Our 2025–26 Guide to Luxury Holidays in the Maldives
Before you choose your over-water villa or sunset suite, it helps to understand how The Maldives fit together, the atolls, islands and private island resorts that make up this Indian ocean chain. Our guide explains the geography, resort names, logistics and practicalities you need to know when planning your luxury holiday in the Maldives.
As we start to plan for our fifth luxury holiday in the Maldives we’ve put together much of what we have learned over years of planning and visiting this Paradise, so let’s get started with the basics.
Where are the Maldives?
The Maldives chain of atolls and islands sits in the Indian ocean south west of India. the nearest country is Sri Lanka, while the luxury holiday destination of the Seychelles lies about 1,400 miles towards Africa. It is about a ten-hour direct flight from London to the Maldivian capital in Malé.
What can you expect from a Maldives Holiday?
Sun, sand, sea and snorkelling on small private island resorts. Expect white sand and turquoise sea with plenty of sea life either on your house reef or a short boat ride away. The level of amenities (restaurants, bars, shops, sports) depends on the size and style of the resort, from small no news no shoes islands to larger lux-style properties where the scene is livelier.
What Is an Atoll and How Maldivian Islands Work
The Maldives is made up of around 1,200 coral islands grouped into 20 administrative atolls. These atolls are natural ring-shaped coral reef formations that once surrounded ancient volcanic islands which sank below the sea. Over time the coral built up, forming outer reefs, sheltered lagoons, and islands at the centre or on the rim of the reef.
Each atoll contains dozens of islands, some inhabited by local communities, others operated entirely as private island resorts. Most resorts occupy their own island, so when you see a resort’s name you are looking at one island within one atoll.
On a map the Maldives can look chaotic and tiny — a scatter of turquoise rings and white dots in the Indian Ocean — but there is a simple pattern to remember: outer reef, lagoon, island. Once you see it from the air it will make sense.
How Resort Names Work in the Maldives
Resort names usually follow the pattern Brand + Island Name. The island name is unique and refers to the specific island you stay on.
For example:
Constance Halaveli – “Halaveli” is the island in North Ari Atoll.
Constance Moofushi – “Moofushi” is the island in South Ari Atoll.
Finolhu – the island in Baa Atoll.
Sun Siyam Iru Fushi – the island in Noonu Atoll.
Because many brands operate multiple properties, the island name is the key to knowing where you are and which atoll you will experience.
Click Here for our 2025 review of Constance Halaveli
North vs South Atolls for Luxury Travellers
Each atoll has its own geography, mood, and marine life. We have focused on four atolls and resorts we have visited to give you a base for further research.
Noonu Atoll: Sun Siyam Iru Fushi
Located towards the northern edge of the Maldives chain, Noonu Atoll feels a little more remote, quieter, and less trafficked. Sun Siyam Iru Fushi sits in a vast turquoise lagoon with excellent snorkelling and dolphin spotting. Being away from the proximity of Malé means less boat traffic and a greater sense of tranquillity. It is still only a 45-minute seaplane transfer from Velana International Airport. https://www.sunsiyam.com/sun-siyam-iru-fushi/
Baa Atoll: Finolhu Maldives
Baa Atoll is a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, home to rich marine life including manta rays and whale sharks. It lies northwest of Malé, but south of Sun Siyam Iru Fushi. Finolhu is a mid-sized resort with a long, slender sandbank that can feel like two islands in one. Expect several restaurants and an emphasis on wildlife and reef-friendly activities. Finolhu.com
North Ari Atoll: Constance Halaveli
North Ari Atoll lies southwest of Malé, offering a shorter seaplane transfer while still feeling quiet, almost at the western edge of the archipelago. Constance Halaveli sits on a teardrop of sand with over-water villas stretching into clear water. It is one of the best all-round choices for a luxury holiday in the Maldives. https://www.constancehotels.com/
South Ari Atoll: Constance Moofushi
South Ari sits further south and is slightly more relaxed in mood than its sister island. Constance Moofushi is a “no shoes no news” style resort and the smallest of the four we have stayed at, generally adults-oriented, with one main restaurant and plenty of sea life to discover, including access to whale shark excursions in season
https://www.constancehotels.com/
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Getting There: Velana International Airport (MLE), Seaplane Transfers and Timing
For travellers from the UK, the main point of arrival is Velana International Airport (MLE), on Hulhulé Island near Malé. Direct flights operate from London Heathrow. If not flying direct, most travellers connect via Dubai, Doha, or Singapore into Malé. There are about five international airports in the Maldives, but luxury resort guests almost always arrive and transfer from Velana.
Resort Transfers and Getting Around the Maldives
There are two options for reaching your island: seaplane or speedboat. Distance from Malé usually determines which is used, and many luxury holiday packages include the transfer.
Trans Maldivian Airways (TMA) and the Barefoot Pilots
The distinct red and white sea planes of the TMA are as much a part of the Maldives scenery as some of the resorts. Opoerating from a seperate sea plane base at Velana airport, these Twin Otter planes will fly during daylight hours all over the Maldives.
Sea Plane transfers are normal part of every day life in the Maldives. Once you are collected by your resort rep they are in charge. You don’t need to worry about where you are going or if you will catch the [right] flight on time! Here are ten things that we have learned from our previous holidays.
10 Things to Know About Seaplane Transfers in the Maldives
The seaplane terminal is separate from the main international terminal. On arrival your resort representative will collect you and take you to the seaplane check-in.
