' convenience. A telephone, a flatscreen television with cable channels, a stereo system, a DVD player and WiFi (no extra charge) are provided as well. A turndown service provides guests with additional comfort in the evening hours. Slippers are included. Bathrooms are equipped with a shower and a bathtub. A hairdryer, a vanity mirror and bathrobes are available for daily use. For extra comfort in the bathrooms, guests are offered cosmetic products. Wheelchair-friendly rooms can be booked.

The outdoor pool complex provides invigorating refreshment. Sun loungers and parasols on the terrace invite guests to relax and unwind. There is a poolside snack bar as well. The wide range of activities offered at the resort ensures that there is something new to do every day, including cycling/mountain biking, tennis, beach volleyball, golf and fishing. With water skiing, windsurfing, kitesurfing, jet skiing, paddle boating, banana boat rides, canoeing, catamaraning, kayaking, snorkelling and diving available, fans of water sports will have plenty to choose from. Guests can enjoy a wide range of indoor sports, including a gym, table tennis, badminton, billiards, darts and yoga. A spa, beauty salon and massage treatments are available in the wellness area. In the evenings, guests can unwind to live music.

Hurawalhi Island Resort

<h3>Overview</h3><p>Barceló Whale Lagoon Maldives is a 5-star island resort in South Ari Atoll, combining a tranquil lagoon setting with easy access to one of the Maldives’ best-known marine protected areas. Framed by coral gardens, white sand and open lagoon views, it caters to couples and families seeking a blend of relaxation, soft adventure and contemporary comfort.</p><h3>Accommodation</h3><p>The resort offers a collection of villas and suites set over the beach and lagoon, designed in a modern, light style that reflects the surroundings. Generous indoor–outdoor living spaces, easy access to the pools and beach, and a relaxed, barefoot-luxury feel make the property suitable for both romantic stays and longer family holidays.</p><h3>Dining</h3><p>Sea Salt is the main restaurant, serving buffet-style Mediterranean fusion cuisine with an emphasis on fresh seafood and local ingredients. Aqua offers casual dining, while Breeze provides light meals and refreshing beverages in a relaxed setting. Guests can also enjoy drinks at the Pool Bar and at Magical, the Lagoon Pool Bar at the Beach Club, with a mix of indoor and outdoor seating and wide Indian Ocean views.</p><h3>Facilities</h3><p>The resort features two infinity pools with panoramic sunset views: a 37-metre main pool with Balinese beds and hammocks for all-day lounging, and a quieter Lagoon Pool that also hosts yoga and Pilates sessions. A soft-sand beach with clear water provides an easy swim and sunbathing base, while the Beach Club and Lagoon Pool Bar create a social focal point. A fully equipped gym supports indoor and outdoor workouts, and the Mandara Spa offers six treatment rooms with Balinese-inspired therapies, beauty treatments and a Turkish bath. A diving centre and watersports facilities serve guests looking to explore the lagoon and surrounding reefs.</p><h3>Location &amp; Transport</h3><p>Barceló Whale Lagoon Maldives is located in the South Ari Atoll, within the South Ari Marine Protected Area (SAMPA), one of the Maldives’ signature regions for whale shark encounters and rich marine life. The resort is reached by seaplane from Malé, with onward access by boat to local snorkel and dive sites, nearby islands and sandbanks.</p><h3>Ideal For</h3><p>The resort is well suited to couples seeking a romantic island escape with strong spa and lagoon-front dining, and to families who want a higher-comfort base with access to calm beaches and marine activities. It is particularly attractive for divers and snorkellers interested in whale sharks and for guests who want a mix of wellness, light fitness and relaxed, all-day pool and beach time.</p><h3>Need to Know</h3><ul><li>5-star island resort in South Ari Atoll</li><li>Two infinity pools: 37 m main pool with Balinese beds and hammocks, plus Lagoon Pool for quieter relaxation and wellness sessions</li><li>Direct access to white-sand beach and clear lagoon; Beach Club with Lagoon Pool Bar “Magical”</li><li>Sea Salt main buffet restaurant (Mediterranean fusion, seafood focus) plus Aqua and Breeze for casual/light dining</li><li>Three bars including Pool Bar and Beach Club lagoon bar for cocktails and drinks</li><li>Diving centre and watersports for snorkelling and ocean activities</li><li>Mandara Spa with six treatment rooms, Balinese-inspired therapies, beauty treatments and Turkish bath</li><li>Fully equipped gym for indoor/outdoor workouts; yoga and Pilates at sunrise or by the lagoon</li><li>Located within reach of the South Ari Marine Protected Area, known for year-round whale shark and rich marine life</li><li>Excursions available to nearby islands, reefs and sandbanks</li></ul>

