Travel and stay in the Maldives
Turquoise lagoons, overwater villas and coral reefs
Fancy setting your bags down in an absolute tropical paradise, between crystal-blue lagoons, villas suspended over the water, multicoloured coral reefs and refined luxury at every moment?
The Maldives are one of the most coveted dream destinations in the world — and for good reason. This Indian Ocean archipelago, made up of 1,192 islands spread across 26 atolls, offers landscapes of unreal beauty: immaculate white-sand beaches encircled by a transparent turquoise lagoon, overwater villas whose terrace looks straight down onto the water, and an underwater world of exceptional richness. Just a few metres below the surface, pristine coral reefs, whale sharks, manta rays, turtles and schools of multicoloured fish inhabit some of the clearest waters on the planet.
The best time to stay in the Maldives runs from November to April, during the north-east monsoon: blue skies, calm seas, perfect underwater visibility and generous sunshine. With each resort occupying its own private island, the Maldives offer privacy and exclusivity that few destinations in the world can match, from a beach bungalow to a presidential villa with an infinity pool over the Indian Ocean.
Voyages Flammang will help you design a tailor-made stay in the Maldives, from choosing the ideal resort to suit your wishes and budget to the complete organisation of your trip, from Luxembourg.
Why go to the Maldives?
Perfect turquoise lagoons, overwater villas above the Indian Ocean, diving with whale sharks and manta rays, blazing sunsets: the Maldives are the very definition of a tropical paradise, a dream within reach from Luxembourg.
Discover our best offers for stays in the Maldives
Ready to live the Maldives experience — lagoons, overwater villas and diving?
We have selected for you our most sought-after stays and resorts in the Maldives, designed to suit every desire: an overwater villa for a honeymoon, a family resort with water activities, a diving holiday on the best spots in the archipelago, or a Maldives–Sri Lanka combo.
Whether you are looking for a romantic getaway in a private villa, an unforgettable honeymoon, a family holiday in a luxury resort or a week of intensive diving, each stay can be fully customized to your dates, your budget and the desired level of comfort.
Choose your package, and we will create for you a tailor-made Maldives getaway, turnkey.
£4,113
price per person
Constance Moofushi Maldives Hotel
- A high-end All-Inclusive package
- Direct access to exceptional reefs
- The perfect balance between luxury and simplicity
€2,577
price per person
LUX* South Ari Atoll
- Dream villas on the lagoon’s edge or on stilts
- A varied cuisine to suit every taste
- Unique experiences between land and sea
£3,704 title: description:
price per person
Cora Cora Maldives Hotel
- Luxurious overwater villas
- Premium all-inclusive
- Unique cultural experiences available in the resort
€3,106
price per person
Club Med Kani
- Private island in the heart of the Maldives
- Overwater villas with direct access to the lagoon
- Crystal-clear waters ideal for snorkelling
When to go to the Maldives?
The Maldives enjoy a hot tropical climate all year round (28–32°C), but with two very distinct seasons that influence the weather, underwater visibility and the price of stays.
November to April – The ideal high season
The northeast monsoon brings dry, sunny weather, a calm sea, exceptional underwater visibility (up to 40 m) and perfect conditions for snorkeling and diving. December–January is the absolute peak season (Christmas, New Year), with prices at their highest. November and April offer excellent conditions at slightly gentler rates.
May to October – The southwest monsoon season
The southwest monsoon brings more rain, often in short showers, and a rougher sea on certain atolls. Prices drop significantly. Advantage: it’s the season for manta rays in Baa Atoll (July–October) and there are far fewer tourists. Some resorts partially close for renovations.
Our recommendation
Prioritize November to March for the best overall conditions. July–October is ideal for seeing manta rays in Baa Atoll with fewer people. Avoid December–January if budget is a constraint — prices reach their peak.
