Maldives Holidays

Floating in the Indian Ocean, the Maldives are the cream of the crop when it comes to secluded beach holidays. The waters are their own brand of blue, the sands are blindingly white, and rows of palm trees stand to attention along the shoreline. What’s more, if you count each island individually, you’ve got almost 2,000 reasons to visit. Some are such small specks that they're inhabited by a single hotel – meaning the ultimate peace and quiet – and lots are ringed by colourful house reefs.

Each of the 26 atolls in the Maldives has its own unique selling point. Some of these ring-shaped reefs are known for their aquarium-like diving conditions, while others focus on luxury hotel digs. The North and South Ari Atolls offer easy access to the Maldivian capital, Malé, and the islands in the Ari Atoll have a reputation for their world-class scuba sites. The more northern atolls, like Lhaviyani and Raa, are known as the least-chartered, and the atolls in the south are becoming the focus of cutting-edge hotel designers.

For honeymooners, nothing compares to the Maldives’ just-married credentials. Private islands, speedboat transfers and sea views are pretty much the norm, so you'll feel like you're getting star treatment wherever you stay. The archipelago’s trademark accommodation is stilted water villas, which come with four-poster beds and infinity views of the sea. The islands’ restaurants, meanwhile, have turned romantic dinners into an art form. And with because everything's spread between so many pin-drop islands, you won't clap eyes on a crowd anywhere.

Paradise-ready properties are the Maldives' main forte, thanks to stilted villas and hotels on private streaks of land. A couple of standout properties are the Hard Rock Hotel Maldives, which has a pool that plays underwater music, and the ROBINSON Club Maldives, which offers gourmet dinners for two* on the beach. All Inclusive breaks are a big hit, too – hotels like the Riu Atoll line up a big roster of bars and restaurants on a private island.