Maldives is one of the world’s most luxurious holiday destinations, a picture-perfect island paradise that has to be seen to be believed. Many dream about a holiday to the Maldives and if it’s a destination that has caught your eye, we are here to help you learn more. Discover what you need to know about Maldives holidays in this guide, with info on everything from flights and airports to culture and activities. You will then be ready to book your dream Maldives holiday package.
Before we dive on in, Hannah and Nick from the travel blog, Salt in our Hair, share this wonderful praise for Maldives: “The Maldives is a desert island experience like no other. Be a small pin on a big map and seize the once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to travel to this remote oasis! Discover a stunning paradise of over 1000 reef-fringed islands, home to the best beaches in the world! Not only is the sand the whitest, but the water is the clearest, the wildlife totally spectacular, and the palm tree forests beyond magnificent.”
Maldives islands
The Maldives is made up of 1,192 of the most beautiful islands you will ever see, sporting picturesque white sand beaches and crystal-clear waters. 187 of the islands are inhabited and they are divided into 29 atolls – an island formed by a ring-shaped coral reef encircling a lagoon.
Some of the atolls boast the most exquisite, luxury resorts and some have a bit more of a casual vibe, providing plenty of choices when it comes to booking your dream holiday.
Some of the most popular atolls to stay at include:
- Malé north atoll
- Malé south atoll
- Ari north atoll
- Ari south atoll
- Baa atoll
Kerry, from the travel blog, Vegg Travel, has shared this insight into the north and south Male atolls: “Located in the South of the Male atoll is the capital, where you will be most immersed in local people’s culture and daily lives. While you can stay in the inner city, many luxury resorts or beach bungalows are also available. The main islands in the north, close to the airport, are Dhiffushi, Gaafaru, Thulusdhoo, Eriyadhoo, Funadhoo, Hulhumalé, Bandos and Hulhulé.”
Maldives activities
Maldives really is a paradise, but its relaxing nature doesn’t mean that there isn’t an abundance of fun activities to enjoy during your holiday. Whatever resort and atoll that you decide to stay on will provide a number of different activities and excursions.
Some top Maldives activities include:
- Snorkelling around beautiful coral reefs
- Boat trips with dolphin spotting opportunities, as well as whale sharks and other marine life
- A number of exciting water sports
- Excursions to some of the world’s most picture-perfect beaches
- Luxurious spa days
Maldives flight times
Maldives is located in the Indian Ocean so the flight times to Maldives from the UK is around 10 hours. You will be travelling to a beautiful oasis far away from dull English weather, making the England to Maldives flight time easily worth it.
- Flight time to Maldives from the UK: Approx. 10 hours
- Heathrow to Maldives flight time: 10 hours 38 minutes
- Gatwick to Maldives flight time: 10 hours 36 minutes
- Flight time to Maldives from Manchester: 10 hours 50 minutes
- Birmingham to Maldives flight time: 10 hours 47 minutes
Maldives airports
The Maldives’ main airport is called Malé International Airport, also known as Velana International Airport. The airport is located on Hulhulé Island in the North Malé Atoll, which is near the capital island of Malé.
Malé International Airport is well connected to major airports around the world and is the only airport in Maldives offering international flights.
Speedboat transfers to Malé city and major Maldives resorts are available from the airport, ensuring you arrive conveniently and in style at your hotel.
Maldives time difference
The time difference between Maldives and the UK is +5 hours in the Maldives, so this is worth bearing in mind when booking your flights and making travel arrangements. Maldives has one official time zone, Maldives Time (MHT), which is observed all year round. There is no daylight savings time in the Maldives.
Maldives language
Maldives has a very friendly and welcoming population with its own distinct culture, including its language. The national language is called Dhivehi and it has a number of different dialects. Many Maldivians can speak English, especially in the resorts, so there is no need to worry about the language barrier.
However, if you want to learn a few phrases in Dhivehi, here are a few options:
- Hello: Assalaamu Alaikum
- Nice to meet you: Baddhalu vee thi varah ufavejje
- Goodbye: Dhanee/Vakivelan
- What is your name: Kon nameh tha kiyanee
- My name is (your name): Aharenge namakee (your name)
- Yes: Aan
- No: Noon
- Please: Adhes kohfa (This is not commonly used)
- Thank you: Shukriyaa
Maldives culture
Maldives is a Muslim country so when outside of your resort, it’s important to observe the country’s local laws and customs.
For example, public observance of religions other than Islam is illegal and alcohol is not prohibited except in a resort. It is also important to dress modestly, especially when leaving the resort. Nude sunbathing is prohibited everywhere, including the resorts.
If you are visiting during the holy month of Ramadan, make sure to be extra respectful of local customs and observances. During this time, locals refrain from eating, drinking, and smoking from dawn to dusk.
Public displays of affection, such as kissing and holding hands are also behaviour deemed inappropriate on non-resort islands.
Maldives weather
Maldives has a lovely tropical climate, meaning you can enjoy warm weather throughout the year but should also be aware of Maldives rainy season (May to November).
The hottest temperatures and driest months in Maldives are between December and March, but the weather tends to see an average high of between 30°C and 32°C all year round.
Thanks to the lovely warm weather and island aesthetic, swimwear, shorts, t-shirts, hats, and sandals are the most suitable attire for your holiday. As well as plenty of sun cream.
Maldives currency
While many resorts you will stay at on your Maldives holiday will be all inclusive, there may be times when you want to deal in local currency.
The currency in Maldives is Maldivian Rufiyaa (MVR), which has a rough exchange rate of about 1 pound sterling to 18.74 Maldivian Rufiyaa. However, euros and US dollars are also accepted in Maldives so if you have either of these currencies, a holiday to Maldives is a great place to use them.
Maldives holidays explained
We hope this guide to Maldives holidays has been helpful. The Maldives is a wonderful honeymoon destination, snorkellers paradise, and luxury holiday hot sport. For those who want to unwind and enjoy a heavenly getaway, the Maldives is certainly the place to be.
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