Sailing Holidays in Maldives
Sailing holidays to the Maldives take you to a string of tropical islands – called atolls – where idyllic hotels and house reefs reign supreme.
Tropical A-lister
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 colorful house reefs.
Reefs and relaxation
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.
Hot for honeymooners
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.
Weather
The best time to visit the Maldives is between November and April. The climate is warm and tropical, with average highs at a consistent 29°C to 31°C year-round and average lows rarely falling below 24°C. January to April are the driest months, with little rain and low humidity, making this peak season at the resorts.