Multilingual staff at the reception desk in the lobby are happy to answer any questions. The hotel provides a coin-operated laundry and a smoking area. Wireless internet access is provided in public areas (no extra charge). Guests arriving by car can park their vehicles in the car park for no extra charge.

This hotel is located in Alifu Dhaalu Atoll, right on the beach.

Various dining options are available, including 4 restaurants, a café and a bar. Catering options include half board, full board and all-inclusive. All-inclusive holidaymakers enjoy special extras like snacks, in addition to a wide selection of alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages and a complimentary minibar. Breakfast, lunch and dinner will satisfy appetites big and small.

Air conditioning ensures that rooms maintain just the right temperature. In some rooms, a terrace provides additional space for relaxation. There is also a safe and, for a fee, a minibar. Guests will also find a tea/coffee station included among the standard features. A TV comes as standard in the rooms. The bathrooms have a shower and a bathtub.

An invigorating dip in one of the 2 outdoor pools is always worthwhile. Sun loungers and parasols on the terrace invite guests to relax and unwind. There is a poolside snack bar as well. For those who wish to stay active while on holiday, the hotel offers beach volleyball. The fitness rooms are perfect for a comprehensive workout. A spa, a sauna, a steam bath and massage treatments are included among the wellness options. For an additional fee, a beauty salon is also available. Children are well looked after in the kids' club.

Barceló Whale Lagoon Maldives

<h3>Overview</h3><p>Coco Palm Dhuni Kolhu is an eco-luxury resort in the southern waters of Baa Atoll, reached by a 30-minute seaplane from Malé. Set within a UNESCO biosphere reserve, it combines a barefoot-luxury feel with comfortable villas, lush tropical vegetation and clear lagoons, offering a tranquil Maldivian escape focused on nature, relaxation and soft adventure.</p><h3>Accommodation</h3><p>Villas are styled in a rustic, tropical design that reflects the island’s natural surroundings, with thatched roofs, open-air elements and a strong emphasis on privacy. Options typically include beachfront villas set directly on the sand and lagoon-facing units with easy access to the water, all designed for couples and nature-focused guests seeking a relaxed, low-key environment.</p><h3>Dining</h3><p>The main Cowrie Restaurant offers an open-air global buffet with a blend of local Maldivian and international dishes. Conch Bar provides a casual but refined setting for snacks, light bites and drinks, particularly at sunset. In-villa dining is available for personalised meals in the privacy of the villa, supporting special occasions or quieter evenings.</p><h3>Facilities</h3><p>There is no central resort pool; instead, the focus is on the island’s natural assets – white-sand beaches, shallow lagoons and surrounding reefs. Guests can snorkel directly from the beach or enjoy guided diving via the PADI-certified dive centre. A spa offers yoga, wellness sessions and a menu of treatments aligned with the barefoot, nature-led concept. Bars and lounge spaces provide simple, relaxed social areas.</p><h3>Location &amp; Transport</h3><p>Coco Palm Dhuni Kolhu lies in Baa Atoll, within a UNESCO biosphere reserve known for its rich marine life and pristine lagoon landscapes. Access is via seaplane from Malé International Airport, taking around 30 minutes and offering aerial views of the atolls. From the resort, guests can reach nearby reefs, sandbanks and local islands by boat on organised excursions.</p><h3>Ideal For</h3><p>The resort is well suited to couples and nature lovers seeking a quieter, more traditional island experience with a strong eco and barefoot-luxury emphasis. It also appeals to divers and snorkellers looking for healthy reefs and to guests who value environmental awareness and local culture alongside comfort.</p><h3>Need to Know</h3><ul><li>Located in Baa Atoll within a UNESCO biosphere reserve</li><li>Approx. 30-minute seaplane transfer from Malé International Airport</li><li>Barefoot-luxury concept with rustic villas, beachfront and lagoon access</li><li>Cowrie Restaurant for open-air buffet dining; Conch Bar for snacks, drinks and sunsets</li><li>In-villa dining available for private, tailored meals</li><li>PADI-certified dive centre and guided snorkelling for reef exploration</li><li>Yoga, wellness sessions and spa treatments available on site</li><li>Eco-focused excursions and cultural activities highlighting local traditions and marine conservation</li><li>Ideal for guests prioritising natural surroundings and tranquillity over a large, resort-style facility set</li></ul>

