From adapters to beach essentials, here's everything you'll need for a luxury trip to the Maldives
The Maldives has long been one of our most popular destinations. By some measures, it’s the top luxury vacation spot on the planet.
Most of the many islands that make up the Maldives are – or were – uninhabited yet idyllic. It was a matter of time before entrepreneurial hoteliers made their presence felt in these islands, blessed as they are with soft sand and the bluest waters you’ll ever see.
Your trip to the Maldives will be centered around the resort you choose and the beach. There isn’t really much else to explore by way of nightlife or retail – in most cases, you’ll be on a small island that contains a single hotel. It can be tricky to decide what to pack for the Maldives if you’re unfamiliar with the Maldives’ tropical climate and customs surrounding modesty. In this guide, we’ll fill you in on all the essentials you’ll need.
Lightweight, Breathable Clothing for Tropical Comfort
The Maldives is warm year-round, with temperatures hovering around 27-32°C (80-90°F), so light, airy clothing is key. For resort stays, pack flowy linen shirts, shorts, and swimsuits for the day, and something a bit more polished for evening dinners—think casual resort wear, smart polos, or light dresses. Birkenstocks are highly useful as they’ve emerged as viable fashion wear – remember the product placement moment in Barbie where the camera zooms in on Margot Robbie’s Birks? They also double up as beach shoes.
LGBTQ+ Tip: Be mindful of Maldives’ conservative dress norms. At the resorts, you’re in a private fiefdom so the laws that govern the rest of the country don’t really apply. You can lounge around on the beach in swimming shorts, however, it’s advisable not to wander around the hotel lobby in your most revealing beach ensemble.
The Maldives boasts some of the world’s most breathtaking island resorts, and it can be challenging to decide which one is right for you. Our experts have handpicked two island resorts that they feel provide an authentic, luxury Maldivian experience...We Suggest...
Authentically Maldivian: Milaidhoo & Nautilus
Tailor-Made Vacation
Multiple Swimwear Options (Because One Is Never Enough!)
You’ll be in the water a lot, whether you’re lounging by your overwater villa, diving with manta rays, or enjoying your private plunge pool. Bring a variety of swimwear, including:
✔ One or two bold, stylish swimsuits for resort lounging.
✔ A pair of sporty, comfortable swim trunks for water activities.
✔ A more modest option if visiting public beaches.
LGBTQ+ Tip: While most resorts are welcoming to same-sex couples, public affection should be kept discreet in non-resort areas due to local laws. A private island or adults-only resort may be the best option if you want a more relaxed experience. Straight couples are also advised to avoid PDA in the Maldives.
Sun Protection Essentials (Because the Sun Is No Joke)
The Maldives sun is intense, and with so much time spent outdoors, protecting your skin is a must. Pack:
✔ Reef-safe sunscreen (SPF 50+) – Helps protect the coral reefs while keeping you burn-free.
✔ A stylish wide-brim hat or baseball cap – Keeps the sun off your face while adding flair to your beach look.
✔ Sunglasses with UV protection – Essential for every boat ride, beach day, and infinity pool moment.
LGBTQ+ Tip: Many luxury resorts in the Maldives cater to LGBTQ+ travelers with full privacy and discretion. Don’t be afraid to pack your favorite colorful swimwear or bold sunglasses for the beach—you’re there to enjoy yourself! Enquire with us if you’d like to know more about the most gay-friendly Maldivian resorts.
Waterproof & Adventure Gear
The Maldives is all about water-based adventures, so packing a few extras can make a big difference:
✔ A waterproof phone case – For capturing those Instagram-perfect overwater villa moments.
✔ Water shoes – Perfect for exploring coral reefs or rocky shores.
✔ A GoPro or underwater camera – Because you’ll want to remember swimming with whale sharks and turtles.
LGBTQ+ Tip: If you’re planning to join a group excursion, it’s always a good idea to book with an LGBTQ+-friendly tour operator. Some resorts and diving centers are more inclusive than others, so we’ll guide you to the most welcoming ones.
Evening & Dinner Outfits (Because Island Chic Is a Thing)
Most Maldivian resorts have dress codes for dinner, so while daytime is all about beachwear, evenings are an opportunity to dress up a little. Pack:
✔ A breezy button-down or light linen outfit for sunset cocktails.
✔ Smart-casual attire for fine dining—think chinos, maxi dresses, or stylish jumpsuits.
✔ Comfortable sandals or loafers (leave the heels and formal shoes at home).
We’d take this opportunity to reemphasize the no-heels police. Don’t tell Donatella Versace, but the Maldives give you a perfect excuse to wear flats. A pair of Jimmy Choos are unlikely to survive contact with the soft sands of a Maldivian beach or get you to your sun longer in one piece.
Essential Toiletries & Medications
While luxury resorts provide basic toiletries, it’s always smart to bring your own essentials:
✔ Bug spray or mosquito repellent – Some islands have mosquitos, especially in the evenings.
✔ After-sun lotion or aloe vera – Just in case you overdo it on the beach.
✔ Motion sickness medication – For boat transfers or Maldives seaplane rides if you’re prone to feeling queasy when traveling.
Travel Documents & Practical Must-Haves To Bring With Your Passport
✔ Credit card & small USD bills – Resorts accept cards, but small cash tips can be useful for transfers and staff gratuities.
✔ International travel adapter – The Maldives uses UK-style Type G plugs, so bring an adapter
Tips for arriving into the Maldives and Passport Control
When you get to the Maldives, it’s important to remember that you will be entering a conservative country. Whilst the vicinity of the airport is generally a safe space, our advice is to always go through Passport Control separately if you are a same-sex married couple. If you have children, it may also be prudent for only one parent to accompany them. Whilst immigration officials in the Maldives do not tend to ask many questions, it is often easier to avoid the potential of it. Read More: The reality vs the law – being gay in the Maldives.
It is also important to note that you cannot bring alcohol into the Maldives. So buying duty free as you depart your home country in the hope of avoiding the high prices on resort is a futile exercise – it will be confiscated on arrival as all hand luggage bags are put through a scanner as you arrive into the baggage reclaim area.
If you are traveling in business class, you should also bear in mind that seaplanes have a much smaller baggage allowance than you are likely to have on board your international flight. Each traveler is allowed 25 kg, which includes 20 kg of checked-in luggage and 5 kg of hand luggage per person. This is less relevant if you are taking a speedboat to your resort, though we would advise not going over the top. Read More: Speedboats vs seaplanes in the Maldives.
If you are planning a trip to the Maldives, speak to one of our luxury travel experts to get specific destination advice and to book into an LGBTQ+ friendly property.