Malé / Maldives
| Jan | Feb | March | April | Mai | June | July | Aug | Sept | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Our opinion | ||||||||||||
| Season | ||||||||||||
| Tourist peak | ||||||||||||
| T° max | 30°C | 31°C | 32°C | 32°C | 31°C | 30°C | 30°C | 30°C | 30°C | 30°C | 30°C | 30°C |
| Rainy days | 4 d | 3 d | 5 d | 8 d | 17 d | 20 d | 18 d | 18 d | 17 d | 17 d | 12 d | 5 d |
| T° sea | 29°C | 29°C | 29°C | 29°C | 28°C | 28°C | 28°C | 28°C | 29°C | 29°C | 29°C | 29°C |
| Beach | ||||||||||||
| Diving |
Where to stay in the Maldives? Must-see atolls and experiences
North Malé Atoll – resorts close to the capital
The North Malé Atoll is the most accessible atoll in the Maldives, 15 to 45 minutes by speedboat from Malé International Airport. It brings together some of the archipelago’s most established and popular resorts, including the legendary Bandos Resort, the Meeru Island Resort — ideal for families — and many mid-range luxury resorts. Its proximity to Malé makes it the ideal atoll for short stays or first-time trips to the Maldives.
Ideal for:
- short transfers from the airport (speedboat 15–45 min)
- established resorts for all budget categories
- visiting Malé — a colorful, lively capital
Don’t miss:
- snorkeling on the atoll’s coral reefs
- a night fishing excursion with the locals
- a picnic on a deserted sandbank (sandbank)
South Ari Atoll – the whale shark paradise
The South Ari Atoll is the world reference site for encounters with whale sharks (Rhincodon typus), present virtually year-round in the atoll’s warm waters. These harmless giants of the sea, the largest fish in the world (up to 12 meters), can be approached while snorkeling on guided outings, creating one of the most memorable experiences a traveler can have. The atoll is also home to many upscale resorts, including Club Med Finolhu.
Perfect for:
- snorkeling with whale sharks (year-round)
- diving on world-class sites
- luxury resorts with overwater bungalows
Must-do experiences:
- a supervised whale shark outing at sunrise
- night excursion to observe bioluminescence
- diving with stingrays and reef sharks
Baa Atoll – UNESCO reserve & giant manta rays
Listed as a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve since 2011, the Baa Atoll is the Maldives’ most important gathering site for giant manta rays. From July to November, hundreds of mantas converge on Hanifaru Bay to feed in groups — a natural spectacle of rare intensity, accessible only by snorkeling. The atoll, further from Malé (reachable by seaplane or speedboat), is home to some of the best-preserved coral reefs in the archipelago and exceptional resorts such as Four Seasons Landaa Giraavaru.
Ideal for:
- snorkeling with manta rays at Hanifaru Bay
- UNESCO coral reefs among the best preserved
- prestige resorts in a protected atoll
To discover:
- sunrise snorkeling session at Hanifaru Bay
- diving on the atoll’s shipwrecks
- marine biology classes at the resort
Kuramathi & luxury resorts – an exclusive private island
Kuramathi Island Resort, in the Rasdhoo Atoll, is one of the largest and most popular resorts in the Maldives — a 2 km-long island surrounded by lagoons in shades of blue that change with every hour of the day. Its overwater villas and beachfront bungalows, numerous restaurants, world-renowned dive center, and laid-back atmosphere make it a benchmark for families and couples alike. Kuramathi’s sandbank, reachable in 5 minutes by boat, is one of the most beautiful exposed sandbanks in the archipelago.
For travelers looking for:
- a full-service resort with a choice of accommodations and restaurants
- a private sandbank for a picnic in the middle of the ocean
- a world-class dive center
To discover:
- spotting whale sharks from the beach
- sea kayaking in the turquoise lagoon
- a romantic dinner on the sandbank at sunset
Maldives & Sri Lanka – the nature and culture combo
Combining the Maldives with Sri Lanka is the ideal itinerary to blend absolute relaxation by the lagoons with cultural and natural discovery. Sri Lanka, just a 30-minute flight from Malé, offers Buddhist temples, elephant safaris, Kandy tea plantations, humpback whales, and beaches along the south coast. A 4–5-day Sri Lanka + 7-night Maldives combination is one of our most in-demand packages from Luxembourg.
For travelers looking for:
- the perfect balance between culture and lazing around
- discovering Sri Lanka (temples, safaris, tea)
- optimized two-week combo trip departing from Luxembourg
Experience as a combo trip:
- elephant safari in Minneriya (Sri Lanka)
- spotting blue whales off Mirissa
- direct connection Colombo → Malé (30 min flight)
Which stay in the Maldives is right for you?
