The Maldives Insider Guide: Where to Stay & Play in Paradise
The Maldives tranquil islands, underwater restaurants, overwater bungalows, plus bioluminescent beaches, romance under the stars, gentle sunsets over the Indian Ocean and opulent spa therapies.
It is this montage of the Maldives that bewitches holidaymakers, simply enticing them to head to one of the 187 inhabited luxury island resorts. Spend your days with loved ones, lounging by a pool, surfing, windsurfing, kayaking or jetskiing, simply enjoying the wide expanse of turquoise water that surrounds the archipelago. Dine on fresh seafood and local fruits, then take a boat trip to explore the reefs and lagoons and marine life below the surface of the ocean. No longer just a honeymoon destination, the Maldives is embracing solo and multigenerational travellers too.
Where to eat and drink in the Maldives
Hard Rock Cafe on The Marina
When you’ve relaxed enough and need some rock ‘n’ roll and quintessential American-style food, the Hard Rock Cafe has burgers, wings, BBQ ribs, nachos and fries. With memorabilia lining the walls and regular musical performances, this cafe is always fun. Don’t miss the New York cheesecake.
The sunset here is super nice, food portion was really big, the room was really big, just that the toilet was really open, there is mirror at the other side, and cannot lock, which is way unacceptable for me, but other was good, one of the guest was having birthday, thanks you for the surprise from the hotel , super friendly staff using buggy bring us touring around, we had enjoyed our last night here
10.0
Robert H.AU · 11 escapes · 1 review
Was a wonderful trip …. would look again to go same time next year .
10.0
Geoff S.AU · 2 escapes · 2 reviews
Excellent staff everywhere made this so special.
10.0
Michelle B.AU · 5 escapes · 1 review
We had the best trip to Hard Rock Resort Maldives, we absolutely loved it! It is a fun, family-friendly resort with lots of food options and activity options. We spent a lot of time in the water, and we also went for a couple of trips off the island. The staff on island were fantastic, so helpful and friendly. They really do it well.
10.0
AnonymousID
Heaven on earth 💙
The Cellar, JA Manafaru
Ocean Grill restaurant at JA Manafaru, Maldives
Underneath the private island that is home to JA Manafaru luxury resort is a wine cave carved into volcanic rock that you’ll never forget. With a drinks list that allows connoisseurs to truly indulge, enjoy a Champagne breakfast or a degustation meal in this ambient venue.
Long Bar, Raffles Maldives
Order a Maldivian Sling made with gin and flavours of the islands, with cinnamon, cloves and coconut toasted with a cook’s blowtorch at the table in front of you. Delight in the renowned Raffles service at this stunning outdoor re-creation of the famous Singapore bar with views of palm trees and the ocean.
Aqua Villa, Pullman Maldives
For a truly immersive travel experience, book an Aqua Villa with submerged master bedroom for a couple of hours so you can experience a true bucket list meal. Order canapes and bubbles and watch vibrant schools of fish flitting by through a window to the underwater world.
Best resort we’ve ever stayed at . Everything is included, staff and amenities fantastic. Food and drink unbelievable. The only downside is that it takes a monumental journey to get there and back ( we basically wasted our first and last day of the trip in transit)
10.0
Jorge V.1 escape · 1 review
Stayed at the Pullman for my honeymoon and I can’t say enough good things. It’s a long journey there (from Canada) but so worth it. Food was delicious, villas are stunning, activities are endless. This is a true 5 star experience. My only regret is not staying longer! Do 7 nights minimum!
