The ultra luxury hotel collection
Indian Ocean
Maldives
The Maldives, one island at a time.
Ten island resorts across five atolls. In the Maldives the atoll decides the journey, the reef and the mood, so choose it as carefully as the resort.
The Maldives is a chain of 26 atolls in the Indian Ocean, and almost every resort has an island to itself. Arrival is by speedboat from Male for the atolls close to the airport, and by seaplane or a domestic flight for the far ones, so the journey is part of the choice.
The resorts on our list range from barefoot island hideaways to large private island estates, with villas over the water or on the sand. We have chosen them for their villas, their reefs and how well they look after guests who want to be left alone.
Know the city
Where to base yourself.
North Male Atoll
Close to the airport, reached by speedboat or yacht. Patina on the Fari Islands.
Baa and Raa
Seaplane atolls to the north, around 35 to 60 minutes. Soneva Fushi, Cheval Blanc, JOALI, the Nautilus and the Waldorf Astoria.
Noonu and Haa Dhaalu
The far north. Soneva Jani and Velaa in Noonu, Soneva Secret in Haa Dhaalu.
Maldives in pictures
Photos courtesy of the hotels.
When to go
Maldives through the year.
- Janbest
- Febbest
- Marbest
- Aprbest
- Maygood
- Junquiet
- Julquiet
- Augquiet
- Sepquiet
- Octquiet
- Novgood
- Decbest
Best · Dec, Jan, Feb, Mar, Apr
The dry northeast monsoon. Calm seas, sunshine and the clearest water for snorkelling. Christmas, New Year and Easter book up early.
Good · May, Nov
The changeover months. Mostly fine weather with some showers, and quieter islands.
Quieter · Jun, Jul, Aug, Sep, Oct
The southwest monsoon. Passing showers and lower rates, and the manta season in Baa Atoll's Hanifaru Bay.
Getting there
Arriving in Maldives.
Each hotel page lists its address, check-in times and the hotel's own transfer times.
Good to know
- Seaplanes fly in daylight only. Guests landing late may need a night near Male or a resort reached by boat.
- Resorts arrange every transfer and meet you at Velana International Airport.
- Most resorts quote and charge in US dollars.
- The far atolls, such as Haa Dhaalu, combine a domestic flight with a boat or seaplane.
Practical
Before you go.
- Getting there
- Velana International Airport (MLE) in Male has direct flights from the Gulf, Istanbul, Singapore, Colombo and several European cities. Resorts arrange every transfer from the airport.
- When to go
- December to April is the dry northeast monsoon, with calm seas and the clearest water. May to November brings passing showers, lower rates and the manta season in Baa Atoll.
- Currency
- US dollars are used at every resort. The local currency is the rufiyaa (MVR).
- Our tip
- Seaplanes fly in daylight only. If you land late, plan a night near Male or a resort reached by boat.
Questions
Maldives, answered.
When is the best time to visit the Maldives?
December to April, in the dry northeast monsoon. The weather is calmer and the water clearest, and it is also the busiest season.
How do I get to my resort?
By speedboat from Male for the atolls close to the airport, and by seaplane or a domestic flight and boat for the others. The resort arranges it.
Which atoll should I choose?
North Male for a short transfer, Baa and Raa for seaplane islands and the manta season, and the far north for remote islands.
Can I combine the Maldives with Dubai?
Yes. The flight from Dubai to Male takes about four hours, and many guests split a stay between the two.
Booking help
Planning Maldives?
Tell us your dates. We will suggest the right hotel and room, and help you book it.