From family holidays in the Maldives for shared wonder at the lagoons and marine life, to romantic Maldives for a dream honeymoon in a villa on the Indian Ocean, or sporty Maldives for lovers of diving and intensive snorkeling — the archipelago caters to every desire.
Family trip – wonder and lagoons for everyone
The Maldives are an exceptional destination for families with children. The calm, shallow lagoons are ideal for a first taste of snorkeling, glass-bottom boat trips fascinate children, and family resorts offer kids’ clubs, water activities and maximum safety in a paradise setting. Encountering sea turtles while snorkeling creates unforgettable emotions for the whole family.
You will especially enjoy:
- calm, safe lagoons for children
- glass-bottom boat over the coral reef
- snorkeling encounter with sea turtles
Couple’s trip – honeymoon & villa on the Indian Ocean
The Maldives are the ultimate honeymoon destination. A villa on stilts with a private terrace above the turquoise lagoon, a floating breakfast served directly in the water from your terrace, dinner with your feet in the sand under the stars, a couples massage at the open-air spa facing the Indian Ocean, a sunset picnic on a deserted sandbank in the middle of the ocean — every moment is a declaration of love.
To experience as a duo:
- overwater villa with a terrace over the lagoon
- floating breakfast in your villa
- sunset picnic on a sandbank
Trip with friends – diving, water sports & marine adventures
With friends, the Maldives are all about making the most of it on and under the water: diving at the best spots in the archipelago (whale sharks, manta rays, shipwrecks), snorkeling at sunrise on the coral reef, surfing the waves of the South Malé Atoll, wakeboarding in the lagoon, big-game fishing offshore from the atolls, evenings on the shared terrace with your feet in the water, and sunrise from bungalows overlooking the Indian Ocean.
Not to be missed:
- diving with whale sharks and manta rays
- surfing in the South Malé Atoll
- big-game fishing trip from the resort
Practical tips for your trip to the Maldives
The Maldives are the flattest country in the world — their average elevation is only 1.5 metres above sea level. This is also why they are one of the destinations most threatened by sea-level rise linked to climate change. The population is 100% Sunni Muslim, and alcohol is strictly forbidden on inhabited islands — but permitted in all tourist resorts.
No prior visa is required for Luxembourgish and European nationals. A free 30-day visa is granted on arrival at Malé Velana International Airport (MLE). Conditions: a passport valid for at least 6 months, a return ticket, a confirmed hotel reservation, and around USD 50 in sufficient funds per day. The length of stay can be extended to 90 days upon request.
The official currency is the Maldivian rufiyaa (MVR), but the US dollar (USD) is universally accepted in resorts. Bank cards (Visa, Mastercard) are accepted in all international-class resorts. Almost all expenses (accommodation, meals, activities) are generally settled directly at the resort at the end of your stay. Some resorts offer an All Inclusive package.
Two types of transfer connect Malé Velana Airport to the resorts:
- Speedboat (speedboat): for resorts less than 60 km from Malé, duration 15 to 90 minutes, included or charged depending on the resort
- Seaplane (seaplane): for distant resorts, duration 15 to 45 minutes, spectacular aerial views over the atolls, higher price (USD 200–500 return per person)
Seaplanes only fly during the day — check your arrival times.
The Maldives cover a wide range of prices. Overall, expect:
- Entry-level (3–4-star resort, beach room): USD 150–250/night
- Mid-range (4–5-star resort, lagoon villa): USD 350–700/night
- Absolute luxury (5-star overwater villa): USD 800–3,000+/night
Add flights (€600–1,200 from Luxembourg depending on airline and season) and transfers. A total budget of €3,000 to €5,000 per person for 10 days is realistic in the mid-range.
Diving in the Maldives is suitable for all levels. Beginners can start with introductory dives (resort dives) and snorkeling in the lagoon. Certified divers (minimum PADI Open Water) can access outside-reef dive sites with sharks, manta rays, and whale sharks. Experienced divers can venture to wrecks, channels, and drift-dive sites with strong currents. Each resort has its own dive centre.