10.0
Calli T.3 escapes · 1 review
A stunning resort and overall experience. We had peace of mind with all flights and transport taken care of by the wonderful Luxury Escapes team. Once we arrived, we know the Pullman was the epitome of relaxation and luxury. We stayed in a sunrise overwater villa with a pool – absolutely worthwhile. The room is luxurious with an outdoor bathroom and stunning vista and amenities. The dining was all fabulous, expansive range of foods and drink, with everything freshly made. The breakfast pastries at Melange are to die for, and the atmosphere, food at Phat Chameleon delicious and unique & Souq Oven’s pastas were just divine. All inclusive and unlimited dining and drinks is exactly what you would dream of. All of the staff are friendly, helpful (but not overbearing). Our package included a complimentary photoshoot, excursion and activity, we selected a sunset cruise (stunning views) and massage at Pullman Spa. The staff were very attentive to our needs and made us even more relaxed (which we didn’t think was possible after a few nights here)! What a time! Thank you Pullman Maldives & Luxury Escapes for an unforgettable experience!
10.0
Craig R.16 escapes · 1 review
Pullman Maldives All inclusive Villas really is 100% all inclusive – 5 star resort at it's best with first class professional and friendly staff who can't do enough to ensure guests have a first class island resort experience. The reality is every bit as displayed in the glossy advertising brochures.
Simply can't rate this resort highly enough. Well done Pullman Maldives and Luxury Escapes!
10.0
Kathryn R.10 escapes · 1 review
Absolutely amazing holiday, firstly I must mention how friendly, accommodating and professional all the staff were, exceptional service from all staff., they always went out of their way to make sure we had everything we needed and more. We stayed in the beach villa with private pool for first 5 days. Very spacious, great outdoor areas and large outdoor pool surround by tropical plants and just steps away from the crystal clear beach. Then stayed in the over water villa with private pool, watched glorious sunrises over pristine water, surrounded by precious sea life, watched turtles, stingrays, reef sharks and many types of tropical fish swim by. Both villas were very well appointed, mini bar replenished twice daily along with house keeping.
So many activities to do or just relax with a cocktail. Superb food and drink menus at all restaurants and bars. We absolutely did not want to leave and planning to return with family so they experience how amazing the Pullman is.
Flying Sauces, Soneva Fushi
Strap in for a unique adventure. Fine dining and ziplining go together like high tea and Champagne at this elevated dining platform 12 metres above the ground. Zip in on the Flying Sauces zipline to Soneva Fushi and sit among the treetops where Michelin-starred chefs create sustainably sourced brunch and early dinners.
Chef’s Garden Treehouse, Park Hyatt Maldives
Tour the garden then ascend to the platform, nestled within a forest of flourishing leafy foliage, for a menu that might include pan-seared tofu, spiced cauliflower, roasted pumpkin, barley risotto and chocolate. Watch the sun set in brilliant Technicolor over the lagoon as you indulge.
Where to stay in the Maldives
Park Hyatt Maldives Hadahaa
Hadahaa has one of the best house reefs for snorkelling and diving anywhere in the Maldives. Enjoy pure luxury with a distinctive sense of place. Modern rooms offer breathtaking views of the azure lagoon. Explore the sub-aquatic splendour of Huvadhoo Atoll and find peace in your private haven.
We have been to Maldives several times & always loved our stays, thought it was finally time to step out of comfort zone & try somewhere new. Park Hyatt was amazing, the service from arrival Male to departure was exceptional, all staff went out of their way to make our stay truely special the food (& cocktails – thanks James & team) were fantastic. The Blue Journeys team were amazing, good quality equipment, lovely dive boat, friendly helpful crew. Special thanks to our local dive guide, Janet, her professionalism, kindness & great sense of humour made our days. If your coming to Maldives for the diving we would not hesitate to recommend this resort 5 star plus! (PS loved it so much have booked again.)
10.0
Gregory C.AU · 4 escapes · 1 review
The location, the food and staff are fantastic, this is the second time we have visited the Hadahaa and it exceeded our expectation.
10.0
Charlene B.AU · 22 escapes · 3 reviews
Our stay at Park Hyatt Maldives was absolutely incredible. The house reef is one of the best we've ever experienced, with amazing snorkeling right off the villa. The staff were exceptional throughout our stay, and our host, Eid, was so attentive and ensured every detail was taken care of. The food was outstanding, with every meal exceeding our expectations. This resort truly delivered an unforgettable experience, and we can't wait to return. Highly recommended!
