Although not all of the nearly 1200 islands in the Maldives are inhabited, there are a vast array of excellent resorts to choose from, so how do you make that crucial decision about which is the one for you? We’ve been fortunate to visit a a considerable number of the islands and can offer you our candid guidance! To get you started though, here are some initial pointers so you can narrow down the options.

1. Best time of year

Whilst the weather remains warm January – December, you can expect more rain in June – November but this time of year will herald the best prices.

If there are particular things you’d like to see, there may also be better times of year, for example manta rays can be seen in the Ari Atoll during the northeast monsoon, with the best months to see them from February to April.

If you’re keen to dive, generally you’ll find better visibility from January – April. From May the presence of plankton means this is reduced for the rest of the year.

2. How to get there

British Airways offers regular flights to the capital Male, whilst a plethora of options arise if you are happy to fly non direct eg Emirates via Dubai.

Once you arrive, you have the option of transfer by boat or plane. Sea-planes can be surprisingly noisy and hot, so may not be the best mode of transport if travelling with young children or indeed for anyone with a fear of enclosed spaces/ small aircraft. You may also have to wait longer for your departure than a speed-boat, in which case it may make more sense staying closer to the international arrival point, Male, especially if your Maldivian break is an add-on to a multi-destination trip (e.g. when combining the Maldives with Sri Lanka or Dubai).  With the advent of more airports, an internal flight and speed boat is fast becoming an option too, but this will likely take the longest of all options, due to the check in time required.

Hotels only a speed boat ride away include OBLU Nature Helengeli Island and Sun Siyam Olhuveli in the 4 star category and Anantara Dhigu and and Four Seasons Resort Maldives at Kuda Huraa rated 5 star.

3. Luxury level

When planning your trip, spend range will of course be important. There are some great 4 star options such Sun Siyam Olhuvelhi as OBLU Nature Helengeli Island and it’s good to be aware that upgrading to 5 star can often double the price. As a guide, based on a one week all-inclusive holiday in March (excluding international flights), a 4 star hotel such as OBLU costs approx £2,500 per adult sharing All Inclusive whilst a 5 star such as LUX* South Ari Atoll would cost from £4,000 on the same basis (subject to change).

Peak season for the Maldives is typically December – April, with lower rates generally available May through to October / November when the weather is more incremental (expect more wind and rain, although it is never cold!).

 4. Marine safari or surf break?

Surprisingly not all islands in the Maldives actually have an excellent reef to which you can swim from the shore or jetty. Those with notable house reefs that can be reached without a boat trip include OBLU and Hideaway Beach Resort. If your resort ticks all the other boxes, check that they offer complimentary snorkelling trips by boat, or factor in the costs of these in to your overall holiday spend. Many resorts also have on-site marine conservationists and the opportunity to help build a coral reef. Manta rays? Whale sharks? Dolphins? Turtles? We know which islands to choose to maximise your chances of seeing these. Six Senses Lamuu even have a pod of 80 – 100 that conveniently pass by the island at sunset on most days. An increasing number of islands also now offer surfing if this is a key activity for you, including Niyama and Six Senses Lamuu.

Most resorts have a dive centre and if your crew are keen to learn, you can often complete the study and even swimming pool work whilst in the UK, thus maximising your time in the Ocean once you reach the Maldives.

5. On-island facilities

Which amenities are important to you? Are you hoping to experience complete relaxation, in which case an great Spa would be essential, or is an extensive fitness centre a must as you like to keep fit or are training for an event?

Not all islands have tennis courts, so do ask if this is important for you too. Some resorts also don’t offer motorised water sports, so as to protect the reef around the island, so if water-skiing is key for you, we can suggest islands that offer this.

6. Villa Type

The big choice for many can be whether to stay on the beach or over water! Staying in a villa on stilts is often synonymous with a Maldivian holiday, but your outside space may be limited and your privacy provided by wooden slats rather than tropical planting. If you’re staying for over a week, why not experience both, perhaps 5 nights in each?!

Typically water villas are more expensive, but not always when beach space is at a premium, for example Constance Halavelhi and Moofushi.

7. Dining

Especially if you are staying for an extended period, you may want to consider the number of dining options available. Some islands, especially those which operate on a purely All Inclusive Basis such as OBLU Nature offer all meals in one venue, with the option to dine at a second once a week or so for a supplement. If you are seeking All Inclusive but would like a dining choice, you can upgrade to this board level at LUX* South Ari Atoll for example and still enjoy a wide choice of cuisine and venues.
We do recommend booking on a Half Board plus level.

Do also let us know if you have any specific dietary requests. An increasing number of resorts are offering vegetarian / vegan restaurants not just options for example.

8. Quiet or Vibey?

On some islands, you’ll find most guests tucked up by 10:00 pm, but on others evening entertainment might continue into the night led by a guest DJ. Do think about what your preference is, a quieter island, or something a little more lively like Cora Cora, especially if you’re travelling with older teens and young adults.

If you do decide to go with an island offering more entertainment, do remember this could also mean a more lively atmosphere in the day in main areas like the pool, so you might like to book a quieter villa.

9. Island chic

What floats your boat in terms of style and design? There are an increasing number of resorts such as Cora Cora that have a more fresh, clean line feel that the more traditional style options with thatched roof like Soneva Fushi.

This can also extend to policies such as shoes or no shoes at dinner, so it’s worth also considering what you’re seeking in terms of dress codes, although jackets and ties are not required in any resorts so these can be left at home!

10. Family Time

If you are travelling with children, you’ll need to think about an array of subjects such as whether you’re happy for them to share your room. Many of the Resorts only allow 1 extra bed, especially in their most affordable room types, but some will allow two (such as JA Manafaru in their water villas). However if you are staying for a longer period, you may prefer to have them accommodated in a separate room. Many of the Resorts have Family Suite options with a separate sitting room with sofa bed (and extra bed can also be supplied for individual bedding) such as Niyama, Soneva Fushi and Hideaway. Most islands have 2 bedroom villas but this will add to the cost, often costing over the price of 2 x rooms due to the additional space and luxury offered by communal areas.

Water villas usually come with an age limit but this can vary. We would recommend booking over water accommodation once you are confident in your child’s sea swimming abilities.

Many islands have impressive children’s clubs but will have variable age limits that you may like to clarify if this facility is important to you. Niyama is particularly renowned for its staff whilst the kids club at Soneva Fushi includes its own dress up / lego rooms alongside a pirate ship! We loved the ‘behind the scenes tour’ at JA Manafaru where kids also get the chance to make a mocktail with the bartender, a pizza with the chef and hand out clean uniform from the laundry!

Oh and did we mention the choice of 82 ice cream flavours at Six Senses Lamuu or the chocolate tasting room at Soneva Fushi where you can indulge in your Willi Wonka-style fantasy?!

About the author

Abi Shaw - Bushbaby founder and avid explorer!