The bungalow complex has a lift and features 98 rooms. The friendly staff at the reception desk are happy to answer any questions. Amenities include a baggage storage service, a safe and a currency exchange service. Wireless internet access allows guests to stay connected while on holiday. The tour desk offers assistance with booking excursions. The complex has a range of facilities for guests with disabilities. The complex has wheelchair-accessible facilities. A fireplace creates a cosy atmosphere. Film lovers are sure to find just what they're looking for in the cinema's listings. A number of shops, including a supermarket and souvenir shop, are great for shopping or just browsing. The grounds of the complex feature a playground and a lovely garden. Additional amenities include a TV room, a playroom and a library. Parking spaces are available to guests travelling by car. Other services include a 24-hour security service, a babysitting service, a childcare service, medical assistance, a transfer service, translation services, room service, a laundry service, a hairdresser, a coin-operated laundry, a page service and a hotel shuttle bus. Complimentary newspapers are available. A fax machine is available for guests' business needs.

Ideal for beach holidaymakers, this bungalow complex lies on Baa Atoll, right by the sea.

Dining facilities include a restaurant, a dining room, a café and a bar. Refreshing drinks at the beach bar are a perfect way to enjoy warm weather. Catering options include bed and breakfast, half board, full board and all-inclusive. Breakfast, lunch and a comprehensive dinner buffet offer plenty of delicious variety. Diet meals and children's meals can be prepared on request. In addition, special catering options, picnics and snacks are available. The complex offers a selection of alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages.

Rooms are equipped with air conditioning, central heating and a fan. Guests can enjoy the sea view from a balcony or terrace. Rooms include a king-size bed. Separate bedrooms are available. Extra beds can be requested. A safe, a minibar and a desk are also available. Additional features include a refrigerator, a mini fridge and a tea/coffee station. A trouser press is provided for guests' convenience. A telephone, a TV, a stereo system and WiFi (no extra charge) are provided as well. Guests can take advantage of the nightly turndown service. Bathrooms are equipped with a shower, a bathtub and a whirlpool bath. A hairdryer and bathrobes are available for daily use. For extra comfort in the bathrooms, guests are offered cosmetic products. Guests can also book wheelchair-friendly rooms with wheelchair-accessible bathrooms. The complex has family rooms and non-smoking rooms.

Guests can enjoy a refreshing swim in the outdoor pool area. A short break or an entire afternoon on the sun terrace, which features sun loungers and parasols, is time well spent. The hot tub in the pool area promises pure relaxation. The wide range of activities offered at the complex ensures that there is something new to do every day, including tennis, beach volleyball, volleyball and fishing. A number of sports are available, including water sports such as windsurfing, jet skiing, banana boat rides, canoeing, kayaking, snorkelling and diving. For a fee, guests can also enjoy water skiing and catamaraning. Guests can enjoy a wide range of indoor sports, including a gym, table tennis, badminton, billiards, darts and yoga. Various wellness options are available at the complex, including a spa, a beauty salon, massage treatments and hydrotherapy treatments. An entertainment programme and live music are also options for entertainment.

Maldives Featured Hotels