10.0
Jocelyn R.AU · 19 escapes · 8 reviews
Excellent All inclusive stay at the serene and remote Gaafu Alifu atoll. You are treated like royalty from the moment you arrive at the airport to the time when you leave.
Exceptional villas, first class amenities, superb a la carte meals at the Dining Room, impeccable gourmet meals at the Island Grill.
Excellent snorkelling excursions. If you are going to this part of the Maldives do not miss the chance to snorkel or dive in these excellent waters !
Brilliant staff all round – from the hosts, wait staff, room attendants. Everyone strove to excel!
10.0
Luke H.AU · 1 escape · 1 review
This resort is absolute paradise. It is completely isolated from all of the other resorts and the marine life is amazing, right on your doorstep. We saw sharks and turtles every day, often without having to even get in the water. The staff are excellent, the service is exquisite and the food is wonderful. Complete relaxation and pampering. Will definitely be going back!
Lily Beach Resort & Spa
Book an overwater bungalow with glass floors and be captivated by marine life. This award-winning, all-inclusive resort has gourmet buffets and a la carte dining with 80 wines from around the world. Try guided water sports, snorkelling in coral gardens, a sunset cruise or dolphin safari excursions. Luxuriate with personalised Ayurveda treatments at Tamara Spa.
Mercure Maldives
This adults-only resort will spark your curiosity for Maldivian cuisine, adventures and a more sustainable way of life. Marine life is abundant in the lagoon and you can explore the coral reefs; swim with turtles, dolphins and multi-coloured fish with a snorkel; and spend time in the verdant jungle or on the pristine beaches.
Truly exceptional! Everything about this place is next level – the room, the view, the facilities, the food, the staff…. And all-inclusive actually means just that! We didn’t want to leave!
10.0
Paul R.AU · 1 escape · 1 review
Fantastic resort, great facilities and welcoming staff. The sea-life while snokling is amazing. Highly recommend.
10.0
Jeff J.AU · 1 escape · 1 review
From arrival at Kooddoo airport to departure our stay at Mercure Maldives Kooddoo was absolutely perfect. Staff were so welcoming and professional and the resort exceeded our expectations in every aspect. We took the all inclusive package and could not fault the quality and selection of all meals and drinks. Our overwater bungalow was exceptional – supremely comfortable, quiet, very private and well appointed. We felt privileged to be in such a wonderful, beautiful and relaxing resort.
10.0
Anne H.AU · 1 escape · 1 review
We had an amazing time! Staff were so lovely and helpful. Our beach pool villa was stunning and we will definitely recommend it to everyone and be back one day
10.0
Wayne D.AU · 6 escapes · 3 reviews
Friendly service. was amazing , the food was outstanding and the accommodation beautiful.
Pullman Maldives
This five-star retreat on 18 hectares of tropical paradise is a stunner. Arrive in style on a scenic flight and speedboat trip then unwind in the award-winning Ayu spa, enjoy the DJ vibes at Saffron Affair, or sign up for adrenaline-filled water sports adventures with a personal diving instructor at the resort’s dive centre.
Seaside Finolhu
Foodies will love Seaside Finolhu Baa Atoll’s premier dining experience at 5° North. Indulge in a meal of oysters, Maldivian lobster, delicious jumbo prawns and marinated reef fish under the stars on an exclusive platform, then take a walk almost two kilometres along the longest beach in the archipelago.
Blissfully romantic, this serene resort also offers family residences. Guests are enriched by the many opportunities on the island. “Dine by Design” unique culinary experiences enhance wellbeing, and customised fishing, diving and cultural excursions abound. Cycle, play football, hit the gym, have a family photo shoot or simply take time to rest.
When to go to the Maldives
The Maldives is just north of the equator so the weather is delightfully warm all year round, with the seasons divided into wet and dry.
Dry season: December to April
If you’re planning a wedding or special event, the best time to book is during the north-east monsoon season from December to April, where you can be sure of sunny days, low humidity and very little rain.
