Best Maldives resorts, guesthouses and travel info

Maldives resorts and guesthouses are probably the most perfect places to unwind – between the stunning water and the gorgeous beaches it’s not hard to see why this destination and a stay at one of the hotels in the Maldives are on most people’s bucket lists. This guide includes some reviews of where to stay in the Maldives, along with a fact file with all the travel info you might need, from visas and money, to the weather and some cultural background too!

Hotels in the Maldives

The Residence Maldives at Falhumaafushi

The Residence Maldives at Falhumaafushi is set in the remote Gaafu Alifu Atoll – one of the largest and deepest in the Maldives. Reached by a scenic domestic flight and a short speedboat ride, the vibe here is rustic-luxe. Villas, whether on the beach or set over water, are built with natural materials that blend into their surroundings.

Enjoy barefoot walks along palm-fringed beaches, or slide straight into the lagoon from your deck. The house reef is a highlight – turtles, reef sharks and technicolour fish are often spotted just metres from shore.

There’s no shortage of ways to fill the days. Families can take advantage of the kids’ club and a long list of water activities, while divers will appreciate the PADI 5-star centre, perfectly placed for exploring Gaafu Alifu’s thriving marine life. For downtime, the Spa by Clarins is perched above the lagoon, offering uninterrupted ocean views alongside its menu of treatments. Dining spans from relaxed poolside meals to refined seafood at The Falhumaa, a restaurant at the end of a jetty with nothing but the Indian Ocean beyond.

One of the resort’s unique features is its connection by bridge to sister property The Residence Maldives at Dhigurah. Together, the two islands form one of the largest resort offerings in the country, with guests free to move between them. It’s a rare opportunity to experience two islands in one stay – Falhumaafushi’s intimate castaway feel, and Dhigurah’s more expansive setup, well suited to families and groups.

+960 682 0088 | cenizaro.com/theresidence/maldives-fm

The Residence Maldives at Dhigurah

Just across a kilometre-long wooden bridge from Falhumaafushi, Dhigurah is the bigger, livelier counterpart in The Residence Maldives’ twin-island setup. Stretching for two kilometres and shaded by more than 2,500 coconut palms, the island offers a generous mix of barefoot adventure and family downtime – all framed by the turquoise calm of the Gaafu Alifu Atoll.

Every villa here comes with its own pool, as well as sunrise or sunset views. The atmosphere is relaxed yet refined, with thoughtful Maldivian touches in the design and a sense of space that makes it easy to unwind.

Food and drink are fully all-inclusive, covering both islands. On Dhigurah alone, there are five restaurants and three bars – from Mediterranean plates at Café del Sol to Cantonese classics at Li Bai, plus sundowners at the Beach Club. Hop across the bridge and you’ll find even more choice, giving families access to nine dining spots in total.

Days unfold at your own pace. There’s a vast kids’ club with activities from beach games to nature walks, while adults might gravitate towards the overwater Spa by Clarins, the yoga pavilion or floating fitness sessions in the pool. The resort’s Earth Basket garden adds another layer – guests can pick fresh produce with a chef and turn it into a meal. As evening falls, a traditional Maldivian dhoni ride offers a chance to spot dolphins against the setting sun.

With 173 beach, lagoon and overwater villas, plus easy access to its sister island, there’s room for everyone to find their own rhythm – whether that’s kids discovering hermit crabs on the beach, or parents taking a quiet cycle ride across the bridge.

Special offer: Get up to 40 percent off when you book more than 31 days ahead (30% if within 30 days). Choose B&B, half board or all-inclusive and roam nine restaurants and bars across two resorts, with reefs, water sports, island excursions and kids’ activities on your doorstep.

+960 682 0089 | cenizaro.com/theresidence/maldives-dg

Maldives Travel Tips

The Basics

Population: 518,000
Capital: Malé
Religion: Sunni Muslim
Emergency number: 102

Some trivia on the Maldives

• The Maldives is the lowest country in the world, averaging 1.5 metres above sea level. The highest point stands at 2.3 metres.
• The Maldives is a Muslim country and as such you can’t bring alcohol into the country or consume alcohol outside resort hotels.
• It’s the smallest nation in Asia.
• In 2009, Maldives held an underwater cabinet meeting to raise awareness on climate change.
• The Maldives is creating the largest marine reserve in the world.