Absolutely. The Maldives are perfect for non-divers: snorkeling from the beach or from your overwater villa reveals colourful coral reefs, turtles, and tropical fish right from your room. Water sports (kayak, paddleboard, windsurf, kitesurf, wakeboard, jet ski) are available in all resorts. Spas, fine-dining restaurants, boat trips, and excursions to local villages round out a very diverse range of activities.
Create your dream stay in the Maldives now
Turquoise lagoons, overwater villas, whale sharks and sunsets over the Indian Ocean.
We design a tailor-made stay in the Maldives for you, fully adapted to your dates, your budget and your tropical-paradise wishes.
Discover our other destinations in Asia as well
Fancy combining the Maldives with another destination?
Our experts offer perfectly crafted Maldives combination trips: Maldives & Sri Lanka for nature and culture, Maldives & Dubai for urban luxury, Maldives & India for cultural richness, or Maldives & Thailand for beaches and Asian gastronomy. Find the itinerary that suits you.
Bali
Between rice paddies, volcanoes and lagoons, serenity becomes an island
Cambodia
An eternal kingdom between rice fields and ruins
China
From the Great Wall to futuristic skyscrapers
India
A world of colours, scents and spirituality
Japan
Experience the harmony between temples and skyscrapers
South Korea
Between ancient rituals and urban beats
Sri Lanka
A jewel of Asia where nature and spirituality unite
Thailand
Between golden temples and azure lagoons.
Vietnam
Between rice paddies, bays and mountains
FAQ: everything you need to know before travelling to the Maldives
Choosing the resort is the central element of a successful stay in the Maldives. Criteria to consider: the atoll (proximity to Malé, type of transfer, specific marine life), the type of accommodation (beach villa or overwater villa), the meal plan (half-board, all inclusive), the activities available (diving, snorkeling, water sports), and of course the budget. Our Flammang advisors know the resorts personally and will guide you towards the most suitable choice.
The best time is the dry season from November to April, with ideal weather conditions, calm seas and excellent underwater visibility. December–January is the absolute peak season with the highest prices. To see manta rays in Baa Atoll, choose July to October. For whale sharks in South Ari Atoll, they are present almost all year round.
Yes, the Maldives are suitable for non-swimmers. The inner lagoons of resorts are very shallow (50 cm to 2 m) and extremely calm. Land-based activities (spa, restaurants, boat excursions) make up a large part of the experience. Some overwater villas have direct access staircases into the water with steps and handrails. However, not being able to swim limits access to the underwater richness — one of the Maldives’ main highlights.
Yes, many resorts in the Maldives offer comprehensive family facilities: kids’ clubs, babysitting, shallow pools, playgrounds and child-friendly activities. The calm, safe lagoons are ideal for children. Choose resorts with a shallow lagoon beach (rather than overwater villas only). Our advisors know the resorts best suited to families depending on the children’s ages.
Yes, an excursion to Malé is possible from resorts in North Malé Atoll (15–45 min by speedboat). The capital, one of the most densely populated cities in the world, is worth half a day: the Sultan Grand Mosque (Grand Friday Mosque), the fish market in the morning, the local market and the Malé Fish Market. The very local atmosphere is a striking contrast to the idyllic isolation of the resorts.
For peak season (December–January and March), it is strongly recommended to book 6 to 12 months in advance — the most sought-after resorts sell out quickly, especially overwater villas during the festive period. Outside peak season (May–November), booking 2 to 3 months in advance is generally sufficient. Flights from Luxembourg should also be booked early to get the best fares on long-haul connections.
Alcohol consumption is strictly forbidden on inhabited Maldivian islands (the country is majority Muslim), but it is legal and available in all tourist resorts located on private islands. Resort bars, restaurants and villas offer a full selection of alcoholic beverages. Prices remain high due to import taxes. Excursions to local islands are possible — please keep your behaviour respectful.
A stay of 7 to 10 nights is ideal to fully enjoy the Maldives. Under 5 nights, the travel time (13–15 hours each way from Luxembourg + resort transfer) takes up too much of the trip. Beyond 10–12 nights in a single resort, some travellers may find the pace repetitive — in that case, consider a combined trip with Sri Lanka, India or Dubai.