During the dry season, the paradise that is the Maldives will be at its glorious best for magical blue-sky photographs and all outdoor activities. This is the ideal time for swimming, snorkelling, diving and water sports, and, of course, long lazy beach days.
Wet season: May to November
From May to November is the south-west monsoon season and you can experience windy, rainy weather but it won’t last all day. This makes it a very good season to travel to the Maldives and you can access some really good prices for high-end resorts. January is when the temperatures are still warm but humidity increases.
The bonus for travellers during this season is that the island nation is not as crowded with other holidaymakers.
February has the most hours of sunshine with an average of 10 per day. March is the hottest month in the Maldives, with temperatures ranging between 28°C and 32°C. In September, it’s the wet season and you should expect rain.
Microclimates can be different depending on the location of the resort, with islands in the north experiencing slightly different weather patterns from those in the south.
We had a wonderful holiday at this resort. The house reef was excellent, and the dive centre was fantastic, making it a great destination for snorkelling and diving enthusiasts.
Unfortunately, the only disappointment was the refusal to provide a late check-out, despite Luxury Escapes assuring us over the phone that it would not be a problem. This was frustrating, particularly as we had relied on that assurance when planning our departure.
Overall, it was an excellent holiday, and the resort itself was great.
10.0
Tegan M.AU · 1 escape · 1 review
everything was outstanding from the staff, facilities and the food.
would stay again
10.0
Honni P.AU · 7 escapes · 1 review
The outrigger met and exceeded all expectations. Nabeel our personal concierge really enhanced our stay and ensured we experienced all that we wanted with ease and warmth. All the staff are very friendly and kind and go above and beyond. Chef Maheshwar catered to our every need including my challenging food intolerances.
Everything we could possibly ask for in a resort, amazing location, fantastic room (overwater villa with pool), and staff that make you feel special everyday. We will definitely be back.
10.0
Walid s.AU · 1 escape · 1 review
Where do I start, this was an amazing experience and made even better by the staff. Our host Ahmad was outstanding from the moment we arrived. He attended to our requests and did his best to make them happen. The staff were amazing, friendly, welcoming and helpful. They know every guest by name which makes you feel relevant and not just another guest.
Highly recommend this resort for its beauty and relaxed atmosphere.
10.0
Lynne C.AU · 1 escape · 1 review
Staff are amazing, attentive and always happy. We have the full meal package which was well worth it.
Snorkeling was outstanding and made the holiday so special. Even on windy days, there is always a leeward side to find calm water. So many fish!!
We did a private boat trip which was expensive but worth it to see the Whale Sharks, and Manta rays.
What is the Maldives best known for?
Bucket-list ticking
Diving deep under the surface to explore marine life is on most travellers’ agendas. Until you’ve swum next to a whale shark, watched a hermit crab scamper along the sand, listened to the melodious call of an Asian koel (which is said to bring good fortune) and spent days dining on fresh seafood and delicious Maldivian curry, you’ll never truly understand the spellbinding essence of the Maldives.
The colours you see here are not enhanced – they’re exactly what you’ll see when you get off the plane in this Indian Ocean destination. Blue, blue and more blue.
Marine life
Communing with biodiverse marine life is one of the truly astonishing activities that never fails to amaze guests. Fish enthusiasts have over 1100 fish species to discover and will spot giant guitarfish, blue spotted ribbontail rays, zebra sharks, Moray eels, turtles, lionfish and hundreds of small spotted darts and wrasse.
Above the surface, the beaches have soft, fine coralline found on only 5 per cent of the world’s beaches. It’s produced by a process called bioerosion (parrotfish spend most of their days eating from the coral garden smorgasbord of 200 different species of coral then excrete the sand as a waste product).
Profound relaxation
If you want to relax, the spa sanctuaries across the Maldives are something truly special. Great care is taken to design welcoming, tranquil spaces that encourage deep rest and rejuvenation. Whether you need to detox with a sea salt and seaweed body wrap, replenish your skin with a citrus body scrub, soothe tight muscles with a hot stone essential oil remedial massage or try reiki, breathwork, ice baths or sound healing, you name it, you can find it here.
