Maldives holiday Packages
The Maldives is home to a diverse range of resorts, each with its own distinct character and charm - many of which occupy an entire island of their own. These private island retreats are often coupled with private beaches and coral reefs bursting with exquisite underwater beauty ready for you to explore.
From intimate boutique escapes to sprawling luxury havens and family vacation destinations, these magical retreats promise unforgettable experiences, especially for kids, with most resorts offering a wide selection of activities to keep them busy throughout their stay. Whether you’re looking for tranquility, adventure, or a perfect blend of both, there’s a Maldivian resort tailored to your desires.
It’s time to immerse yourself in luxurious ambiance, indulge in world-class amenities, and let the enchanting beauty of the Maldives cast its spell on you.
To maximise your experience, consider the various Maldives trip packages available:
- All-inclusive: Ideal for those who want a hassle-free experience, the all-inclusive Maldives packages cover your accommodation, meals (breakfast, lunch, dinner), drinks (including enhanced beverages at some resorts), and a variety of activities within the resort.
- Full-board: This option provides accommodation and all meals (breakfast, lunch, and dinner). The only additional cost is enhanced beverages and activities.
- Half-board: Similar to full-board, half-board packages cover accommodation and typically breakfast and either lunch or dinner. The second main meal, enhanced beverages and activities are excluded.
Good to know
Maldives holiday experiences
The Maldives offers a plethora of activities to suit every traveller's taste. Here are five must-do experiences to make your Maldivian vacation truly unforgettable:
- Snorkel amidst underwater wonders: The Maldives is a diver's and snorkeler's paradise. Explore the vibrant coral reefs teeming with colourful fish, graceful sea turtles, the world’s largest fish, whale sharks, and perhaps even encounter the majestic manta ray or nimble dolphins. Discover the underwater world's hidden treasures and create lifelong memories.
- Sunset romance: As the sun dips below the horizon, painting the sky with hues of orange and pink, embark on a romantic sunset cruise. Savor canapés and enhanced beverages while witnessing this breathtaking spectacle. Afterward, indulge in a candlelit dinner on the beach, the gentle lapping of waves providing the perfect soundtrack.
- Ride the waves: Whether you're a seasoned surfer or a complete novice, the Maldives offers thrilling water sports opportunities. Catch world-class waves, try your hand at kiteboarding, or simply enjoy a leisurely paddleboard adventure. The crystal-clear waters and consistent swells make it a water sports enthusiast's dream.
- Indulge in island serenity: Unwind and rejuvenate with a luxurious spa treatment. Let skilled therapists melt away your stress with massages, body scrubs, and facials using natural ingredients. Immerse yourself in a state of pure bliss and emerge feeling refreshed and revitalized.
- Soar above paradise: Experience the Maldives from a bird's eye view with an exhilarating seaplane ride. Marvel at the stunning atolls, pristine beaches, and vibrant turquoise waters as you soar through the sky. Capture unforgettable aerial photographs and create memories that will last a lifetime.
Food, culture & wildlife:
- Food: Savour Delicious Maldivian cuisine, a delightful blend of Indian, Sri Lankan, and Arabic influences. Freshly caught seafood features prominently, alongside fragrant curries and coconut-based dishes. As a Muslim country, the Maldives offers Halal options in all restaurants bars and cafes, ensuring all travellers can enjoy authentic Maldivian cuisine without dietary concerns.
- Culture: Immerse yourself in the rich cultural heritage of the Maldives. Explore Male, the capital city, where most of the country’s hustle and bustle resides. Make sure to visit the Grand Friday Mosque, the National Museum and the Sultan Park to get the most out of your Maldivian culture drive! Learn about the traditional Maldivian way of life while visiting traditional fishing villages, where you’ll see its close-knit communities and their reliance on the sea for sustenance.
- Wildlife: Encounter a diverse array of wildlife, from manta rays, dolphins, sea turtles, whale sharks, and coral reefs (atolls) to a variety of birdlife, including herons, seabirds, and white-tailed tropicbirds. You also have the opportunity to learn more about the Maldives’ commitment to protecting its marine environment and wildlife.
Travel Tips
Visa on arrival:
- Visitor visa on arrival: Visitors can obtain a 30-day visa upon arrival at the Maldives International Airport.
- Passport validity: Ensure your passport is valid for at least six months from your arrival date.
Currency:
- Maldivian rufiyaa (MVR): The local currency is the Maldivian Rufiyaa. US dollars are widely accepted, especially at tourist resorts.
- ATMs: ATMs are available throughout the country, and most major credit cards are accepted.
Language:
- Dhivehi: The official language of the Maldives is Dhivehi. However, English is widely spoken, especially in tourist areas.
Climate:
- Tropical climate: The Maldives enjoys a tropical climate with warm temperatures and high humidity year-round.
- Best time to visit: The dry season, from November to April, is generally considered the best time to visit, with sunny weather and fewer crowds.
Transportation:
- Domestic flights and speedboats: Domestic flights via seaplane and speedboats are the main modes of transportation between islands which is an exciting way to start your adventure taking on the breathtaking views on route to your resort!
