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The Luxury Traveller's Guide to the Maldives 2025
Planning a luxury holiday to the Maldives is different from other countries. In the Maldives, each luxury resort is on its own island. This means peace, privacy, and no crowds! But it also means you’ll stay on one island the whole trip—so choose wisely. You can get in touch with us for assistance in choosing your resort.
Choosing a Luxury Resort
Most luxury resorts in the Maldives offer all-inclusive packages, including meals, drinks, and sometimes a free activity. All your needs can be taken care of on the island. If you need help choosing a resort, use our travel planner to send your preferences and receive a customised package for your holiday!
What to Expect from a Luxury Resort in the Maldives
- Privacy: You can choose between a quiet villa over the water or a beach villa with a private pool.
- Luxury: Some resorts offer personal butlers, private chefs, and fine dining.
- Activities: Do you like diving, yoga, or spa treatments? Most luxury resorts in the Maldives will offer these bespoke experiences.
Consider checking out our list of the Top 15 Luxury Resorts in the Maldives.
Booking Your Vacation
Booking with Maldives.com makes your holiday to the Maldives easy! We help you choose a resort, handle your booking, and include the seaplane transfer to your resort in our rates. This is important—seaplanes or speedboats are the only way to reach your resort, and they can be expensive if not included.
Arrival in the Maldives
Visa and Entry
All nationalities can get a visa upon arrival to the Maldives. The visa is valid for 30 days and all you will need is:
- A passport valid for at least 6 months
- Return ticket
- Booking confirmation
Click here to read more about getting your visa to the Maldives.
Getting a SIM Card
At Velana International Airport (Male), you’ll find counters for local mobile companies like Dhiraagu and Ooredoo. You can get a tourist SIM or you can skip getting a SIM since most resorts will have WiFi. You can check before your arrival if your resort has WiFi.
Transfer to Your Resort
If you booked with Maldives.com, your seaplane or speedboat is included. A guide will meet you at the airport and take care of everything. Seaplanes only fly in daylight, so plan to land before 3:30 PM.
Inside Your Stay at a Luxury Resort in the Maldives
When you book on a full-board or an all-inclusive meal plan you can expect:
- All meals (buffet or à la carte)
- Non-alcoholic drinks (some include alcohol)
- Snorkelling gear and non-motorised water sports
- Access to the gym and wellness activities
- Yoga sessions
Extra Costs
You may pay extra for:
- Fine wines and premium alcohol
- Private dining experiences
- Diving, jet-skiing, and excursions / motorised water sports (some resorts offer non-motorised water sports for free with the all-inclusive package)
- Spa treatments
Things to Do
For luxury travellers, the Maldives is a place to unwind. Top experiences include:
- Private sunset cruises
- Floating breakfasts in your private pool
- Couples’ spa treatments
- Fine dining under the stars
- Snorkelling with manta rays or turtles
Some resorts even offer underwater restaurants or villas, cinema on the beach, bubble tents, and stargazing with telescopes.
What Makes the Maldives Special
- One-Island-One-Resort: each resort is its own island. This means there are no cars, no noise, and no outsiders. You get the full privacy and safety in your holiday home. Plus, everything is designed for peace and luxury.
- Away from the City Life: Because the luxury resorts are scattered across the archipelago, you can't go out shopping or eat at a local restaurant like in other countries. However, you can visit a nearby island and your resort will feature world-class dining with multiple restaurants featuring different themes.
- Private experiences: Luxury resorts in the Maldives are designed and centred around privacy. The overwater and beach villas at resorts are intimate spaces that ensure there's no disturbance. Additionally, you can enjoy private dining experiences with your loved ones on the beach and even on a secluded sandbank!
Tips for a Smooth Experience
- Pack light, but don’t forget beachwear, sunscreen, and flip-flops (Recommended: Things to Pack for the Maldives)
- No alcohol is in the Maldives, but you can enjoy plenty at the resort
- Get permission beforehand if you want to fly a drone in the Maldives
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