One of the best resorts we have ever stayed at! The ocean is crystal clear, the villas are spacious, and everything is exceptionally clean. The boat transportation with private cabins was very comfortable.
What truly made our stay special was the outstanding service. Every staff member was so friendly and genuinely happy to help, especially our butler (Hosni) and other staff members: (Sejal, Armicca, Shartha, Kishan, Arisha, Kishan).
The food was another highlight, everything was delicious, especially at Juliette and Tiffin restaurants. A special thank you to (Chef Bhargava) for the amazing hospitality and exceptional food!
10.0
Sarah F.
As we returned home, we couldn't leave without expressing our sincere gratitude to every member of your incredible team.
Our overwater villa was simply breathtaking—spacious, beautifully designed, and thoughtfully planned. We especially loved the separate walk-in wardrobe with its own private entrance, which kept the bedroom cool, clean, and organized while making access to the shower and bath tub incredibly convenient.
The crystal-clear ocean, the endless turquoise views, and the fun water slide made every single day unforgettable.
What truly elevated our stay was the dining experience. Every meal was exceptional, and your talented chefs specifically Mr . Nishesh deserve the highest praise. From the outstanding breakfast to the elegant à la carte restaurants, every dish was prepared with care, creativity, and incredible flavor.
We also want to thank the activities and diving team, especially Sujit, for being knowledgeable, and making every experience enjoyable.
Finally, a heartfelt thank you to our butle Mr. Hosny , who was always available, incredibly attentive, and often anticipated our needs before we even asked. His professionalism and genuine care made our stay effortless.
Thank you for creating memories that we will treasure forever. We are already looking forward to returning to RAH GILI.
10.0
Sahal C.
The island is beautiful, peaceful, and perfect for a relaxing getaway. The villas are spacious, well-maintained, and offer stunning ocean views.
The staff were warm, friendly, and always ready to help with a smile. The food was excellent with a good variety of options, and the overall service exceeded expectations.
The crystal-clear water, white sandy beaches, and breathtaking sunsets made every moment special. A perfect destination for couples, families, or anyone looking for a luxurious Maldives experience.
10.0
Lu S.
In the few days we stayed, we found a lot of joy with some people working here the facilities and island itself. This place is definitely good if you are looking exciting slides and rooms with wonderful views. The room service at night prepares us to sleep with small details. The safety guards were also always there helping and supporting us.
However, we also encountered some issues that we would want to share.
– Took 2 h for a 3 course meal. If there’s an option with faster food serving for the ones who have later plans, it would be great to increase efficiency especially during popular holiday season.
– Hard to get a restaurant reservation, a lot of people could only get a spot starting at 8pm this is a problem bc some people missed lunch snorkeling and jet lagged. It could be solved if one of the restaurants is open from the morning to the evening.
– The dressing mirror gives a yellowish and dim light, it could especially effect the ones who need light to do there makeup. ( the mirror does give a good view though.
The rest are some small suggestions:
– Would be better if breakfast menu is shown when clients are introduced to the table— we met someone who didn’t know that they could order by menu.
– Could add Hangers out door for swimsuits
– bin could be placed in the bathroom(not placed outside), have to go out to throw the garbage eg: period
Overall, these are some things we would want to share and suggest. The stay here with the team was a wonderful time and we hope this could help as a review.
Things to do in the Maldives
Focus on wellbeing at the spa
In the Maldives, joyful experiences take centre stage and every resort has a spa that nurtures guests’ physical and emotional health. At OUTRIGGER, the Navasana Spa draws inspiration from the natural environment and uses hand-harvested seaweed products in treatments. The World Spa Awards crowned Joali Being the best multigenerational wellbeing retreat in 2024.
Night-time stargazing
Because there’s no light pollution, the stars dial up the romance and put on a sparkly show every night in the Maldives, especially during the dry season. At Anantara Kihavah there’s a sky bar with a stargazing observatory where a dedicated SKY storyteller points out the constellations for you.
