The Maldives
Your Slice of Paradise Awaits
Welcome to the Sunny Side of Life!
Where Turquoise Waters, White Sands, and Unforgettable Memories are Guaranteed.
Picture the most perfect tropical paradise you can possibly imagine. Are you thinking of powder-soft white sand, impossibly clear turquoise water, and a luxurious villa perched over the ocean? That dream is a reality in the Maldives. This incredible nation, made up of over a thousand coral islands scattered across the Indian Ocean, is the very definition of a getaway. It’s the place you see in pictures and can hardly believe is real, until you step off the seaplane and feel the sand between your toes.
But the Maldives is more than just a pretty picture. It’s a place of true peace and seclusion, home to one of the most vibrant underwater worlds on the planet. Here at Global Travel Solutions, we know that with hundreds of resort islands to choose from, finding your perfect one can be daunting. That's our specialty! Whether you’re dreaming of a romantic escape, a family adventure, or a world-class diving holiday, we’re here to find your personal slice of heaven.
Important Information
Flight Time
A direct flight from the UK to Velana International Airport (MLE) in the Maldives takes around 10 to 11 hours. Indirect flights with a short stopover are more common and typically take between 12 and 14 hours.
Transportation
Getting from the main airport to your island resort is all part of the magical experience! For resorts in nearby atolls, a thrilling speedboat will whisk you across the turquoise ocean. For islands further afield, you’ll take the best transfer of your life – a seaplane!
Currency
The official currency is the Maldivian Rufiyaa (MVR). However, as a tourist, you will not need it! The US Dollar (USD) is the unofficial currency in all resorts. Everything you buy, from cocktails to excursions, will be charged to your room and you can settle the bill at the end of your stay with a credit card or USD cash.
Languages
The official language is Dhivehi. You can relax though, as English is the main language of the tourism industry and is spoken fluently by all staff at the resorts, making your stay seamless and easy.
Warm Weather & Bright Skies?
The Maldives is blessed with a warm, tropical climate year-round.
Dry Season (December - April): This is the peak season and for good reason. You can expect picture-perfect weather with endless sunshine, very little rain, and calm seas, making it ideal for all beach and water activities.
Wet Season (May - November): Don’t be put off by the name! This ‘green season’ still sees long hours of sunshine, but with the chance of short, sharp tropical showers. It’s a fantastic time to find great value deals, and crucially, it's the best time for spotting manta rays and whale sharks in certain atolls!
Top Places to Visit
North Malé Atoll: The Convenient Paradise
Home to the international airport, this atoll is the gateway to the Maldives. A short and scenic speedboat ride is all that separates you from your resort. It offers a huge variety of islands, from some of the world's most ultra-luxurious brands to fun, family-friendly classics. For the active, it's also the best region for surfing!
Baa Atoll: The UNESCO World Wonder
A short seaplane ride away lies a truly special place. Baa Atoll is a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, recognised for its unique biodiversity. It is home to the legendary Hanifaru Bay, where, from May to November, the world's largest gathering of manta rays and whale sharks congregate to feed. Witnessing this is one of the greatest wildlife encounters on the planet.
South Malé Atoll: The Diver's Dream
Just south of the airport and also easily reached by speedboat, this atoll is a haven for scuba divers. It’s famous for its six channel dives, which act as highways for marine life, attracting sharks, eagle rays, and huge schools of fish. With famous shipwrecks and beautiful reefs, it offers incredible underwater adventures.
Ari Atoll: The Big Fish Hotspot
World-renowned for its incredible marine life, Ari Atoll is arguably the best all-round destination for those bucket-list underwater encounters. It offers year-round opportunities to swim with the gentle giants of the ocean – whale sharks and majestic manta rays. Its beautiful reefs make it a top choice for both divers and snorkellers alike.
Things to Do in The Maldives
Stay in an Overwater Villa
It’s the quintessential Maldivian dream! Waking up in a luxurious villa perched on stilts above a gentle, turquoise lagoon is an experience you will never forget. Many villas have glass floor panels to watch the fish swim by, and almost all have a private deck from which you can climb or slide straight into the warm, inviting ocean.
Snorkel or Dive with Marine Life
You simply cannot visit the Maldives without exploring the incredible world beneath the waves. The coral reefs are an underwater kaleidoscope, teeming with colourful fish, graceful sea turtles, and gentle reef sharks. Even just snorkelling off your resort’s beach can reveal a stunning variety of sea creatures.
Indulge in a Sunset Dolphin Cruise
As the day comes to a close, hop aboard a traditional wooden boat, called a Dhoni, and set sail in search of dolphins. There is nothing more magical than watching the sky blaze with orange and pink as pods of playful spinner dolphins leap and twist alongside the boat. It's a truly heartwarming experience.
Enjoy a Private Beach Dinner
For the ultimate romantic treat, allow your resort to set up a private dining experience on the beach. With a table set up on the soft sand, lit by the gentle glow of lanterns and the stars above, you can enjoy a delicious meal cooked by a personal chef. This is barefoot luxury at its absolute finest.
Your Perfect Paradise is Found
Ready to answer the call of the ocean?
The Maldives is the definition of a true escape from the everyday. It is a place of unparalleled natural beauty, where the loudest sound is the gentle lapping of the waves. It’s where you can do as much or as little as you want, from thrilling underwater adventures to simply reading a book on your private deck. It is, quite simply, paradise on Earth.
Let us at Global Travel Solutions help you find your perfect island. With hundreds of options, our expertise is key. We'll listen to your dreams and turn them into a reality, creating a bespoke holiday that you will cherish forever.
