Editorials
Where in the world are the Maldives?
Where are the Maldives is a question we get asked a lot.
Located in the Indian Ocean, The Maldives is an exotic island nation that offers stunning beauty and breathtaking views. In this guide, you’ll explore the geography and culture of The Maldives, and discover why it’s an excellent destination for travellers seeking a unique tropical holiday to the Maldives!
Geography of The Maldives
The Maldives is an archipelago of 1,192 islands in the Indian Ocean, spread over 35,000 square kilometres. It forms a chain of coral atolls about 600 kilometres long and 130 kilometres wide. Its lowest point is only around 0.7 metres above sea level, making it one of the world’s flattest countries.
Weather in The Maldives
The climate in the Maldives is determined by its geographical location and tropical sea breeze. It has a tropical climate with two distinct seasons – a dry season from November to April and a low and sometimes rainy season from May to October. The temperature stays around 30 degrees Celsius throughout the year, making it an ideal destination for those seeking some winter respite. We often also get asked when the best time to visit the Maldives is.
Where Are The Maldives Located?
The Maldives is an island nation located in the Indian Ocean, off the coast of India and Sri Lanka, comprised of nearly 1,200 islands that span 820 kilometres. It is one of the most geographically dispersed countries in the world. The capital city, Male is also the most populated city on a single island in all of South Asia. Political control by foreign powers has been limited since 1965 when it gained independence.
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Request a quote →Major Attractions and Activities in The Maldives
The Maldives offer many unforgettable experiences and activities for visitors, from natural wonders like pristine beaches, stunning coral reefs and a whole host of stunning wildlife, to cultural attractions, water sport adventures and more. Tourists can enjoy swimming with whale sharks or take an adventurous scuba dive among the vibrant coral reefs. For the more adventurous traveller, they could explore uninhabited islands while kitesurfing on the crystal clear ocean waters. There’s something for everyone in The Maldives! Read more: The best house reefs in the Maldives.
Getting Around The Maldives Islands
The Maldives is composed of 20 atolls and 1192 islands. These island resorts are connected by air or speedboat, allowing you to travel around the Maldives quite easily. While hopping from island to island can be a great way to explore the region and make the most out of your Maldives holiday, there are other unique ways to get around like ferries, luxury cruises, sailing ships and seaplanes which offer incredible views of the archipelago along the way.
The most common way to get from the mainland airport in Male to your luxury Maldives resort is to travel via seaplane. Our guide to seaplanes in the Maldives will help you find out more about this exciting mode of transport.
LGBTQ+ rights in the Maldives
The Maldives is not on paper a welcoming place for the LGBTQ+ community. With antiquated laws and problematic viewpoints, some decide not to travel to the destination. Having said that, it is still our most popular destination amongst our clients whether the are gay or straight. Read More: The reality vs the law in the Maldives.
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Suggested Trips
The Southern Maldives: Pullman Maamutaa & Park Hyatt Hadahaa
Tailor-made HolidayThe Southern Maldives operates on a different scale from the atolls clustered near Malé. Gaafu Alifu, where both properties sit, is roughly five to six hours away by speedboat, or a shorter domestic flight followed by a transfer, and that distance does the real work of keeping the atoll quiet. It filters out day-trippers, leaving reefs with far less traffic than the more accessible northern resorts.
10 days tailor-made from £3,175 per person View trip
Barefoot Luxury: Six Senses Laamu & Gili Lankanfushi
Tailor-made HolidayEnjoy an unforgettable journey to the heart of the Indian Ocean with a luxury holiday in the Maldives, where the concepts of barefoot luxury and sustainable elegance are redefined. This exclusive getaway features stays at two of the most prestigious luxury Maldives resorts: Six Senses Laamu and Gili Lankanfushi. At Six Senses Laamu, the only resort in the pristine Laamu Atoll, you'll discover a harmonious blend of sustainability and luxury.
10 days tailor-made from £6,550 per person View trip
Better in Baa: Finolhu & Anantara Kihavah
Tailor-made HolidayDiscover the epitome of luxury in the Maldives at the breathtaking Baa Atoll, a UNESCO-designated Biosphere Reserve, home to two exquisite resorts: Finolhu and Anantara Kihavah. These luxury resorts in Baa Atoll offer a fusion of modernity and natural beauty, making them ideal for an unforgettable Maldives gay holiday. Finolhu, known for its modern and experimental design, stands out as a beacon of contemporary luxury in the Maldives.
10 days tailor-made from £3,250 per person View trip
Authentically Maldivian: Milaidhoo & Nautilus
Tailor-made HolidayThe 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 - Milaidhoo and Nautilus. For an authentic Maldivian experience, consider the resorts of Milaidhoo and Nautilus.
10 days tailor-made from £7,250 per person View trip
The Maldives Premium All-inclusive
Tailor-made HolidayThe Maldives, renowned as one of the world's premier luxury destinations, boasts a dazzling array of elegant resort offerings that are bound to leave you in awe. In this tropical paradise, leading hotel brands and visionary entrepreneurs continually push the boundaries of luxury, each striving to outdo the other in crafting ever-more exquisite resorts.
7 days tailor-made from £3,150 per person View trip
The Best of Malé: Waldorf Astoria & Reethi Rah
Tailor-made HolidayStaying close to Malé is often seen as the lesser option in the Maldives. The built-up capital is not on the tourism circuit. It's a place you pass through on your way to and from your resort.
10 days tailor-made from £4,595 per person View tripWe know where you will be welcome, and where to take more care.
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