Dolphin sunset cruise
The Maldives are known for their dramatic sunsets and there’s no better way to immerse yourself in the light show than on a sunset cruise at resorts like SO/ Maldives. Fill your glass with bubbles, snack on gourmet canapes and watch dolphins frolic as the sun sinks below the waterline.
SO/Maldives exceeded all expectations, the jaw dropping photos are more stunning in reality. The team members went above and beyond to ensure our stay was flawless, highly recommend this resort.
10.0
SERGEY S.AU · 2 escapes · 1 review
SO/ Maldives is exceptional. Room, ocean, food and service. Our special thaks to Maria.
10.0
George G.AU · 6 escapes · 2 reviews
Our over water, ocean villa was spectacular. The staff, facilities and location were all 5 star.
10.0
Flossy P.AU · 15 escapes · 7 reviews
We recently spent a week in a Beachfront Pool Villa at SO/Maldives, and we absolutely loved it! From the moment we were met at Male Airport, to the ease of the speedboat transfer, to the smiling welcoming committee, to meeting our brilliant Butler Limar, we couldn't have been more impressed. We loved the location of our Villa, which was totally private surrounded by lush gardens with direct access to the beach and blue water, and spotlessly clean and modern. Easy walk or cycle to the resort facilities & restaurants. The food & beverages on offer are fantastic, the Spa is so serene, the facilities are great and the staff are all friendly & professional. This is a super stylish modern resort. We loved our stay. Thank you! Terry & Flossy
10.0
Flossy P.AU · 15 escapes · 7 reviews
We absolutely loved our stay at SO/Maldives in early August. We chose a beachfront pool villa, which was perfectly positioned with total privacy encased in lush greenery, and direct access to the beach. It was modern, exceptionally clean and easy walking or cycling to the resort. From the time we were met at Male Airport by a staff member, to the speedboat transfet to resort, the friendly welcome by resort staff, and introduction to our brilliant Butler Limar, it was all perfectly timed and so easy. The food & beverages on offer were wonderful and all the staff are friendly and professional. The Spa is totally serene with beautiful therapists. This is an ultra modern, stylish resort and we highly recommend for a relaxing get away. We loved SO/Maldives! Thank you
Whale submarine tour
When you’re transiting through Male you’ll have time to spare. This tour is for those who don’t snorkel but still want to go deep and see the best trumpet fish, octopus, coral and, of course, whales. This is the world’s largest passenger submarine – great for the whole family.
Learn to scuba
If you’ve never learnt to scuba dive, the Maldives is possibly the best place on the planet for lessons. Resorts can organise a personal instructor and before you know it you’ll be confidently exploring the biodiverse coral reefs and encountering marine animals up close in the magical underwater world. Underwater pursuits are one of the best things to do in the Maldives.
Surfing
Whether you’re a beginner or a pro, you’ll find your perfect wave in the Maldives. The region is home to some world-class swells. The InterContinental Maldives has surf guides and coaches on the island who will take you to the best breaks for your skill level. Hang ten in style.
The staff and the stay were fantastic cannot recommend enough.
10.0
AnonymousGB
Had a wonderful stay at Villa Nautica, villa with pool amazing, food very good. Location excellent 20 minutes from Male. Our host Annika really lovely. Pool and facilities very good. It is a family resort so a few too many children running around for me – no adult only areas – but we still had a great time.
10.0
AnonymousLK
We had an absolutely wonderful two-night stay at Villa Nautica Paradise Island Resort, experiencing both the beautiful Pool Villa and the breathtaking Water Villa. Our stay was truly special, and a big part of that was the exceptional hospitality we received from our island host, Dillon.
Both villas were beautiful, spacious, spotless, and incredibly comfortable. The rooms were very clean and well maintained, and everything, from the comfortable beds to the facilities and amenities, was thoughtfully arranged to make our stay relaxing and enjoyable. We loved the unique experience of staying in two different types of villas. The Pool Villa offered a wonderful sense of privacy and relaxation, while the Water Villa gave us that magical feeling of being surrounded by the beautiful turquoise waters of the Maldives. Both experiences were amazing, and we honestly wished we could have stayed longer!
