With its pristine white-sand beaches lined with verdant palms, and lapped by crystalline waters that truly have to be seen to be believed, it’s easy to see why the Maldives is seen as a bucket list destination for many. But beyond its endless supply of natural beauty, it has also long been associated with opulence and luxury, and is home to some of the most lavish five-star resorts in the world.
A playground for the rich and famous, this Indian Ocean paradise needs no introduction, and can regularly be seen filling the Instagram feeds of celebrities, sports stars and influencers from across the globe. Stays at the Maldives’ top resorts come with some eye-watering price tags, but for those who can afford it, it’s money well spent, and allows them to experience a truly unforgettable escape that will almost certainly keep them coming back for more.
And of course, when you consider that most resorts are located on their very own private islands, exclusivity and privacy to relax and enjoy away from prying eyes and paparazzi both come as part of the package.
The capital of Maldives – Male – is also known as the ‘Royal Island’ and is a place where ancient royal dynasties once lived and ruled. Although the Maldives were previously under British rule, they gained their independence in 1965, but remained a member of the Commonwealth of Nations of the British Crown from 1982 until opting to withdraw only recently, in 2016.
What is special about the Maldivian economy is that it is classified as an upper-middle-income economy. The main activity is fishing, which has always been dominant and remains so until today. But of course, it’s tourism that has really put the Maldives on the global map, driving a high growth rate of human development per capita, and leaving thousands of travellers around the world eager to set foot on its islands’ sandy shores.
Today, there are many reasons the Maldives remain the first choice when it comes to holidays. Here, we take a look at some of the biggest reasons to book those first class flights for 2023 now and finally tick it off your list.
Warm, sunny weather
Thanks to its location close to the equator, the Maldives enjoys a tropical climate that is consistently hot throughout the year, which means you can enjoy a holiday here at almost any time. There are distinct wet and dry seasons, with the former running from May to November and the latter from December to April – making the British winter months the best time to visit if you’re hoping for minimal rainfall and the highest possible number of sunshine hours each day.
Incredible snorkelling and diving
Many luxury resorts in the Maldives afford guests privileged access to house reefs, which can often be reached directly from beach and water villas and are teeming with vibrant and colourful marine life and coral reefs. From sea turtles to black tip reef sharks, nature lovers will be in their element here, and many resorts also offer boat trips for guests eager to see creatures like manta rays and whale sharks further out at sea.
It’s little wonder then, that the Maldives is considered one of the very best destinations in the world for snorkelling and diving, and with such clear waters and options to head off on a dayboat or live-aboard, you can thoroughly immerse yourself in the underwater world during your stay.
Pristine beaches
Much like the crystalline waters, the pristine white sands of the Maldives quite literally have to be seen to be believed, and if you thought it was all the work of Instagram filters, then prepared to be wowed.
Silky soft and lined with swaying palms, there’s no better place to kick back and relax with a cocktail and a good book while you escape the winter weather back home. To see something truly spectacular, you can head out to one of the many sandbars scattered across the destination’s main atolls and really get that ‘shipwrecked’ experience.
Lavish luxury resorts
Whilst it’s true that the beauty of the Maldives does much of the hard work for its luxury resorts, they don’t leave anything to chance, and if you’re looking for a truly high-level holiday experience then this is the place to find it.
Expect private villas located right on the sea, with opulent features like private infinity pools and glass floors that allow you to watch the colourful underwater world from the comfort of your bed – all serviced by your own private butler to ensure that your every need is met throughout your stay.
Then, you can enjoy leisurely dinners at some of the best fine dining restaurants in the world – many of which are endorsed by renowned chefs and promise the utmost in exclusivity – or indulge yourself with a decadent massage or facial treatment at your resort’s world class spa.
When it comes to the best holiday experience money can buy, the paradise destination of the Maldives really does have it all. So, if you’re looking for a paradisiacal break away from the stresses and strains of modern life next year where you’ll want for nothing from start to finish, then look no further.
