Maldives

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GUIDES

Your ultimate guide to the best Maldives hotels

The Maldives offers a wide range of resorts, each with its own unique appeal, from secluded luxury to family-friendly fun. Choosing the right one can feel overwhelming with over 150 options spanning different styles, from back-to-nature hideaways to ultra-luxe private islands. When planning a visit, it’s helpful to consider the best time of year to go. While temperatures remain around 30°C year-round, the southwest monsoon season, typically from May to November, can bring intense storms. This period, however, often means fewer crowds and lower prices, and it’s prime time for surfing and spotting marine life like manta rays and

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Alila Kothaifaru Maldives: Manta Ray Encounters

Alila Kothaifaru Maldives has introduced a series of new experiences for the 2025 winter season. These focus on manta ray encounters, responsible diving, and nature-inspired wellness retreats, all set within the Raa Atoll. The resort aims to offer guests immersive and eco-conscious ways to connect with the natural surroundings. Manta Ray Encounters From December through May, the waters around Alila Kothaifaru become a haven for manta rays. The resort organizes guided snorkeling and diving excursions to allow guests to witness these large, gentle creatures feeding on plankton. These trips are led by marine biologists, providing an opportunity to learn

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Discover CROSSROADS Maldives Sustainable Island Resort

CROSSROADS Maldives is a new island resort concept that aims to blend luxury with sustainability and local culture. It’s located on a series of islands connected by bridges, offering resorts, dining, shopping, and entertainment in an environmentally conscious setting. This venture is designed to provide a unique island vacation experience that balances ecological concerns with high-end travel. The Malé International Airport is the closest airport, about 15 miles away. Arrival and Atmosphere Stepping onto CROSSROADS Maldives, I immediately noticed the focus on creating a cohesive island experience. The journey from the airport is straightforward, and the islands themselves are

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Discover Sommarøy’s Arctic Maldives Appeal

The Maldives often brings to mind idyllic island escapes with white sand and clear blue waters. It’s perhaps no surprise, then, that a small village in northern Norway has earned a similar nickname: the ‘Arctic Maldives.’ This comparison stems from Sommarøy’s stunning natural beauty, featuring shimmering turquoise waves and sands as white as lunar dust, especially when viewed under the endless light of the Arctic summer. Exploring Sommarøy Sommarøy, which translates to ‘Summer Island,’ is a delightful fishing hub located west of Tromsø within the Arctic Circle. This region is known for the phenomenon of ‘Midnight Sun,’ where the

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Here’s how to celebrate your birthday in the Maldives

The deep blue waters and warm, salty air signal a departure from the everyday. Arriving at Kandima Maldives feels less like checking into a resort and more like entering a vivid dream. The journey itself sets a relaxed tone, a gentle transition from busy schedules to island time. This destination is noted for offering a different kind of Maldivian experience, one that balances relaxation with a vibrant energy. It’s designed for those who seek more than just quiet evenings, providing a wide range of activities alongside moments of peaceful escape. The island is described as welcoming, alive, and brimming

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Vaagali Maldives Opens: A New Luxury Eco-Resort in 2026

IHG Hotels & Resorts is expanding its luxury offerings in the Maldives with the upcoming opening of Vaagali Maldives in late 2026. This new resort, part of IHG’s Vignette Collection, is set to welcome guests to Vaagali Island with a focus on sustainability and wellness. Developed in partnership with Vaagali Investment Pvt Ltd, the resort aims to provide a distinctive luxury experience, enhancing IHG’s presence in the popular Indian Ocean destination. Vaagali Island Luxury Vaagali Maldives will feature 52 villas, including both land and overwater accommodations. The design emphasizes privacy and connection with nature, offering an intimate setting for

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Experience Finolhu’s vibrant island soul in the Maldives

The Maldives offer an escape focused on relaxation and natural beauty. For those seeking a vibrant island experience with a strong emphasis on environmental consciousness and family fun, Finolhu in the Baa Atoll stands out. It’s a place where the lush green interior complements the turquoise waters, and a distinct sense of playful luxury permeates the atmosphere. Island Exploration Arriving at the island, the initial journey across the water can be lively. I’ve found that embracing the boat ride, even the slightly bumpy parts, often sets a fun tone, especially when traveling with children who see it as an

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Maldives: Vibrant escape beyond the honeymoon

For years, I pictured the Maldives as a place only for honeymooners. Endless white sands, turquoise waters, and those iconic overwater villas seemed reserved for couples. As a 30-something traveler who enjoys solo trips and adventures with friends, I dismissed it as “maybe one day.” But I realized I was using “being single” as an excuse not to visit a place I’d always dreamed of. So, I recently visited Kandima Maldives with a friend and discovered this paradise is much more than just a romantic getaway. It’s a vibrant destination with endless activities, perfect for an unforgettable trip with

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Atlantis The Royal, Maldives: Dual Islands Reimagined

The Maldives is a destination known for its pristine beaches and turquoise waters, offering a unique escape. A new development, Atlantis The Royal, Maldives, is set to open in 2029 in the South Male Atoll, promising an expansive luxury resort experience. This project aims to blend high-end hospitality with the natural beauty of the archipelago, focusing on sustainability and family-friendly entertainment alongside ultra-luxury offerings. Discovering Atlantis The Royal, Maldives Atlantis The Royal, Maldives is located on Vaaredhdhoo Faru island, embracing over 1.3 million square meters of land and more than 5.8 kilometers of beachfront. Reaching the resort is part

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Maldives: Your barefoot luxury escape

As the cooler months approach for many, the idea of escaping to a tropical paradise becomes more appealing. For those in the UK, the allure of warmer climes for a winter getaway is strong. A significant number of people are actively searching for ‘where can you go on holiday in December’, with interest doubling year on year. This trend points to a desire to trade the winter slump for sunshine and relaxation. For the upcoming winter season of 2025/26, destinations like the Maldives, Morocco, Thailand, and Dubai are at the forefront of booking choices. The typical holiday length for

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