- Water taxis: Water taxis are available for short distances between islands.
Alcohol and dress code:
- Alcohol restrictions: Alcohol consumption is generally restricted to licensed tourist resorts and bars. Public consumption of alcohol is prohibited.
- Modest attire: While the Maldives is a relatively relaxed country, it's generally considered respectful to dress modestly in public areas, especially when visiting religious sites or local communities.
Frequently Asked Questions
The Maldives sits on either side of the equator, which means it's blessed with consistently warm weather. However, the best time to visit the Maldives for a holiday is during the dry season, which typically runs from November to April. This period offers sunny weather, clear skies, and calm seas, making it perfect for beach activities, water sports, and exploring the stunning marine life by snorkelling or diving. However, it's worth noting that the Maldives is a year-round destination, and even during the monsoon season (May to October), you can still enjoy pleasant weather between occasional rain showers.
There are over 1200 islands that collectively make up the Maldives. Choosing your island destination for a Maldives holiday will largely depend on your preferences and interests. However, popular locations that we recommend include:
Malé: The capital city of the Maldives is a bustling hub of culture, history, and vibrant markets. Explore the Grand Friday Mosque that presides over the landscape, meander around the narrow streets that thread between high rises, and immerse yourself in the local way of life. The underwater riches of the shoreline also lure scuba enthusiasts from across the world.
Kaafu Atoll: This atoll is home to the famous North Malé Atoll, where you'll find a wide range of luxury resorts, pristine beaches, and thrilling diving and snorkelling opportunities. Private boat charters will take you whale watching, and relaxing spa experiences offered by many of the hotels in the atoll will help you unwind after an active day at sea.
Baa Atoll: A UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, Baa Atoll is known for its rich biodiversity and stunning marine life. It's a perfect destination for nature lovers and those interested in sustainable tourism. Hosting the world's largest natural manta ray feeding station, this place is unique and wonderfully preserved.
It's always important to stay informed about the latest travel advice when planning a holiday in the Maldives. Entry requirements may change with little warning, so monitoring local advice is essential. You must have the necessary travel documents, such as a valid passport, and all tourists will be granted a 30-day visa upon arrival.
The Maldives is a dream holiday destination. Its stilted over-water cabins are an iconic scene. The waters are impeccably clear, and the weather is perfect. If you paint a picture of paradise, it would look a little like the Maldives. But beyond its blissful good looks, there's a fascinating history and a rich culture to discover – here are three reasons to visit the Maldives:
The country's geology is unique: The whole country is made up of 26 coral atolls formed after the eruption of ancient underwater volcanoes.
You can swim with the biggest fish in the sea: The Whale Shark can grow up to 20ft long. Despite their size, they pose no danger to humans and live off a healthy diet of plankton.
It's a new tourist destination: Although the Maldives has existed for thousands of years, its emergence as a tourist hotspot is recent. Only in the 1970s did the first resorts begin to open up, transforming it into a sought-after destination. Before that, it remained a hidden gem known primarily to adventurous divers and surfers.
Maldives is a treasure trove of tourist attractions, offering exotic islands, pristine white beaches, magnificent reefs, and captivating museums. With its peaceful islands, luxurious resorts, and awe-inspiring underwater world, every visit to the Maldives is an alluring experience.
Head to the city: Start your Maldives exploration in the charming capital, Malé. With its ancient mosque, vibrant buildings, and breathtaking turquoise waters, Malé is a must-visit tropical hot spot. Discover the city's rich heritage, stroll through bustling markets, and immerse yourself in Maldivian history. Don't miss the iconic Grand Friday Mosque, National Museum and Rasrani Bageecha, and indulge in delectable seafood and find unique souvenirs at Majeedhee Magu.
Take a trip to the Artificial Beach: Don't be fooled by its name. Artificial Beach in Malé is a striking man-made paradise that attracts beach lovers and food enthusiasts alike. With lounging areas, barbeques, and cosy cafes, it offers a delightful experience for culinary delights. Adventure enthusiasts can enjoy thrilling water activities, while others can take leisurely walks and admire the breathtaking sunset.
Admire a glowing beach: Vaadhoo Island in the Maldives is a mesmerising destination where the waters come alive with a magical glow at night. Its unique phenomenon of bioluminescent plankton attracts millions of tourists every year – and to no surprise, it's a must-see sight. Take a stroll on the glowing beach, immerse yourself in the ethereal blue waters, and soak up the peaceful ambience.
Celebrate your love in the romantic settings of the Maldives with honeymoon packages that offer secluded villas, candlelit dinners, and spa treatments. Or, for a thrill-seeking adventure, engage in packages built around water sports activities like surfing, jet skiing, kayaking, and parasailing. Whatever you desire from your Maldives getaway with Qatar Airways Holidays, we are here to make it happen.
Yes. You will earn Avios for your entire Flight+Hotel holiday package in addition to Avios you earn from the airline direct with Qatar Airways.