Luggage weight allowance is around 20 kg, which is less than many international tickets. Excess is payable at check-in. All major Credit Cards (including American Express) are accepted.
On busy days or during bad weather your hold luggage may follow on a later flight. Pack your first-afternoon resort wear in your carry-on.
With boarding pass in hand, you will be driven to the seaplane terminal. Depending on your departure time and resort, you will wait in a shared lounge or your resort lounge. There are toilets in the sea plane terminal so you will be able to freshen up.
You will be called when your flight is ready and directed to the correct aircraft. Larger carry-ons are loaded in the rear of the cabin.
A typical seaplane transfer may land at more than one resort, which is a nice way to preview other islands.
Twin Otter cabins are three seats wide, so you are never far from a window. Flights are low altitude with plenty of photo opportunities.
On arrival you collect your hand luggage while the crew unloads hold bags. Resort staff handle the rest and your luggage will reappear at your villa.
Pilots are often barefoot, hence the name ‘barefoot pilots’, wearing shirts and shorts, because most landings are on water rather than tarmac.
Seaplanes operate in daylight hours, so morning arrivals into Malé are helpful. For late-evening international departures, you may return earlier and wait in a lounge.
Local Cultures, Resort Rules
While the Maldives is a Muslim country and local-island rules apply (modest dress, no alcohol on local islands), resort islands operate under a separate licence. That means in your resort you can enjoy wine, cocktails, and Western-style hospitality with full freedom.
Staying on a resort island means you are in a world unto itself. A day visit to a local island, however, will give you a glimpse of authentic Maldivian life – fishing, crafts, small community and culture.
Practical Notes for First-Time Luxury Travellers to the Maldives
Best Time to Visit: December to April is the dry season with calm seas and clear skies. May to November has more rain and variable sea conditions but is still rewarding.
Book All-Inclusive: Many of the best private island resorts are all-inclusive. As you are effectively captive on the island, inclusive dining and drinks make sense.
Don’t Forget Your IMUGA: The Maldives traveller declaration must be submitted within 96 hours before arrival. It is a simple form and easier to complete before you land. Whilst you can fill it in whilst in the queue at arrivals, it makes for an unnecessarily stressful start to the holiday. Trust Me! (https://imuga.immigration.gov.mv/)
Collect Maldives Border Miles: A free frequent-visitor scheme that lets you collect points each trip. (https://www.bordermiles.mv/)
Mobile Signals and Wi-Fi: Resorts have good Wi-Fi, but you may want a small amount of mobile data during transfers. Most UK networks exclude Maldives roaming, so an eSIM for a few days can be useful.
Electricity and Plugs: Many resorts use UK-style three-pin plugs. Check if your device requires an adapter.
Time Zones: Some resorts adopt “island time,” sometimes one hour ahead of Malé, to make the most of daylight. This can also help with connections on departure day. I buy three days of an Holafly e[sim (affilate link) which I switch on when I land, until I arrive on resort then again for the return trip. I don’t need data in the resort.
Currency: The Maldivian Rufiyaa (MVR) is official, though USD and major cards are accepted at the airport and luxury resorts. We have never needed to convert any cash.
Language: Dhivehi is the local language, but English is standard across resort services.
Dress Code: Smart-casual works in public spaces. Beachwear is fine on the sand and at your villa. Check your resort for more details.
Marine Consciousness: Many luxury resorts emphasise sustainability, reef protection, reduced single-use plastics, and responsible snorkelling.
Booking the Transfer: Ensure your resort transfer from the airport is included or clearly described, for example seaplane versus speedboat, since this is often part of the luxury premium.
How to Book Your Luxury Maldives Holiday
We have often booked through British Airways. They handle the resort booking, international flights, and the TMA seaplane connection, which reduces the risk of missed connections. Virgin Atlantic offers similar packages. A specialist luxury travel agent, such as Audley Travel, can also coordinate everything. Booking direct with the resort is possible if you prefer managing the moving parts yourself.
The Magic of the Atolls
Once you have flown into Malé, crossed shimmering reef rings by seaplane, and landed on your private island, you begin to see how each atoll tells its own story. From the designer simplicity of Constance Halaveli to the surfing-friendly sandbanks of Finolhu, from the lagoon life of Constance Moofushi to the remote expanse of Sun Siyam Iru Fushi, the Maldives is less a single destination and more a collection of singular island stories.
Understanding how the geography and logistics of the atolls work gives you a stronger frame for choosing not just a resort, but the right resort for your luxury escape.
Maldives Luxury Travel FAQ
What Is the Best Time to Visit the Maldives for Luxury Travel?
December to April is the classic dry season with calm seas and sunshine.
How Long Is the Flight from London to Malé (MLE)?
Around ten hours non-stop, longer with a one-stop via Dubai or Doha.
Do Maldives Resorts Include Seaplane Transfers?
Many luxury packages include them, but always check whether seaplane or speedboat is specified.
What Is the Difference Between North Ari and South Ari Atolls?
North Ari is a classic all-rounder with easy reef access and polished resorts such as Constance Halaveli. South Ari feels a touch softer and is known for whale shark excursions, with barefoot-chic options like Constance Moofushi.
Is the Maldives in the Indian Ocean or the Laccadive Sea?
The Maldives is in the Indian Ocean, with its north-eastern fringes meeting the Lakshadweep (Laccadive) Sea.