The food was another highlight of our stay. Everything we tried was really delicious, and we thoroughly enjoyed the dining experience. Combined with the beautiful surroundings and excellent facilities, it made our time at Villa Nautica even more enjoyable.
However, what made our experience even more memorable was our wonderful island host, Dillon. From the moment we arrived, he welcomed us with his warm smile, genuine kindness, and friendly personality. He took the time to show us around the island, helping us become familiar with the facilities and making it easy for us to find everything we needed.
Whenever we contacted him with a question, request, or something we wanted to arrange, he was always responsive, attentive, and right on time. He took care of everything so efficiently and made sure our stay was as comfortable and stress-free as possible. His willingness to help, combined with his professionalism and genuine friendliness, made us feel truly cared for throughout our visit.
Our stay was particularly meaningful because we came to celebrate our 8th wedding anniversary, and Dillon made it even more special by arranging a beautiful surprise decoration in our room. ❤️ It was such a thoughtful gesture that added a lovely touch to our celebration and created a memory we will always treasure.
Villa Nautica is a stunning island paradise, with beautiful villas, delicious food, excellent facilities, and an atmosphere that makes you wish time would stand still. But for us, the experience was made even more extraordinary by the people who looked after us, especially Dillon.
Thank you, Dillon, for your kindness, your beautiful smile, your attentiveness, and for going the extra mile to make everything perfect for us. Your hospitality made our anniversary getaway more comfortable, relaxing, and memorable than we could have imagined.
We left with beautiful memories, grateful hearts, and one little regret that we couldn’t stay longer! ❤️
We would wholeheartedly recommend Villa Nautica Paradise Island Resort to anyone looking for a beautiful and memorable Maldivian escape. And if you are fortunate enough to have Dillon as your island host, you are in wonderful hands!
Thank you, Villa Nautica, and especially Dillon, for giving us memories that we will cherish forever. You truly stole our hearts! ❤️
10.0
AnonymousDE
Alles war sehr gut!!!
10.0
Angela W.AU · 1 escape · 1 review
Regenerating Nautica Paradise Island
We thoroughly enjoyed our stay at Villa Nautica and it exceeded all expectation. The attention to detail provided by the staff was exceptional. A special shout out to Zameer our host who communicated what was happening, completed bookings for us and checked in regularly to see how we were going as well as always coming up and saying hi when he saw us around the resort.
We stayed in an over water villa which was peaceful, tranquil and so much fun exploring the reef. The staff at the lagoon restaurant were outstanding and everyone went out of their way to make you feel welcomed and noticed.
We had a birthday celebration during the stay and the staff made us feel so special.
The food, the facilities and the vibe of the resort were outstanding and the weather even turned it on throughout our stay. What an amazing experience that we were so privileged to have and we would come back in a heart beat. ❤️
Religion in the Maldives
It’s a requirement of citizenship that locals practise Sunni Islam. Alcohol, pork and idols of worship are forbidden. Because the islands of the Maldives are privately owned, resort guests are not subject to these laws and are therefore able to drink alcohol and eat pork products.
The official language of the Maldives is Dhivehi or Maldivian. It’s similar to Sri Lankan Sinhalese. Maldivians greet each other with the phrase “Assalaa mu alaikum”, which means “may peace be upon you”.
The Islamic nation observes a month of fasting during Ramadan, from sun up to sun down. Resorts do operate normally at this time and it’s not a requirement, but be mindful while you’re holidaying during Ramadan and try not to eat, smoke or drink in public during this time.
Like Muslims worldwide, Maldivians celebrate Eid with prayers and feasting at the end of Ramadan. If you are in the Maldives during this spiritually significant period, you may even have the chance to enjoy delicious Ramadan treats.
