8 Hotels and Resorts in Maldives
Find your hotels in Maldives with Minor Hotels
Sandbanks surrounded by turquoise seas. Palm fringed beaches and rainbow hued coral reefs. Sunset sails aboard a dhoni, a pod of dolphins playing in its wake. The Maldives is an archipelago of 1,190 islands in the Indian Ocean, known for its iconic atolls and diverse marine life.
Our hotels and resorts in the Maldives offer the beachfront and over-water villas, exquisite rooms, and private island escapes. Snorkel the house reef, take a boat to the Baa Atoll UNESCO Biosphere Reserve to see manta rays, whale sharks, moray eels, and dolphins. Kids’ clubs, water sports and island activities keep the little ones entertained. While spa journeys, stargazing, and romantic sunset cruises delight.
Fly over the atolls as you arrive at one of the Maldives international airports. To get to your resort, catch a speedboat, wheeled plane or seaplane for the final transfer. Getting around in the Maldives is usually done by boat or speedboat. The local currency is Maldivian rufiyaa; most hotels and resorts use United States dollars.
The archipelago’s climate is perfectly balmy, with stable temperatures of 25-31°C all year. Peak season for the Maldives is from December to April, when the water is clearest. The monsoon season lasts from late May to November, but this is also the best time to see manta rays.
Maldivian cuisine centres around the three main elements of seafood, coconut, and starch. Ancient trade routes connecting through the Maldives brought with it the spices of the Arab world, India, Sri Lanka, and Malaysia. Seafood, rice, and coconut-infused recipes make up a traditional meal. The rich umami of smoked tuna is the star of dishes like Mas Huni and Masroshi. The tangy Boshi Mashuni, is a salad of banana flowers, young coconut, lime, chilli and spices. Hotel and resort restaurants in the Maldives often showcase the tastiest local dishes.
Scattered across 26 atolls, the biggest draw to the Maldives is the natural wonder below the waves. The Baa Atoll UNESCO Biosphere Reserve is home to 250 species of coral and over 1,200 species of fish, including the endangered green and hawksbill turtles, Napoleon wrasses and tawny nurse sharks. The Baa Atoll’s Hanifaru Bay has some of the largest gatherings of manta rays and whale sharks, who flock to the tiny bay to feed on plankton.
Underwater adventurers can dive with tiger and thresher sharks at the Fuvahmulah Atoll. The South Ari Atoll is often home to whitetip reef sharks, the colourful nudibranchs, and rare giant frogfish. Dogtooth tuna, hammerhead and grey reef sharks frequent the Felidhoo Atoll. Nocturnal dives reveal the after-dark magic of the reefs.
Fill your days with beach time and water sports. Leisurely glide across the crystal-clear waters on kayaks, stand-up paddleboards. Charter a boat for overnight diving and snorkelling itineraries to wrecks, reefs, and drop-offs. May through to October is the Maldivian surf season, with the biggest waves from June to September. You can find the best surf on the eastern and southern edge of most atolls.
Get a taste of life on a nearby inhabited island with a day trip full of cultural insights. Shop for expertly handcrafted wood carvings, lacquer ware, brightly woven mats, and the Maldivian sarongs, called ‘mundu’ or ‘feyli’. Be carried away by the infectious beat of a Boduberu performance on the sands.
A Muslim country, beyond the hotels and resorts in the Maldives, the culture remains conservative. Alcohol is prohibited for locals and can’t be bought anywhere outside of hotels.
Anantara Kihavah Maldives Villas
P.O. Box 2098, Kihavah Huravalhi Island, Baa Atoll P.O. Box 2098, Kihavah Huravalhi Island, Baa AtollAvani+ Fares Maldives Resort
Avani+ Fares Maldives Resort, Fares Island, Baa Atoll Avani+ Fares Maldives Resort, Fares Island, Baa AtollNiyama Private Islands Maldives
Dhaalu Atoll PO Box 2002 Republic of Maldives Dhaalu Atoll PO Box 2002 Republic of MaldivesNH Collection Maldives Havodda Resort
P.O. Box 2110, Gaafu Dhaalu Atoll P.O. Box 2110, Gaafu Dhaalu AtollAnantara Dhigu Maldives Resort
P.O. Box 2098, Dhigufinolhu, South Male Atoll, Male P.O. Box 2098, Dhigufinolhu, South Male Atoll, MaleAnantara Veli Maldives Resort
P.O. Box 2098, Boduhuraa, South Male Atoll, Male P.O. Box 2098, Boduhuraa, South Male Atoll, MaleNaladhu Private Island Maldives
P.O. Box 2098, Veligandu Huraa, South Male Atoll, Republic of Maldives P.O. Box 2098, Veligandu Huraa, South Male Atoll, Republic of MaldivesWhat is the Maldives best known for?
The jewel of the Indian Ocean, the Maldives consists of 1,190 coral islands across twenty-seven atolls. The islands are ringed in white sand beaches, and the turquoise seas are brimming with marine life – perfect for diving and snorkelling enthusiasts.
What is the currency in the Maldives?
The Maldivian rufiyaa is the local currency of the Maldives. However, many tourist areas and most hotels and resorts use US dollars for their prices and rates. When paying for things, credit and debit cards are accepted, on local islands having cash on-hand is necessary.
What is the most common weather in the Maldives?
The Maldives’ balmy climate sees temperatures stay within 25-31°C year-round, dropping a few degrees at night. There are distinct wet and dry seasons. Peak season for the Maldives is between December and April when the climate is drier, less windy, and the weather is hotter. While the rainy season lasts from late May to November. September is usually the wettest month of the year.
How can you travel to the Maldives?
Fly into the Maldives at one of its international airports. Between islands and atolls, the main mode of transportation is by boat, wheeled plane, or seaplane.
Where to go in the Maldives for first timers?
Other than your resort’s sandy beach, wealth of facilities, and tropical surroundings, head below the waves. The Baa Atoll, home to a globally significant biodiversity, is a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve. You can spot dolphins, whale sharks, manta rays, and sea turtles. Snorkelling and diving coral reefs and shipwrecks are some other unmissable Maldivian experiences.
What are the main attractions to visit in the Maldives?
Sunbathing, endless ocean views from your sunset cruise, overwater villas, the freshest of seafood. Experience local culture by visiting a nearby inhabited island. Go deep sea game fishing, or simply immerse yourself into the slow pace of island life.
What is the Maldives’ traditional food?
Maldivian cuisine has been influenced by India, Sri Lankan, and eastern Asian flavours. Garudhiya is a fragrant fish broth, a staple eaten with rice or roshi (Maldivian flat bread). Kukulhu Riha is a curry made from shredded chicken, coconut milk, and a blend of spices. For something sweet, Aluvi Boakibaa is a sweet cassava and coconut cake. Traditional kalhu sai (black tea) and kiru sai (milk tea) are sipped alongside sweet or salty snacks.
What are major celebrations in the Maldives?
Eid Ul Adha is celebrated on the 10th day of Thul Hijjah, according to the Muslim calendar. Kuda Eid, a three-day celebration, marks the end of Ramadan. They also celebrate their Independence Day (July 26).
What type of accommodation does Minor Hotels offer in the Maldives?
Experience the natural wonder of the Maldives with Minor Hotels. Take your pick of our private island resorts, where beach and over-water accommodation awaits. Delectable dining options, diving and snorkelling, and spa treatments fill your day. Plan an intimate getaway or an unforgettable family holiday for all ages.