Where powdery sands meets the endless sapphire ocean, hundreds of thousands of tourists feel inspired to visit the Maldives every year. This archipelago promises an escape to a world of serene, unspoiled beauty for the whole family.
Planning a trip to the Maldives can be straightforward, provided that you follow a precise, phased approach. It’s worth taking time to break down the process into detailed steps, moving beyond vague ideas to give you a clear plan for your tropical getaway.
Before browsing potential resorts, you must establish two non-negotiable foundations: your financial ceiling and your travel dates.
Accept your reality: the Maldives is a premium destination. You should try to assign a single maximum spend figure (for example, £5,000 for the whole trip). This decision will narrow your options and determine whether you choose a luxury private-island resort or an economical guesthouse.
The dry season (November to April) guarantees the best weather but demands the highest prices. The wet season (May to October) is markedly cheaper but carries a higher risk of rain. Work out your priority: paying more for better weather, or saving money and accepting the possibility of showers.
The Maldives is defined by its islands. Your choice here is the most significant factor shaping your experience.
This represents the quintessential idea of the classic and exclusive Maldives holidays. Accommodation, dining, and activities are typically booked as a complete package.
Planning Your Maldives Getaway
Phase 1: Establishing budget and travel time
Before browsing potential resorts, you must establish two non-negotiable foundations: your financial ceiling and your travel dates.
The budget
Accept your reality: the Maldives is a premium destination. You should try to assign a single maximum spend figure (for example, £5,000 for the whole trip). This decision will narrow your options and determine whether you choose a luxury private-island resort or an economical guesthouse.
The timings
The dry season (November to April) guarantees the best weather but demands the highest prices. The wet season (May to October) is markedly cheaper but carries a higher risk of rain. Work out your priority: paying more for better weather, or saving money and accepting the possibility of showers.
Phase 2: Selecting your accommodation
The Maldives is defined by its islands. Your choice here is the most significant factor shaping your experience.
Option A: The private resort
This represents the quintessential idea of the classic and exclusive Maldives holidays. Accommodation, dining, and activities are typically booked as a complete package.
Evaluate resorts based strictly on your budget. Look for specific packages and choose carefully. The presence of a ‘house reef’ is great for complimentary snorkelling, while a private boat transfer could enhance the experience.
Islands such as Maafushi provide access to guesthouses. This is cheaper and more culturally authentic, though it’s worth knowing that specific local laws and cultural differences apply. Wearing modest clothing is an important part of staying safe in the Maldives.
This stage involves booking two separate but essential parts of your travel.
Book a return flight into Velana International Airport (MLE), the main hub near Malé. Direct flight options are often available from the UK.
The journey from MLE to your chosen island must be confirmed before your arrival. This transfer cost is usually separate from the room rate unless you book an inclusive package.
Option B: The local island
Islands such as Maafushi provide access to guesthouses. This is cheaper and more culturally authentic, though it’s worth knowing that specific local laws and cultural differences apply. Wearing modest clothing is an important part of staying safe in the Maldives.
Phase 3: Flights and transfers
This stage involves booking two separate but essential parts of your travel.
Air travel
Book a return flight into Velana International Airport (MLE), the main hub near Malé. Direct flight options are often available from the UK.
Onward transfer
The journey from MLE to your chosen island must be confirmed before your arrival. This transfer cost is usually separate from the room rate unless you book an inclusive package.
Why not ask your resort to organise the transfer? A speedboat is normally used for islands close to the airport. For more remote islands, you’ll need a seaplane or a domestic flight followed by a boat ride.
Decide your food plan to help you plan your budget. Understanding the jargon is key to managing food costs:
Finally, try to pack light and focus on breathable clothing. The two critical items are a high-factor sunscreen and a quality underwater camera or phone case. Since the weather will be predictably warm and sunny, your wardrobe requirements are simple: swimwear, light cover-ups, and something smart-casual for evening dining.
Phase 4: Board plan
Decide your food plan to help you plan your budget. Understanding the jargon is key to managing food costs:
- Bed & breakfast: Breakfast only. You pay for other meals separately.
- Half board: Breakfast and dinner included.
- Full board: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner package, excluding drinks.
- All-inclusive: All meals and most beverages (including alcohol) are covered. Given the high price of alcohol in Maldivian resorts, going all-inclusive usually offers the best value if you drink and if you plan on enjoying more than one or two drinks a day.
Phase 5: Packing
Finally, try to pack light and focus on breathable clothing. The two critical items are a high-factor sunscreen and a quality underwater camera or phone case. Since the weather will be predictably warm and sunny, your wardrobe requirements are simple: swimwear, light cover-ups, and something smart-casual for evening dining.