As Ramadan and Eid occur according to a lunar calendar, they are celebrated at different times each year. Eid and the three days following are national holidays in the Maldives.
Wooow, serenity, healing, service on another level, I mentioned I didn’t like the Oatmilk brand at the Buffet, the next day they changed it.
We loved every dish we ate.
The buffet spoils you with immense variety.
The Mocktails are incredible and bursting with flavour and freshness, special mention to Bilal his concoctions.
I trusted all the staff with my drinks and ordering and just said “surprise me”, they never disappointed.
I did a painting, special thanks to Hridoy Khan who was a great teacher and made a memorable clip.
Thanks to Yusuf, Shaq, Mohammed, Hamza and Shan for bring so welcoming.
The Chefs were also brilliant and visited my table.
10.0
Zamilah D.US · 4 escapes · 1 review
It was amazing especially the staff . They were so attentive much hospitality. I highly recommend this hotel they made the maldives an experience of a lifetime. The bungalows and beach villas were absolutely beautiful . The food was amazing as well.
10.0
Alison M.AU · 3 escapes · 1 review
Outstanding service and the best holiday ever! Staff went above and beyond – the food was amazing, the room so clean. Would highly recommend to anyone looking for an exception hotel in the Maldives!!
10.0
Keely C.AU · 3 escapes · 1 review
Our stay at The Standard Maldives was absolutely amazing from start to finish. The resort and its surroundings are breathtaking—no matter how many photos you take, they simply don’t do the scenery justice.
One of the highlights was being able to step straight off the back of our villa and snorkel in the crystal-clear water. Our villa was beautiful, the food was exceptional, and every member of staff made us feel genuinely welcome. A special mention must go to Shaq, who was exceptionally attentive and helped make our stay even more memorable.
We also had so much fun riding around the island on the provided bikes. Half the adventure was never quite knowing whether your bike would still be where you left it—or whether you’d simply be choosing another one for the trip back!
The entire experience was luxurious, relaxed and fun, and we honestly couldn’t fault a thing. We were very sad to leave and would return in a heartbeat.
10.0
amanda S.AU · 1 escape · 1 review
The Team at The Standard were all amazing, in particular Yusef & Sharn they made our stay extra special and welcomed us into their paradise with open arms. This place was heaven on earth and we will definitely be returning. The accommodation was beautiful, food and beverage options a plenty and the most stunning waters we have ever seen!
Is the Maldives family-friendly?
Although we usually associate the Maldives with luxurious romantic holidays, it is certainly a place that welcomes and embraces children, providing many opportunities for fun with (and without) the younger members of the family.
For those with tiny tots, babysitting and kids’ clubs are widely available. If the children are older, the whole family can hire fins, a mask, and a snorkel and join a snorkelling safari.
Family groups can also ride in a submarine, visit the bioluminescent glowing beaches, paddle the lagoon in kayaks, and swim around house coral reefs directly off the beaches of the resort.
At the Pullman Resort parents can even watch their kids scuba diving through the windows of the Aqua Villa while they drink Champagne.
Located adjacent to Baa Atoll, a UNESCO Biosphere reserve, hotels like Avani+ Fares Maldives Resort love to welcome the little loves of your life.
With family pavilions and villas that have separate bedrooms, this resort considers the needs of the whole family so both adults and children have a chance to unwind and recharge. Parents can hit the spa while kids go kitesurfing with qualified instructors or join in with the ever-engaging kids’ club activities.
Hotels like the Four Seasons have dedicated junior marine biologist science programs available and at Soneva Fushi there are educational programs that are so much fun that the kids will never suspect they’re learning something!
The trip between Sydney and Malé is about 18 hours so families can be assured that after they arrive, the kids will be happy. All guests have to do is don their swimmers and slip into a state of total relaxation. Luxury Escapes’ direct flight from Melbourne to Malé has you fly overnight, landing in paradise in less than 11 hours.
With every resort offering gorgeous swimming pools and beaches, child-friendly restaurant menus, a full range of motorised and non-motorised water sports, there’s no place like the Maldives for family fun.