Key dates

• Ramadan (dates vary from year to year). All Maldivians mark the month of Ramadan, but service at the resorts should remain uninterrupted.
• 26 July: Independence Day. Commemorating the Maldives’ independence from the British protectorate in 1965.
• 11 November: Republic Day. This is a day that wishes peace and prosperity for its islands inhabitants. Expect parades with an Arabian influence.

Where to go in the Maldives

The Maldives is less about choosing a destination and more about choosing a luxury resort! Malé has a bit more going for it than many people think, and it at least gives a taste of Maldivian “street” culture, plus mosques, markets and more. There are no World Heritage Sites, though the Coral Stone Mosques located on various islands are on the “tentative” list for possible inclusion.

Some itinerary ideas: There are really only two decisions to make regarding a Maldives itinerary. Either you fly into Malé and then take a ferry to one of the resorts that are located closer to the capital, or you opt for a connecting sea-plane flight to a more far-flung atoll. If you choose the latter, it will often mean you’ll require an overnight stay in Malé itself.

Staying safe and healthy

Medical facilities are limited to two hospitals on the capital island, and neither has a trauma unit. Treatment can be expensive so make sure your travel insurance is comprehensive. You can check updated travel advice at tourism.gov.mv.

Cultural things

While you’re there, please don’t…

… go from beach to bar or restaurant in your bikini. Although the resorts are tolerant, you will be asked to cover up in areas other than the beach. And definitely don’t go topless – it’s illegal.

Before you go, read …

• Dhon Hiyala and Ali Fulhu by Abdullah Sadiq – a Maldivian Romeo and Juliet.
• The Strode Venturer by Hammond Innes – a 1965 thriller novel set partly in the Maldives.
• Maldives: Kingdom of a Thousand Isles by Andrew Forbes – history, culture, politics, economics: all are covered in considerable detail in this guide.

Before you go, watch …

The Island President – the story of the ousted President Nasheed and his fight for democracy and against climate change.

They said it

“On the milky white beaches, In the refreshing breezes at the seaside, To enjoy to your heart’s content, While admiring the beauty of nature, Diving spots, underwater gardens – the tourists crave, Water-sports and fishing trips, An unforgettable adventure, A country of seafarers, able bodied sailors, Start their life with the first rays of daylight.” – Ali Shareef from ‘Maldives – A Seafaring Country’

Important questions

Do I need a visa?

A 30-day free visa is issued on arrival for all nationalities, provided you possess a passport with at least six months’ validity, a return ticket, and enough funds to cover the expenses for the duration of your stay in the Maldives (US$100, plus $50 dollars per day or a confirmation of reservation in a tourist resort or a hotel).

What time is it in the Maldives?

The Maldives is 5 hours ahead of GMT (some islands are 6 hours ahead), 3 hours behind Singapore and 5 hours behind Sydney.

What’s the money situation?

The official currency of the Maldives is the Maldivian rufiyaa (MVR). Generally, you will not need rufiyaa as everything will be billed to your room at resorts and hotels and your bill can be settled with cash, credit cards or traveller’s cheques. Most local shops will accept US dollars; tipping is acceptable in this currency. Tipping is not compulsory as there is a service charge and a goods and service tax. ATMs do not exist outside Malé.

When’s the best time to visit?

Maldives has a tropical climate and can be visited at any time, although it does have two seasons: dry (December to April), April being the hottest month and December the coolest; and wet (May to November), when temperatures remain warm but rain and storms should be expected. May and October are the wettest months.

What’s the lingo?

Dhivehi and English. Here are some phrases of Dhivehi to get you started:

• Hello: Assalaa mu alaikum
• What is your name? Kon nameh kiyanee?
• My name is __: Aharenge namakee __
• How much? Agu kihaavareh?
• Thank you: Shukuriyaa
• Yes: Aan
• No: Noon

Last but not least

Is there anything I should know about meeting the locals?

Maldivians greet each other with a smile or the raising of eyebrows.

What’s a must-try dish?

Garudhiya, a light fish soup served with steamed rice, lemon and chillies, and mas huni, shredded smoked fish with grated coconuts and onions.

What should I buy as a souvenir?

There isn’t a huge range of souvenirs but underwater photos make for a good memory of the country’s amazing snorkelling and diving. Avoid coral products.

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